Planning and Props: Peek Inside My Branding Photoshoot
Go behind the scenes as I share all that’s led me to rebrand my business. Hear about the prep that went into my recent photoshoot, the magical moments that happened behind the camera, and the incredible team that brought it all to life.
Why now? Clarity takes time.
When I completed IVFT (Inner Voice Facilitator Training) with Bella Lively in 2020, I had no idea how it would feel to do this work or what my business would look like. All I knew is that listening to my inner voice changed my life and I wanted to share that magic with others.
In 2022, I worked hard to scale my business. I hired experts and professionals to help me grow, but something was off. None of those extra expenses or efforts landed the way I hoped.
This year, I relaxed and released those “extras.” As a result, I received a ton of clarity once I stopped trying so hard. In the spaciousness, I looked at my business to see what feels right, what needs adjusting, and how I can serve this community better.
I don’t regret any of the steps that have led to this point because where I am now feels exciting and fresh. I’m excited about taking all this clarity and bringing it to life in the visual aspects of my business, along with my offerings and the way you experience my work.
The Vibe: A Lighter Touch
In preparing for my rebrand, I wanted new photos. The last photoshoot I did was in December 2020. I didn’t know it, but I was about to find out I was pregnant with our third baby. I felt amazing in those photos and loved using them for the last three years, but it was time for a refresh.
The visual elements I wanted for this session were: light, shadows, barefoot, crisp, and cozy.
Here’s a peek at my mood board on Pinterest —
Here are a few more steps I took to prepare —
Shopping with my stylist Natalie Frazier of NF Closet Curator and only bought clothes that I’d love for both the shoot and my regular life.
Creating a document in Canva that combined my inspiration photos with the outfits I selected. This acted as a visual shot list on the day of the shoot. I tried to be specific enough that we’d have plenty of direction, but also leave lots of room for magic.
Inviting my smart, creative, and stylish friend, Lauren Cunningham, to join us at the photoshoot. This is something I’ve never done before. I’m so glad I asked and even more thrilled she said YES. The morning of the shoot, she was a super helpful extra set of hands and encouraging eye, making sure my hair was in place and I had the props I needed.
Collaborating with my brand designer Jena Thielges of Sundai Studio on the overall look of the shoot and what images we definitely wanted to capture. Along with an overly specific (though completely delightful request) to get a photo of “some crisp cold sensory drinks would translate well, whether that's ice water, a cool white wine, etc. just something that you can FEEL when you see the image.
Working with my favorite photographer Angela Doran for seven years (!!!) for our family and my branding photos has been a total dream. She always does such an amazing job making me feel comfortable and pretty, along with taking the best photos. She selected our location, Alight Collab, and it was the perfect spot for us to make magic.
Have a photoshoot coming up? Steal my prop list —
Bringing some beautiful props from home really helped elevate this photoshoot and kept it in alignment with my vision. Was it necessary to bring all of these things? Probably not. But it did help add small accents of “me” to the photography studio.
Throw pillows and blankets
Laptop, microphone
Books, journal, pen
Water glass, coffee mug, and wine glass
White wine
A collection of clear quartz crystals
Incense, palo santo
Vase of dried flowers
A moment of manifestation from the day —
The night before I was texting with Angela about props and asked if they had a specific kind of water glass, like one in my mood board. She had a very similar one, but taller than what was in the photo. I told her to bring it anyway because it was close enough!
When we got to the studio, Angela was looking through the props they had on-site and the first thing she saw was a water glass exactly like my original inspiration. Total magic! I took it as a sign from the universe that we were on track and in the flow.
Wrapping it all up in gratitude!
When I consider the hours of preparation that went into the photoshoot, the two magical hours we were actually at the studio, and the hours that Angela is now spending culling and editing the photos, I feel incredibly lucky. Like, “Pinch me, how is this all possible!?” lucky.
I’m so so so grateful that I get to do this work, helping women feel more at ease in their everyday lives and actually listen to their inner voices. I’m so so so grateful that I have such an incredible community of creative women around me who helped make this shoot possible. And I’m so so so excited about all the updates and changes ahead. Happy, thank you, more, please!
Find the Clarity You’re Craving
My calendar is back open with limited sessions in August!
If the clarity I’m talking about in today’s episode is something you want, book yourself a session. Clients leave feeling calm and grounded, with clarity on what to do next.
Receive answers from your intuition on topics including career, finances, health, relationships, and anything else you want to explore. Perfect for new and returning clients.
Listen to the Celebrate Cultivate Podcast
Keep Reading for More Inspiration
Creating for Yourself with Angela Doran
Angela is a lifestyle photographer who’s always looking for light and magic. Listen in as we discuss rituals, self-care, and creating for yourself. Our conversation also gets into some common misconceptions about meditation and manifestation. (Hint: they don’t have to look a certain way!)
About Kaileen Elise Sues
Hi, I'm Kaileen! Intuition coach, host of the Celebrate Cultivate podcast, and mom of three. Before learning to listen to my inner voice, I was a perfectionist always on the edge of overwhelm.
This practice has changed everything. It’s helped me heal old wounds, navigate daily dramas, manifest magic, and live with a deep sense of inner peace. That's why I became a coach — to help others access intuition, trust what they hear, and act from there.
