Dune Store Opening Photography at Lakeside, ESSEX

LAKESIDE, WEST THURROCK WAY, GRAYS, ESSEX

Photographing the Launch Day of the new Dune Store in Lakeside

Store openings are always a whirlwind of activity, and photographing them is an exciting yet creatively challenging experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph the store opening of Dune London at Lakeside, Essex. This new store in Thurrock wasn’t just another location for Dune London; it was a showcase for their latest fashion collection and a fresh look for the brand. From the vibrant product displays to the intricate store fittings, every detail had been meticulously crafted to reflect the latest trends. My job was to capture all of it in a way that would show off their efforts while keeping the energy of the opening day alive.

Having previously photographed store openings for brands like Dune, I knew the importance of these events in setting the tone for the store’s identity and the brand’s image moving forward. Store opening photography is about much more than simply taking pictures of products—it’s about capturing the essence of the store and its story. In this case, it was about showcasing how Dune London brought fresh creativity to their Lakeside branch in Essex.

Arriving at the Lakeside Store

When I arrived at the Dune London store in Lakeside, Thurrock, I was greeted by a team that had been working tirelessly to get the store ready. There was a real buzz in the air as they put the final touches on the displays and ensured every detail was just right. You could tell they were both exhausted and excited to see everything come together, something I always love to capture in store openings. There’s an energy that’s impossible to miss.

The store itself was stunning. One of the first things that caught my eye was a bold, leopard print showcase piece that greeted customers right as they entered. It really set the tone for the store’s vibe—bold, fashionable, and eye-catching. The team had clearly put in a lot of effort, and it was my responsibility to reflect that hard work in my shots. Throughout the store, I noticed the clever use of backlit backdrops, which added a layer of depth and dimension to the displays. It wasn’t just about the products; it was about the whole atmosphere of the store.

Creative Challenges: London Tube-Inspired Seating Covers, Backdrops, and Lighting

One of the unique elements of the store was its seating, inspired by the iconic London tube seating covers. It added a playful, urban twist to the space and gave the store a distinct London vibe, even though we were right here in Lakeside, Essex. It’s small touches like this that make store photography such an interesting challenge. You’ve got to capture those details that help define the brand’s identity.

Of course, there were the usual creative challenges too. The store had several mirrors and reflective surfaces that made it tricky to get the shots just right. Mirrors can add depth to an image, but they also create challenges with unwanted reflections and tricky lighting situations. I had to carefully position myself to avoid any unwanted reflections and, at the same time, use the mirrors to my advantage. It took a bit of patience, but that’s part of the fun of store opening photography.

The backlit backdrops that were placed throughout the store also played a key role in the design, creating a moody yet stylish ambiance. These elements brought out the essence of the brand, and I wanted to make sure they were front and centre in the wide-angle shots of the store.

"Some really lovely images of the store, we'll be using these on our social platforms straight away"

Dune

Marketing Team

Capturing the Energy: Teamwork and Collaboration with Dune London

While waiting for the final adjustments to be made, I took the chance to capture the energy and excitement of the team. The Dune London management, creative, and marketing teams were all on site, inspecting the store and overseeing the last-minute tweaks. It was great to liaise with them and get a clear understanding of the shots they were hoping for. Collaboration is key in any store opening shoot, and I always make it a point to understand exactly what the client wants.

The marketing team, in particular, wanted shots that would really show off the store’s new design for social media, the website, and internal newsletters. They needed close-ups of the products, but also wanted to highlight the creativity behind the store’s design, such as the bold leopard print entrance and the London tube seating. I made sure to capture plenty of detail shots of the displays and fittings to showcase the hard work that had gone into bringing this new Lakeside store to life.

The Finishing Touches: Wide Shots and Store Frontage

Once the team had finished the final touches, it was time to focus on the wide shots. Wide shots are crucial for store opening photography, as they give customers a real sense of the space and layout of the store. The Lakeside store was designed with a mix of fashion-forward displays and creative interior elements, so I needed to ensure the wide shots captured the full effect.

After a few interior wide-angle shots, we moved outside for the all-important store frontage photos. These shots help establish the store’s identity within Lakeside, Thurrock, and are key for social media and marketing. We all stood back, admired the work, and I got the final exterior shots. It’s always satisfying to capture that moment when everything is done and the store is ready to open its doors.

Delivering the Final Shots: Social Media and More

Once the shoot was done, I edited the images to ensure they were ready for all platforms. The shots were used across Dune London’s social media, their website, and an internal newsletter to announce the opening of the new Lakeside store. The team was really happy with the final images, which showcased both the products and the store’s unique design elements.

Working on store openings like this is always rewarding. It’s not just about capturing products but about telling the story of a brand’s vision coming to life. The Dune London store at Lakeside in Essex was no exception, and I’m proud to have been a part of documenting their new venture.

If you’re planning a store opening in Essex, Thurrock, or beyond, and need professional photography to capture the event, I’d love to help. Having worked with brands like Dune London, I understand how to deliver high-quality images that showcase your store’s unique design and products. From detailed product shots to wide-angle store views, I can provide the photography you need to make an impact on social media and beyond.