What Happens at a Creative Brand Photo Shoot?

It’s not a secret that I love photographing fellow artists and creatives. What might be a secret is that when I meet people who do work that is at the intersection of art and science, I get especially buzzy. You see, I was a scientist in my first career and I have soft spot for my fellow scientists. While I can riff about creativity for days, listening to someone talk about their research or clinical work lights up my curiosity about things that have been lying dormant for long stretches of time.

Planning Before Our Brand Session

Before our session, Leah and I had a productive video call where we talked through her current work, the goals she had for the coming year, and the core values of her business. We also talked through the granular details like her brand palette colors, image aspect ratio needs, and wardrobe choices for different parts of the shoot. We collaboratively came up with a shot list and made sure that all her image needs for every page on her website and all her social accounts were covered. When our shoot day came, Leah was relaxed, knowing I would get all the shots she needed.

Understanding Client Brand to Drive Imagery

Leah Kern might not self-identify as working at the intersection of art and science but that is what I experience when she shares about her work. She is a registered dietician nutritionist and works with people all over the country who are on a journey of embodied healing and intuitive eating. She treats people individually, offers courses, and even has a podcast. When photographing her, I wanted to show her both as an expert in her field, but also as a warm, approachable, and engaging person that folks can trust.

Aligning Shoot Location With Brand Messaging

For our session, Leah and I planned to meet at her home in the Oakland Hills and make images that felt relaxed, cozy, and real - all feelings she wants her clients to feel as well. We chatted, made tea, looked at her library of reference books, journaled, laughed some more, and then put on shoes to grab some shots outside. Leah happens to live 5 minutes away from some beautiful east bay hiking trails (with wildflowers!) and towering redwood groves. Getting shots outside mirrored her values around connecting with self by connecting with the natural world.

Sometimes making beautiful and true images with someone is that easy. Thank you, Leah!!