Edgy Brand Photography for Bay Area Accountant

What happens when you visualize an “Accountant” in your head? Probably not creative, maybe someone in a suit and tie. Well, that does not even come close to describing financial leader, Liz (last name?), founder of Liz Is All Biz. Liz is striving to break the mold of her industry while making efforts to support other women and POC. Not only is she a respected entrepreneur, but is very driven by her mission to help her community. After seeing a brand photoshoot I had done for our mutual friend, Liz reached out to me to help her create one of her own. One of the first thing’s that Liz requested when we were planning her brand photography session was that all of the photos be black and white since that was more fitting to her edgy brand. Right off the bat I could tell that Liz was unique which made me so excited for the creative challenge that was in store.

Gothic chic and a play on masculine energy were the themes that we were aiming for during this photoshoot. We began the day downtown at Liz’s office where I captured some classic working shots. Since these images would not have any color, I had to do my best to be creative with the lighting. I shot through a water glass to capture some funky perspectives of Liz working at her desk. The goal was to be as different as possible in a way that would mirror Liz’s personality. Liz wore a, if I dare to say, sexy (can I use the word sexy?) black dress and posed in some power stances. After a few more outfit changes, Liz moved around the office and was just her authentic self; definitely not the stereotypical accountant.

Our next location was at an old, rustic church near Yerba Buena Park. She stepped in front of the gates to the church for an anti-establishment aesthetic. Liz does so much good work in the community through her Catholic Church, so shooting here was very representative of who Liz is as a leader and a person. Here I was also able to play with the shadowing that highlighted Liz while still straying away from color. We then wrapped up not too far from the church but in an area that lended itself to a city feel. These shots were anything but conventional.

What I admire most about Liz is she is simply not afraid to be herself. I can imagine that her career in the finance and accounting industry can lead to some expectations on how someone in that field should be. Liz has thrown all of that out the window and it’s part of the reason creative business owners flock to her! Her authenticity and devotion to her mission is so inspiring. This photoshoot was so exciting to do and I hope it can inspire other clients to think outside the box for their own brand photography!