Behind the Scenes of Northampton’s Christmas Bus Campaign 🎄🚌
When Northampton City Council approached me to photograph their new Christmas campaign promoting free winter bus services, I knew it was going to be a fun one — but the shoot ended up exceeding all expectations.
A Bus for the Day
We had the brilliant advantage of having a full-sized bus on loan for the entire shoot, giving us freedom to craft the story from every angle. Interior shots, exterior hero images, staged passenger moments, candid interactions — the bus became our studio on wheels.
A Cast Full of Character
Our talent for the day included seven models, representing a mix of ages, genders, and backgrounds. The council wanted the images to reflect real Northampton people — families, older residents, teens, shoppers, and commuters.
Each model brought their own personality, making scenes feel lively and authentic. It wasn’t long before everyone relaxed into roles, chatting, laughing, and settling into the festive spirit.
A Surprise Celebrity… or Two
Of course, no Christmas campaign would be complete without Santa — and he quickly became the star of the shoot. But he wasn’t alone. We also had the Northampton Saints mascot join us, adding a brilliant local touch and creating some hilarious, unexpected moments.
Watching Santa board a bus beside a giant rugby mascot is something I won’t forget anytime soon — and neither will the passers-by who stopped to watch!
Creating the Festive Look
Working closely with the council’s creative team, we planned a mix of staged lifestyle imagery and natural, documentary-style shots. The aim was to capture the warmth of the Christmas period, while highlighting how easy and enjoyable it is to use the free bus services during winter.
We used the bus as:
• A cosy, warm interior setting
• A festive backdrop with lights and decorations
• A moving symbol of community connection
The weather played along, giving us crisp winter light that worked beautifully for outdoor scenes.
A Campaign with Purpose
This shoot wasn’t just about festive cheer — it supports a genuinely impactful initiative. Encouraging people to ditch the car and hop on the bus helps ease congestion, reduce emissions, and support those who rely on public transport during the coldest months.
It’s always rewarding to work on projects that make a real difference to a community.
See the shoot
See below, behind-the-scenes clips, and a 360° video soon — there’s some brilliant moments from the day!
