Behind the scenes: photo magic
Kat styling props & floral stems around a book, in a behind-the-scenes shot
I'm thrilled to share a peek behind the scenes on a collaboration that still brings a smile to my face. Last fall, I teamed up with Holli Margell of Holli with an i Photography for a creative photo shoot at her West Seattle studio.
Prepping for the shoot: where the magic begins
I began the creative direction process with some research & planning.
Picture this: a digital mood board bursting with inspiration, meticulously crafted shot lists, and an array of carefully chosen props.
To make the most of our studio time, I explored imagery with digital mockups and test shots, creating a detailed list that prioritized images based on versatility and usage.
QUICK TIP:
When planning a brand photoshoot, be intentional about how & where you’ll use your images, and what you want to convey to your audience. Incorporate aesthetic elements from your brand materials and find new sources of inspiration that really sing to you, too.
As a designer who loves playing with color & creating beautiful images,
I was excited to showcase two of my favorite projects: a map design for Scandinavian Gatherings, and colorful branding & packaging designs for Rawcology superfood snacks.
For Scandinavian Gatherings, I envisioned an inviting scene of warmth & whimsy, highlighting the illustrated map I created lovingly surrounded by Nordic-inspired decorative elements.
SEE the Map of Scandinavia
Published by Sasquatch Books,
Rawcology's packages were fun to arrange into rainbows of flavor & deliciousness, capturing their vibrant branding and variety of products.
SEE the Rawcology Project page
Lights, camera, action!
On shoot day, the studio buzzed with creative energy and Holli's expertise behind the camera helped bring my vision to life.
“I wish every project came with an art director and designer like Kat!
Her collaborative energy made the process seamless and the results are stunning. I’m grateful for the direction and sense of play we could bring to showcase Kat’s work!”
— Holli Margell
The results: more than just pretty pictures
These images are powerful tools that elevate my portfolio, highlight my clients' products and show the thought & care that goes into every project.
I loved the creative planning process, acting as the art director & prop stylist on-set, and fulfilling my creative wishlist to create images that help my design work shine. This experience gave me some “dream job” kinda vibes.
photos: making the image + the final image
Kat styling a floral element framing a map design in the book
Ready to bring your brand to life?
If this peek into my creative process sparked your interest, let's chat!
Whether you're looking to refresh your brand imagery, need some scroll-stopping product photos, or want to collaborate on a creative project, I'm all ears. Let's create some magic together!
P.S. A huge thank you to Holli for her amazing photography skills and for making this shoot an absolute blast. Check out her work for more inspiration!
