Transforming a box of cereal into three distinct visual masterpieces

Explore how a product can be styled, lit and shot in different ways to achieve radically different aesthetics and outcomes. Let us tell you a story, in three genres, with a humble box of cereal as our central character.

At Equator, our team of photographers, food and prop stylists work hand-in-hand to create beautiful images that capture the essence of a brand, turning products into the protagonists of stories that captivate and convert consumers. Part of the magic of photography is being able to play with perception, using our craft to elicit different emotional responses in the viewer. The choices we make when creating an environment for a product allow it to inhabit a specific role, which we can change any number of times by simply resetting the scene.

We recently embarked on a project that encapsulates this approach, presenting a singular product – a simple box of cereal – in three distinct ways. Beyond creating eye-catching imagery, this endeavour was about narrating different stories, evoking unique emotions and showcasing the versatility of a product through innovative styling, propping and photography.

Look one: graphical, wonderful

First, we established a contemporary, highly graphical style, inspired by art installations. By using harsh lighting to cast shadows and bright colours to evoke a pop art aesthetic, we were able to fabricate a world that piqued curiosity and wonder. The set was meticulously crafted with hidden elements like Perspex blocks and invisible fishing wire onto which we strategically glued cereal flakes to simulate an animated tumble into the bowl. As our Global Director of Photography, Si Thompson, recalls: “We wanted people to look at it and think, ‘Wow! How did they do that?’”

Look two: everyday, overhead

Moving away from the abstract, we grounded ourselves in the familiarity of everyday life with our second set. Here, the story unfolded on a tabletop where we captured the essence of a morning breakfast scene with overhead photography. The environment was bathed in soft light, simulating the gentle warmth of sunlight streaming through a window. Our styling team excelled in creating a scene of ‘perfect imperfection,’ where the setting was deliberately loose and unstructured, echoing the authentic, chaotic beauty of family life. The set was designed to resonate with the viewer, inviting them into a snapshot of reality where breakfast is not just a meal, but a shared experience.

Look three: elevated, editorial

For our final act, we developed the narrative further, elevating the editorial aesthetic and extending the environment beyond the breakfast table to encompass a full room. Our food styling team explored ways of incorporating on-trend ingredients like health-enhancing berries to complement the product and subtly convey its potential benefits. Around the full table, we constructed a more elaborate set, propped and styled to suggest an active on-the-go household, with a backlit window scene hinting at the presence of a garden outside. We introduced a model to embody the active, health-conscious consumer, as this setup wasn’t just about presenting a product but articulating a lifestyle that resonates with a specific demographic.

Alter perceptions with Equator

By treating the same product in three different ways, we demonstrated how a change in environment, styling and photography can radically alter perception. This is made possible by our extensive library of props, in-house food styling expertise, and mastery of the spectrum of lighting and photography techniques. After all, our team aren’t just photographers, they’re storytellers of all genres.

To discover how Equator can elevate your brand through masterful photography, prop selection and food styling, contact us today.