Brief & Objective:
The aim of this project was to capture an authentic portrait of an employee at Volkswagen’s Changsha factory in China, to feature in the upcoming VW Group Annual Report. The final images needed to highlight the employee’s role and contributions within the manufacturing process, showcasing the human side of the company's operations.

Approach:
The shoot required careful pre-production, including multiple calls with the client to ensure alignment on expectations. As I speak Mandarin, I was able to communicate effectively with the team in China, which helped streamline the process. Given the high-paced environment of the manufacturing floor, the key challenge was making the subject feel comfortable. A relaxed, authentic atmosphere was created, focusing on the employee in their work environment while incorporating the scale and machinery around them. The final images blended portrait and documentary styles to highlight both the individual and the company’s innovative manufacturing processes.

Results:
The images were successfully incorporated into the VW Group Annual Report, helping to communicate the company’s commitment to its people while showcasing the advanced manufacturing processes at the Changsha plant. The client was extremely pleased with the outcome, and the project reinforced Volkswagen’s narrative of innovation and dedication to its workforce.