Submitted by Darren on
A seasonal shoot at the Christmas Tree Farm
Feeling festive yet? You will be in a minute, ‘cause I’m about to tell you about a shoot I did this week at Warwickshire Christmas Tree Farm.
If you’ve not heard of it before – well, it does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a Christmas tree farm just on the Warwickshire-Oxfordshire border, and let me tell you that it is a great place to go and get yourself in a Christmassy mood in a safe, socially distant, outdoor setting. I was already a customer at the Christmas Tree Farm before they got in touch about the shoot, because I love taking my boys there.
The Farm is run by father and son team Ollie and Mike. As a small, family-owned business, they needed my help capturing some images that would show off not only their impressive array of trees but also what the process of choosing and buying one is like, and the brilliant service they offer their customers.
I love shopping somewhere independent – you always get great service, as well as benefitting from the owner’s specialist knowledge. What’s more, Ollie and Mike are genuinely warm and welcoming people and their attention to detail is second to none. I wanted to show in the images how at ease they are, and get across what a friendly, personal experience it is to visit their farm.
It feels really special to be able to go and choose your own tree at the farm. Mike and Ollie wanted me to get some shots to show just how much choice there is – they often get customers calling in advance checking if they’ll be any trees left the weekend before Christmas. The answer is always YES! They have every shape and size – whether you’re looking for something slim to slot into the kitchen, something dinky for the dining room window, or something GIANT for your great hall, they have it.
While I was there, of course, the Christmas tree business was continuing, and it’s definitely picking up pace now we’re entering the last week of November. Pictures I got of the team at work cutting, netting, and stacking the trees to be delivered will give customers an idea about the personal service they’ll receive when they shop here.
My kids loved being able to walk around and choose their own tree – you can make a snap decision or you can make a shortlist, go back and visit the favourites, and then see which one you want to take home! Once you’ve picked your tree, you get to put your own special family label on it, and then decide when you want it to arrive at your home. It’s really special knowing that the tree that you picked is getting delivered to you, and that it’s freshly cut, so should last a long while.
If you hadn’t guessed already, I’d really recommend a visit. It definitely beats picking up a tree in the supermarket forecourt and the farm is really a magical place for creating memories at Christmas. Plus, once you’re home and in from the cold, you will have definitely earned a hot toddy and a mince pie.
