Closing the portfolio gap part II: apothecary edition
When I upgraded my lighting setup from continuous to strobe, I did what any photographer would do: I designed a test shoot.
My goals were twofold; to get comfortable with the new gear and fill a gap in my portfolio—this time with a focus on personal care. Just like my earlier lipstick test, I approached this shoot with intention: try new techniques, push my visuals further, and craft work that aligns with the kind of clients I want to attract.
I set out to tell a bath story: part editorial, part luxury, part otherworldly sanctuary. The strategy and creative process took my work beyond.
Here’s what I set out to explore:
Personal care category: I wanted more skincare, bath, and beauty imagery—products with tactility and sensory appeal.
Sense of place: Taking a break from my usual seamless studio setups, I incorporated some environmental storytelling—hints of tile and cast shadow. A suggestion of space without overcomplicating the frame.
Editorial sculptural stack: Always a favorite. I explored balance, form, and veritcality to create images that feel as much like design objects as they do beauty products.
Soft focus: A shift in texture and tone. Playing with dreamy depth of field to evoke calm and comfort.
Natural materials: Think ceramic, stone, wood, bristles—elements that soften and warm the frame, keeping the imagery grounded and luxurious.
Luxury feel: My dream clients live in the elevated personal care space—brands that value both design and indulgence. The lighting, textures, and styling all aimed to support that premium positioning.
This test shoot wasn’t just a lighting trial—it was a chance to create targeted work that bridges art direction with commerce.
While the products were stand-ins, the process was a creative opportunity to experiment, to refine, and to build toward the kind of work I want to be hired for. It helped me articulate how I want my beauty and wellness images to feel: elevated, tactile, a little bit magical.
