Getting Personal Kapwa Studio

A brand session is so much more than showing up to a location and taking some pictures. It’s so much more than looking up inspiration online and copying it. It’s so much more than looking pretty and put together. A brand session, IMHO, is about your passion. It’s about your heartbeat, the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning! It’s about your story. How did you get here? What drove you to create this brand in the first place?

When I met with Krista and Alexis of Kapwa Studio, they had passion and story coming out of their ears! I couldn’t wait to get them in Kasama Space to shoot. Krista slid into the DMs of Alexis, just casually, hoping to form a friendship with someone hundreds of miles away who seemed to be a kindred spirit. What could have been a few short and shallow convos over the internet turned out to be a life changing journey!

Krista and Alexis formed their social media company over DMs and FaceTimes and now run an extremely successful business, helping others build their brands and reach new people. Their strategy? Focus on story and community building. Sound familiar? I hope so! It was a match made in heaven. I admire these women so much for playing the growth game on their own terms and focusing on lifting others up while they are at it.

And so, when it came time to tell their OWN story, we focused a lot on fun and interactive elements that showed off their bubbly personalities and dedication to the work. Check it out below! And to learn more about Kapwa Studio, follow them on instagram @kapwastudio.co

Blooms & Twine: "A day in the life of a florist"

One very HOT summer day in Seattle, I met up with Katie and Blooms & Twine Floral Design to document her and her team setting up for an intimate wedding at the Pan Pacific Hotel. What I love about Katie is her honest approach to floral design. Follow her on instagram to learn the inner workings of floristry and what it really takes to make a beautiful bouquet. Her approach is down to earth and eco friendly. And her team is full of fun and laughter! It’s not every day you get to see what it takes to set up a floral design, and I soaked in every hard working minute. These gals were sweating! But the time was worth it. See for yourself ;)

I always love getting to work with small business owners and documenting them in their element. It’s this kind of work that reminds me what truth storytelling is all about — passion and drive and the willingness to work under the hot sun to make a beautiful idea come to life!

A new way to think about Headshots with Paige

There’s a big misconception when it comes to taking a photo. You stand in front of something, someone else holds a camera, and then that person says, “SMILE!”… But why? I don’t have the anthropological reason folks started saying this, but I do know it’s not for everyone. So when it comes to taking your next headshot, think about what’s most natural for you. How do YOU want to look in the next photo? Do you want to smile? If you do, go for it! If you don’t, then don’t! What actually matters the most is your b-r-e-a-t-h.

I won’t lie, it’s hard to get your photo taken, especially by a stranger. You get this box shoved in your face that judges whether you look good or not by a person who doesn’t know you too well. That’s HARD! But I’m here to tell you that you are brave, beautiful inside and out, and whoever gets to take your portrait is the lucky one to be a witness.

So the next time you go to take a picture, take a deep breath, remember you are, and let yourself shine. Allow yourself to be seen by the lens and let your breath remind you that you’re good. You find yourself smiling or you may not. But the results will show a photo that looks and feels like YOU.

Portraits with Paige

When Paige and I took her Headshots, we talked a lot first. She needed something new and professional for her job, but she also wanted some images that felt fun, light, and like her. So we did both. And after a while of exploring both professional and fun, the different approaches started blending together. The progression was beautiful!

There’s a couple different ways to do portraits. You can stand, smile, and pose. Or you can play, explore and let things unfold. Personally, I’ll choose the latter every time.

Enjoy!

Jasmine RaShae, Soulful Flow Yoga

Jasmine RaShae is a yogi, alchemist, and storyteller. I had the pleasure of working with her one summer evening where we talked about what real community feels, looks, and feel like. I’m honored to be orbiting in your solar system, friend. Thank you for creating these beautiful images with me.

To flow with Jasmine, click here.

Portraits of Sage at the Northlight

Something I love to do with people I photograph is a technique called “knocking on heaven’s door”. And we do it before I even get my camera out. I may or may not have stolen this from a YouTube Superstar / yoga personality. And say what you will, but I love doing this with people. We close our eyes and we begin to sway back and forth, letting our arms dangle and slap against our sides with each movement. I breathe deeply so as to encourage the other person to breathe deeply (yes, I am still swaying with my eyes closed too). The back and forth continues at whatever speed feels right and it probably goes on slightly too long … just until it all begins to make sense. We’re giving ourselves permission to let go and tap in. At some magical, indescribable, moment the person I am with will open their eyes and begin to show a glimmer of themselves … true and one of a kind. That’s when I know it’s time to get the camera.

And here is Sage Ke'alohilani Quiamno! She is an incredible entrepreneur who serves as the CEO for Future for Us, a platform dedicated to advancing womxn of color in the workplace through community, culture and career development. Follow her on instagram @sageq.

Thank you for tapping in and being present with me, my friend. You are beyond beautiful. I am grateful to know you.

Meet Kristina Capulong of Gumwall Camp Productions

Meet Kristina – a producer, chef, yogi, human, and overall student of life. Her brand is all about sharing stories. She is the definition of creativity in motion. When we met to discuss her production company, Gumwall Camp Productions, it became clear that her curiosity for life is driven by connection. Connection to people, to art, to life. It all matters to her.

PLAY TO CREATE

When making her brand story together, we played like kids in the studio, at the market, and yeah, at the bar, too. Hanging upside-down on the couch reading a book, getting yelled at by the flower vendors for taking pictures, and taking a shot of tequila at Copal. I couldn’t stop smiling and I’d better not stop moving in order to keep up with Kristina’s pace. We ended our session totally exhausted and totally jazzed about the future. That’s why I love being around Kristina. She lives in every moment, to the fullest.

She is the strongest gal I know, and it’s because of her curiosity and compassion. See for yourself. And hire Gumwall Camp for your next creative endeavor.

MORE THAN JUST HEADSHOTS

Headshots can be more about your story than sitting and saying “cheese”. Pick what’s important to you, your process, and your business. Then show it off. Not only will clients be able to relate, it’ll show off your expertise. As a result, you’ll be staying true to your purpose and running a business you love. Give me a call, let’s go for a drink and chat about your future branding images. I’m here when you’re ready.

SCHEDULE YOUR OWN BRAND STORY SESSION

Email me at hello@kirschcreative.com to set up a brainstorming date. Or leave a comment below, I’d love to hear more about your business and how we can help it shine more brightly. Here’s to a happy + productive day. And thanks for dropping by