Behind the Lens: Our Favorite Summer Product Shoots (and What Made Them Work)

It's time to kick off summer with a little sunshine from the archives!

At Next Studios, summer is the season for color and creative shoots that bring products to life. We are visual storytellers, and Summer is our favorite time for telling vibrant brand stories through photography. In this post we’re taking you behind the scenes of some of our favorite summer sessions. From vibrant lifestyle moments to high-impact studio sets. Whether you're a seasoned brand or launching something new, we hope this inspires your next summer campaign.

Silipint – Summer Studio Fun with a Splash of Color

Silipint started in Bend, Oregon and is known for their bold, playful, and unapologetically SILI food and drinkware. So when it came time to shoot their summer lifestyle campaign, we knew it had to be just as vibrant. We took the shoot outdoors, into the Central Oregon sun, where laughter, movement, and connection are center stage. Friends playing pickleball, lounging on the lawn, and staying cool with iced drinks, every moment was designed to feel like the perfect summer day.

By leaning into friendship and Oregon's natural summer light, we let the products shine in their most authentic setting - surrounded by good people and good vibes. Pops of color, nature's backdrop, and energetic dynamics brought the story to life. At its core, this shoot was about more than just showcasing products, it was about capturing a feeling. Because when you're telling a story, especially one as fun as Silipint’s, people don’t just see the product, they want to be part of the moment.

Katoa – Lifestyle in Motion for Athletic Wear

Working with a premium athletic brand like Katoa gave us the perfect excuse to take things outside - into the sun, the movement, and the energy of summer. Being based in Bend, Oregon, we’re surrounded by stunning natural backdrops, and we knew we wanted to bring that environment into the story.

This lifestyle shoot was all about capturing Katoa’s intentionally crafted athletic wear in action. We focused on real movement and natural light, highlighting the functionality and design of each piece. From the soft, neutral tones of the landscape to the vibrant contrast of a running track, we played with both monochromatic and contrasting palettes to keep the eye drawn to the product while grounding everything in a real, relatable setting.

The result? Dynamic, authentic visuals that mirror the performance and style Katoa stands for.

Herbalosophy – Beauty Stands Still

For Herbalosophy we brought the shoot indoors to craft a soft, serene lifestyle story — the kind that feels like stepping into a cozy summer morning ritual.

Most of the shoot unfolded in a clean, light-filled bathroom, with minimal styling to set the tone. The bright, white setting allowed the products to POP, with Herbalosophy’s signature colors adding a gentle vibrance to the calm, wellness-centered aesthetic. It felt intimate and real, like a quiet moment pulled from someone’s self-care routine.

Then came one of our favorite scenes: a spontaneous, joy-filled moment with two friends laughing, surrounded by bubbles, against pastel backdrops that mirrored the brand’s palette. It was playful and unexpected — a visual reminder that beauty and self-care can be lighthearted, too.

By blending the authenticity of in-home environments with vibrant, personality-driven touches, we created imagery that feels both elevated and deeply relatable, perfectly aligned with a brand rooted in health, happiness, and everyday beauty.

Summer is more than a season — it’s a mood, a feeling, and the perfect time to show your brand in its best light. These shoots reminded us how powerful visual storytelling can be when it’s rooted in authenticity, environment, and emotion. Whether it’s sun-soaked action, a serene morning ritual, or vibrant moments with friends, the right imagery doesn’t just showcase your product - it connects.

At Next Studios we understand that no two brands are the same, and neither are their photoshoots. From studio sets that mimic the vibrance of summer to lifestyle imagery that brings products into the real world, our goal is always the same: to help you show up and stand out.

Thinking about your summer visuals? Let’s create something that tells your story. Contact us today!