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Fashion meets functionality in a social media campaign shot by Portland, Oregon-based Richard Darbonne for the everyday footwear brand Sorel. Sorel commissioned Richard to create playful, graphic imagery for a holiday campaign called 12 days of Christmas featuring a different shoe each day. The client showcased the images on their Instagram page using black and white graphics, pastel colors, circles, snow, and handwritten text to add a hand-wrapped, homemade feel to these future Christmas gifts.
While this was Richard’s first time working with Sorel, Sorel’s Creative Director Ryan Brandel was familiar with Richard’s work and thought his stylistic approach would be a great fit for this project. A few months prior to the shoot, Ryan and Richard agreed on the vision for the campaign – keeping the lighting clean and simple while capturing the images in camera without relying too heavily on post-production.
With two models, 12 looks, and four shots per look (full length, waist down, detail, and portrait) the project required a full day of shooting. Richard and the stylists worked from the same color palette of beige, pink, green, and earth tones – featuring outfits that are durable, comfortable, and stylish complimenting Sorel’s practical footwear collection.
A big part of working with a creative team is mutual trust. I felt comfortable trying out ideas and the creative director had great suggestions.
The project took place in Richard’s studio using a white cyclorama (cyc). The client wanted the images to look like film so Richard used an 8×8 scrim with continuous lights and a black V-flat to create a subtle gradient on the back of the cyc. Post production included some light retouching and addition of film grain to emphasize the composition, color, and tones.
The whole experience was very smooth and came together organically.
A cohesive partnership between all involved enabled the project to unfold in a fun and seamless way. Richard enjoyed working with the stylists and wardrobe team and had great communication with Ryan which allowed for an environment where all could express their talents and expertise.
It’s great when there’s a collaborative environment between the photographer and creative director.
Photographer: Richard Darbonne
Client: Sorel
Creative Director: Ryan Brandel
Stylist: QU