How a Collaborative Approach to Branding Photography Changes Everything

Branding Photography: A Collaboration: Our Favorite Vendors!

As a branding photographer for (mostly) women-owned businesses in Vermont + beyond, I believe that great branding isn’t just about a scheduling a photoshoot—it’s about creating an entire experience that reflects who you are and what your business stands for. And here’s the truth: I don’t do it alone. There's no way I could! My sessions are often made extraordinary by the incredible network of creative women I collaborate with—stylists, strategists, hair and makeup artists, coaches, and social media mavens who elevate the entire process.

In order to elevate our businesses, sometimes we need a little help to get out there. This post is all about celebrating those collaborations and the women behind them. Whether you’re planning your own session or just starting to dream about one, here’s a peek at the pros I trust most to bring your brand vision to life.

Why Collaboration Matters in Branding Photography

When you book a branding session, you’re not just signing up for some headshots (if that's what you're looking for, you're in the wrong place!). In a branding + lifestyle session, you’re taking the BIG LEAP into a creative process designed to help your audience feel aligned with your brand. This process gets a serious glow-up when we bring in experts who specialize in color, messaging, visibility, and that final glam touch.

Think of your branding session like a mini dream team—one that’s entirely focused on helping you show up with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot of personality. I’ve worked alongside so many incredible women, but today I want to spotlight the ones who I love to collaborate and refer clients to, who show up again and again with excellence, warmth, and pure creative genius.

House of Colour Essex & Stowe – Christina and Katie

Color analysis is one of the secret weapons I recommend to so many clients (especially my VIP and full day branding clients)—and Christina (Essex) and Katie (Stowe) from House of Colour are the go-to experts for this. When my clients work with them before a session, everything just clicks. From wardrobe choices to makeup tones, color analysis helps you show up looking like the best and most authentic version of yourself—confident, aligned, and magnetic.

Christina and Katie are both endlessly supportive, joyful, and whip-smart. Their sessions help clients understand their seasonal palette and personal style, which makes outfit planning for a shoot practically effortless. More importantly? You leave knowing how to make every day a little more you.

Julia Atherton of Atherton & Co – Brand Strategy & Messaging

Photos are powerful, but they shine brightest when your brand strategy is clear- we're talking all the marketing details and demographics. That’s where Julia Atherton of Atherton & Co comes in. Julia’s a branding and marketing strategist with an immeasurable gift for distilling big ideas into clear, actionable steps and direction. She helps my clients figure out what they want to say—and how to say it with intention and heart. Best part of this all is that Julia's mentoring sessions are included in all my branding packages! That's right! You get a full hour of one on one strategizing with this amazing human! Click here to learn more!

When my clients work with Julia, their sessions take on a whole new level of depth. They show up knowing what kind of content they need, how they want to be seen, and how their visuals will support their next launch, offer, or big vision. I love teaming up with her because we both believe branding isn’t one-size-fits-all. It's personal. It’s intentional. And it should feel like you.

The Winfield Creative– Social Media Management

Let’s be honest: even the best branding photos won’t do anything if they live in a dusty folder on your desktop (and that's not way to treat yor investment!). That’s why Brittany Winfield of The Winfield Creative, social media manager extraordinaire, is a key part of this ecosystem. She helps my clients actually use their images to show up consistently, stay visible, and connect with their people.

Brittany is detail-oriented, thoughtful, and always full of ideas. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or the dreaded algorithm, she knows how to craft a strategy that helps your visuals work for you. I’ve seen her turn content overwhelm into confident visibility for so many entrepreneurs. She’s your social media secret weapon. // I'd also recommend signing up for her email newsletter. Every Monday she sends social media trend tips and it's worth it's weight in gold!//

Vivian Infantino – Hair and Makeup

Looking good on camera doesn’t mean looking like someone else—it means looking like you on your best day. Vivian Infantino is a professional hair and makeup artist who totally gets that. Her approach is natural, fresh, and always customized to what makes you feel most like yourself.

I love recommending Vivian because she brings such calm and confidence to a shoot day. You sit in her chair and feel instantly at ease. Plus, she’s a pro at ensuring your look lasts all session long, from outdoor locations to indoor brand scenes. She knows how to bring out your features without masking them. It’s never overdone—it’s you, just glowy and ready to shine.

Rely on Rach- Website, Photographer, + Content Creator Extraordinaire

I have had the absolute joy of working with Rachel on multiple projects, and let me tell you, she is a FORCE! Rachel is a multifaceted creative with a passive for helping small business achieve their level of professionalism they deserve. She will transform your vision into engaging visuals whether its a new website, video or photo for your brand, and helping you come up with story and how to strategize the tell of it. If you need a new website, RUN over to Rachel- you will not be sorry!

Your Branding Session Is a Team Effort—And That’s the Magic

The truth is, no one builds a business alone. And while I’m the one behind the lens, what makes my branding sessions so powerful is the collective energy, expertise, and support of this incredible crew of women. And that includes our teachers, our mentors, and even those powerful life lessons. We are an amalgamation of our experiences.

Each one of these vendors brings their own expertise and excellence to the table, but when we team up? That’s when the real magic happens. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. We’re here to guide you, cheer you on, and help you show up in your brand like never before.

Ready to Build Your Dream Team?

If you’re planning a branding session and want it to feel collaborative, strategic, and deeply you, I’d love to help. At Owl’s Iris Photography, we specialize in capturing images that reflect who you really are—and I’m always happy to connect you with the best women in the biz to support your journey. If you're reading this from afar, not to worry! You can do a little research and networking and come up with yoru own dream time of vendors!

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