In the studio with @officiallexusuk and the #lexusproject
Instagramers London were lucky enough to be invited to photograph the new Lexus IS 300h F Sport luxury saloon car and to capture the progress of a specially commissioned interactive digital art project. On a cold February day in Shoreditch, this stylish motor, the only one in the country, arrived at the studio, met by Instagramers London and a professional team of photographers ready to embark on this unique and exciting project. With the vehicle in place, day 2 saw a team of talented mobile photographers arrive at the venue to capture not just the beauty of the car, but the project set up, the professionals at work, and the general buzz of the event. Professional motor photographer Matt Vosper set about staging the shoot, positioning the lighting to capture the motor's stunning exterior. With printing facilities set up, the project was well and truly underway. From day 3 artistic director for the project Guy Bird set about compiling the individual prints into a stunning montage, with emphasis on some of the luxury features of the Lexus. With the team of professional photographers on site over the duration of the shoot, each one capturing their unique take on the car, exteriors and interiors experts, still life photographers and a dedicated professional team working together bringing digital to life. Photographers on the project include Stephen Lenthall, Peter Guenzel and Arlen Figgis, producing the behind the scenes video.
Throughout the five day period of the shoot several London Instagramers dropped by to capture the project's progress, culminating in a mini Instameet planned for the final session, and to wave the Lexus goodbye as it rolled onto its trailer and driven away. During this period, followers of the official Lexus UK account on Instagram and Twitter @officiallexusuk were able to check out live progress of the shoot by following the official project hashtag #lexusproject.
Two members of the Instagram team shared their views with us:
Robin: "To be invited to showcase the new Lexus IS was an amazing experience. For the first time I was able to take pictures and push the boundaries with my mobile device in a studio environment with a professional automotive photographer in the same room. We were able to post pictures throughout the day documenting this amazing car and behind the scenes of the photo shoot to Instagram and various other social media sites while promoting Lexus"
Adrian: “When I first heard about the project to involve members from the Instagramers community with a professional photo shoot of the new Lexus IS F Sport, I jumped at the chance to get involved. Having never been involved with any sort of professional photo shoot before, I was interested to see what sorts of things happen at such events. When I got to the shoot for my first time, I was struck by the commanding presence of the car in the studio. Despite almost camouflaging into the white walls of the studio the F Sport still cut a sharp figure in the room, and almost demanded attention from those around it. When I read the initial brief about being involved I couldn’t decide what approach to take in terms of being a ‘photographer’ at the event. I wanted to try my hand at a few different styles; documentary; experimental; and shooting the car itself. I had a great time at the studio, interacting with the car and seeing what I could produce from both my trusty iPhone and a few pictures from my ‘big camera’ too.” This latest Lexus will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in the UK in July 2013. You can check the Lexus blog here for more information about the car and the interactive digital art project, which will be revealed prior to the launch. Our grateful thanks to Damian from Cubaka for inviting us, and to the following London Instagramers who took part in the project - @ady_rian @robinldn @jeera @rapidandi @miss_jess and @chelseadebs. Also thanks for the contributions from the following Instameeters - @natal13d @millwallben @gemmaphelan @iphonehipsta @thepastamaster and @daveburt