Bridal Hair and Make up Branding Shoot
Client: Harriet Cook, HC Brides, Cheltenham.
Website: www.hcbrides.co.uk
The shoot: Signature session
The Brief
Harriet Cook is a talented bridal makeup artist and hair stylist based in Cheltenham, specialising in creating elegant, timeless looks for brides under her business HC Brides. With a well-established team of stylists working for her, Harriet wanted to highlight her personal brand in her hair and makeup branding shoot. While her team is an essential part of her business, Harriet wanted these images to focus on her personal expertise and personality, setting her apart as a leader in the industry.
The goal was to capture images that could be used across her website and social media, helping to elevate her personal profile as a high-end hair and makeup artist who brings not just technical skill but also a calming and professional presence to her clients’ big day. These images were also intended to make her stand out in marketing materials, reinforcing her expertise and reinforcing the trust she builds with clients and brides-to-be.
Additionally, Harriet’s new studio in Cheltenham was an important part of the shoot. The studio needed to be featured prominently, as it offers potential brides a sneak peek into the elegant, light-filled space where they will receive their styling on their special day.
Bringing the vision to life
To give Harriet’s brand a fresh and personal touch, I focused on creating a balanced mix of professional and elegant headshots and action shots of her in her element, styling a bride’s hair and makeup. Harriet is known for her refined and timeless bridal styles, so it was important to ensure that the images reflected not only her skill but also the experience she provides for her clients. Brides entrust her with their most important day, and I wanted the photos to capture the confidence and warmth she exudes.
The headshots were designed to feel approachable yet polished, aligning with Harriet’s brand of understated elegance. I chose neutral, light-filled backgrounds in her studio to keep the attention on her, while still incorporating elements of the bridal aesthetic she is known for. The action shots were equally important. By focusing on Harriet at work, the images show her attention to detail and the precision that sets her apart as a top stylist.
We also made sure to capture Harriet interacting naturally with her model, highlighting the calm, friendly, organised atmosphere she creates on the day of the wedding. The candid shots show her guiding the bride with both care and confidence, which is key for brides who may feel anxious or overwhelmed. Through these images, potential clients can see that Harriet is not just a stylist, but a calming presence who ensures that each bride feels beautiful and confident on her wedding day.
Testimonial
“Emma preps you so well for the shoot, so you really think about what you want convey, your outfits, where the photos will be used. I am so happy with my images, and can’t wait to put them to use!
Emma is such a warm, lovely person, who will put you right at ease with having photos taken, both candid and posed. Her photos are absolutely stunning! I am awkward with photos, so I am amazed at how natural she has managed to make me look (and feel) on the day!” – Harriet Cook, Cheltenham.
Practicalities on the Day
The shoot took place in Harriet’s newly renovated studio, an elegant, neutral space in Cheltenham that perfectly reflects the high-end bridal experience she offers. With big windows, the studio has beautiful natural light, which made it an ideal location for her branding shoot. Harriet wanted to feature the space in the photos, as it is not only where she works with her brides but also an extension of her brand—luxurious, calming, and beautifully curated.
We started the session by photographing Harriet in action, styling a model’s hair and makeup. These process shots were key in showing the skill and care Harriet brings to her work. I intentionally captured detail shots of her hands as she worked, focusing on the tools of her trade and the precision with which she applies makeup and styles hair. This attention to detail is one of the reasons Harriet’s brides trust her to deliver flawless, long-lasting looks for their big day.
Once the action shots were complete, we moved on to informal, lifestyle portraits of Harriet in her studio. Using light, airy backdrops and the clean, minimalist aesthetic of the space, we were able to create a series of polished headshots that perfectly capture Harriet’s approachable yet professional demeanour. The entire shoot was designed to reflect not just Harriet’s skills, but also the calm, reassuring presence she brings to her clients—a key reason brides choose her for their weddings.
My Favourite Shots
1. Candid Styling Shot
– Harriet, mid-process, styling a bride’s hair while surrounded by her tools. This image is one of my favorites because it captures the focus and dedication Harriet brings to her work. It’s a candid, authentic moment that shows her at her best—calm, skilled, and in control.
2. Lifestyle Portrait at Work
–A beautifully natural and warm portrait of Harriet, standing confidently in her studio by her make up chair. I love this shot because it captures not just her beauty, but her professionalism and warmth—traits that are so important for her brand. The light-filled space around her adds to the image’s elegance, aligning perfectly with her high-end bridal aesthetic.
3. Headshot in the Studio
– A relaxed and warm headshot, showing Harriet wearing a smart blazer, but still exuding that warmth and professionalism.The natural, soft light from the big windows to Harriet’s right in the studio softens shadows and gives her a glow and a sparkle in her eyes.This reinforces her warm and welcoming personality. Her natural smile came from our conversation.
The Impact on Harriet’s Brand
Following her hair and makeup shoot, Harriet’s images have already made a big impact on her business. She was featured in the Gather & Grow newsletter—a national educational event for hair and makeup artists—and received numerous lovely comments about her new photos. The visibility has helped elevate her personal brand within the industry.
In fact, Harriet was also booked for a branding shoot by a designer who mentioned that, as soon as she saw the images from Harriet’s shoot, she knew she wanted to work with her. This is a great example of how professional, cohesive visuals can attract your ideal clients by clearly showcasing what you’re about.
Harriet now has a versatile bank of images that she can use across her website and social media, helping her to consistently communicate her brand’s message and promote her services with confidence. These photos not only reflect her style and expertise but also help her engage more effectively with her audience.
Ready to elevate your own brand with stunning, professional images which feel like you? Whether you’re a hair and makeup stylist or a small business owner, a tailored branding shoot can help you attract your ideal clients and showcase what makes you unique. Get in touch today to chat about how we can create images that tell your story