In the Spotlight: from Clinic to Creative
It was a pleasure working with Akanksha Bhardwaj recently as she combines providing wellness therapies to creating a line of Ayurveda based perfumed oils.
Akanksha is a qualified Ayurvedic doctor and works within the NHS so is well placed to see what has long term potential benefits for her own clients and beyond. When we met, Akanksha was working on developing the packaging and marketing for her perfume oils and she was keen to develop her own personal branding to accompany the launch. So, to support this next chapter for her, she wanted personal branding photography that reflected both her heritage and her professional future.
The Brief
Akanksha was clear on her brief, having worked with a brand strategist and she needed her branding photos to feel:
- Elegant and Premium: A refined look that suits a high-end product.
- Warm but Authoritative: Approachable and combined with her deep expertise and experience
- Real: Focusing on the science and calm behind her work rather than a wellness trend or cliche
Planning the Shoot
Given the premium and authoritative feel of her brand, we were keen to find a location that reflected this. We found a studio that had a relaxed yet professional vibe but also with a natural feel that supported the well-being aspect of her work.
While the emphasis of this shoot was Akanksha, it made sense to include some perfume oils in some of the images to give a fuller picture of who she is and what she is creating.
Navigating the shoot
Like many of my clients, Akanksha was initially quite self-conscious about being in front of the camera. It’s a vulnerable position to be in, but a wellbeing branding shoot isn’t about being “perfect”—it’s about being present.
As a London branding photographer, my job is to make the process feel relaxed. We focused on natural movement and simple, sophisticated textures. Once we started discussing her formulations, the nerves vanished. What came through was the natural authority of a woman who truly knows her craft.
Why your story matters
Your face – literally – ends up being a mark of credibility in the wellbeing field, where trust, expertise and experience mean so much. By investing in personal branding, Akanksha is really establishing who she is and what she stands for. These images are her first introduction!
Ready to Step Into the Spotlight?
BYour story deserves to be told. Whether you're just starting out or ready to elevate your brand, let's chat about how a personal branding session can work for you.
Starting Early
Akanksha reached out during this foundational phase, which I think is a brilliant move. You don’t need to wait until everything is “finished” to step in front of the camera. Having these images ready now means she can build her website and community with confidence, turning her vision into something tangible and professional.
Your Brand. Your Story. Your Spotlight.
Feeling inspired? Explore my personal branding packages and find the perfect fit for where you are right now.
