The Art of Scooping: Behind-the-Scenes at a Moose Tracks Photoshoot

Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a drool-worthy shot of Moose Tracks? You’re in luck, because we are about to give you the scoop on everything that takes place before, during, and after our content shoots. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look and discover the magic that happens on and off-camera ✨

The Before: Photoshoot Prep, Planning, Logistics

About eight to ten weeks prior, our team will begin prepping for the next photoshoot. A lot of planning goes into the process, but it all pays off when the content comes to life 😊

1. Secure the Team: The first step is to get our team’s availability and secure who will be on-site to support at the shoot. Our team consists of a food stylist (who makes sure all of our scoops look amazing), two photographers (one who shoots video content and one who shoots still imagery), and three to four members of the Moose Tracks creative team for hands-on support.
2. Book the Venue: We bring A LOT of ice cream with us, so we need a picture-perfect space big enough to spread out and prepare each shot.
3. Secure the Freezer Rental: After we’ve aligned on a date and booked the venue, we will secure the freezer rental – yes, we need a large chest freezer on-site to keep all the ice cream cold!
4. Create the Shot List: At this point, our logistics puzzle is pieced together. Now, we begin working on the social media content by creating a shot list.
   1. The shot list helps us plan our day and the order of photographs we’re taking. It details inspirational images, what products we’re highlighting, seasonal themes, social media captions, and more.
5. Props & Equipment: After we’ve finalized our shot list, we’ll prepare the props and equipment that we’ll need to bring with us. Groceries and perishable goods are picked up the day before the shoot.
6. And we’re ready to roll!

The During: On-Site at the Shoot

A lot of coordination and planning has happened to get to this point – now, we get to work our magic!

1. Team Huddle: Once we arrive at the venue, we’ll go over the shot list so everyone understands their roles.
2. Props & Equipment: After our huddle, we’ll unload and organize the props so we can see what we’re working with.
   1. Props are carefully selected to complement the ice cream without overshadowing it. This includes plateware, unique bowls, waffle cones, fresh ingredients like our Moose Tracks fudge and peanut butter cups, textured backgrounds, and more.
3. Styling the Scene: We will style the scene simultaneously while the ice cream is being scooped, so no time is wasted. This is the best part of the shoot. It’s when our vision comes to life 😊
   1. Arranging the Scoops: Scoops of ice cream are carefully placed in bowls, cones, or on a plate, depending on the shot. The arrangement is adjusted multiple times to find the most visually appealing composition.
   2. Adding Toppings: This is where the Moose Tracks magic happens. Fudge swirls, peanut butter cups, and other delicious toppings are artfully drizzled or sprinkled to highlight the unique features of the ice cream. The goal is to make you practically taste the flavors through the screen!
4. Capturing the Magic: Now, it’s time to begin! Capturing the content may seem like the easy part, but there are several factors that we consider during the process to ensure our images are quality:
   1. Lighting: Lighting is crucial in food photography. Soft, natural light often works best to highlight the creamy texture of the ice cream and the rich colors of the toppings. Reflectors and diffusers are used to eliminate harsh shadows and create a balanced look.
   2. Angles and Composition: Our photographers experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most mouthwatering perspective. Close-ups can emphasize the creamy texture and delicious details, while wider shots can capture the overall scene and context.
   3. Multiple Takes: It often takes several shots to get everything just right. Our team works closely, adjusting as needed until we achieve the perfect picture. We use real ice cream, of course, so time is of the essence, too!
5. Clean Up: After we have made it through our list and photographed all the content, we’ll clean up the venue, ensure that our freezer rental is picked up, and pack and organize our props.

The After: Touch-Ups and Edits

The work doesn’t end when the camera stops clicking. Post-production is where the final touches are made!

1. Editing: Our photographers comb through each image and inspect every detail to make sure the deliciousness of Moose Tracks is accurately captured.
2. Review Content: Once we’ve received the final content, we review to ensure that they are aligned with our brand guidelines.
3. Publish: After all Reels, videos and images have been finalized, our social media team will plan the content out for that quarter to publish on our Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook and TikTok.

And that’s a day in the life at a Moose Tracks photoshoot! Our process involves careful planning, creative styling, and precise execution. From the perfect scoop to the final edit, every step is designed to showcase the irresistible appeal of our favorite treats. The next time you see a photo of Moose Tracks, you’ll know the artistry and effort that went into making it look so delicious 😊