In branding photography, capturing energy is essential. You want to communicate your brand identity and radiate your cause to your audience. This is one of the reasons why I offer a personal branding session to professionals in all business fields. As a branding photographer, I make sure that my lens becomes your bridge to connect with your clients and showcase your personality and your energy. This will allow you to gain their trust and establish a professional relationship with them.
I believe that with the rise of social media use, branding photography is just as important as marketing and advertising your products and services. This will emphasize your uniqueness and show your edge which is vital in gaining your client’s faith in you and in what you do.
In this session, I had the pleasure to work with Emily Makahi – a native Hawaiian practitioner and family counselor based in Oahu. Emily asked for a set of images that will highlight her rich Hawaiian culture and healing energy. She wanted them to feel grounded and spiritual which will help her connect with her clients on a personal level. It was an honor to do a personal branding session with a professional who keeps in touch with her roots and proudly represents Hawaii – an amazing, peaceful place that is so close to my heart.
We chose to do Emily’s brand photography session on the far west of Oahu, at a beach with direct sunset views. The drive from Honolulu to Waianae is roughly 1 hour in good traffic. Emily lives on the west side and so it was the obvious choice to have her personal branding session here.
Waianae is known for its stunning natural beauty. This includes miles of pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and lush valleys. The area is also rich in history and culture which was perfect for what Emily represents. I knew that the golden hour would create images that felt grounded with a sense of spirituality. The light was perfect as it was less harsh and the warmth is just right. The colors in the sky also matched Emily and her sister’s outfits, and their energy. The sunset made them glow even more, I was happy with how the photos turned out.
We started the session off with a few shots of Emily and her sister. It amazed me how the sisters showed their history and culture through their native Hawaiian tattoos. I made sure that I highlighted these on their photos. From the placement to the smallest details, all of their inks hold immense meaning and are done with a specific intention. It was like having a glimpse of Hawaii’s roots through my lens.
We then made sure to photograph the “tools” of her work, which in her case includes Lei. Each lei represents a specific meaning and purpose in regard to healing past wounds and growing. We also took photos of Emily walking on the sand, showing her footprints that represented one’s journey in life and in healing, and some photos where she’s sitting and standing on the rocks, placing her above the waves, showing her control over what comes into her journey. During the shoot, I felt the healing energy from Emily which also radiates through the photos from her personal branding session.
One of my favorite photos from this session is one with Emily holding a lei. She was walking toward the sunset as if she was honoring the past and welcoming the new waves as if she were welcoming new beginnings in life.
To Emily: “Thank you for sharing your energy with me and for choosing me as your branding photographer. It was an honor to work with a professional who showcases her culture and history through her honed skills.”
Browse some of Megan's favorite weddings, portraits, engagement session, elopements and commercial branding shoots.
For more of my latest projects, follow along on instagram at @megan_moura.
Effortless
Elegant
Elevated
For more of my latest projects, follow along on instagram at @megan_moura.
Effortless
Elegant
Elevated
For more of my latest projects, follow along on instagram at @megan_moura.
Effortless
Elegant
Elevated