Foam Factory Commercial Shoot - Indonesia - Photographer Selects
Photographer Selects is series where I reveal a full set of images from a recent assignment that were delivered to my client. I also share the assignment details and gear I used. Normally, only the best of the best make it to publication, but I thought it would be informative to see how I work a scene, the bad and the good shots I take, and what the client ultimately chooses (which isn’t always the same as what I prefer.)
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Behind the Lens: Photographing a Foam Factory in Indonesia
Welcome to another glimpse into the life of a professional photographer! My name is Justin Mott, and in this blog, I’ll break down a fascinating photo assignment I recently completed in Indonesia. While it may not sound glamorous at first—a foam factory—this project for Restoration Hardware (RH) offered plenty of challenges, creativity, and storytelling opportunities.
The Assignment
This commercial shoot was commissioned by RH, a US-based company. My mission? To capture the story of one of their suppliers, a foam factory in Indonesia. The deliverables included a hero portrait of the factory owner, Victor, and a series of supporting images showcasing the machinery, production process, and the environment. These photos would be used for RH’s catalogs and online platforms.
Preparing for the Shoot
Commercial assignments like this one often come together quickly. I received the call just days before the shoot and had to prepare for a full day of travel from Hanoi to the factory location. Traveling for photography involves careful planning, especially when crossing borders and dealing with local regulations for gear. For this project, I packed my trusted Leica SL2-S, a selection of prime lenses (35mm, 50mm, and Voigtlander 75mm), and a Leica L series 24-90mm lens for versatility.
While I typically travel with a full team for commercial work, this shoot required me to hire a local fixer for translation and lighting support. This approach simplifies logistics when working in locations with strict gear import rules.
My Leica kit for these type of shoots. Visit my Ultimate Gear Guide to see my more of my favorite equipment.
A Day in the Life of a Factory Photographer
After a grueling travel day—multiple flights and a three-hour drive—I finally arrived at my hotel late at night. The next morning, it was straight to the factory to meet Victor and the team. My first step was a walkthrough of the site to scout potential shooting locations and identify key storytelling elements. This phase is crucial for me to get familiar with the environment and plan my shots.
The hero portrait of Victor was my priority. For this, I selected locations that added context to his story, such as areas with giant blocks of foam in the background. My approach to commercial photography blends authenticity with polished visuals. I might adjust a scene slightly for composition or lighting but always ensure it stays true to the subject’s reality.
Creative Challenges and Solutions
One of the unique aspects of this shoot was capturing the foam recycling process. I climbed into foam pits, got low angles, and experimented with perspectives to make the scenes dynamic. For detail shots, I used the 24-90mm lens with autofocus, allowing me to quickly capture the water bouncing off foam blocks as part of a creative effect.
In the second half of the day, I focused on portraits. By this point, I had observed the factory’s workflow and identified the best light and backgrounds. From tighter headshots to wider environmental portraits, I aimed to provide RH with a variety of options. Despite a last-minute request for a studio-style shot that required sourcing additional equipment, I adapted and delivered.
Post-Production and Deliverables
Given RH’s tight deadline, I processed the images that evening, applying basic color correction and tone adjustments. I uploaded low-resolution previews for client selection and provided the RAW files for their in-house retouching team. This efficient workflow ensured they had what they needed for their catalog production.
Lessons from the Field
This assignment reinforced a few key lessons:
Flexibility is Key: Last-minute changes are part of the job. Adapting to unexpected challenges, such as sourcing strobes locally, is critical.
Preparation Pays Off: Packing versatile gear, like my Leica 24-90mm lens, saved the day when speed and adaptability were required.
Authenticity Matters: Even in commercial work, clients increasingly value authentic storytelling. My photojournalism background helped me strike the right balance between natural and polished visuals.
Conclusion
Photographing a foam factory may not be a typical dream assignment, but it’s a reminder that every shoot has a story to tell. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges and delivering images that exceed expectations makes it all worthwhile. Whether you’re shooting for a catalog or a personal project, the principles of preparation, adaptability, and creative vision remain the same.
If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look, don’t forget to check out my online photography workshops and coaching programs here. Whether you’re in Hanoi or halfway around the world, I’d love to help you take your photography to the next level!
Until next time, keep shooting and stay creative.
