Building Something from Scratch (One Branding Shoot at a Time)

I don’t have a big studio. Not yet, anyway.

Right now, I have a small corner in my home that I’m slowly turning into something I can be proud of. A white backdrop. A couple of lights. A director’s chair. Some fabric rolls. It’s still in progress, and honestly, a bit chaotic behind the scenes, but it’s mine. I’m building it from scratch, figuring things out piece by piece. I’ve been experimenting with how to use the space, slowly collecting gear, and thinking about maybe renovating more of it, just to see where this could go. It’s a soft start, but it feels good. It feels real. And that’s the part I want to hold onto.

Last week, I did a branding shoot for Jen from Jenesis Beauty. She came in prepared, grounded, and easy to photograph, like she knew exactly who she was, which made my job way easier. We kept it simple. Clean, minimalistic portraits that reflect who she is and what she offers. Nothing overdone. Just her, captured in a way that feels real. That’s what I love about branding sessions, they’re not about putting on a show. They’re about creating space for people to show up as themselves.

It made me think I should probably book one for myself. I’ve been so focused on creating for other people that I forget sometimes… I’m also building a brand. I’m building me. And I want to remember what it looked like at the beginning—this version of my studio, this version of me.

If you’re a business owner or creative who wants branding photos that actually feel like you, I’m booking mini sessions in my home studio. This is for the people who don’t want fake smiles or forced poses. This is for the ones building something real, just like I am.

Lara