Simply C Photography grabs a ‘Pizza’ the action at Banham Zoo

As restaurants and tourist attractions look to regain momentum many have had to adapt and strengthen their offering to attract both new and returning customers. And whilst redefining a business is one thing, letting everyone know that you are open and trading is another. This was the dilemma facing popular Norfolk tourist attraction Banham Zoo, as they not only started to reopen, but also introduced a new CEO and launched their ‘Parkside Pizza’ restaurant.

The zoo decided to tackle this dilemma by engaging the services of commercial branding photographer Cherry Beesley of Simply C Photography.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have the chance to spend several days at Banham Zoo in recent months” Cherry confirmed, “In between providing press shots for team members, photographing some of the zoo’s main attractions, and creating publicity shots for several exciting projects”.

Cherry was first invited to Banham Zoo to capture some headshots of their newly installed Retail Manager, Claudia Roberts.

“Claudia and I had been connected on LinkedIn for a while but we hadn’t actually met, but it turns out she loves the natural-light, candid style of photography I have provided for other clients. So, when the time came, she reached out to me”.

This turned out to be the first of many engagements at the attraction, although, as was the case for so many businesses, the pandemic meant Banham Zoo had to close for a while, so Claudia, then newly promoted to CEO,  and her team focussed on keeping the place afloat, the animals secure, and planning for a safe return for visitors when the time was right.

“Since restrictions were lifted I’ve become a regular visitor to Banham – especially as the organisation goes from strength to strength and there have been increased opportunities for headshots and media images. I have especially enjoyed doing these ‘press’ style shots, finding those interesting details that bring the images to life, and add interest and attraction” Cherry said.

“Most recently I was commissioned to return for a food photoshoot on the very day that UK restaurant and venue restrictions were lifted and Banham coincided this with the opening of their amazing new ‘Parkside Pizza’ restaurant. This meant managing a natural light food photoshoot amidst a lot of excitement and activity, negotiating my way around both staff and customers as the team were put to the test on their very first day of trading whilst co ordinating with the Chef in order to ensure I could photograph the food as it came freshly prepared and hot!”

“I thrive on the excitement and bustle of a workplace shoot but this was a real test of my abilities to capture candid, food photography and branding imagery with some action shots, all without getting in the way or missing anything important. The day was a great success and I managed to photograph some wonderful branding images that really capture the quality of food, energy and bustle of the new restaurant”.

“Being able to capture the food as it was freshly prepared and to style it alongside their delicious salads, puddings and selection of Adnams beverages made for a Simply mouth-watering food photoshoot!” Cherry concluded, “they have gained a beautiful and vibrant portfolio of images to use on their website, social media and advertising literature.”

If your business is looking to stand out from the crowd then fresh, professional images can make all the difference. Contact Simply C Photography for further information. Tel: 07775 851827 cherry@simplycphotography.co.uk