After the completion of a new short game area at Trafford Golf Centre, we were invited to revisit and capture some of the specialist activities that patrons could now practice. The new short game area consisted of chipping, putting, bunker play and slope mats. These are super helpful as the simulation of these areas is difficult with the usual driving bay area.
The images were to be used in some new marketing material, PR and press releases. It would have been lovely if the weather had co-operated, but alas Manchester provided an overcast and rain/snow threatening background to work against. Well, it is the middle of winter here, so we really can't expect more.
We talked through the shots required in the new short game area and discussed the look that would be most eye-catching for the imagery. As most of the activity was planned for outside, lighting was going to be important to bring detail, enhanced colour and highlight the activity in question. We shot some test shots using just the ambient and it was clear that the flat and rather dull existing light was going to require supplementing. We set up a couple of Elinchrom Ranger heads to provide shape and texture and continued to move through the brief.
Here are a few images from the shoot, demonstrating ambient only and the supplemented lighting versions. I think you'll notice the difference. After the exterior work, we headed inside the range to complete the shoot with some group bay shots featuring the new Top Tracer screens.
Golf is a sport I love to follow and play (usually enthusiastically, but not professionally), so getting the chance to merge my passions is cool. It would be better though if the golf I'm photographing was abroad somewhere sunny...
If you've got a golf project we'd love to hear from you, especially if it's somewhere warm.