Richard Boll

Category Archives: Studio Photography

How JPA Design and PTP Are Transforming the In-Flight Experience and Why Professional Studio Photography Matters

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Filed under Advertising, Advertising Photography, Airlines, Commercial Photography, Lifestyle, Luxury product photography, Studio Photography

How JPA Design and PTP Are Transforming the In-Flight Experience and Why Professional Studio Photography Matters

 

In an era where sustainability, comfort, and brand experience are all equally critical, the collaboration between JPA Design and Plane Talking Products (PTP) is timely. Their joint initiative, titled Unwrap the Future, reimagines onboard products and services for airline passengers across economy to business class, with a focus on reducing plastic packaging waste while enhancing comfort and creating a more welcoming boarding experience.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being commissioned by JPA Design to produce a series of professional photographs to showcase this groundbreaking range of new onboard products. Utilising studio photography, including styled shots with a model, we captured not just the products themselves but the thoughtful design philosophy that underpins the project. It became immediately clear that Unwrap the Future represents more than just a series of innovations in textile and service design, it reflects a shift in how we think about travel, sustainability, and human connection.

A studio photograph of a woman with a blanket in an airline seat.

JPA Design

JPA Design is a globally respected, multidisciplinary agency specialising in hospitality, transportation, and product design. With studios in London, Dubai, Singapore, and New Zealand, the agency operates at the intersection of experience, innovation and craft.
Over its 30+ year history, JPA Design has built a reputation for creating transformative environments across the globe. Their work spans aircraft interiors for elite airlines such as Cathay Pacific and Delta Air Lines, luxury hotel design, premium resort spaces, VIP airline lounges, luxury train interiors, and an expanding portfolio in healthcare and wellness sectors.
JPA’s strength lies not only in the beauty of their designs but in the way they consider how people engage with and move through these spaces. They create environments and objects that aren’t just visually compelling, they are immersive, responsive, and human-focussed.
By weaving together disciplines like interior design, industrial design, branding, and program delivery, JPA Design ensures that every project they undertake tells a coherent and compelling story about the brand and the people it serves.

Studio photography of a woman asleep with a blanket and pillow designed for airline use.

Unwrap the Future: A Partnership for Positive Change

The Unwrap the Future initiative with PTP represents an evolution in how airlines think about sustainability and passenger experience. Traditionally, many in-flight comfort items, from blankets to amenity kits, have been heavily reliant on plastic packaging and disposable materials, resulting in significant waste.
Recognising the urgent need for a shift, JPA Design and PTP developed a range of innovative products that seamlessly blend functionality, aesthetic refinement, and environmental responsibility.
In premium economy cabins, passengers are greeted with a blanket that is not only luxuriously comfortable but also ingeniously designed. Attached neatly to the seat’s backrest dress cover, it eliminates the need for plastic wrapping and frees up space on the seat. Once unfurled, the blanket reveals a generous drawstring pocket that holds a pillow and a smaller secure compartment for personal belongings like smartphones. This thoughtful design ensures that essential items remain close at hand, enhancing both comfort and convenience.
Meanwhile, in business class, the focus shifts to elevating the sleeping experience. The mattress topper, secured with an elegant bow inspired by global fashion influences, is designed to be unwrapped without waste. Cleverly integrated magnets attach the mattress securely to the seat, ensuring stability during sleep — a subtle but powerful enhancement that transforms the experience of rest at 35,000 feet.
This is more than just good design. it’s a strategic move towards sustainability without compromising luxury. Every element anticipates and responds to real passenger needs while supporting airlines’ goals of reducing environmental impact.

Product photography in a studio of a woman showing a blanket on an airline seat.

Redefining Amenity Kits: Personalisation and Human Connection

Another striking innovation introduced by Unwrap the Future is the personalised approach to amenity items. Instead of distributing standard, pre-packed amenity kits that may contain unnecessary items and generate unnecessary waste, the cabin crew now offers a curated selection of refined essentials. Passengers select only the items they wish to use, and these are presented in a practical, reusable bag that can be hung from a coat or headphones hook.
This system does more than reduce environmental impact. It restores the human touch to the in-flight experience, fostering a more personalised interaction between crew and passenger. It also respects passenger autonomy and comfort by giving them control over their onboard environment.
The result is a seamless, refined service that is more sustainable, more elegant, and more attuned to the evolving expectations of today’s travellers. The collection launched at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) where over 3,000 attendees from all over the globe were able to interact with the first prototypes of Unwrap the Future.

Why Professional Studio Photography Matters for Brands Like JPA Design

When JPA Design commissioned me to capture the Unwrap the Future collection, they recognised the critical role that professional studio photography plays in storytelling and brand building. In an age of instant digital content, a strong visual narrative remains indispensable, especially for brands that operate at the intersection of luxury, innovation, and experience. For a design agency like JPA, whose work is grounded in the tangible qualities of material, form, light, and spatial interaction, photography becomes an extension of their design ethos.
Professional studio photography offers several unique advantages:

Clarity and Precision: All of the textures, details, and design features are rendered with precision. This was vital for showing how the blanket’s hidden pockets and mattress topper’s magnetic attachments function in real-world conditions.

Controlled Lighting: In the studio, lighting can be controlled to emphasise material richness, fine detailing, and the overall aesthetic tone. Subtle textures in textiles and reflective surfaces on seating are faithfully captured.

Brand Consistency: Carefully directed photography maintains visual consistency with a brand’s identity; clean, considered, and elegant in the case of JPA.

Storytelling Through Staging: Incorporating a model allowed us to show the products in use, turning abstract objects into lived experiences. It enabled us to communicate comfort, convenience, and human connection in a direct, relatable way, with some of the photography more akin to lifestyle photography.

By investing in professional photography, JPA Design ensures that its groundbreaking work is presented to the world in a manner that matches its ambition and quality, creating lasting impressions that drive brand equity and client trust.

Studio product photography of a bag containing mask and toothbrush for aircraft use.

A Vision for the Future of Travel

The partnership between JPA Design and Plane Talking Products demonstrates that sustainability and luxury are no longer opposing forces in the travel industry. Instead, thoughtful, innovative design can bring them into dynamic conversation.
From the elimination of single-use plastics to the reimagining of the in-flight experience as a personalized and responsive journey, Unwrap the Future is setting a new benchmark for what passengers can expect when they fly.
Through strategic collaborations, visionary design, and a commitment to both human experience and environmental stewardship, JPA Design continues to redefine what it means to create spaces, products, and journeys that are transformational.
Through professional photography, the spirit of these innovations is faithfully captured, ensuring they resonate beyond the cabin, inspiring future partnerships and mindful projects.

See more examples of my studio product photography and email richard@richardbollphotography.com to discuss images for your next annual report.

 

Water Effects Studio Shoot for Spinlock

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Filed under Advertising, Advertising Photography, Commercial Photography, Studio Photography, Water effects photography

Water Effects Product Photography for Spinlock.

In the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Spinlock on a dynamic two-day product photography shoot. Spinlock’s brief was clear: to showcase their Explorer range of bags, including the compact 2-litre waist-worn bag and the spacious 35-litre roll-top bag, with an emphasis on their 100% waterproof capabilities. The result was a creative exercise in product and water effects photography, combining bold visuals and technical precision.

Highlighting Waterproof Design with Water-based Photography

To demonstrate the bags’ waterproof properties, we incorporated dramatic water elements into the shoot. The 2-litre waist-worn bag was plunged into a tank of water, freezing the moment it went beneath the surface. For the 35-litre roll-top bag, we sprayed and threw water across it in the studio, emphasising its resilience and functionality. These water effects not only highlighted the products’ features but also added a sense of energy and movement to the imagery.

Spinlock waist bag being plunged into water with splash taken by London product photographer Richard Boll.

Factors to Consider in Water Effects Product Photography

Photographing products with water involves several challenges and considerations to ensure the best results. The first step is controlling the water itself. Whether it’s splashes, sprays, or submersions, understanding how water behaves in motion is important. Fast shutter speeds combined with specialist high-speed flash and precise timing are key to capturing dynamic water effects without losing clarity.

Lighting also plays a pivotal role. Water reflects and refracts light unpredictably, so careful placement of lights and modifiers is essential to avoid unwanted glare, reflections or shadows. For this shoot, critically placed lighting helped accentuate the water droplets and splashes while maintaining focus on the bags.

Protecting the equipment is another significant factor. Using waterproof covers and maintaining a controlled environment minimises risks to cameras and lenses during water-based setups.

Finally, creative direction and planning are key. Collaborating with stylists and art directors on the shoot ensures that the water effects align with the brand’s vision and that the products remain the central focus of the imagery.

Striking Visuals and Bold Colour Combinations

The choice of a strong red backdrop by Spinlock’s art director provided a striking contrast to the Explorer bags’ colour palettes. The blue of the roll-top bag and the yellow and grey of the waist-worn bag popped against the vibrant red, creating visually compelling product shots that draw the viewer’s attention. This approach reinforced the bold and adventurous spirit of Spinlock’s brand.

A blue Spinlock waterproof bag being splashed with water against a red background photographed by Richard Boll.

Lifestyle Integration

In addition, the shoot included studio images featuring a model wearing waterproof gear with the roll-top bag. As water sprayed across the scene, the imagery captured the functionality and durability of the products in action.

Technical Excellence with the Fujifilm GFX 100 II

For this shoot, I used the Fujifilm GFX 100 II, a 102-megapixel medium format camera that excels at capturing intricate details. This equipment was crucial for rendering the textures of the bags and the dynamic water splashes with stunning clarity, ensuring that every droplet added to the narrative of waterproof reliability.

Studio product photography of close up detail of water droplets on a waterproof bag made by Spinlock.

Balancing Creativity and Clarity

The project also included product shots, also known as packshot photography, to clearly illustrate the features and design of the bags. Balancing creative water-based shots with clean, strong product photography ensured that the images catered to a range of marketing needs. This shoot exemplified the power of combining creative concepts with technical expertise in studio product photography.

Spinlock: Excellence in Design and Manufacture 

Spinlock is an independent and innovative company based in Cowes, UK, the ‘Home of Yachting’. They have over fifty years of experience in designing and manufacturing for the marine sector.

With a history rooted in innovation and excellence, the company has consistently set benchmarks in quality and functionality. Known for their cutting-edge sailing gear and accessories, Spinlock’s products combine durability with performance, making them a trusted choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design has cemented their reputation as a global leader in the watersports and marine industries.

See more examples of my product photography here and examples of my lifestyle photography here. Get in touch to discuss any projects that require premium images.

Luxury Brand Product Photography: Diageo Present Eight Limited Edition Scotch Whiskies in Original Fine Art Print Boxes

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Filed under Advertising Photography, Commercial Photography, Product Photography, Studio Photography, Whisky photography

Diageo Luxury Limited Edition Whisky Presentation Box

I was commissioned by the boutique content marketing and digital commerce agency Precious Media, on behalf of Diageo, to take studio photographs of an exclusive luxury presentation box containing 8 limited edition whisky bottles. Diageo was founded in 1997 and is a global brand leader in premium drinks, known for products that include Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Guinness, Baileys and Captain Morgan. Only 20 whisky presentation boxes were produced. 10 were sent to the UK’s leading whisky critics and 10 were made available for sale. Each presentation box was created with 8 bespoke compartments, to hold one special edition miniature scotch whisky bottle inside.

Original fine art prints were specially commissioned by several talented artists to be featured on the outside of each drawer and whisky bottle. These designs are also included in the presentation box as limited edition prints.

Whisky presentation box photographed for Precious media and Diageo in Jet Studios in London.

8 Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

Each of the 8 whiskies have a unique flavour and character. The tasting notes for the whiskies are as follows:

1. Singleton: Delicate. Light. Perfectly balanced. Uniquely versatile.
2. Clynelish: Muscular and slightly peaty.
3. Oban: Elegant. Mature. Fruity flavours with rich peat smoke and spicy wood.
4. Talisker: From the Isle of Skye. Captures the elemental wildness and beauty of its birthplace.
5. Lagavulin: Intensely flavoured, smoky and rich.
6. Glenkinchie: Known as ‘The Edinburgh Malt’. Fragrant. Light. Subtle. Floral.
7. Mortlach: Known as ‘The Beast of Dufftown’. Bold flavour. Refined. Complex. Elegant.8. Roseisle: Light. Grassy spirit. Nutty. Malty.

Studio photography of whisky bottles for Precious Media.

The creative process & studio photoshoot

The one-day photoshoot took place at Jet Studios in Fulham, London. It was a collaborative team effort, working alongside several creative art directors and a product stylist. My photographic assistant, Lee Thompson, was also on hand to assist me with tethered shooting and studio lighting throughout the day. Before the whisky product shoot, several weeks of meticulous planning and preparation took place, to decide on the range of images needed on the day, including discussion on optimum lighting, backdrops and angles. There were also ongoing creative conversations on the day itself, to discuss the best approach for the brand photography and any minor changes required.

Close up whisky branding photography for Precious Media.

The brand shots were a combination of illustrative, e-commerce product photography against pure white backgrounds, and creative, stylised shots with a mixture of close-up images showing the finer details of the whisky bottles, and wider overhead photographs of the complete product set depicting the presentation box, 8 whisky bottles and fine art prints. The creative images were shot against a pre-painted backdrop the product stylist had prepared in advance. As the camera was tethered to a laptop, the client was able to remotely view the digital photographs in real-time as they were being produced, providing instant feedback and sign-off for each shot. This made for a highly efficient and collaborative approach to the studio photoshoot, where both the client and the agency were very happy with the final results.
It was a very successful shoot that was well-planned and executed with great lighting, styling and art direction.

Studio product photography of a bottle of whisky and a glass by Richard Boll.

 

The final images have been used on Malts.com. See more examples of my brand product photography work.

There is more to Corporate Photography than Headshots.

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Filed under Corporate headshot photography London, Corporate Photography, Corporate Portraiture, Editorial Portrait, headshots, Studio Photography

When people think about corporate photography, they often see it as limited to either company portraits or headshots taken of CEOs, senior leaders, and employees. But there is much more to corporate photography than just business headshots.

A corporate office interior with white walls and black chairs.

As a commercial and editorial photographer, I often get asked to photograph a wide range of other corporate lifestyle and ‘behind-the-scenes’ aspects of a business including:

• people working, having meetings and discussing ideas, and socialising at work

• office interiors

• architectural details of the outside of company premises

• annual company social events, business networking meetings, conferences, and award ceremonies

• before-and-after shots of construction sites

• office technology that is of particular significance to a client’s business

• automotive, furniture, and food production factories where products are being manufactured

Photograph taken from a construction site for a corporate annual report.

Corporate clients in the past have used these shots for a wide variety of applications including on their websites, and social media including LinkedIn, annual company reports, business plans, editorials in magazines, press articles, newsletters, emails, etc.

Construction workers holding onto a platform containing materials.

Many corporate clients will commission a variety of different photography styles, as well as professional headshots, to reveal their working environments, properties, and office buildings. The lifestyle aspect of these photographs makes a statement about their organisation and highlights their corporate brand and image in an effective and professional way.

Office workers discussing ideas in a corporate environment. Richard Boll Photography, London

It’s worth giving this some thought before you choose a particular corporate photography style.

I’ve helped many clients in the past, working closely with art and marketing directors, to choose the best style for images that suit their brand and company values. We discuss various ideas and options that can help make these important decisions.

People socialising at a corporate event.

If you need an experienced corporate lifestyle photographer, email me at richard@richardbollphotography.com or call +44(0)7812908229 to discuss your next project. More of my corporate photography can be seen here.

Studio furniture photography of the CROP outdoor seating range for Allermuir

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Filed under Advertising, Editorial Photography, Furniture Photography, Product Photography, Studio Photography

The CROP range of outdoor furniture was designed for Allermuir by Benjamin Hubert of Layer. The design was named after the rolling fields of crops in the British countryside; represented in the parallel lines in the chair’s designs. The range is distinguished by its stackable steel rod frame, with robot-welded wires forming the seat and backrests. The line took 12 months to develop and comes in the wake of a challenging year.

“This connection with the natural world allows the collection to sit sensitively in an outdoor context, relating each piece to its surroundings through a shared visual rhythm,” explains Allermuir. “This relationship between the product and the great outdoors is enhanced by the dynamic interplay of light and shadow produced as the sun moves across the linear graphic structure.”

It was a privilege to be asked to produce a range of new photographs for Allermuir to capture the originality and elegance of the furniture. I carried out the studio product photography in the summer of 2021, and the well-received images have been used for a huge range of editorial applications. The images ranged from still life product photography of the chairs, as well as some photographs that were more lifestyle in nature. More of my product and furniture photography can be seen here.

Art directors: Abigayle Clayton-Grimshaw, Matt Ousby, Katie Anderson and Andy Barker.
Assistant: Scott Hobson-Jones

 

studio photography for allermuir

studio lifestyle photography by richard boll

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Studio furniture photography of Circo chair and Play Storage for The Senator Group

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Filed under Advertising, Advertising Photography, Commercial Photography, Editorial Photography, Furniture Photography, Product Photography, Studio Furniture Photography, Studio Photography

It’s always a pleasure to be commissioned as a product photographer to produce original images of new and innovative designs. The Senator Group has an ethos of innovation underpinned by beauty; a concept that is clear and present in all of the designs that they offer. I was commissioned to take studio furniture photography of two new furniture designs for The Senator Group that included the Circo chair (designed by Justus Kolberg) and Play Storage (designed by Senator’s in-house team). The product photography produced had editorial and advertising potential that creatively expressed the qualities of the designs. More of my product and furniture photography can be seen here.

Art directors: Edward Jonson and Carla Birtwistle
Assistant: Scott Hobson-Jones

Furniture photography of a chair designed by Justus Kolberg. Richard Boll Photography.

Furniture photography of play storage designed at Senator. Richard Boll Photography.

 

 

 

Studio Furniture Photographer for Gabbertas Studio

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Filed under Advertising, Editorial Photography, Editorial Portrait, Furniture Photography, Product Photography, Studio Furniture Photography, Studio Photography

Richard Boll Photography was recently commissioned as a studio furniture photographer for the designer Mark Gabbertas. The brief was to produce a range of imagery that creatively expressed the qualities of the designs.

The new website for Gabbertas Studio went live in April of 2019 and features many images taken for the designer by Richard Boll Photography.

Mark Gabbetas became a furniture designer after having initially worked in advertising as well as having been trained as a cabinet maker. He served an apprenticeship in Codrington Furniture and also Stemmer & Sharp in London. Having opened the Gabbertas Studio in London in 2001, he later moved the business to the Oxfordshire countryside in 2016.

More of my studio furniture photographer portfolio can be found here.

 

Studio furniture photographer. Framed chair by Gabbertas Studio

Triad tables photographed by London studio furniture photographer Richard Boll

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Location Lifestyle and Furniture Photographer for AXYL Range of Furniture in London

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Filed under Advertising, Commercial Photography, Furniture Photography, lifestyle Photography, Location, London, Product Photography, Studio Photography

The AXYL collection is a collaboration between Layer Design and the British furniture brand Allermuir. The range comprises of furniture pieces each fully made from reclaimed materials.
It is the first time the London-based designer has collaborated with Allermuir. I was commissioned as a studio furniture photographer and location lifestyle photographer in London in a joint commission from both Layer and Allermuir. Produced with editorial and advertising potential, the images have been published across various design industry platforms including Dezeen, Domus, Urdesign and Designboom.

The studio product photography for Layer was carried out at Holborn Studios in London.

To see more of my furniture photographer work click here.

 

AXYL white table and chairs in still life product photography studio. Furniture Photographer Richard Boll.

AXYL chairs in London product photography studio. Furniture Photographer Richard Boll.

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