Capturing the Holiday Experience for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Lately I've been working with a few different companies to capture the true "experience" of their business, brand or destination. My goal is always to capture the feeling of "being there". Through photos, I want viewers to be able to see, smell, taste, hear and touch what my clients have to offer so they get the best representation of the unique experience that awaits them.

I always love working with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA on their marketing campaigns. Their annual GardenFest of Lights is one of my favorite experiences to capture for them! The goal of our shoots is to capture the family friendly experience of visiting the garden among the beautiful holiday light displays. Our shot list usually consists of lifestyle imagery, like: families roasting marshmallows around the fire pit together, kids drinking hot chocolate, couples admiring the light displays, friends shopping in the gift shop and more. Below are some examples of one of the recent holiday lights campaigns I worked on with Lewis Ginter. I typically work closely with Lewis Ginter's communications manager to plan the shot list and coordinate with models.

Lewis Ginter has used these photos to help promote GardenFest of Lights on their website, social media channels, in print brochures, and ads as well as with local tourism authorities like Visit Richmond and Virginia Tourism.

You can see more of my work with Lewis Ginter on the "commissions" page of my website.

A group of kids running through the holiday light tunnel at Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

Two girls enjoying the lights at Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

Two kids wearing 3-D glasses in the garden gift shop at Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

This photo of the couple eating dinner at The Trellis restaurant was one of my favorite from our shoot. I had a vision for the feel of this shot that I was able to capture exactly how I saw it! We were struggling with harsher light than we expected and a couple of other challenges. I had my assistants completely shade the couple and I then recreated the golden hour lighting with two strobes.

A woman purchasing a necklace at the garden gift shop at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Families roasting marshmallows over a fire pit at Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

A young girl eating a s'more at Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

A group of kids laughing and enjoying hot chocolate at Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

A family admiring Christmas lights at Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

A family walks over a bridge while admiring holiday lights at Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

A view of the central garden and conservatory lit with holiday lights during Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights.

A special thanks to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and my wonderful assistant:

Communications Manager: Lynda Perry

First Assistant: Chuck Rudisill

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