When Objects Begin to Float: Behind the Scenes of Our Latest Photoshoot

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This behind-the-scenes post describes an artistic product photoshoot EWART WOODS created with photographer Eduards Rancans, in which nearly twenty pieces including metal wall shelves, floating nightstands, towel holders, monitor stands, and toilet paper holders were staged as floating, sculptural compositions. It covers the concept, the use of balance and soft directional light, and includes a behind-the-scenes video from the set.

Recently we stepped away from traditional product photography and tried something different. Together with photographer Eduards Rancāns, we explored the idea of presenting everyday objects in a more artistic way.

Instead of showing products only in fully styled interiors, Eduards suggested building a minimal studio environment where the focus would be on form, balance, and light. The idea was to treat functional pieces — like metal wall shelves, floating nightstands, and wall mounted toilet paper holders — almost like sculptural objects.

What followed was a photoshoot featuring nearly twenty EWART WOODS pieces, each arranged as part of a carefully balanced composition.

photographer Eduards Rancans creating a photo with EWART WOODS products

The Concept: Let the Objects Float

One of Eduards’ key ideas for this shoot was to create the feeling that the objects were almost floating in space.

To achieve this, we built a simple stage using neutral platforms and geometric blocks. Some products were carefully supported from below, others were balanced or suspended so that their shape became the main visual element.

This approach worked especially well with pieces designed to appear light in interiors, such as floating wall shelves, floating nightstands, and other wall-mounted furniture. By isolating them in a minimal environment, the forms became much more noticeable.

The objects no longer looked like everyday household items — they started to feel closer to design sculptures.

Wall mounted rusted metal toilet roll holder with wooden shelf for bathroom

Working With Form and Balance

Each composition was built around balance.

Some arrangements used tall vertical forms and dried plants to create calm rhythm. Others relied on sharper lines and geometric contrast. The triangular metal piece in one of the setups introduced a strong directional shape, while softer ceramic objects helped soften the scene.

Products like metal wall shelves, monitor stands, and wooden towel holders worked especially well in this setting because their forms are already simple and architectural.

By placing them on elevated surfaces or letting them hover slightly above the stage, their design became the main focus.

rolled towel holder wall mounted with open top

Light as a Design Tool

Another important part of the shoot was lighting.

Instead of strong studio lights, Eduards used softer directional light that could reveal the texture of the materials. This allowed the surfaces of the metal pieces and wooden elements to show subtle shadows and highlights.

For example, pieces like wooden towel holders or wall mounted toilet paper holders often appear quite minimal in everyday interiors. But under controlled lighting, the details of the materials and shapes become much more visible.

This approach helped the products feel tactile and dimensional.

behind the scenes of a products photoshoot

Nearly Twenty Products, One Visual Language

Across the shoot we photographed almost twenty different EWART WOODS items. These included:

metal wall shelves
floating wall shelves
floating nightstands
wooden towel holders
monitor stands
wall mounted toilet paper holders

Although the products serve different purposes in a home, the photos share the same visual language: calm backgrounds, sculptural composition, and carefully controlled light.

The goal was not to create typical catalogue images, but to show how these objects behave as forms in space.

Wall mounted floating set of 3 rusted metal shelves in different dimensions
Wooden wall mounted toilet roll holder drop

Behind the Camera

The entire concept was developed and executed by photographer Eduards Rancāns, whose idea it was to explore a more artistic approach to product photography.

Instead of focusing only on function, Eduards encouraged us to think about the products as shapes, materials, and compositions. This shift in perspective helped reveal details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

You can explore more of Eduards’ work on his website:
eduardsrancans.com

We are also sharing a short behind-the-scenes reel from the shoot so you can see how the floating compositions were created and how the set evolved throughout the day.

Seeing Familiar Objects Differently

One of the most interesting outcomes of this project was seeing our own designs from a new perspective.

In everyday interiors, items like floating nightstands, metal wall shelves, or monitor stands naturally blend into the space around them. But when placed in a minimal studio composition, their shapes and proportions become much more noticeable.

What began as a practical product shoot slowly turned into something closer to a small design experiment.

Sometimes the best way to understand a design is to step away from its usual context.

By allowing the objects to float in space and interact with light and balance, this photoshoot revealed a different side of  EWART WOODS products — one that focuses on form, material, and composition.

And that perspective is something we’re excited to explore further in the future.

Wood wall mounted floating nightstand with white interior

Frequently asked questions

Who photographed the EWART WOODS floating objects shoot?

The concept was developed and executed by photographer Eduards Rancans, who proposed presenting everyday functional objects in a more artistic, sculptural way. More of his work is at eduardsrancans.com.

What products were featured in the photoshoot?

Nearly twenty EWART WOODS items, including metal wall shelves, floating wall shelves, floating nightstands, wooden towel holders, monitor stands, and wall-mounted toilet paper holders.

How was the floating effect in the photos created?

A minimal stage was built with neutral platforms and geometric blocks. Some products were carefully supported from below while others were balanced or suspended, so their shapes became the main visual element.

Why photograph furniture like sculpture instead of in styled interiors?

Isolating pieces in a minimal environment makes their forms, proportions, and materials much more noticeable. Wall-mounted items that normally blend into interiors start to read as design objects in their own right.

What lighting was used in the shoot?

Instead of strong studio lights, softer directional light was used to reveal material texture, letting the metal and wooden surfaces show subtle shadows and highlights so the products feel tactile and dimensional.

Is there a behind-the-scenes video of the photoshoot?

Yes, the article includes a short behind-the-scenes reel on YouTube showing how the floating compositions were built and how the set evolved during the day.

Are EWART WOODS products handmade?

Yes. EWART WOODS designs and produces its wood and metal home pieces in Europe, focusing on simple, architectural forms like floating shelves, nightstands, and bathroom accessories, with free shipping.

Which products suit a minimal, sculptural interior style?

Pieces with simple architectural forms work best: floating wall shelves with hidden mounts, metal wall shelves, floating nightstands, and wooden towel or toilet paper holders that read as clean shapes on the wall.


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