As a photographer privileged to be involved in the early stages of bringing a groundbreaking product to market, I recently had the pleasure of capturing the essence of the Doori an innovative outdoor cooking appliance inspired by the traditional Indian tandoor.  I aimed to convey not just its physical attributes but also the unique character and personality that make this product stand out in the market.

Design and Functionality:

The Doori is a beautifully designed outdoor entertainment cooking utensil and pays homage to the traditional Indian tandoor while incorporating modern innovations. With the capacity to hold up to six whole chickens, its internal design allows temperatures to soar above 400 degrees centigrade, ensuring quick and even cooking using traditional charcoal. This blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary functionality presented a captivating challenge for me as a photographer.

The Journey from Concept to Production:

While the conceptual design originated in the UK, the manufacturing process took place in China, employing an intricate aluminium casting technique. The journey from concept to production involved numerous iterations and testing phases to refine the manufacturing process, ensuring the desired finish and quality. The units I photographed were initial samples, representing the near-final design. However, being at the early stages of production, these units had already undergone testing, displaying some imperfections expected in prototype models.

Photographing Initial Samples:

Photographing initial samples comes with its own set of challenges. These units, while not perfect, serve as the visual representation of the final product. It is the photographer’s responsibility to rectify any imperfections, align fittings, and polish out marks from the production process. This meticulous process is crucial in creating visuals that accurately reflect how the final units will appear once they roll off the production line.

Understanding Design and Manufacturing:

To effectively photograph a new product, a deep understanding of both the design and manufacturing processes is essential. This knowledge informs decisions about lighting, allowing the photographer to convey not only the product’s shape and colour but also its texture, weight, and transparency. In the case of the Doori, this understanding played a pivotal role in translating its unique characteristics into captivating visuals.

Overcoming Challenges:

During the photoshoot, I encountered fundamental challenges, such as capturing the placement of six chicken skewers against the backdrop of the glowing charcoal inside the tandoor. Attempting to capture this in a single take would have been impractical and uncontrollable. To overcome this, a meticulous process involving twelve individual photographs was employed. Each image was carefully coordinated to align seamlessly during retouching, creating the illusion of a single, flawless shot.

Photographing the Doori was a captivating journey that required not only technical expertise but also a deep appreciation for the product’s design and functionality. As a photographer, my role extended beyond capturing visuals; it involved creating a connection between the viewer and the product. Through careful and creative lighting, I endeavoured to instil in potential buyers a sense of touch and an instinctual connection with the Doori, offering a glimpse into the unique culinary experiences it promises to deliver.