Capturing Authenticity: Behind-the-Scenes with Nutrena
In the world of brand photography, authenticity isn’t just a goal—it’s everything. That’s exactly what Nutrena set out to capture in their latest campaign, and they chose a perfect setting to do it. The farm in Clovis, California, where the shoot took place, holds deep roots, being the childhood home of its owner. Surrounded by rolling hills, animals, and the people who care for them, the location reflected the heart of Nutrena’s message: real life on the farm and the moments that matter most.
But ironically, capturing that natural authenticity took a lot of careful planning. Day One was spent scouting, coordinating, and preparing for the 20+ scenarios spread across three beautiful locations. From planning each shot to setting up equipment, the crew, including photographer Rob Long and his team, worked behind the scenes to make it all feel effortless. The goal was to create an atmosphere where the camera would disappear into the background, making each moment feel like “just another day on the farm.”
Experience Matters: Rob Long Photography
With decades of experience under his belt, Rob Long was the ideal photographer for this project. His gift for bringing even the most complex setups to life with ease is what set this shoot apart. The challenge was in the details—22 different scenarios, three unique locations, and a whole cast of real farm animals and their owners. But Rob, with his keen eye for authenticity, found the magic in every moment, from the first light of dawn to the soft golden hour before sunset.
Location, Location, Location
The diversity of the shoot locations added an extra layer of depth to the story being told. Each spot had its own unique character, but what tied it all together were the farm owners themselves, who were cast as talent alongside their beloved animals. There’s nothing more genuine than seeing a farmer with his trusted dog or horse, living out a scene from his everyday life.
The scenarios reflected the rich tapestry of life on the farm. From a man walking side-by-side with his dog, to two men on horseback, or a boy with his new puppy—every shot told a personal story. There was also a woman feeding her flock of chickens and two women riding, one in western-style and the other in English. These moments weren’t staged; they were real, heartfelt reflections of the people and animals that make farm life special.
The Devil is in the Details
When it comes to authenticity, even the smallest details matter. Hair and makeup were kept clean and simple, just like a real day on the farm. If someone usually wore a cowboy hat or a cap, that’s exactly what they wore in the shoot. No fancy wardrobe selections—just the clothes the cast would naturally wear in their day-to-day lives. This created a natural, relatable feel that allowed Nutrena’s message to shine through: this is real life, not just a glossy version of it.
Go Time: Meeting the Animals
The early mornings kicked off with a 6AM call time, and the days stretched into long but rewarding 12-hour shifts. Over the course of three days, the cast of animals—horses, chickens, puppies, and more—were the true stars. There were certainly challenges with so many moving parts, including navigating COVID protocols to keep everyone safe. But the team adapted, with an RV serving as a hub for rest and preparation in between scenes.
Wrapping Up: Did We Get the Shot?
As the final day came to a close, the biggest challenge wasn’t coordinating the animals or the locations—it was convincing Rob Long that he had nailed the shot! Known for his incredible attention to detail, Rob always strives for perfection. But after three long, successful days, it was clear the photos told the story we had all set out to capture.
For a deeper look at the behind-the-scenes magic, including videos and final creative output, visit thewallproductions.com/nutrena.
