How to tell an artist’s story with personal brand photography
There’s usually a small element of “performance” in brand photoshoots – a touch of stage-setting to help to tell the story. I’m used to creating space for that. But Anna didn’t want to pretend. She welcomed me into her creative routine exactly as it was (no fluff). Just her, headphones in, fully immersed in her practice as a minimalist abstract artist.
We spoke fair bit on the side, but mostly I followed, quietly observed as she prepared her workspace that expanded to her garden, moved between thoughts. The session flowed naturally and in less than three hours, we created a gallery that feels honest: a reflection of not just what she makes but how she makes it.
How to create a brand narrative through the artist’s space?
When I stepped into Anna’s home, I immediately noticed how intentional it felt. It was minimalist but also warm and welcoming, filled with natural light palette, soft accessories (got totally inspired by cushions everywhere!) and wood. According to Anna, many things in her home had a history: upcycled, restored or handmade with purpose.
It made sense considering Anna’s other side of her business – A Membership for Creatives Seeking Simplicity and Purpose. Her environment was an extension of her values and her brand and I was excited to start.
I can never emphasise enough how much a location we photograph in tells your brand story. It doesn’t need to be pristine or styled, it just needs to reflect you and your brand.
How to approach brand storytelling with photography as well as video?
We decided to capture the video clips in the same way I approach photography and shoot scenes simultaneously (mainly because everything was in real life but also it generally saves time as we avoid double scenes).
The main objective for this photoshoot was to capture Anna working but what we gained was a sense of process she goes through from preparing her home and garden to become a studio to then clearing it all away at the end of the day for her family to enjoy their home.
Being there for the transition, gave a fuller sense of the transformative power of minimalism that she works and lives by, not only what she creates but what surrounds and supports the making of it.
How to show the artistic process, not just the finished work?
One of the most inspiring parts of this session was watching her work in real time. Her minimalist style came through not just in the art itself but in the pace and care she brought to each brushstroke. Abundance of sketches guided her next moves, along with a carefully mixed colour palette.
This kind of behind-the-scenes (showing the work behind the finished pieces) builds a sense of trust and intimacy and makes your brand feel personal.
How to keep a brand photoshoot honest and benefit the outcome?
Throughout the session, there were moments of pause – quiet reflections and observation of her art before her next steps happened. All the space allowed me to be more intentional with my angles and perspectives.
Anna, who had recently been diagnosed with ADHD, often moved intuitively, changing her mind without warning which was actually welcoming as it gave me the opportunity swiftly change spots or change to camera/video mode without much delay.
This is what makes storytelling-based branding photography so different from portraits or headshot session. It’s not just about getting you in the shot, it’s about capturing flow, energy, rhythm. A storytelling approach gives my clients space to be in their work. And for viewers, it’s a true window to your world.
How best to represent yourself and your work in your visual content?
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with planning or staging a brand session (especially when you’re working with tight timeframes, specific content needs or when it would create unnecessary delays).
Working with Anna allowed us to tell a richer story. Not just what she creates but how she thinks. The realness added depth to the images and the fact she had works at various stages of completion was real bonus.
This kind of session isn’t just about looking professional. It’s about creating a body of content that reflects who you are and how you work.
Why every artist deserves to be seen...
As a creative myself, it’s easy to hide behind the work. But when people connect with you, your process, your personality, your values, your space – they connect with your art on a deeper level.
This personal branding photoshoot was about being present. And that’s the kind of storytelling that lasts and inspires.
