Portrait Session: Natalya in Red

Creative Branding Portrait Photography with Bold Energy

THE CLIENT

My work magnifies the momentum of people who are taking steps, day after day, to bring their meaningful work into the world. Quality branding imagery, and the process of creating it through shared intention and vision, can provide such a powerful force of commitment that it can shift a dream into reality. I feel truly grateful every single time someone trusts me to photograph them. It’s a big leap, and I deeply honor that commitment.

And when a client returns to work with me again, that is a beautiful testament to a mutual investment of trust, rapport, and creative collaboration. I originally worked with Natalya Wallin a couple years ago to update her headshots to amplify the steps she was taking in her career, allowing her to put her best face forward to seek out and embrace new opportunities. She is an action-oriented executive leader engaging investors, building initiatives, and developing strategic partnerships spanning start-ups, government, and non-profits and an accomplished endurance athlete and passionate world traveller. She’s truly a force of nature. This time around she was wanting a bold look that reflected an even more ambitious approach, showcasing a spirit of intensity, vigor, power, and fire. Hell, yeah.

THE SHOOT

I offer several different packages to my headshot and portrait clients. For those wanting more than just a simple refresh, my longer sessions provide the space for more time and more images but also an invitation to try a variety of approaches, looks, and creative effects. The color RED—associated with confidence, determination, power, and action—became the inspiring focal point for this shoot. We incorporated a vivid colored backdrop, color gels, sheer red fabric, a predominantly red wardrobe, and a pop of color with bold red lips. Because we had worked together in advance on a strategy, mapping out key goals and preferences, aided by detailed planning and a shared mood board, once on set we were able to capture the shots we wanted while also embracing a spirit of play and experimentation. What you see here are some favorites from the shoot, a rich collection that offers up images that can be used within the professional space but also used as a celebration of personal evolution and expansion.

I believe photography can be an act of celebration. Booking a session can serve as a powerful vehicle of forward momentum, a personal and professional act of optimism and action. The energetic exchange that happens at my sessions fills me and my clients with such a feeling of purpose, connection, and possibility. Often it serves as a way to honor the present and confirm a commitment toward the future.

If you need some encouragement for why you should update YOUR headshots and personal branding imagery check out my previous blog post, Top Reasons to Update Your Headshots. And curious about what to wear to your session? Check out my tips at my post 5 Tips for Your Headshots Wardrobe. If you’d like to make your own leap toward bold plans for the future with updated images that reflect you, your values, and your goals, let’s start the conversation. Please reach out.

"Nicole is a masterful photographer and a delight to work with … I was deeply impressed with her thoughtful process, attention to detail, and artistry. She took the time to ask insightful questions about my objectives, get to know me, and create a comfortable co-creative environment. All of the work she invested up front paid off beautifully … I could not be happier with the results."