Case Study - Först
Först have been one of our clients now for over 7 years, and it has never been about simply creating photography that looks “good.” It has always firmly been about making it feel right - aligned, intentional, and unmistakably on-brand.
Over that time working closely with Först both in the studio and out on location, our role has been to translate highly functional machinery into photography that carries real presence. That transformation doesn’t happen by chance. It comes through properly understanding our clients needs, careful consideration of environment, light, composition and perspective, so that every image feels engineered rather than merely captured.
The distinction is a subtle one, but it is critical. It’s the difference between a straightforward piece of photography and a piece of visual communication that actively supports and strengthens a clients brand.
Case Study: Först Wood Chippers (Red Wood Global) - Elevating Machinery Through Light
Project: Commercial photography for marketing, brochure and campaign use
The Brief
To create a series of high-end images of Först wood chippers for use across marketing materials, including brochures, advertising and digital platforms.
The Objective
To move beyond purely functional representation and produce imagery that reflected the strength, engineering and reliability of the product while aligning with a more premium brand position.
The Challenge
Machinery like wood chippers presents a very different challenge to automotive work. The forms are more complex, surfaces are less uniform, and there's often a lot of visual detail competing for attention. Left uncontrolled, this can result in imagery that feels cluttered or overly technical rather than purposeful.
There was also the consideration of scale and use. These machines are designed for tough environments, so the imagery needed to retain authenticity while still feeling refined enough for marketing use.
The Approach
The approach centred around simplifying and controlling the visual structure of each machine.
Lighting was used not just to illuminate, but to organise, guiding the eye through the frame and giving clarity to key areas of design and function.Angles and composition were chosen to give the machines presence and stability, while emphasising their solid, engineered form.
The Outcome
The final imagery has been used across Först's marketing materials, including brochures, advertising and digital content.
The work helped present the product range in a more cohesive and considered way shifting perception from purely functional equipment to something that carries a stronger sense of design, quality and brand identity.
The images not only document the machinery, but support the brand's positioning within a competitive market.
