The Scout Guide started in 2010 as a local city guide for Charlottesville, Virginia, and has now become a nationwide collection of guides for cities all over the country. With the books’ gorgeous covers and carefully arranged design, it’s no wonder the company takes care in each image that goes inside. The scouts called on Little Rock photographer Jacob Slaton to take the photos for his city’s guide. We asked Jacob some questions about the project and the process.
First off, can you tell me a little about this project and how you got involved with it?
The Scout Guide is a company based out of Charlottesville, Virginia that creates curated “City Guides” for cool cities all over the country, highlighting the best locally owned shops, boutiques, restaurants, and more. Each city has its own unique book, which is produced by local editors and photographers. I got a call from the editorial group for the Little Rock book about working with them, and the rest is history. Volume 1 for Little Rock came out last fall, and we are currently wrapping up shooting for volume 2!
How does this project fit your photographic style?
This project is honestly a perfect fit for me. The first time I saw a copy of The Scout Guide, I knew I really wanted to work with them. For each business we shoot, we work together with the client to come up with a unique concept for photography that will stand out from the rest of the book, and yet also fit in with the overall style and feel of each volume. They really appreciate dramatically posed environmental portraiture that is meant to look casual, comfortable, and naturally lit, and I really enjoy that creative challenge.
Could you talk a bit about the concept for the project?
The main concept for each shoot is pretty simple—to highlight the unique style, attitude, and presence of each business through stunning photography.
Were there any challenges involved with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
To be honest, this entire operation has run really smoothly, and we haven’t had much trouble at all. For the most part, each business either has a great idea to start with, or they trust us to work with them to come up with a concept that makes sense for them. I’d say the biggest challenge we’ve run into is getting each business to make a final decision on which photo to use!
What was involved in planning/preproduction?
We normally schedule a planning meeting with each client prior to the shoot to iron out the concept for photography and sort out all the details regarding the location and lighting.
What has the reaction to the images been so far?
The reaction to the book and the imagery has really been amazing. This time last year, hardly anyone in Little Rock had ever heard of The Scout Guide, and now the books are everywhere and people are dying to get their business in for Volume 2. It’s been really fun to see it all happen so quickly.
Any future plans for this project?
Absolutely! We are just about done shooting photos for Volume 2, which will be out this fall, and we can’t wait to get started on Volume 3 next year!
What were some of your favorite moments from the shoot?
Honestly, I have the best job in the world, and I always love getting to shoot photos, but this project has been extra special to me. I’ve become really close friends with the editors—Anna, Tracy, and Lauren, and I genuinely consider myself to be a part of the Little Rock Scout Guide family. We talk to each other every day, and we really do have so much fun on every single shoot. If I had to pick a favorite moment, it’s hard to beat shooting at some of the best restaurants in town and getting to sample all the amazing food!
To view more of Jacob’s work, visit his website!
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