Capturing Authenticity: A Studio Session with Rachel Waite from Holistic Harmonies
Last month, I had the pleasure of welcoming Rachel Waite from Holistic Harmonies into the studio for a portrait session. Rachel was looking for fresh, professional photos to update her online presence and enhance her applications for business funding.
About Holistic Harmonies
Holistic Harmonies is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that uses music, movement, and song to promote positive well-being and community togetherness across all ages. Their work fosters connection and emotional well-being through engaging, interactive experiences.
A Tailored Approach to Portrait Photography
To kick off the session, Rachel shared her vision for the photos and how she wanted to present herself professionally. As we experimented with different lighting setups, poses, and backdrops, it became clear that a more natural and relaxed approach suited her best.
Through conversation, we realised that Rachel felt most comfortable when embodying how she is in workshops—dynamic, engaged, and present. To reflect this, we made some adjustments:
Switched up the setup – Instead of traditional portrait poses, Rachel sat on the floor to mirror how she interacts with clients.
Adapted the framing – We swapped lenses to include more movement and space in the frame, capturing her expressive and energetic style.
Focused on authenticity – Quick, natural shots helped bring out her true personality, resulting in photos that felt more like "her."
The final images not only looked great but also captured the essence of Rachel’s work—warm, interactive, and full of life. She left feeling confident that the photos would reflect her brand authentically online.
“I had a really positive experience having my headshots taken by Joe. Despite being a performer, I can quite often stiffen up when it comes to keeping still! Joe was so affable and put me at ease. I felt relaxed enough to try out more creative poses and to offer ideas.”
Need New Professional Photos for Your Business?
If you're looking to update your headshots, personal branding photos, or promotional images, I’d love to help. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or community leader, I’ll work with you to create photos that feel natural and aligned with your brand.
Get in touch or book a session* and let’s create images that tell your story.
(*you can get 25% off this month using the code ‘MARCH20’ we have six spaces left in the studio this month).
