CLAYS bar
We worked with expert brand-makers &Smith to shoot the olympic skeet campaign for Clays Bar
Offering a truly unique experience - the excitement of virtual clay shooting with the relaxed sophistication of a modern bar. We helped them bring their campaign to life with some fun, bold, tongue-in-cheek style imagery.
the challenge.
What makes Clays Bar stand out is its seamless fusion of virtual clay shooting and elevated bar culture—an experience that’s as immersive as it is unique. Their brand demanded a visual language that echoed this duality: bold, playful energy alongside sleek sophistication.
Our shoot needed to capture this balance, translating the excitement of competitive socialising into imagery that resonated with both first-time visitors and seasoned guests. With spaces designed to bring people together over great food and drinks, and interactive entertainment, the challenge was to create visuals that reflected the atmosphere of friendly competition and premium leisure.
Using &Smith’s unique Art Direction, we set out to represent the Clays audience amongst these elements in images that could be used across multiple mediums. Uniquely, another challenge was the need to incorporate the game guns (deactivated firearms) which were central to the virtual clay shooting experience.
We needed to do this in a way that felt approachable, stylish, and true to Clays’ ethos. There were production challenges around this, ensuring we had the right risk management and due diligence had been carried-out with the required authorities.
All this, within a tight timescale.
HOW WE MADE IT WORK.
We delivered a range of colourful, engaging images that were applied across channels by:-
Putting a talented team on set to look after the Photography, Production, Styling, Casting and Art Direction.
Having a robust production team that knew all the moving parts and planned for the shifting nature of shoots. We looked after the complex management of Risk too, liaising with the client, shoot venue and the Met Police to get everything approved and safe.
Balancing style and approachability by presenting the guns as part of the fun and excitement of virtual clay shooting, ensuring they appeared stylish and inviting without any traditional or intimidating connotations.
Precision Positioning: The firearms were carefully arranged to showcase their role in the experience while maintaining a visually polished and modern aesthetic.
Dynamic Lighting: We used strategic lighting techniques to emphasise the sleek design of the firearms and highlight their interaction with the overall setting.
Attention to Detail: Captured close-ups and action shots that reflected the energy and sophistication of Clays Bar, ensuring the imagery felt authentic to the brand.
Collaborative Process: We worked closely with the Clays team as well as &Smith Design to ensure the planning, the shoot day and the final visuals aligned with their brand vision, blending playful energy with a refined look.
Structure: With so much to capture in one day, it was vital that there was a strong structure in place to ensure we stayed on track and everyone involved knew where we were.
Services Used.
PHOTOGRAPHY / Production / post production
the impact.
Successful integration of firearms in studio environment while ensuring safety and approachability • Powerful visuals used in large out-of-home (OOH) campaign • 100% capture of planned shots and creative direction • Zero instances of shoot overrun • Maintaining tight timelines
“We had an amazing experience working with Al and his team—the shoot was undoubtedly one of the best we've ever had. From meticulous planning and seamless execution to the outstanding final results, every step exceeded our expectations. The pictures truly elevated our brand and captured the essence we were aiming for. We can’t wait to work with them again in the future. ”
Kimberleigh Lloyd, Clays Bar
