Retro Arcade Branding Photos | The Bunker at Blue Mountain
Behind the Scenes of a Branding Photoshoot for a Retro Arcade in Blue Mountain Village
As a branding photographer, I’m always excited to help businesses tell their unique stories through vibrant, tailored images. Recently, I had the privilege of working with John Bedenikovic and Melissa Herod, owners of the Bunker Arcade, a retro arcade in Blue Mountain Village, nestled in the heart of Ontario’s Blue Mountain Ski Resort. The Bunker Arcade opened in August of 2024 and this shoot was all about capturing the arcade’s eclectic charm, unique branding, and the passionate team behind it—all while working in a challenging lighting environment. Our goal was to capture images that could be used for all of their marketing, from print materials and print ads, to social media and their website.
Here’s a look behind the scenes at how we planned, executed, and brought this distinctive brand to life through photography.
Planning the Photoshoot: Bringing Retro Vibes and Team Spirit to Life
Before the photoshoot, I worked with the owners, John and Melissa, to develop a plan that reflected their fun and bold aesthetic while showcasing their unique offerings. Melissa’s passion is visual branding. In fact, John and Melissa have masterfully crafted the entire concept for the arcade and its overall brand. For them, showcasing their logo, signage and décor was paramount for the long-term brand recognition of the Bunker Arcade.
Step 1: Understanding the Brand
- The arcade’s pink and teal skull logo set the tone for the shoot, signaling a bold, playful energy.
- Their space was a mix of colorful graffiti, eclectic décor, and cutting-edge gaming equipment, making it essential to highlight these elements in the images.
- The management team’s professionalism and passion were equally important to capture.
Step 2: Creating the Shot List
To ensure we covered all aspects of the arcade’s brand, we created a comprehensive shot list, including:
- Gaming Consoles & F1 Race Simulators: Action shots and close-ups showcasing the gaming experience.
- Unique Decor: Wide-angle shots of the space, focusing on graffiti art by Sarah Hall and the vibrant, eclectic interiors.
- Branding Elements: Detail shots of the pink and teal skull logo on signage, merchandise, and décor.
- Team Headshots: Bold, professional headshots of the management team.
- Atmospheric Lighting: Capturing the moody-yet-bright ambiance created with artificial light.
Photoshoot Challenges: Mastering Lighting in a Basement Space
The arcade’s basement location posed a unique challenge: zero natural light. While this might be daunting for some photographers, I relied on my expertise with artificial lighting to create images that looked vibrant, bold, and diffuse.
Lighting Techniques Used
- Strobes & Flash: Carefully positioned to mimic natural light and avoid harsh shadows.
- Diffuse Modifiers: Softboxes and umbrellas softened the light, giving a balanced and polished look.
- Color Balance: Adjusted lighting temperatures to enhance the arcade’s colorful décor and graffiti art without washing out the details.
Photoshoot Highlights: Capturing the Retro Arcade’s Personality
The shoot itself was a creative adventure, bringing out the arcade’s unique energy through dynamic compositions and lighting.
Gaming Consoles & F1 Race Simulators
We focused on the excitement of gaming, capturing close-ups of the controllers and wide shots of the space. Wide shots of the F1 Race Simulators and screens showcased the immersive experience.
Graffiti Art and Décor
The bold, graffiti-covered walls by artist Sarah Hall were a star of the shoot. We used vibrant lighting to accentuate the colors and textures, creating striking, dramatic images.
Branding Details
The pink and teal skull logo became a recurring motif, appearing in product shots and environmental images, reinforcing the arcade’s branding.
Team Headshots
The management team’s headshots were shot with bold, even lighting to convey professionalism while complementing the fun and vibrant backdrop.
The Results: A Bold and Vibrant Visual Story
By the end of the shoot, we had a gallery of images that showcased the arcade’s personality, brand, and offerings. From the immersive gaming experience to the vibrant decor and passionate team, every element came together to tell a cohesive story.
Why Personal Branding Photography Matters for Unique Businesses
For businesses like this retro arcade, personal branding photography is essential to stand out in a crowded market. Tailored, professional images can convey not just what you offer, but who you are and why customers should choose you.
If you’re a business owner looking to elevate your brand with professional photography, I’d love to collaborate. Let’s create visuals that truly capture your story, no matter the challenges. – Learn more!
