As a creative entrepreneur, portrait photographer and abstract artist, based in Brighton (often in London), I always feel over the moon to photograph other artist and creatives.
The first time I met Suzanne was at the wild art painting on large canvas workshop at the Lawrence Art Studio in Hove, Sussex UK. We connected instantly on a personal level.
A few months later Suzanne approached me and enquired about a personal brand portrait photoshoot for her creative business. Although I am based in sunny Brighton, often in the London area, it happened that I was in the Buckinghamshire area (where she lives) so that’s where the photo session took place.
Before the brand photoshoot
Before the shoot we talked about what pictures Susanne needed for her website and social media and we both agreed to focus on: story-telling brand images and glamorous, full of personality, portraits.
I suggested that Susanne bring multiple outfit options and I offered to help pick out which outfits would go well with her artwork and make her feel glamours at the same time.
Although the photoshoot happened in the middle of winter we covered all seasons by choosing a bright and light outfit selection.
We agreed to incorporate a couple different hair style changes too for a variation of looks.
As well, I suggested to take few 1:1 client/workshop scenario brand pictures where my husband kindly offered his presence.
Brand portrait photo shoot location: Amersham / London luxurious house
The brand portrait photoshoot took place in an exclusive luxurious, modern and beautifully designed house in Amersham next to a breathtaking woodland (only 45min from London and 1.5 hours from Brighton). This location was perfect for many reasons:
1) Plenty of natural light
Every single room in this house was bursting with natural light which makes your skin beautifully radiating and glowing (I only use natural light rather artificial studio light).
2) Modern decor
Suzanne had, in the past, had a few brand photoshoots in her Buckinghamshire art studio showcasing her in her element (creating glass art or teaching workshops).
This photoshoot was purposely designed to level up Suzanne’s online presence as an artist and art teacher. We aimed to capture lifestyle (but still high-end) brand portrait photography, as well as her art and some one-to-one client workshop scenarios too.
The decor of the house perfectly worked with the photoshoot vision: luxurious, modern, minimalistic, bright, light.
3) Blank canvas
Because of the minimalistic decor, white wall and speciousness of the house it felt like a blank canvas for us. All we needed was to just inject Suzanne’s personality, splash some colours (outfits) and put some art on the walls.
And that’s what we achieved, a fabulous array of brand portrait lifestyle images that are really are going to help Susanne move her business forward.
Meet Suzanne Raffellini, artist, teacher, mentor from BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.
She is a UK Buckinghamshire based Glass Artist and teacher for over two decades, inspiring others to harness their creativity. She is running classes, workshops and retreats for anyone who wants to re-connect with their creativity, try something new and express themselves.
I had the most amazing photo shoot with Magadalena in December at her new and exclusive location in Amersham, Bucks. I had been prepared to travel to Brighton but when she said she was going to be in a place right on my doorstep I jumped at the chance.
The setting was a super modern luxury house near woodland so I got a range of locations in one. Magdalena is an absolute joy to work with. She has a real talent for understanding what you want from a shoot, combined with a tremendous technical ability to to take great pictures.
Before the shoot, we talked about what pictures I already had and what I wanted to portray and she really thought about pictures and series of pictures that tell stories. I wanted to look more glamorous than my normal scruffy work gear to show more about me as a person and had no idea what to wear. I have put on a lot of weight recently and didn't feel at all glamorous but I took half my wardrobe and she picked out outfits that suited me and fitted in with the products I took with me. We changed hairstyles and props as well as clothes, (and that included the loan of her husband!) resulting in a fabulous array of pictures that are really going to help me going forward in my business. She helped me feel relaxed and at ease and this came through in the photos.
Magadalena's gift is to be able to see in you what you can't necessarily see for yourself and to bring out your personality in the shoot. Worth every single penny!
Meet your Brighton and London Portrait Photographer
Hi, I’M mAGDALENA
I am passionate to photographed UK female entrepreneurs, local small business owners, creatives and artist. And I do it in a gentle, relaxed, authentic, creative and joyful way. As I know that being in front of camera and taking steps to be more visible online can feel little bit overwhelming and scary (yes, even photographers can be camera shy too!).