Elevated Brand Photography for Creative Leaders: Bilen Zeremariam
Brand photography is essential for founders, editors, designers and creative directors who operate in premium spaces. Strong personal branding imagery communicates authority, taste and vision long before a conversation happens. For women leading in design, publishing and cultural spaces, lifestyle brand photography is not optional, it is part of the positioning. Recently, I worked with Bilen Zeremariam, Editor in Chief of Olise Magazine, designer, speaker and curator, who is also launching the TRI Design Festival later this month. It had been five years since she last updated her brand imagery, so this refresh was long overdue.
Before every brand photography shoot, I ask clients to complete a detailed questionnaire. This is where we go deep into the ins and outs of the business, future direction, audience and positioning. From that, I curated three potential locations that I felt would reflect everything Bilen stands for. As someone who works within high end, premium interiors and showcases exceptional spaces through her magazine, the location had to be right. It needed to mirror the level of design and architectural beauty she aligns herself with.
When Bilen saw the chosen location, she immediately connected with it. It reflected the kinds of spaces she features in Olise Magazine and felt completely aligned with her personal brand. Once secured, we worked strategically around what could be achieved within the timeframe. Bilen booked The Essential Session, which gives us three hours to work with intention and clarity.
We captured a strong mix of fresh portraits, from powerful, editorial style poses to softer, more relaxed images that showed her feminine energy and warmth. We also included working behind the scenes shots to give context to her role as an editor, curator and creative leader. By moving through different backdrops within the house, we created variety without overcomplicating the set up. Props were kept minimal and refined, allowing the focus to remain on Bilen and her presence. Outfit changes were carefully considered to add depth and versatility to the final gallery.
The result is a cohesive, elevated collection of brand photography that reflects where Bilen is now in her career. As she steps into launching TRI Design Festival and continues to expand her work across publishing, design and curation, her imagery now matches the level she operates at.
There is often a gap between the calibre of work you produce and the imagery representing you. Strategic brand photography closes that gap. It ensures your visuals reflect your authority, your aesthetic and the spaces you belong in.
