The Journey of Adventure
Client Spotlight: Harkov Lewis Team
Confident, relaxed portraits don’t happen by accident. Go behind the scenes of our SoHo branding shoot with NYC’s Harkov Lewis Team and hear why their marketing director said, “Working with Santiago was an absolute pleasure.”
A powerhouse in New York City real estate, the Harkov Lewis Team—ranked among the top 10 nationwide—blends sharp strategy, deep market insight, and white-glove service to guide clients through every stage of buying and selling.
The entire Harkov Lewis team with over 2 billion dollars in sales, posed confidently in a graffiti-lined alleyway, blending NYC edge with team unity.
What really sets them apart is their energy. When we first connected for this session, it was clear that while their previous branding photos were good, they didn’t fully capture the personality behind the professionalism. Every person on their team greets you with a smile. They’re upbeat, sharp, and genuinely welcoming—and we wanted the photos to reflect that.
A behind-the-scenes moment during our SoHo shoot with the Harkov Lewis Team—capturing me getting a shot mid-session. It’s always about finding that mix of light, energy, and authenticity that tells the full story in a single frame.
Co-founders Ari Harkov and Warner Lewis outside their SoHo office, representing the leadership behind one of NYC’s top real estate teams.
“Working with Santiago was an absolute pleasure—his energy put the team at ease and the photos turned out beautifully.”
Since their office is based in SoHo and they know the neighborhood like the back of their hand, we used the streets and architecture of the area to tell that story. We kept things grounded in natural light—the kind you’d actually experience walking around SoHo on a workday—while using reflectors and light modifiers to subtly shape and soften where needed. The goal was authenticity, not overproduction.
A relaxed portrait taken beneath blooming trees in SoHo—capturing the natural energy and approachability the team wanted to convey.
I guided the team using natural posing and mirroring techniques, helping everyone feel relaxed and true to themselves in front of the camera. We weren’t looking for stiff headshots—we were capturing personality in a real-world setting.
A more polished group portrait in front of a classic SoHo building—highlighting the professionalism and cohesion of the team.
One of my favorite moments from the day was when Christian brought out his bike—something he uses every day to get around the city. He said, “Clients are going to see me coming and going on the bike, so might as well have it in the shoot.” That spirit—practical, personal, and real—was exactly what we were after.
Christian brought his bike along because, in his words, “Clients are going to see me coming and going on the bike, so might as well have it in the shoot.” This portrait became one of the most personal and memorable moments of the session—showcasing how real branding reflects real life.
In the end, we created a series of portraits that feel grounded in who they are: experienced professionals, deeply connected to the city, and a joy to work with.
Portraits of individual team members showing personality, style, and confidence—all captured with clean, natural light in their neighborhood.
If you’re a founder or part of a growing team, my biggest advice? Plan for the vibe. The right creative direction lets your personality come through, so your audience sees you—not just a version of you in a suit.
3 Ways Professional Branding Photos Instantly Lift Your Website Engagement
Discover how strategic branding photos lower bounce rates, guide visitors through your story, and drive them to click “book now.” Includes real GA4 data and a free discovery call offer.
First‑impressions online are ruthless—most visitors decide whether to stay or bail in under three seconds. The fastest lever you can pull? Strong, story‑driven imagery. Below are three practical ways professional branding photos can keep people scrolling, clicking, and ultimately buying.
Above‑the‑fold hero portraits are proven to cut bounce rate by keeping visitors focused on the face behind the brand.
1. Reduce Bounce at First Glance
Your hero banner is the handshake of your website. An authentic, well‑lit portrait immediately answers the visitor’s subconscious question: “Is this brand for me?” When I updated my own homepage portrait set, bounce rate dropped 28 % within a week (GA4 data, March → April).
Quick win — Replace any stock placeholder on your homepage with a single, eye‑level portrait that shows your face and primary workspace.
2. Guide the Scroll With Narrative Imagery
A cohesive photo set—same color palette, lighting, and mood—acts like chapter headings for your copy. Visitors subconsciously follow the visual breadcrumbs, spending more time on each section.
A pre‑shoot storyboard keeps color, texture, and lighting cues consistent across every image set.
Explore more examples in my branding portfolio.
3. Drive Click‑Through With Consistent Thumbnails
Blog cards, product grids, and social previews all rely on thumbnail images. Consistency across those thumbnails can lift click‑through by double digits because the eye recognises a familiar aesthetic.
Practical step: Batch‑edit your next five blog headers to match aspect ratio and color toning.
Next Steps
15‑minute discovery call to map your brand story
Curated shot list tailored to your audience
Shoot day & delivery timeline customised to your launch calendar
Closing
Whether you’re just starting or refreshing an established brand, strategic imagery pays for itself the moment a visitor decides to stay. If you’re curious what a tailored set of photos could do for you, grab a free discovery slot and let’s map it out.
You May Also Like
How to Prepare for a Personal Branding Photoshoot in Seattle – A step‑by‑step checklist that ensures you show up confident and camera‑ready.
Top 10 Seattle Locations for Branding Photography Sessions – Scenic backdrops that instantly elevate your brand story.
Crafting Narratives in Architectural Photography – See how storytelling techniques translate from buildings to personal brands.
Each post deepens a specific aspect of brand imagery and links readers back into your discovery‑call funnel.
Portraits vs. Headshots: What’s Right for Your Brand?
Not sure if you need a headshot or a branding portrait? Discover the key differences, what each session includes, and how to choose what fits your brand best.
A headshot vs. a branding portrait: one focused on clean professionalism, the other on personality, presence, and brand story. The perfect visual to help you choose the right type of session.
Your visual presence defines your brand—let's choose the right imagery to tell your story.
If you're updating your professional presence—whether for LinkedIn, a new business launch, or a full brand refresh—you’ve probably asked yourself: Do I need just a headshot, or should I invest in a full portrait session? The answer depends on your goals, and I’m here to help you decide.
As a photographer based in Seattle and serving the surrounding areas, I work with creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners to craft images that feel intentional, stylish, and personal. Some need a quick, polished headshot. Others are ready for a full storytelling experience. Let's break it down.
What Is a Headshot?
Headshots are ideal when you need one or two images for something specific—maybe you're refreshing your LinkedIn profile, submitting a speaking engagement bio, or applying for a job. These sessions are shorter, more straightforward, and designed to deliver crisp, professional results without overcomplicating the process.
✔️ Fast and efficient
✔️ Perfect for corporate or industry-specific needs
✔️ Polished, professional feel
✔️ Great for first impressions
Who it's for: Anyone needing a quick refresh or a reliable, no-fuss portrait that still feels elevated.
What Is a Branding Portrait Session (And Is It Right for You?)
If you’re building a brand, launching something new, or ready to elevate how you’re seen online, a portrait session is the way to go. We dive deeper—starting with a planning call to understand who you are, what you’re about, and how you want to show up. From there, we map out locations, wardrobe, and the kinds of photos that will serve you across platforms.
These sessions last longer, allow for multiple looks and locations, and result in a full library of cohesive, lifestyle-driven images that go beyond the standard headshot.
✔️ Designed for creatives, entrepreneurs, and multi-hyphenates
✔️ Editorial and elevated feel
✔️ More direction, variety, and visual storytelling
✔️ Ideal for websites, content creation, social, and PR
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to feel seen—and have a body of work that grows with their business or brand.
A branding portrait that goes beyond the surface—this session captures identity, mood, and creative spirit in a rich, natural-light studio setting.
Real Talk: Why Many Start with Headshots
Many clients initially ask for a quick headshot but soon discover the deeper value in a full portrait session. Recently, a client who wanted just a couple of headshots walked away with a complete brand library she now uses across her social media, email marketing, and speaking engagements.
Still, a classic headshot is a great first step—and I’ll make sure you walk away with something that feels true to you, no matter the session.
Not Sure Which Session You Need?
Here’s a quick comparison:
Choose a Headshot Session if you:
Need one or two updated images
Have a limited timeframe or budget
Want something clean and professional quickly
Choose a Branding Portrait Session if you:
Are launching or refreshing a brand
Need a range of images for different platforms
Want a session that’s more creative, collaborative, and story-driven
Ready to Find Your Light?
If you're in Seattle or the surrounding area and wondering which session is right for you, let’s talk. I'm here to guide you through the process and make sure the images we create truly represent who you are.
👉 Explore Portrait Sessions or Get In Touch to book your shoot.