Back in 2010 I was commissioned to shoot a series of ads for a pharmaceutical campaign in various locations around the world, including Iceland, Bavaria and Morocco.

While we were in Iceland we witnessed the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. It was an incredible event to witness, with the ash blocking out the sun and falling down on us like hot sand.

Many will remember that the resulting ash cloud brought European airspace to a standstill during the April of 2010, and cost billions of euros in disruption and delays. During the eruption, a no-fly zone was imposed across much of Europe, which meant we were lucky to get home, let alone get home on schedule.

It’s funny too what memories are made while travelling in foreign lands… For me, apart from the stunning and surreal landscapes, I’ll always associate Iceland with hot dogs and chocolate raisins!

Below is a selection of the personal work I was able to make during our down time. Larger versions along with other work made, can be found here.

The work was made on a Contax 645 with 35mm Carl Zeiss T* lens and Sinar eMotion 75 MFDB.

With regards to the ads themselves, for logistical reasons, we shot the locations first, and then shot the models in the studio in London, carefully matching camera heights, angles and lighting.

The blood platelets were created in CGI and then all the various elements were composited in post.

Below is a selection of the finished ads..

Client : Amgen. Agency : CDM. Art Director : Shauna Kealy. Post Production / CGI : Kai Bastard. Producer & Location Scout : Leonora Sheppard. Local Producer & Guide : Bui Baldvinsson.