Meet the Creators - The Shooting Couple

For the fifth instalment of our Meet the Creators series, we’re doing something a little different and catching up with Tom and Kelly, the Norfolk-based duo behind The Shooting Couple. Between them, they’re a powerhouse of personality, energy, and countryside charm. Combining life on busy construction sites with days spent outdoors, content shoots, and the occasional muddy adventure.

Tom is a Senior Site Manager with nearly two decades of experience bringing people’s dream homes to life, while Kelly runs her own construction recruitment business (which she launched at just 23). Together, they make quite the team: hardworking, down-to-earth, and always ready to swap steel-toe boots for Muddy Wellies when the weekend rolls around.

Despite their different upbringings: Tom a lifelong country lad, Kelly a self-confessed (former) city girl, their shared love of shooting has become a huge part of their story. Whether they’re working behind the scenes with Country Content, exploring the Norfolk countryside, or laughing through a photoshoot mishap, this pair bring a brilliant sense of fun and authenticity to everything they do. 

 

Q. What does a typical day in your life look like?

Kelly. That’s the thing about recruitment… it never lets you get too comfortable. One day it’s smooth sailing, the next it’s absolute madness (usually before 7am). But I love it, the buzz, the banter, the pressure, the people, the pace - it suits me down to the ground.

Tom. I’m in charge of running multi-million-pound construction projects, working with sub-contractors to keep everything on time and on budget. Basically, it’s like managing an adult crèche…. just with more high-vis and bigger toys. 😂

 

Q. What draws you to the country lifestyle?

K. I’ve always been a bit of a city girl - gym sessions, trackies, and Nike Jordans were my natural habitat. Then I met Tom… and let’s just say my postcode (and wardrobe) all changed… and I’ve never looked back! But don’t tell him that. 🤫

T. I’ve always been a country lad - grew up shooting with my grandad, so it’s second nature to me. Kelly was more of a city girl when we met… but I’ve managed to convert her to the country ways. 😉

 

Q. What’s your favourite countryside activity?

K. Shooting, without a doubt. It’s one of those things people don’t expect me to be into (or any good at) but that makes it even better. I’ve got a bit of a habit of being underestimated and proving otherwise, both in the field and at work. 

T. Without a doubt, shooting. I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like, but whenever there’s a chance, I’ll take it - game or clays, I’m happy either way!

 

Q. Are there any “must-have” pieces you always wear on a day-to-day?  What’s one piece of clothing you couldn’t live without?

K. Has to be a decent pair of boots. I’ve got a soft spot for a good dealer boot - comfy enough for long days, but still look the part.

T. Has to be a good 3/4 zip. it’s that perfect in-between piece. Looks smart enough for site visits or meetings but still laid-back and practical for everyday wear. Can’t beat it.

 

Q. How did you first come to work with Country Content?

K. Saw a post on Instagram looking for people for a photoshoot, so I thought, “Why not?” Applied for me and Tom, and only told him once we got accepted 😂 I’ll give anything a go… life’s too short not to!

T. I  can’t take any credit for it! If it was left to me, I probably wouldn’t have signed up! But as they say, behind every great man is an even greater woman 😉 (I’m glad she did though!)

 

Q. What has been your favourite part of the shoot day experience with Country Content?

K. The behind-the-scenes is always the best bit. Full of laughs, great people, and some unreal places. But let’s be honest… nothing tops seeing the photos at the end 😍

T. It’s the camaraderie behind the scenes for me - you meet some brilliant people and get to work with incredible photographers like Chloe. The best bit, though, has to be seeing the final shots come to life!

 

Q. What’s been your funniest or most unexpected moment on a shoot day?

K. To get “the shot”, Chloe asked Tom to do the whole TikTok gallop thing for a candid photo and, well, let’s just say he absolutely nailed looking ridiculous 😂

T. We came dangerously close to getting the Discovery stuck in a brook all for “the perfect shot.” I saw the funny side - Kelly, not so much!

 

Q. Which New Forest Clothing pieces have been your favourites to style or shoot?

K. Every time I think, “that one’s not really my vibe,” it ends up being the one I’m obsessed with. So yeah… I basically love them all 😂

T. The Moleskin Breeks are a favourite, they just fit right and look great on or off the field. And the Raven V-Neck Jumper? Can’t go wrong with that. It’s a solid staple that pulls everything together.

 

Q. And which New Forest Clothing piece has been your favourite all round?

K. For me, it’s all about the antique wax jacket. When it’s styled right, it just ‘works’. Timeless, practical, and gives off that “I didn’t try too hard but still nailed it” vibe.

T. The Maverick Waterproof Tweed Jacket. It’s a proper all-rounder. Looks the part, keeps you dry, and works just as well in the field as it does day to day.

 

Quick Fire

Tea or Coffee to fuel the day

K. Coffee. Black. Two sugars. Please 😘

T. Coffee. I’m Starbucks most loyal customer!

Countryside Companion? Dogs or Horses

K. Dogs, 100%. I don’t have one of my own, but I’ll happily borrow anyone else’s for a walk or a cuddle.

T. Dogs, even though as I write this my ragdoll is sat on my lap! 

Summer Sunsets or Frosty Mornings

K. Sunsets, hands down. Frosty mornings are pretty, but I’ll take a warm evening, golden sky, and a glass of something cold any day!

T. Oooo toughie but the warmth of a sunset for the win..

Muddy wellies or polished leather boots?

K. Muddy wellies for sure… doesn’t matter how polished I start off, they (and my car) end up covered in mud anyway 

T. Polished leather boots

 

Tom & Kelly's Gallery

 

Tom and Kelly are proof that opposites not only attract - they thrive. Their journey from site life and city lights to fields, clays, and country style is one filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of muddy boots along the way. Both share a natural passion for the outdoors, a love of adventure, and an effortless approach to countryside living that feels genuinely modern.

From Kelly’s timeless Antique Wax Jacket to Tom’s go-to Maverick Waterproof Tweed, their favourite New Forest Clothing pieces reflect exactly who they are: practical, stylish, and made for real life. Whether they’re on set, on-site, or out in the field, This Shooting Couple embody everything we love about the countryside community: warmth, humour, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.

Follow Tom & Kelly's countryside journey and creative collaborations on Instagram:
@the_shootingcouple
@kellycartwright_

If you’re inspired by their story and would love to experience a Country Content Shoot Day yourself, keep an eye on Country Content on Instagram. They regularly share opportunities to apply for upcoming shoots — the perfect way to get involved, meet like-minded people, and be part of something creative and memorable.

Stay tuned for the next instalment, where we’ll be introducing another fantastic creator from the Country Content community.