The Clubhouse

Besides being asked to produce some images in the MacLeod House and Lodge, we were also asked to produce some images over in the Clubhouse – which as you can see from this quick shot we took of the restaurant area back in August…

.. was lined with big windows all down one side, which looked out over the links golf course.

Our suggestions at that time:

“Two members of staff would be needed (one at the bar and one either walking down with a tray or setting a table) and a few guest wouldn’t go amiss, way at the back.

Food on the table closest to the camera, with some personal items.

Could have people outside !!

Sunlight pouring in – so either a lot of lights or we wait for the big guy up above to do his thing.

I’ll bring the lights just incase he is busy that day 🙂

Anyway, if the tables are turned (as we suggested), and I fill this with shafts of sunlight – to draw the eye all the way down to the back – then this will work very well.”

And so that was the shot we kicked off on trying to achieve first the following morning, as I knew if the sun was out, then it would have been basically naturally lit the way I imagined – which it was

However, as you can see here…

.. there was one slight problem – it was busy!!

Still, not giving up hope since the light was perfect, as you can see…

.. we decided to wait – and then the team kicked into action…

.. setting the tables and organising people, etc, etc, as quickly as possible.

And a few minutes later, this was the result…

.. all thanks, as far as I’m concerned, to the big guy up above who really is the true master when it comes to lighting

“Guests to Trump International Golf Links, Scotland can be guaranteed of a luxurious yet informal environment in which they can eat, meet, dine and drink. Relax in The Brasserie at The Clubhouse and enjoy sumptuous Scottish fare and culinary classics in stylish, comfortable surroundings with sensational views across the golf course.”

At either end of the main restaurant area, are two smaller areas – and while we were there in August, I took this quick snap of Kate & Dianne…

.. having a bit to eat while discussing ideas, etc – as I just felt there was something there that could look great.

Well they clearly saw something too – Ladies having lunch – and so that was next on our list, which started out looking like this…

.. and after some hairdressing…

.. ended up looking like this…

.. of the two girls once again, posing this time to perfection

The 3rd planned image for here, was an evening shot to show private dining – so with plenty of time to kill, we heading back to the MacLeod House to shoot this room…

.. which we had originally said:

“Afternoon​ tea – so sunny looking is what I’m thinking of with possibly a member of staff setting down your cup or pouring out your tea.”

So started with this…

.. considered doing something like this…

.. then tried this…

.. liked what we saw…

.. and so this was the result…

.. with Trump’s own brand and personally signed whisky taking the ​central stage… instead of tea

Then it was back to the Clubhouse for the private dining shot – and so with the table in position it was out with the streamer…

.. while Claudio worked on the lighting – which instantly made a big difference…

.. and so after some quick test shots…

.. the candles were lit…

.. the models arrived…

.. and just before nightfall…

.. this the final image that was produced…

.. and so needless to say, it was time for a beer…

.. followed by quite a few more that night

Because in theory that was us finished; however, there was one more shot that Dianne felt we should really do, which was of this Whisky tastings room…

.. which is in the basement of the MacLeod House.

“We love this area – very unique and it does say a castle – so thinking a member of staff with one or two people sampling or looking at a bottle or glass.”

So the next morning we went down and locked her in…

.. before deciding that she was possibly right – after seeing the first on the image on the screen…

.. which after making sure that Trump’s own Whisky once again took the ​central stage…

.. this was the result…

.. which I will defiantly be putting in my portfolio, as I loved how this one turned out

And so that was it – time to pack the wagon…

.. take a quick team shot…

.. and say goodbye​ for now…

.. to this fairly tale castle with a huge Scottish flag in front – before catching the boat back to Ireland…

.. just as the sun when down.

And so that just leaves me to say a big Thank you to everyone at the Trump International Golf Links Hotel, for making us feel so welcome – and especially to Kate, who was brilliantly organised throughout – and of course not forgetting the big guy up above, because I know without his help, the results here would have been very, very different

So thank you all from Dianne, Claudio & me, for this wonderful opportunity to tell your story – especially at is time when the whole World is talking about Mr Trump – which in itself from an advertising & marketing point of view, is truly an amazing achievement.

So we naturally all wish him every success in achieving his goals in the run-up to the presidential election – from across the pond in bonnie Scotland