Night shifts are on the rise, with nearly half (44%) of UK night workers now preferring to work alternative hours versus a traditional 9-5.
The research commissioned by Samsung (for the launch of the Galaxy S23 Ultra) also revealed that when it comes to the benefits of overnight grafting, 18–34-year-old night workers said the hours suit their lifestyle (49%), they feel joy from experiencing moments they wouldn’t usually in the day (37%), and they are more creative (23%).
Other key motivators behind this workforce ‘shift’ include peace and quiet (39%) with less or no people in the workplace, earning more money (35%) from getting more done and avoiding rush hour madness (33).
However, whilst these shifts are on the rise, surprisingly, over a third (38%) wouldn’t consider working overnight as they deem the traditional roles ‘boring’. But they are about to be proved otherwise.
This comes as Samsung partners with specialist portrait photographer, Ben Weller, renowned for shooting celebs such as Saoirse Ronan and Josh Hartnett for the likes of Vogue and GQ, to shine a light on the inspiring stories of everyday people burning the midnight oil in unexpected ways.
The nation can explore these images in ‘The Light Shift Gallery’, a virtual exhibition narrated by Samsung Ambassador, Broadcaster, Author and Founder of Happy Place, Fearne Cotton. This launched today at: SamsungLightShiftGallery.com.
From the farmer caring for a new life at dawn, to the florist making overnight masterpieces. Armed with the new Galaxy S23 Ultra and its standout low light capabilities, Ben and Samsung scoured the country to capture an exclusive series of compelling portraits, of some of the nation’s most inspiring characters having all kinds of epic experiences whilst the rest of the world sleeps.
Helping to spread the word to young adults across the UK, Fearne Cotton, Samsung Ambassador, Broadcaster, Author, and Founder of Happy Place said: “Through my long career in broadcast, I understand the creativity and joy that can take place during the darker hours or morning twilight. From my early days radio presenting and now doing the Happy Place podcast and writing books – I get a real buzz seeing all the varied and creative work that happens before the sun is up.
“I hope this beautiful series of smartphone portraits inspire others who don’t work conventional hours. They’re shining the light on all those who work hard when many others are sleeping.”
Of the collection, Ben Weller, Portrait Photographer, commented: “I’m passionate about my photography having a strong sense of narrative, so when I learnt about all the interesting things our ‘Light Shift’ grafters were doing, I couldn’t wait to help share their stories. I normally shoot my projects on film, so this was my first time using a smartphone, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s Night Mode allowed me to take crystal clear images, even on the darkest of shoots. I’m excited for the nation to get a real sense of the overnight magic I’ve experienced.”
All portraits were shot in low light surroundings and powered by the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s dynamic Nightography feature, which enables users to take vivid, highly optimised photos, even in the dark. Thanks to its innovative AI multi-frame processing, which combines 30 images into just one epic shot, colour and detail are optimised in every pixel.
To experience The Light Shift, please visit: SamsungLightShiftGallery.com
