Scene & Heard
UX Research
Art Direction
Set Design
CADY STUDIOS
CADY Studios flips high school senior yearbook photography on its head with editorial style photoshoots in state of the art studios. They celebrate individuality and cultivate confidence with their clients, crafting a legacy for seniors to leave behind as they dream big for the future.
We were tasked to design ten new backdrops for the upcoming graduating class. We looked at the history of portraiture, fashion photography, and how portraits have shifted in the social media sphere. After doing a test shoot ourselves, we realized we needed to not only design the backdrop, but also explore photo techniques, props, modes of communication between photographer and model, and auxiliary elements surrounding the sets.
* Models in these photos are minors. To respect their identities, I’ve stickered over their faces. *
Research
We started by asking: “Why do we even bother with portraits?”
What makes them so special and sought after for the entirety of our remembered history? Then, how does CADY fit into the history of portraiture? How can we help them innovate and excite?
To find the answers, we did a deep dive into the visual history of the portrait, going as far back as the cave painting days all the way to the age of the selfie. We also did primary research at CADY studios, auditing the experience from check-in to photoshoot to receiving our yearbook pictures in the mail.
Key Insights
01
CADY backdrops leave the model out in the open, feeling awkward, not knowing what to do with their hands.
03
Scene props didn’t have a home. They were scattered on the sides of the sets. This discouraged using props.
02
Models seemed much more comfortable in front of the camera when they had a support group with them.
Scene Sketches
We created concepts that leveraged these key insights.
We considered the 2D backdrop, use of 3D space, photo techniques, props, modes of communication between photographer and model, and auxiliary elements surrounding the sets.
FEEDBACK MONITOR
We introduced this concept so that models can get visual feedback during their session and feel confident with how their photos are turning out.
This updates as the photographer takes each frame so the model can get real-time feedback. It also primes them on the most successful poses for that particular scene. That way, they can have a better chance at a photo they’re happy with.
Instead of waiting weeks to see their finished photos, they can see their photos immediately and choose their favorites. This takes the guesswork out of the process for retouchers and ensures higher satisfaction for clients and more sales for the studio.
IMPACT
We helped CADY usher in a new wave of scenes that get models even more excited to come shoot their Senior portraits. We considered design avenues that only became aparent during primary research, which has helped CADY innovate even further. Thanks to the success of this project, CADY is still working with Son&Sons to develop a brand new studio headquarters.