January always feels like a fresh slate in my studio. But this past January, it was more like a blank canvas waiting for a little gold dust—thanks to one of my boldest projects yet: Kathleen Little’s brand shoot.
Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes journey of true personal branding jewelry photography.
The Spark: Turning Dream into Reality
Kathleen isn’t just a jewelry maker—she’s a metalsmith and the creative force behind pieces that women talk about long after the party’s over. She wanted her website to have real soul, not just trays of shiny things.
So we sat down (over plenty of coffee) and outlined two big goals for our session:
- Photograph her artisan jewelry on real women so people could see how her designs come alive in the wild.
- Transform her artisan jewelry business website from “good” to “unforgettable”—with connection, diversity, and style at the forefront.
That, my friends, is what personal branding jewelry photography does best: it turns product into story.
Setting the Stage for Personal Branding Jewelry Photography
Let me tell you, this was no everyday photoshoot. We spent months planning, pinning inspiration, and building a Pinterest board that grew wilder by the week. I set up a central, collaborative hub on Upbase to keep all our ideas, links, and color schemes in one place. (Best tip ever if you’ve got a project with as many moving parts as Kathleen’s.)
Our design and planning session wasn’t just about “what looks pretty.” We needed images that matched Kathleen’s existing brand. That meant thinking in color stories, website orientations, and moods.
And models. This part was close to my heart—Kathleen’s ideal clients are women 40 and up, so we found three incredible volunteers of different ages, backgrounds, and styles. When I say models, I mean real women who reflect the diverse, powerful spirit of her artisan jewelry business.
Before shoot day, I made sure everyone had a prep guide—not just “what to wear,” but how to feel. “Bring your best blouse, whatever color lights you up,” I wrote. “If it doesn’t fit the palette, we’ll make it work.” Because the heart of personal branding jewelry photography? Real connections.
The Big Day: Where the Magic Happens
No lie: my studio buzzed like a jewelry box. We put out snacks, played Kathleen’s favorite playlist, and staggered model arrivals so everyone had a moment to shine. (Also—no sugar crashes, ever.) By midday, it felt less like a photo session and more like a get-together for creative women who just “got” each other.
There were laughs, little confessions, even a dance-off behind the scenes. I captured it all: bold silver cuffs on elegant wrists, a glint of gold catching sunlight, someone’s shy smile suddenly turning magnetic. The right pose, the right angle—each shot told a chapter in Kathleen’s brand story.
Afterward, sandwiches and sips, and genuine talk about life and business. I can’t count the number of times I thought, “This is why I do what I do.”
Bringing Kathleen’s Website (and Story) to Life
With photos of real women wearing her pieces in all their confident, natural beauty, Kathleen’s website finally matches who she is and who she serves. That’s the magic of personal branding jewelry photography: it creates an instant, human connection online.
(If you sneak a peek at Kathleen’s site now, you’ll see the difference. Bold, alive, and inviting—just like her brand.)
A little secret: Kathleen and I actually met at a networking event years ago. The place was packed…but I spotted her right away—another woman in my age group, shining in a sea of twenty-somethings. We started chatting about artisan jewelry, of course, and have been cheering each other on ever since.
Why Personal Branding Jewelry Photography Matters
Every project teaches me something new. Working with Kathleen reminded me that every business—especially an artisan jewelry business—deserves to be seen in all its unique, lived-in, real-life beauty.
If you’re ready for your own reveal, you know where to find me. Let’s make your story sparkle.
Curious what personal branding jewelry photography could do for your brand? Contact us to talk about your experience now or check out more stories on the Angela Atelier Blog.
