Rod Warren, owner of Rod Warren Photography, recently opened the doors of his Ilminster studio to the CCS (Creative Collective Southwest), a local group of creatives.

The event came to fruition after Rod noticed a Facebook post by the group, seeking new venues for their monthly meet-ups. Inspired by the opportunity to support local talent, Warren reached out to Saph Ashdown, the organiser for the CCS group, and generously offered his studio, free of charge, for their next gathering.

The event therefore took place in Rod’s studio and its secluded 1.5-acre garden, providing an ideal setting for photographers, models, make-up artists, and hair stylists alike to collaborate.

Saph was so pleased to have received the offer, enthusiastically accepting and immediately spreading the word to creatives across the Southwest. She also injected a sense of fun into the event by selecting a ‘pirates’ theme, encouraging both male and female models to don pirate costumes. This playful twist helped to foster a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, particularly for those new to the group.

The CCS Creative Collective Southwest is a group dedicated to fostering skill-sharing among members. During this evening, participants were able to exchange valuable tips on camera settings, lighting techniques, composition, and model direction (to name a few!). Warren himself was on hand, offering guidance on studio lighting setups for those who were less familiar with working in such an environment.

The group, which operates without membership fees, encourages attendees to make small contributions to cover the cost of light refreshments at events. Anybody interested in joining, or searching for like-minded creatives, can connect with the group via their Facebook and Instagram pages.

The event itself was a success, blending creativity, learning, and community spirit – thanks to the generosity of Rod Warren and the enthusiasm of both the members and the organisers of the CCS Creative Collective Southwest.