Boosting Sales Through Photography
How One Turkey Helped to Win Over New Customers
A Christmas Turkey in July That Stopped Traffic
Picture this: a restaurant, a turkey, and a Christmas tree—in the middle of July. Sounds strange, right? But this was the scene at Whisky Corner, a restaurant determined to make an impact. As wild as it seems, this festive setup was all part of a carefully thought-out plan to create a photo that would tell a compelling story, connect deeply with an audience, and, ultimately, bring in more business. Spoiler alert: it worked, and it worked big time. Let me take you through the whole journey of how we made this happen.
Why My Visuals Make a Difference
I know what you’re thinking: what makes me the expert? Why should you listen to my story about a turkey in July? I’ve been doing this for years—helping brands transform their ideas into stunning visuals that sell. It’s not just about pressing a button and taking a photo. Anyone can do that. It’s about crafting a narrative, making people feel something, and driving them to act. It’s about the small details—the ones most people wouldn’t think of—that make an image stand out. Trust me, this isn’t just about turkeys—it’s about using visuals as a powerful business tool, elevating brands from ordinary to unforgettable.
Turning a Simple Turkey into a Star
When Whisky Corner approached me with the idea of photographing a British Christmas turkey, I started asking a lot of questions. What exactly is a British Christmas turkey? How is it different from a Thanksgiving turkey? And most importantly, why do we want this photo? The restaurant manager sighed and said, “Alex, just take the picture!” But I don’t work that way.
I always ask my clients tons of questions. Not to be annoying, but to understand their audience, their goals, and what they want to convey. That’s where the magic starts. If I understand why someone should care about this turkey, I can make sure everyone who sees it cares too. After getting the answers, I went home, did my own research, and by the evening, I had a vision. Not just for how we’d shoot it, but for how they could use the image to boost sales. You see, I’m not just a photographer; I’m a visual storyteller. I think like your customer—because if I can make them feel something, they will take action.
Behind the Scenes of the Summer Holiday Spectacle
Here’s where it got tricky. It was the middle of summer, and we needed a Christmas setup. First step? Find a Christmas tree. In July. I had to source a tree from across town, complete with ornaments, and bring it into the restaurant. Picture me hauling a fully decorated tree into Whisky Corner while the sun blazed down, and customers sat sipping iced drinks. You should’ve seen their faces—priceless!
Then came the turkey itself. The chef prepared the bird to perfection—crisp golden skin, just the right amount of herbs—and we arranged seasonal fruits and aromatic herbs to create a festive, homey composition. Everything was ready—except the people walking by had no idea why they were seeing holiday cheer in the middle of summer. It was bizarre, and that was part of the charm.
But let me not bore you with Fibonacci numbers, lighting setups, or the art of composition. Just think of photography as part art, part magic, and part psychology. The goal was simple: make sure your eyes travel in just the right way—first over that juicy, golden skin of the turkey, then to the chef’s hands, slicing off a delicious, mouth-watering piece. I wanted anyone who looked at this photo to feel like they were moments away from tasting a family holiday, with all the warmth, coziness, and tradition that comes with it.
The hardest part wasn’t even the setup—it was capturing that feeling. The turkey, the Christmas tree, the soft blur of lights in the background—all of it was there to create an atmosphere you could practically step into. This wasn’t just a picture of food—it was an invitation to experience something familiar and comforting.
How Nostalgia and a Photo Filled Tables
Here’s where it got tricky. It was the middle of summer, and we needed a Christmas setup. First step? Find a Christmas tree. In July. I had to source a tree from across town, complete with ornaments, and bring it into the restaurant. Picture me hauling a fully decorated tree into Whisky Corner while the sun blazed down, and customers sat sipping iced drinks. You should’ve seen their faces—priceless!
Then came the turkey itself. The chef prepared the bird to perfection—crisp golden skin, just the right amount of herbs—and we arranged seasonal fruits and aromatic herbs to create a festive, homey composition. Everything was ready—except the people walking by had no idea why they were seeing holiday cheer in the middle of summer. It was bizarre, and that was part of the charm.
But let me not bore you with Fibonacci numbers, lighting setups, or the art of composition. Just think of photography as part art, part magic, and part psychology. The goal was simple: make sure your eyes travel in just the right way—first over that juicy, golden skin of the turkey, then to the chef’s hands, slicing off a delicious, mouth-watering piece. I wanted anyone who looked at this photo to feel like they were moments away from tasting a family holiday, with all the warmth, coziness, and tradition that comes with it.
The hardest part wasn’t even the setup—it was capturing that feeling. The turkey, the Christmas tree, the soft blur of lights in the background—all of it was there to create an atmosphere you could practically step into. This wasn’t just a picture of food—it was an invitation to experience something familiar and comforting.
How Nostalgia and a Photo Filled Tables
After we got the shot, I suggested the restaurant target Brits spending Christmas abroad. Imagine being far from home during the holidays, scrolling through your phone, and suddenly seeing an ad for a Christmas dinner that looks just like the one Mum used to make. A holiday turkey in a cozy setting, just waiting for you to dive in. Wouldn’t you stop by for a taste of home?
Whisky Corner launched the campaign, and let me tell you, it was a hit. The ad reached exactly the right audience—people who missed the traditions of home but found themselves in a different city. They saw the photo, they felt the nostalgia, and they booked their tables. It wasn’t just a picture—it was a feeling. It was home, warmth, and the promise of comfort during a time that can be tough when you’re far away.
The bookings started rolling in, and the feedback was incredible. People talked about how the image made them feel, how it brought back memories, and how they couldn’t resist coming in to see if the turkey tasted as good as it looked. (Spoiler alert: it did.)
I’m not going to reveal trade secrets or tell you exactly how many turkeys they sold, but let’s just say the results impressed not only the restaurant owners but even me. And I always knew my work could drive sales—it’s just nice to be reminded of it every now and then. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing the impact your work has in real time, knowing you’ve helped a business make a connection that lasts.
Why the Right Visuals Can Transform Your Business
This wasn’t just about a turkey. It was about creating an emotional connection—selling not just a meal, but a memory, a feeling. It’s about understanding the psychology behind why we are drawn to certain images, and why those images can move us to action. That’s the power of visual content done right. It can make people stop, look, and feel something so powerful that they take action. And that’s what I do—I create visuals that not only look good but also mean something to the people who see them.
If you’re ready to elevate your brand with visuals that tell a story, let’s talk. It’s more than just a photo; it’s your story brought to life, one frame at a time. Because in the end, it’s not just about having a beautiful picture—it’s about creating an experience that your audience will remember and respond to. And that, my friends, is worth every ounce of effort, even if it means dragging a Christmas tree through a heatwave in July.