A behind-the-scenes look at bringing this creative floral designer’s vision to life through intentional branding photography

When floral artist Lisa Waters of “I Can Buy Myself Flowers” reached out to me about her need to update her website with professional brand images, I knew we were going to create something special together. In fact I have watched Lisa build her business in the last couple years and was impressed with her bright and friendly presence on social media, her distinctively individual flower arranging style (think Ikebana vs. farmhouse flowers), and her passion for sustainability and the use of vintage vases and creative vessels. As a Northern Virginia branding photographer who specializes in working with creative entrepreneurs, I love collaborating with fellow artists who pour their hearts into their craft.

Lisa chose my “Brand Refresh” package – a perfect solution for established business owners who need to breathe new life into their visual presence without starting from scratch. This package is designed specifically for entrepreneurs who understand the power of professional photography but want a focused, strategic approach to updating their brand imagery.

Why Strategic Brand Photography Matters for Creative Entrepreneurs

A branding photography session isn’t just about taking pretty pictures – it’s about understanding what makes each client unique and how their visual story needs to unfold across their marketing platforms. As part of my branding session package, we always begin with a planning session and discussion of your personal brand.

During our planning session, Lisa and I dove deep into her brand essence. We explored:

• What sets her floral designs apart from other florists in Northern Virginia
• Who her ideal clients are and what draws them to her work
• The special touches and personal approach that make her business memorable
• How she wants potential clients to feel when they see her brand images

This strategic foundation is what separates professional branding photography from a simple photo shoot. Every image we planned had a specific purpose in telling Lisa’s complete brand story.

The Power of Intentional Shot Planning

Together, we crafted a detailed shot list and location plan that would showcase multiple facets of Lisa’s business. As a branding photographer, I know that my clients need variety in their image library – photos that work for websites, social media, newsletters, and print materials.

Our shot list included:

• Detail shots capturing Lisa’s delicate handwork as she arranges blooms
• Teaching moments showcasing her warm, approachable style during workshops
• Behind-the-scenes images that give potential clients a peek into her creative process
• Portrait-style shots that put Lisa front and center as the face of her business
• Lifestyle images showing her arrangements in real-world settings

Each photograph was intentionally created to serve a specific purpose in her marketing strategy. This is what I call “working imagery” – photos that don’t just look beautiful but actually work hard for your business.

Behind the Scenes: A Brand Refresh Session

During our 3-hour session, I watched Lisa transform from someone who was initially camera-shy (like so many of my clients) into a confident business owner who was excited to be the face of her brand. This transformation happens in nearly every branding session I photograph, and it’s honestly my favorite part of the work.

We captured Lisa’s genuine passion for her craft – the way her face lights up when she’s working with flowers, the careful attention she pays to each stem placement, and the joy she brings to teaching others about floral design. These authentic moments are what make branding photography so much more powerful than stock images or DIY photos.

The Results: Authentic Images That Work

The result of our Brand Refresh session? Lisa now has a comprehensive collection of on-brand images that authentically represent her business and personality. She’s already putting these photos to work across her marketing platforms – updating her website, enhancing her newsletters, and creating engaging social media content that truly reflects who she is as both an artist and business owner.

This is exactly what I love to see. When creative entrepreneurs have professional images that make them excited to share their work, their confidence shows. And that confidence translates directly into stronger connections with potential clients.

Why Creative Entrepreneurs and Makers Need Brand Photography

I understand the unique challenges that come with being the face of your brand. Many of my clients have tried DIY photography or worked with photographers who didn’t understand their business needs.

What sets my strategic brand photography apart is the collaborative approach. I don’t just show up and take photos – I partner with you to understand your business goals, your ideal client, and how your visual presence needs to support your growth.

For creative entrepreneurs like Lisa, professional brand photography provides:

• Authentic representation that showcases both personality and professionalism
• Strategic variety with images that work across all marketing platforms
• Increased confidence in being the visible face of their business
• Professional credibility that helps them stand out in a competitive market

Ready to Refresh Your Own Brand Visuals?

If you’re a creative entrepreneur in Northern Virginia who’s ready to step confidently into your role as the face of your business, I’d love to chat about how strategic brand photography can support your goals.

Like Lisa, you might be feeling ready for a refresh – tired of using the same old photos or frustrated with images that don’t truly capture what makes your business special. You might be camera-shy (most of my clients are initially), or you might have tried working with other photographers who didn’t understand your vision.

My Brand Refresh package is designed specifically for established business owners who want to update their visual presence with intention and strategy. We’ll work together to uncover what makes you unique, plan shots that serve your specific business needs, and create images that make you excited to share your story.

Because here’s what I know after years of photographing creative entrepreneurs: when you have professional images that authentically represent who you are and what you do, everything changes. Your confidence grows. Your marketing becomes more effective. And most importantly, you start attracting the right clients who connect with the real you.

The face behind your business deserves to shine, and I’m here to help make that happen.

Ready to bring your own business vision to life through thoughtful, strategic photography? Let’s schedule a consultation to discuss how brand photography can support your business goals. Contact Melissa Maillett Photography today to learn more about Brand Refresh sessions for Northern Virginia creative entrepreneurs.

---