Becca, a Chicago-based artist and art therapist, wanted branding photos that actually felt like her – bold, playful, and authentic. She had very few photos of herself and believed she “didn’t photograph well.”
As a Barrington-based branding photographer serving Chicago creatives, I photographed Becca inside her real home studio to capture her true creative process. We documented her painting, her space, and her personality to create a library of professional artist branding photos she now uses for her website, job applications, and art show submissions.
The result? Images she genuinely loves, a print on her wall, and a huge confidence shift in how she sees herself on camera.

Why We Chose a Home Studio Branding Session in Chicago

Originally, we planned to shoot at my studio.

Then we hopped on Zoom.

Behind her?
Colorful artwork. Beautiful natural light. Her real space.

That’s when I knew – we needed to photograph her there.

For artists and some small businesses, the space is part of the story. It shows how they work, what inspires them, and who they really are. A home studio branding session in Chicago gave us:

✔ Authentic environment
✔ Real creative process
✔ Personal storytelling
✔ Comfortable energy

This was even more important because Becca is recovering from cancer treatment. She had recently undergone surgery and wasn’t feeling her best. Being able to stay home made the day easier physically and emotionally.

Hair and makeup came to her. (Thank you Jules Fleming Artistry!)
I came to her.
Her friend joined us for support.

It became a full, supportive experience — not just a photoshoot.

Meet Becca

Becca is a Chicago-based artist and art therapist who creates bold, colorful work. She has pink hair, a giant smile, a pet turtle, and the kind of playful energy you feel immediately when you meet her.

She’s been a working professional artist for years, but when we talked, she admitted something that surprised me:

“I don’t photograph well.”

She barely had photos of herself on her website, and yet, she needed images for:

• Her website
• Art show submissions
• Art therapy job applications
• And personally… she wanted a print for her wall that felt like her

Something joyful. Creative. Real.

The Artist Branding Photography Process

This session felt part documentary, part guided portrait experience.

Becca set herself up.
She painted.
She worked.

I moved through her space, watching the light, capturing real moments, and gently directing when needed. This is how I approach artist branding photography in Chicago – natural first, polished second.

Photographing Her in Action

I didn’t ask her to pretend to paint.
She actually worked, in her space, while I moved around her.

This created images that feel real – the messy middle, the focus, the joy. Those moments build connection with viewers and collectors.

Favorite Moments From Becca’s Branding Session

One of my favorite shots was taken through a doorway. Soft window light poured in behind her, and colorful flags hung from the ceiling leading right to her.

Later she told me one of those flags hung over her crib as a baby.
Completely unplanned. Completely perfect.

We also captured:

• Close-ups of her hands painting
• Texture details of her work
• Candid laughter
• Quiet focus

And then… we went full Ann mode.

Becca looked at me and said,

“So this is how you work. You start out normal and by the end you get crazy”

Out came:

• A crown
• A giant hot pink tulle poof

Silly. Empowering. Unforgettable.

The Transformation

Before:
“I don’t photograph well.”

After her reveal (which she did with her husband on Zoom):

She had too many favorites to choose from.

That moment, going from self-doubt to abundance, is everything to me.

She saw herself as:

• Confident
• Joyful
• Strong
• Fully herself

Especially during a difficult season of life, that shift matters.

How Becca Is Using Her Artist Branding Photos

She plans to use her images for:

✔ Website refresh
✔ Art therapy job applications
✔ Art show submissions

And my favorite part?

She ordered a print for her wall.

Something she can look at every day and remember:

“I’m strong. I’m creative. This is who I am right now.”

She told me:

“It was such a joy working with you. I’d love to do another session next year.”

😭

What I Want Other Creatives to Know

Artists are great at hiding behind their work.

We’d rather let the art speak than step into the spotlight ourselves.

But here’s the truth:

You are part of your brand.

Your story matters.
Your face builds trust.
Your process creates connection.

You don’t have to become an influencer.
You just have to show up as yourself.

And it can be:

✨ Fun
✨ Easy
✨ Empowering

Just like Becca’s day was.

FAQ – Artist Branding Photography in Chicago

Is my home studio big enough for a branding shoot?
Yes. I specialize in using natural light and wide-angle lenses to make small Chicago workspaces feel elevated and professional.

What if my space isn’t “Instagram perfect”?
Real spaces tell better stories. I help you highlight what matters and simplify what doesn’t.

Do you help with planning?
Absolutely. Every session includes a planning call, wardrobe guidance, a Pinterest inspiration board, and a guided image reveal.

Ready to Book Your Branding Session?

If you’re an artist, creative, or small business owner in Chicago who’s ready to stop hiding behind your work…

👉 Book your branding session here

I’ll guide you every step of the way – from planning to final images.