The Gelsmoor Case Study: A Taste of a New Visual Identity
Case Study
The call from Lucy, the owner of The Gelsmoor Restaurant in Coalville, was a wonderful opportunity. Her brief was clear and inspiring: she wanted to replace the generic stock photos on their website with beautiful, natural, and vibrant images that truly showcased the wonderful food and beverages they are so proud of. She wanted their website to be a genuine reflection of the quality and passion they pour into every dish and every drink. This project was about more than just taking pictures; it was about capturing the soul of their restaurant and giving their online presence the authenticity it deserved.
My work is to bring a brand’s story to life through my photography. With The Gelsmoor, the goal was to capture images that weren’t just food shots but images that made you feel like you were sitting at a table, ready to experience the vibrant colours, textures, and flavours yourself. The brief was to create lifestyle Food & Drink Photography that made the colours of the food and drinks “pop” in a natural, inviting way.
The Creative Process: Bringing a Brand to Life
When I first spoke with Lucy, she explained her frustration with the current website. Like many businesses, who rely on stock , out of date, or poor quality imagery, that doesn’t feel authentic, the website imagery didn’t truly represent the Gelsmoor’s unique character and the high quality of their offerings. My job was to tell their story truthfully, one photo at a time.
I began by visiting the restaurant to get a feel for the space. I paid close attention to the natural light, the décor, and the distinct personality of the interior. I knew that the best food photography is about more than just the plate; it’s about the full experience. I wanted to capture the warmth of the lighting, the rustic charm of the seating, and the meticulous care taken by the staff. We planned the shoot to take place in the morning when the light was soft and beautiful, allowing us to capture a natural, fresh feel.
For the food and drink shots, Lucy and her team were fantastic. We worked together to style each plate and drink to perfection, paying close attention to every detail, from the placement of a single leaf of garnish to the condensation on a glass. The key was to make the images look as if they were captured just before a guest was about to enjoy them. This “lifestyle” approach makes the photos feel more personal and real, creating a connection with the viewer that a sterile stock image can’t. The colours in the food and drinks were so rich, the vibrant red of a cocktail, the deep green of fresh herbs, and the golden-brown crust of a perfectly baked dish. My lighting and camera settings were carefully calibrated to make these colours “pop” without looking artificial.
Beyond the food and beverages, we also focused on capturing the interior and exterior of the Gelsmoor. We wanted to show the restaurant as a welcoming destination, a place where people would want to spend time. I used wide-angle shots to showcase the spaciousness of the dining area and close-ups to highlight the subtle details of the decor. The exterior shot was especially important to show the inviting curb appeal of the building itself.
From Concept to Conversion: The Impact of Professional Photography
This project with The Gelsmoor demonstrates the power of professional commercial photography. Replacing stock images with bespoke, authentic photos can dramatically improve a brand’s online presence and, in turn, its bottom line. High-quality images not only look good; they build trust and encourage engagement. When a potential customer sees a real photo of a dish, they are much more likely to be enticed than by a generic image they’ve seen on countless other websites.
Working on this case study reinforced my belief that every business, big or small, deserves a visual identity that is as unique as its services or products. Lucy’s vision was inspiring, and I’m so proud of the images we created together. They are a true testament to her business and a beautiful showcase of their wonderful offerings. This project is a perfect example of what can be achieved when a client and photographer collaborate with a shared vision for quality and authenticity.
If you are a business owner looking to refresh your brand’s visual identity, I would love to hear from you. Whether you need compelling Food and Drink Photography to entice customers, professional Corporate Headshots to build trust, or Commercial Photography to showcase your products, I am here to help.
The final images are now a key part of The Gelsmoor’s marketing strategy, helping them stand out in a competitive market. I feel so privileged to have been a part of this project and to have played a role in showcasing the hard work and passion of the Gelsmoor team.
