Capturing the perfect garden moment, one frame at a time
Ever flicked through our catalogue or browsed our website and thought, “That looks effortless”? The truth is, behind every beautifully composed garden scene lies weeks, sometimes months, of meticulous planning, coordination and hard work. From unpredictable British weather to last-minute logistical hiccups, our photoshoots are anything but simple. Here’s what really goes on behind the scenes.
Choosing the Perfect Backdrop
First, it all begins with the venue. We don’t just look for somewhere pretty – it needs to reflect our brand values, show products in a natural garden setting, and allow flexibility for filming and photography. Whether it’s a charming country garden or a contemporary outdoor space, we always aim for locations that bring our horticultural products to life.
Once a suitable venue is chosen, the next hurdle is the calendar and of course, the Great British weather! Dates are pencilled in with contingency plans in mind. A week of rain can throw everything off, so we stay nimble and ready to adapt.
Planning the Shoot: Products, Purpose and Packing
With the venue sorted, the focus turns to the all-important product selection. We carefully curate which items will be featured, depending on the shoot’s goal. Are we capturing a hero shot for the catalogue cover? Detailed product photography for the website? Or perhaps quick, punchy footage for social media?
Each product is checked, cleaned and packed with care. Getting them to the location safely and on time takes military-level logistics – especially for larger items like arches, obelisks, or garden furniture.
Lights, Camera… Strategy!
Shoot day is where the magic happens – and the pressure kicks in. Our team and photographer will arrive early to set up, scout the best light and test angles. Time is of the essence, especially with shifting natural light.
We work through a tight shot list – from full garden setups to close-ups of product features. Increasingly, our shoots now include video content too including short clips for social media reels, website demos, or how-to guides. It's not just about capturing beauty, but also conveying function, ease of use, and quality.
Some scenes are painstakingly staged, others captured on the fly. It’s a fast-paced environment with plenty of coffee and creative thinking required!
The Post-Shoot Process: From Raw to Radiant
Once the shoot wraps, the real behind-the-scenes work begins. Hundreds of photos and video clips are reviewed, selected and edited. Colours are balanced, blemishes removed, and everything is optimised for use across print and digital platforms.
Each image must meet strict brand guidelines and technical specs, what works for a glossy catalogue spread might need tweaking for an Instagram carousel or homepage banner.
Final content is filed, tagged and prepared for use across our channels, ready to inspire our customers and showcase our products in the best possible light.
Final Thoughts
Every image you see represents a collaboration of creative minds and a labour of love. From the early planning stages to the final edited shot, our photoshoots are a testament to the care, effort and attention to detail we pour into everything we do at Harrod Horticultural.
So next time you admire a beautiful garden scene in our catalogue or pause on a product video online, you’ll know there’s much more behind that photo than meets the eye. Here are some of our most recent favourites...
