Street Style: Crafting Personal Branding Magic on the Fly with Ashley


In the bustling streets near my studio, I recently had the pleasure of working with Ashley, a talented and aspiring photographer with a keen eye for style.


Ashley's role as an aspiring photographer added a layer of depth to this personal branding session. Collaborating with a fellow creative allowed us to explore different angles and perspectives, capturing her unique essence in a way that would resonate with her audience. That’s the thing about personal branding --  it’s not just about the photographer's vision but also about co-creating a story that aligns with the individual's professional identity.


Creating stylized and personal moments in public spaces


One of the most exciting challenges as a personal branding photographer is the art of transforming public spaces into intimate backdrops for editorial-style and personal shots. The streets, sidewalks, and bustling locales become the canvas for creating visual narratives that are not just professional but also deeply personal.


In the case of Ashley's photoshoot, the goal was clear — to capture the essence of her as an aspiring photographer while maintaining a level of authenticity that speaks to her one-of-a-kind brand. Public spaces, like those around a local coffee shop, provided the perfect stage for this.


Should you take your personal branding shoot out in the streets? My photoshoot with Ashley makes a case for it! 

Here’s why you should take your next personal branding shoot in public:


1. Unveiling personal stories


Public spaces are rich with stories waiting to be unveiled. By carefully curating backgrounds that complement the individual's personality and profession, each shot becomes a chapter in the personal story. In Ashley's case, we found corners of the city that echoed her artistic spirit, creating visuals that felt like an extension of her story.


2. Creative compositions in unexpected places


The magic lies in finding beauty in unexpected places. From graffiti-covered walls to the charming chaos of a busy street, every corner holds the potential for a stylized composition. This approach not only adds an element of surprise to the images but also infuses a sense of authenticity that resonates with viewers, especially if the location is a place they know.


3. Evoking emotion in everyday scenes


Stylized shots are not about elaborate setups; they're about evoking genuine emotion in everyday scenes. Public spaces offer a raw and unfiltered backdrop, allowing for moments that capture the subject's character authentically. Ashley's session, surrounded by the hum of the city, brought forth a range of expressions that felt both real and editorial.


4. The Personal Touch in a Public Sphere:


Personal branding is, at its core, a celebration of individuality. By infusing a personal touch into every shot, even in the midst of a public sphere, the images transcend the ordinary. Through thoughtful posing, composition, and a keen eye for details, Ashley's photos radiate a sense of connection that goes beyond the immediate surroundings.

In essence, the concept of making shots feel stylized and personal in public spaces is about finding beauty in the ordinary, unveiling stories in unexpected settings, and capturing the unique essence of each individual amid the dynamic backdrop of the city. It's a testament to the power of personal branding photography to create images that not only stand out professionally but also resonate deeply on a personal level.


This photoshoot with Ashley is a testament to the dynamic and authentic feel that personal branding photography can achieve in unexpected urban settings. It's about bringing out the individuality of each client, finding beauty in the ordinary, and creating a visual story that resonates with both them and their audience.