Designing One Crew

Once all the formalities were out of the way and the “One Crew” project was set to go ahead, I started thinking about how I could artistically create a project that involved photographing up to 140 people. I wanted consistency, but I didn’t want it to look like a collection of corporate headshots. (Spoiler alert: I’m not sure I’ve entirely avoided that, but I’ll let you be the judge.)

After some thought and planning, I had a grand idea—one that would distinguish between the various sub-groups within the station while thematically tying them all together. The RNLI’s distinctive colors—blue, orange, red, yellow, and grey—would form the foundation. I envisioned different settings for each group, featuring these colors prominently in the backgrounds.

The boat crew would be photographed on the deck of the All-Weather Lifeboat, with the orange superstructure providing a dramatic backdrop. The shore crew would be in front of the massive blue tractor that launches the lifeboat, the shop crew surrounded by red RNLI-branded clothing, and the tour guides against the grey hull of the lifeboat. Finally, other members who didn’t fall into these categories would be photographed in the Inshore Lifeboat changing room, framed by the bright yellow drysuits hanging in rows.

It was an ambitious idea, and I was excited to see it come to life, I even shot a sample image at the station (see below) that I was really pleased with. I even had this grand idea about each person holding a piece of rope to further signify the connection between all of the crew.

One of the sample images shot before the project started. 

Unfortunately, as the project progressed, I realised that coordinating these multiple locations was far more challenging than I had anticipated.

Adapting the Vision

The reality of working around the volunteers’ busy schedules, the station’s operations, and the logistics of photographing such a large group in so many locations quickly became apparent. Each volunteer dedicates so much of their time to the RNLI already, and asking them to align their schedules to specific locations felt impractical.

The more I tried to fit the original concept into the reality of the station’s environment, the more it became clear that I needed to adapt. Instead of using multiple backdrops to highlight the different roles within the station, I decided to photograph everyone in a single location.

That location was the deck of the All-Weather Lifeboat.

One Deck, One Crew

At first, I worried that using just one location might limit the project creatively, but it turned out to be the perfect solution. The lifeboat is at the heart of everything the RNLI does—it’s where the boat crew heads out to sea, where the shore crew ensures every launch is successful, and where every effort made by the shop staff, tour guides, and fundraisers ultimately supports.

I also decided to use a dramatic lighting setup, opting for a single light source that threw much of the background into shadow. This approach emphasized the subject at the heart of the project: the people. Without the people, none of the rest of it works. They are the key to the RNLI and the key to the project.

The lighting focused all attention on the volunteers, highlighting their individuality while symbolizing their collective strength. The shadows removed distractions, creating a timeless, almost intimate quality to each portrait. It wasn’t about the lifeboat, the tractor, or the yellow drysuits in the background anymore—it was about the faces of those who make the RNLI what it is.

Finding Strength in Simplicity

Letting go of the original multi-location plan was challenging, but in hindsight, it was the best decision for the project. The single location didn’t just simplify the logistics—it brought the focus where it truly belonged: on the people.

This wasn’t about dividing the team into their roles; it was about showing the strength of their unity. By gathering everyone on the same deck and using a consistent visual style, I was able to represent the RNLI’s "One Crew" ethos in a way that felt authentic and cohesive.

One of the final images.

Looking Ahead

This shift in approach has made the project even more meaningful to me. It’s a reminder that creativity is as much about adaptation as it is about vision. As I continue to photograph and learn more about the extraordinary people who make up Exmouth RNLI, I’m excited to share the stories behind the portraits and the moments that make this crew so remarkable.

What do you think of the decision to use dramatic lighting and the lifeboat deck as the sole location? Does it capture the spirit of "One Crew"? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please do leave a comment, and go and check out the gallery of the completed images at the link below.