Before the shoot: Liz and I had the planning call about one week prior to the shoot to review moodboards, discuss vision, look at styling, and figure out props. Brand shoots like this are a passion of mine because I am able to draw on my years of creative experience in the fashion industry styling and collaborating with up and coming brands. I was able to advise Liz on style choices and created a storyboard to help us tell a visual story about a day in the life in her studio. This helped bring the brand, Elizabeth Bloom, to life and made the photos more dynamic. To help the photoshoot feel more relaxed and fun, I made sure to prep a playlist with songs that I felt like captured Elizabeth Bloom. Check out Elizabeth Bloom's playlist here.

The day of the shoot: the morning was filled with excitement and anticipation! It was one of those bi-polar winter mornings in DC where it started off snowing and made for the perfect cozy vibe in Liz's studio. The carefully curated story board came to life as we worked together to combine her vision with my creative expertise. While meticulous planning is essential, the magic often happens in unscripted moments. Encouraging Liz to embrace spontaneity allowed for authentic expressions and emotions to surface. Liz and I fed off of each other's energy; as she moved freely in her space, I was able to capture organic shots that were true to her brand. Candid shots capturing laughter, concentration, and moments of reflection added depth to the visual narrative, creating a genuine connection between Liz and her audience. As we ended the shoot, the snow had stopped and the sun was shining! It was such a fun morning in her studio.

Post-shoot and storytelling: enter the post-production phase. Sorting through the treasure trove of images, I aimed to curate a collection that would tell a cohesive story. Each photograph became a piece of a larger story of Liz's brand, conveying not just her craft but also her journey, passion, and authenticity. One of the most important steps in the process is organizing the photos and editing them to highlight the natural beauty of the subject.

All in all: as the final images emerged, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The brand photo shoot was not just about showcasing Liz's talent; it was about telling her story in a visual language. Through collaboration, trust, and creative exploration, we had succeeded in creating a series of images that not only reflected Liz's brand but also connected with a broader audience. The experience reinforced the belief that, as a photographer, my role extends beyond capturing moments; it involves translating the intangible into a tangible form of art that resonates with both the artist and their admirers.