A multichannel visual strategy with Aleyna

The brief

Aleyna faced a common but critical issue: most of their existing imagery was generic stock photography that didn’t truly reflect their brand or products. They lacked ownable assets that demonstrated the versatility of their range, particularly for retailer listings; key digital platforms like Amazon; their website and other marketing materials. 

They tasked us with developing a cohesive visual look and feel that could work across three key areas: 

• Lifestyle imagery
  Mediterranean-inspired, perfect for BBQs, picnics, family meals, or casual entertaining. 
• Recipe content
  Simple, delicious dishes that showed the products in action (beyond antipasti boards).
• Product-focused shots
  Clean, professional pack shots for use online and in trade settings. 

Oh, and one more thing… they needed it all ASAP. 

The challenges

The biggest challenge we faced was timing. Aleyna needed everything delivered quickly to meet tight deadlines, so we had to be smart and strategic in our production approach. 

Nonetheless, it was an exciting project where we had the opportunity to really support the brand in creating their first-ever suite of high-quality imagery. Our goal was to develop a distinct visual style that felt unmistakably Aleyna – pulling together moodboards that covered styling, set design, lighting, props, colour palettes, and meal occasions – crafting a creative response that tied everything together. 

On top of that, we tackled the added complexity of shooting both sunny holiday alfresco moments and cosy UK in-home cooking and dining scenes. 

The question was, how could we bring it all to life, right here in our studios, within budget and time restrictions? 

Our approach

We rose to the challenge by deploying our highest level of production strategy. 

Our Senior Creative, Silas, explored fresh approaches for both product and lifestyle imagery – moving beyond the stereotypical to create a more evergreen, year-round aesthetic while still nodding to the Med. Breaking down each route with carefully curated props, lighting, and surfaces, working towards a cohesive colour story.

With a clear production plan and budget in mind; we planned, styled, and executed a large-scale shoot that delivered over 50 stills across number of core volume-driving products in just one day. We utilised our largest available studio space, building seven mini sets that captured the warm, relaxed, Mediterranean style Aleyna was looking for (no matter the occasion or time of day). 

Our team included two photographers working simultaneously, a food stylist and a set stylist ensuring every plate and backdrop looked beautiful, and a dedicated producer orchestrating the schedule to perfection.