There’s something electric about photographing a business at the very beginning—when an idea that’s been simmering quietly behind the scenes is finally ready to step into the spotlight. That’s exactly what this shoot was for Sophie and her brand Teach 2 AI. It wasn’t just about getting some great headshots (though we absolutely did that); it was about capturing a feeling—who she is, what she does, and why her work matters in this ever-evolving space of tech and creativity.

Sophie turned her teaching background into a business that educates marketers and solopreneurs on the power of AI. Her brand isn’t about algorithms or jargon—it’s about helping people feel excited about using AI without losing the human element in their content. So naturally, when it came time to create visuals for her website, social media, and official launch, she wanted her brand photos to feel just like her: relatable, friendly, and sharp!

Here’s how we brought all that to life in the studio.

Setting the Scene: Props, Purpose, and Personality

Sophie arrived at the studio with a clear vision, and that made all the difference. She brought props that told a story: her laptop and phone loaded with her favourite AI tools, markers and chart paper to evoke her teaching capabilities, and the real scene-stealer—her sweet pup, Annie!

Each item added a layer of authenticity and gave us creative ways to tell her brand story without feeling stiff or overly curated. The chart paper and markers let us play with that “teacher vibe” in a way that felt light and visual (no whiteboards or chalk dust required), while her devices helped ground her in the digital world she’s helping others navigate. And Annie? She brought the warm, accessible energy that Teach 2 AI is all about.

We weren’t just staging a shoot—we were building a visual world that echoed the why behind her work: making AI feel human, helpful, and a little bit fun.

A Balance of B-Roll + Branding

One of Sophie’s top priorities for the shoot was variety. She needed professional, branded images for her website and social platforms, yes—but she also wanted that b-roll magic.

Think: background images, abstract visuals, candid moments, and those slightly offbeat, artful shots that can live everywhere from YouTube thumbnails to podcast graphics to slide decks. We wove these into our session with intention, playing with light, motion, and negative space to create assets that are not only beautiful, but super versatile.

Some of my favourites? A wide-angle shot of Sophie writing on chart paper with a natural laugh caught mid-sentence. A cropped image of her colourful markers. A playful frame of Annie cuddling Sophie on the chair. These aren’t just “extras”—they’re context. They tell the story of a woman building something fresh and forward-thinking, grounded in warmth, wit, and education!

Real Smiles, Real Moments

It was clear from the get-go that Sophie didn’t want her photos to feel overly posed or polished. She wanted to look like herself—approachable and smart, someone you’d trust to guide you through the weird and wonderful world of AI.

So, we kept things candid. We played 2000s throwbacks, we chatted about her biz plans; we let moments unfold instead of forcing them. A lot of the images that ended up being our favourites weren’t planned poses—they were in-between moments: her smiling at Annie off-camera, laughing after a silly idea, glancing down thoughtfully while standing against the wall.

That’s the kind of energy we were after. It’s not about picture-perfect. It’s about feeling present, engaged, and a little sparkly with ideas.

Photos That Teach 2 AI

What made this shoot feel extra special was how aligned everything was—Sophie’s brand values, her personality, and the visual storytelling all pointed in the same direction.

Her brand pillars—practical implementation, human-centered automation, and accessible education—translated directly into her photos.

• Practical implementation? We showed her using real tools—laptop open, phone in hand, brainstorming content.
• Human-centered automation? We focused on her. The human behind the help. The teacher, the guide, the relatable voice of reason in a sea of overwhelming tech speak.
• Accessible education? We kept the tone light and welcoming, capturing visuals that could live anywhere—from a sales page to a keynote slide—and still feel inviting.

These weren’t just pretty pictures. They were custom-crafted assets that speak directly to her dream clients: mid-size marketing teams and content creators who want to embrace AI without losing their voice or their sanity.

Bringing It All Together: Launch-Ready, Personality-Packed

By the end of the shoot, we had a gallery full of images that check every box on Sophie’s wishlist:

✓ B-roll for background use
✓ Warm, friendly portraits with personality
✓ Brand-consistent visuals that highlight both her tech-savviness and her teaching roots
✓ Lots (and lots!) of natural candids
✓ A few surprise favourites—including Annie sneaking into frame like the little branding mascot she is

The result? A photo collection that feels ready-made for a launch—the kind of images that don’t just show what Sophie does, but help people feel it too.

Whether someone’s browsing her website, listening to her podcast, or seeing her pop up in their feed for the first time, these images make an instant impression: she’s the real deal. Smart, approachable, and ready to help you figure out what the heck to do with AI.

Final Thoughts

Helping a brand like Teach 2 AI come to life visually is what I love most about this work. It’s not about trends or algorithms or getting the “perfect” shot—it’s about seeing someone’s story, their values, their spark, and capturing thatin a way they can share with the world.

Sophie walked into the studio with a plan and a dog. She walked out with a full gallery of launch-ready content, a few new favourite photos, and a visual brand that finally matches the magic of her message!

And if you ask me? That’s exactly the kind of brand story worth showing off.