A Studio Branding Session for Three Women Building Businesses in the DMV
When Personal Branding Meets Community
One of my favorite things about being a Maryland branding photographer is getting a front-row seat to the incredible businesses being built right here in our community.
Recently, I welcomed three women into my Silver Spring studio for a session that felt a little different from a traditional branding shoot.
Sarah of Kindred Brand Partners, Bree of Chevy Chase Lifestyle Magazine, and Erin Como of Como Media aren't business partners. They each run their own businesses and have their own professional paths. What they do share is a genuine friendship, a strong network of support, and a commitment to lifting up other women entrepreneurs.
When they reached out about creating updated portraits together, I immediately loved the idea.
A Different Kind of Branding Session
Most branding sessions focus on a single business owner. This session gave us the opportunity to do both.
Each woman had time in front of the camera for individual portraits that reflected her own brand, personality, and professional presence. We created polished headshots, approachable branding images, and a variety of portraits that can be used across websites, social media, speaking engagements, and publications.
Then we shifted gears and photographed the three of them together.
Those images ended up being some of my favorites from the day.
There was plenty of laughter, a lot of encouragement, and the kind of natural chemistry that only comes from people who genuinely enjoy being around each other. The resulting images feel confident, professional, and fun without feeling forced.
The Studio Experience
“From the moment I sat in her chair, Val brought joy, positivity, and enthusiasm to the day. Her energy immediately put everyone at ease.”
As always, I wanted the experience to feel relaxed and collaborative.
Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry joined us in the studio to provide professional hair and makeup services before the session began. Having professional hair and makeup takes one more thing off everyone's plate and helps clients walk into their session feeling camera-ready and confident.
We also incorporated a few fun elements throughout the shoot.
The studio fan made an appearance for some editorial-inspired portraits that added movement and energy.
One of my favorite moments was sharing instant reveals immediately after the session. Being able to see images often changes the experience for clients. Instead of wondering how things are going, they can immediately see what's working, make adjustments if needed, and leave feeling excited about the final gallery.
“She enhanced my natural features and created a look that felt polished, confident, and completely me.”
Why This Worked So Well
Sarah, Bree, and Erin showed up ready to trust the process, support each other, and have fun.
They created space for authentic expressions, natural interactions, and images that actually feel like the people in them.
Professional branding photos don't need to feel stiff or overly corporate. In fact, some of the strongest branding images come from creating an environment where people can relax enough to be themselves.
“Ginny made me feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely seen. The energy she created throughout the shoot was something special, and it showed in every image.”
Could This Become Its Own Session Type?
Maybe.
As I was photographing this session, I kept thinking about how many women entrepreneurs have built businesses alongside friends, referral partners, colleagues, and professional communities.
There is something powerful about documenting not just the individual business owner, but the relationships that help support that business.
Whether it's three entrepreneurs, a group of creatives, referral partners, or women who simply want updated branding images while spending a fun morning together, I can see a lot of possibilities for this type of session.
It's professional.
It's strategic.
And it's a lot more fun than updating your headshot alone.
“Ginny created a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere with music, laughter, and great vibes. The result was photos that felt authentic and natural.”
Thinking About Your Own Branding Session?
If you've been putting off updated branding photos, consider bringing a friend or two.
You'll still walk away with images tailored to your own business, but you'll also get an experience that feels more collaborative and enjoyable.
Sometimes the best photos happen when you're surrounded by people who make you feel comfortable enough to stop worrying about the camera.
This session was a great reminder of that.
And I have a feeling it won't be the last one.