Celebrating Yourself with Personal Branding Photos


There is something really powerful about deciding to document yourself exactly as you are in a season of growth.


When Regan reached out to me about booking portraits on the Upper East Side, she explained that she had been putting a lot of work into herself and wanted photos that celebrated how she looks and feels right now. I immediately loved the intention behind the session. Rather than focusing on traditional headshots, Regan wanted the photos to feel personal, stylish, and connected to her actual life and interests.

Young woman smiling at a coffee bar, sitting by window with a cup and pastry on the Upper East Side, NYC during a personal branding session.

Regan works in the fine food imports industry and frequently travels throughout Europe tasting foods and meeting with exporters, so she wanted the session to reflect that side of her personality and aesthetic in a natural way.


The Upper East Side ended up being the perfect backdrop. We started the session at Maman, the cozy French café known for its warm atmosphere and beautiful interior details. The entire space fit the European-inspired feeling Regan was drawn to, and it immediately helped the session feel relaxed instead of overly formal.


One thing I always try to prioritize during portrait sessions is helping people settle into themselves naturally. Most people are at least a little nervous at the beginning of being photographed, especially when the session is focused entirely on them.


Instead of making the session feel stiff or heavily posed, I guide people through movement, conversation, and smaller moments that feel more natural. I want the photos to feel like an elevated version of someone’s real personality rather than a completely different version of them. That approach worked perfectly for Regan because she has such a naturally chic and grounded energy.

Young woman in green embroidered crop top and red pants posing on a city street with bokeh lights on the Upper East Side.

After Maman, we wandered through different streets on the Upper East Side stopping wherever the light or atmosphere felt interesting. One of my favorite things about portrait sessions in NYC is that the city itself becomes part of the story. The sidewalks, storefronts, cafés, and little in-between moments all help create images that feel cinematic and personal at the same time.


We also stopped at Anita’s Gelato, which added another playful layer to the session and tied into the European café-inspired aesthetic she envisioned from the beginning. Throughout the session, Regan became more and more comfortable in front of the camera, which is always such a fun transformation to watch happen. By the end, she was completely relaxed and genuinely enjoying herself.


I think one of the biggest misconceptions about portrait photography is that you need a major milestone or occasion in order to book a session. Sometimes the reason can simply be wanting to remember yourself in a season where you feel confident, grounded, and proud of who you are becoming. Those reasons honestly matter just as much.


When Regan received her gallery afterward, she told me the photos felt exactly like her. That is always one of the best compliments I can receive because my goal is never just taking flattering images. I want people to feel seen in a genuine way. This Upper East Side portrait session felt stylish, warm, and effortlessly New York while still staying deeply personal to who Regan is.

Woman in lace crop top and teal floral pleated midi skirt with ankle boots posing outside a restaurant.
Young woman in brown lace top with gold earrings sitting at cafe table with pastry on blue plate.
Woman smiling at camera in cozy coffee bar, sitting at table with cup and pastry, wearing lace top.
Young woman in lace crop top and pleated skirt posing on a city street in black and white photo.
Young woman in green floral top and red pants sitting at outdoor cafe table wearing stud earrings.
Woman in green patterned top sitting at a cafe table photographed through a reflective window.
Young woman in lace top and teal skirt sits at outdoor cafe table on busy city sidewalk.
Black and white photo of woman in lace crop top and pleated skirt leaning against a classic car.
Stylish woman in brown lace bustier top and teal pleated skirt posing outdoors on a city street.
Young woman in green embroidered crop top and red wide-leg pants sitting outside cafe Anita.
A slender woman in a green embroidered crop top and red pants poses against a vibrant red door.
Woman in brown lace corset top and scenic pleated midi skirt posing beside a vintage teal car.
Young woman in brown lace top enjoying coffee and pastry at a cozy cafe table with white flowers.
Back view of woman in rust lace crop top with open back and teal pleated skirt in restaurant.
Young woman in rust lace crop top and teal pleated skirt posing on a blurred city street at dusk.

Looking for personal branding photos?


If you are looking for an NYC portrait photographer or branding photographer and want photos that feel natural, elevated, and true to your personality, I would love to create something intentional with you. Drop your contact info, when you were looking to have a session, and some ideas you have and I will get back to you within 24 hours!