Branding Photography for Artists: A Soulful, Earthy Session with Krystallin Loudermilk
In a world full of over-posed headshots and overly polished visuals, branding photography for artists should feel like something more: intimate, expressive, and honest. This recent session with ceramicist Krystallin Loudermilk was exactly that.
We met at Lake Hickory, a location that offered all the natural elements we were craving: water, sunlight, and texture. The light was soft, the movement was slow, and the entire session was guided by intention — from the choice of outfits to the way the pottery was styled.
Capturing the Artist in Her Element
Krystallin is a multi-talented creative, but for this session, we focused on one part of her artistry: her handmade pottery. We knew from the beginning that the images needed to reflect more than just what she makes — they had to reflect how it feels to be in her creative energy.
Captured on film, this image reveals the quiet poetry of light and texture. The handmade vessel rests in a tidepool of reflected sun — a moment that could have existed decades ago or just yesterday. There’s something timeless about clay, water, and light.
We chose a mix of film and digital to tell that story — leaning into film for the moments when the light was rich, reflective, and couldn’t be replicated. It gave us a softness and texture that elevated the entire gallery.
Her outfits, styled in earthy tones and flowing fabrics, mirrored the natural setting and added to the emotional tone of the session. One of our favorites was a two-toned dress: part clay, part cream — echoing both the palette of her work and the palette of the land.
Why Styling Matters
Stylist and creative director Jamie McMurry joined us for the session and brought a level of cohesion that elevated everything. She sourced a vintage wooden chair that we carried to the water’s edge, added thoughtful touches to scarves, baskets, and accessory details, and helped shape the space so I could focus on photographing.
Jamie also brought backup outfits — a small gesture that made a big impact. When you’re working with changing light and natural locations, flexibility is everything, and her eye for styling allowed us to flow from one scene to the next with ease.
This kind of collaboration is what makes branding photography feel like an editorial, not just a gallery of portraits. It’s one of the reasons I now offer styling as an optional add-on for my branding clients.
In one of my favorite quiet frames, Krystallin walks down a soft path, the open back of her linen dress revealing her botanical tattoo — a subtle nod to the natural elements she works with. The woven basket, the wild stems, the softness of dusk… it all felt like a love letter to slow living.
The Power of Movement and Intention
One of the biggest challenges many clients face is knowing how to move in front of the camera. But it doesn’t have to be hard. I often guide my clients as if they’re moving through a scene in a film. No stiff poses — just slow gestures, soft interactions, and moments in-between.
Krystallin was also very mindful of her posture and body awareness. She intuitively made angles with her arms and legs and stayed conscious of connection — always touching something: her pottery, her scarf, her own hands. These micro-movements created grace and emotion in every frame.
At golden hour by the lake, Krystallin holds wildflowers to her chest — the soft linen of her dress mirroring the stillness of the water. This moment felt like a quiet offering, a breath between movements, where light and presence aligned.
If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, know this: you don’t need to perform. You just need to show up, trust the process, and let yourself be seen.
Gallery Preview: Krystallin Loudermilk Branding Session
Below are a selection of 24 images from the session. They show the range and intentionality of the shoot — from detail shots of pottery to sweeping lakeside portraits.
What to Know Before Booking Your Branding Session
If you’re an artist, designer, maker, or creative soul, branding sessions like this are designed to showcase your process, your product, and your personality — all in one.
Tips for preparing:
Wear clothing that moves (flowy fabrics photograph beautifully)
Stay in a neutral or earth-toned palette to keep the focus on you and your work
Be ready to move slowly, breathe, and trust the process
Consider adding styling to your session for elevated cohesion
Bring your work or tools with you — they help tell your story
Ready to Create Your Own Storytelling Brand Session?
Whether you’re rebranding, launching something new, or simply want imagery that reflects who you are, I’d love to collaborate.
You can inquire directly through my contact form [insert link] or subscribe to my Substack for more behind-the-scenes content and creative insight.
Want to see the full behind-the-scenes breakdown of this session (including how we worked with natural light, styled each shot, and used film vs digital)?
Let’s Create Something Meaningful
Whether you’re building a brand rooted in artistry or planning a wedding that reflects your story, I’m here to document it with intention. If you feel a spark of connection to my work — reach out. I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
