Versatile Branding Photography: A Rebranding Session at Forest Park and WashU
Choosing the right location and timing is key to a successful branding photoshoot. In this session, we captured a variety of looks at Forest Park and Washington University in St. Louis, blending natural outdoor settings with refined architectural backdrops. The soft, warm light of golden hour added a natural glow, perfect for creating professional headshots and versatile branding images that reflect both authenticity and confidence.
In the fast-evolving world of healthcare marketing, personal branding is more important than ever. Sabrina Cox, a healthcare marketing strategist specializing in pharmaceutical sales, recently reached out for a lifestyle photoshoot to reflect her professional growth and rebranding aspirations. Our goal was to capture a variety of looks and moods that aligned with her vision—images that could be used across platforms like LinkedIn, her professional website, and beyond.
Sabrina at Art Hill, capturing her in a relaxed yet professional pose.
Collaborative Planning: Aligning Photography with Professional Goals
Every successful photoshoot starts with understanding the client's goals. During our initial consultation, Sabrina and I discussed her vision: she wanted images that would reflect both her warmth and professionalism—traits essential in healthcare marketing. Our conversation helped us decide on looks that could convey confidence, approachability, and expertise.
It was clear that versatility was a priority. Sabrina needed a variety of shots that could be used in different professional contexts. This led us to choose two St. Louis locations: Forest Park’s Art Hill and Washington University’s Danforth Campus. Both offered the flexibility we needed, from natural outdoor settings to sophisticated, architectural backdrops.
The Perfect Locations: Forest Park and WashU
Sabrina framed by the collegiate architecture of WashU’s campus, blending classical elegance with modern professionalism.
Choosing the right setting for a branding photoshoot is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about conveying the right message. Forest Park, with its expansive greenery and iconic views, provided a more relaxed, approachable atmosphere. Here, we focused on natural light and open space to create images that felt welcoming and genuine.
WashU’s Danforth Campus, on the other hand, offered a more structured, formal backdrop. The classical arches and clean, modern lines of the university’s architecture gave us the opportunity to highlight Sabrina’s strategic, forward-thinking side. The contrast between the two locations allowed us to capture a range of looks, all within a 90-minute session.
Golden Hour: Capturing Natural Light at Its Best
Timing plays a critical role in photography, and for this session, we chose the golden hour—those two hours before sunset when the light is soft and warm. Golden hour light is particularly flattering, creating a subtle glow and adding depth to portraits.
During the shoot, we used the natural light to its fullest advantage. Shooting with the sun behind Sabrina added a beautiful rim light, creating a glowing edge to her silhouette.
Golden hour is often the best time for professional headshots or lifestyle branding sessions, as it produces warm, natural tones that can elevate the mood of the images without extensive post-processing.
Golden hour light outlining Sabrina’s profile as the sun sets, showcasing the natural beauty of golden hour.
Wardrobe and Preparation: Key to a Successful Photoshoot
Sabrina’s preparation was instrumental in the success of this shoot. She came ready with multiple outfits, each tailored to the specific environments we’d be working in. From relaxed, business-casual looks for Forest Park to more formal attire for the architectural shots at WashU, her wardrobe choices allowed us to create a cohesive yet varied collection of images.
Her attention to detail extended beyond her outfits. Hair and makeup were perfectly done, which helped us move efficiently from one location to the next. The end result was a set of photos that could easily serve her professional needs for years to come, offering a versatile portfolio without the need for multiple sessions.
The Outcome: A Versatile, Professional Portfolio
A clean, polished headshot of Sabrina, perfect for LinkedIn and professional profiles.
By the end of the session, we had created a comprehensive set of images that reflected Sabrina’s professional identity from multiple angles. Whether for use on LinkedIn, her website, or other professional networks, these photos will allow her to present herself as both approachable and authoritative—qualities essential in her industry.
The combination of location, timing, and preparation resulted in a portfolio that provides her with flexibility for years to come, as though we had done multiple photoshoots in one.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Thoughtful Photography in Personal Branding
Photography for personal branding is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about telling a story that resonates with your professional identity. Sabrina’s session was a great example of how choosing the right locations, timing, and preparation can result in a versatile portfolio that reflects both your personality and professional goals.
For professionals looking to rebrand or refresh their image, thoughtful planning and attention to detail make all the difference. Whether you’re in healthcare, marketing, or any other field, investing in a customized photoshoot can help you elevate your brand and stand out in today’s competitive landscape.