This week I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Raconteur, a brand that creates immersive, luxury cruise enrichment experiences designed to engage, inspire, and delight guests at sea. From unique destination storytelling to thoughtfully crafted onboard programming, Raconteur helps cruise lines make unforgettable moments that go far beyond just sailing from port to port.
Their work blends culture, connection, and story into experiences built to be felt, not just seen and that’s exactly the kind of vibe we wanted their branding photos to reflect.
The Studio on Broad - My Tried & True
We were at The Studio on Broad, one of my favorite spaces for studio branding sessions. I love this studio because it has:
- A variety of backdrop options
- Tons of furniture and props
- A gorgeous brick wall that adds depth and character
- And truly supportive studio owners
It’s such an adaptable space, especially great for branding shoots where we want multiple looks without needing to switch locations.
Outfits On Brand + Intentional Props
Hannah and Suzanne, the passionate minds behind Raconteur, came prepared. They each brought two outfits that matched their brand’s aesthetic perfectly. Every look felt intentional and truly representative of the experiences they create for their clients.
For the session, we kept things clean and cohesive:
- Classic white backdrop to anchor the brand story
- Carefully selected furniture pieces from the studio for variation
- Simple posing that still conveyed personality and movement
Branding photos should feel like you, not forced or over-designed, and their outfits helped communicate who they are and what they do.
Thoughtful Props That Elevated the Shoot
When we planned their session, I sent over a list of prop ideas tailored to travel and cruising and they crushed it. One standout idea? Matching suitcases in their brand colors.
Not only did the suitcases tie directly into what their business is about, but they also:
- Added color and texture to the images
- Helped tell a story rather than just take a photo
- Gave them something natural to interact with during poses
A prop that makes sense for your brand doesn’t just look good, it helps your audience understand what you stand for.
Brick Walls, Globes & “On the Go” Energy
The brick wall in the studio was a favorite of both Hannah and Suzanne. They said it gave “on the go” energy that matched their brand image.
We also found this cute globe in the prop room and instantly knew it was perfect. Since Raconteur brand is centered around travel, immersion, and experiences, it felt like an effortless storytelling piece.
One Year in Business & A Celebration
It was also Raconteur's one-year anniversary!
Obviously that called for a big number one balloon. Not only did it celebrate their milestone, but balloons also make for such fun, energetic photos. Plus, having something to hold instantly helps anyone feel more relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
