SOUTH DOWNS SEASONING COMPANY
For the South Downs Seasoning Company—founded by brothers Joe and Sam Norton—I had the pleasure of producing a photoshoot designed to visually define and elevate their brand identity. The brief was clear: to encapsulate the feeling of a garden barbecue on a hot summer’s day, where rich aromas fill the air and delicious food is cooked and shared with family under the sun. In response, I crafted a creative direction that would not only reflect this atmosphere, but also set the tone for the brand’s unique and inviting personality.
To achieve this, I introduced a small pop of flash into the natural daylight setting. This subtle addition brought a vibrant contrast to the imagery—lifting colours, enhancing textures, and adding a visual crispness that made the photographs feel both fresh and warm. The result was a series of images that were approachable and enticing, combining a homely charm with an editorial finish.
For the individual product shots, I drew inspiration from the materials and props at hand. I created thoughtful compositions that paired the metallic tins of seasoning with natural textures—a wooden chopping board, fresh herbs, cookware, and a raw metal surface. This deliberate juxtaposition between the organic and the man-made allowed the images to straddle two worlds: the rustic simplicity of being outdoors, and the practical tools we rely on to create culinary magic.
The overall visual language we developed strikes a careful balance—grounded in nature, but bold enough to stand out on shelves and screens alike. This shoot helped establish South Downs Seasoning Company as more than just a product; it’s a lifestyle brand rooted in family, flavour, and the joy of sharing food in good company.
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Photography: Samuel Geals
Founder + Cook: Joe Norton
Founder + Creative Assist: Sam Norton