Words by Hannah Tapping
Expressing the personality and spirit of a brand through photography, Elliott White brings story, passion and product to life in a still image.
For Elliott, photography was a passion when writing, maths and even painting didn’t come easily. Leaving secondary education without an academic GCSE to his name due to dyslexia, it was testament to his unique ability that he was offered a place on a photography course on the strength of his portfolio alone. Fast forward to the third year of his photography degree at university in Falmouth and he was already shooting for companies such as Perfect Stays and Cornish Sea Salt.
“I was once told that to be a successful photographer I would need to specialise in just one area, but with a divided love for shooting food, products and interiors, I decided to focus on all three. I love the variety this gives me, and while it may seem like a lot of photographic disciplines, what ties them together is all of the photography I shoot is the brand narrative,” explains Elliott, “whether I’m shooting food, products or for hospitality, I focus on crafting the exact lighting, colours and composition needed to make the brand’s personality pop from the page or screen.”
“Compelling hospitality photography isn’t just about creating magical images – that’s a given for every single shoot. It’s also about giving people a feel of what it’s like to actually be there enjoying a hotel, holiday let or restaurant,” continues Elliott. His meticulous use of lighting, angles and styling, whether that be on location or in the studio, lovingly capture details that the client has paid such close attention to and allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the atmosphere that awaits. Elliott’s Redruth studio, has a full kitchen set up, styling station and an ever-expanding mountain of boards, utensils, crockery and handmade props as well as a dedicated workspace so clients can make themselves at home.
Originally from Norfolk, Elliott has made Cornwall his home for the last 12 years with his partner and two gorgeous home-schooled children. When not behind a lens, he takes solace from surfing, skateboarding and family time spent walking his Cockapoo through the Cornish woodlands.
Elliott White has shot for some of the south west’s most prestigious and stylish hotels, including Watergate Bay Hotel, St Michael’s Hotel and Spa, Harbour Hotels and The Scarlet. He also travels extensively across the UK to photograph luxury hotels and boutique retreats.