Website: https://feratallow.co.uk
The shoot: Lifestyle Product and Branding Photography Session
There’s something special about the people who come to me for lifestyle product and branding photography—so many have built businesses from their own experiences, turning personal challenges into something truly meaningful.
Joanna Hopkins is no exception. For her, eczema wasn’t just a skin condition—it was the catalyst for something better. Frustrated by the lack of effective, natural solutions, she discovered the transformative power of tallow, leading her to create Fera Tallow, a gentle, multi-purpose skincare brand that really works.
With a new website launch pending and plans to increase her brand’s visibility, Joanna needed impactful imagery to build trust and connect with her audience. To achieve this, she had two key goals for her lifestyle product and branding shoot: First, to highlight her personal journey and passion for creating non-toxic skincare solutions. Second, to create lifestyle product imagery that helped her audience visualize using Fera Tallow in their daily lives.
“Moira was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. She was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process – from our very first call to delivering the final photos.
Not only is she incredibly talented, but she’s also so personable and lovely to work with. She had fantastic suggestions along the way, and I’ve never seen someone work so hard to capture the perfect shot! I’ll continue to use Moira for all my photography needs because, as far as I’m concerned, no one else will top her work!”
Take a look at the image highlights from Joanna’s shoot and see how everything came together—from planning to shoot. Including Joanna’s thoughts on her photography experience, the impact the photos have had on her business, and the one piece of advice she’d give to anyone considering their own photography session.
LOCATION, PROPS AND STYLING
We captured Joanna’s lifestyle product and branding session at Poplars Farm Barns, a serene rural setting. Its airy spaces, earthy textures, and calming tones which seamlessly aligned with Fera Tallow’s organic aesthetic.
To bring the lifestyle scenes to life, we carefully selected props and styling elements using natural materials and earthy tones to highlight the brand’s authentic, handcrafted feel. A mix of textures added depth, while Joanna’s clothing styling, featured a soft, neutral palette and a relaxed, effortless vibe, ensuring every detail felt true to her ethos.
THE SHOT LIST
Joanna wanted a mix of personal branding photos, from headshots to behind-the-scenes shots of her process and lifestyle images that captured her day-to-day. She also needed lifestyle product shots, featuring her skincare products in use and styled within the home. The vision for each shot was carefully thought out, making sure the context felt just right. Above all, it meant Joanna would get a great collection of images that perfectly fit her brand and ready for immediate use across her website, social media, and PR.
THE SHOOT
Taking advantage of the soft morning light before the busy day ahead, we started with Joanna’s indoor personal branding photos, With fresh hair and makeup, it was the perfect moment to capture Joanna in a natural yet professional way, though a selection of structured and candid shots.
Although we had planned photographing the nursery scenes around our model baby’s sleep schedule, I knew from experience that flexibility would be key and we’d need to be ready to go as soon as he was. Thankfully, our preparation paid off and he was an absolute star! Using natural light and textured fabrics we created a soft, organic feel, while the patterned Secret Linen bedding added depth and visual interest to these images.
We continued the product photography in the main bedroom. With its luxurious roll-top bath, plastered walls, and natural light, it was the perfect setting, complementing the earthy aesthetic we were aiming for. Following my advice, Joanna had organised each product with matching props, making scene swaps efficient and ensuring we created a cohesive set of images.
These scenes resulted in some of Joanna’s favourite images – in her words:
“I think all the shots are fantastic, but for product imagery, I’d definitely go with the baby’s leg shot! It perfectly captures the softness and gentleness of the product. I also love the lip balms in the wooden bowl – the combination of the wood and the black window frame is just stunning.”
Homely, relaxed images of Joanna with her Mum were essential to telling her eczema story. We chose the kitchen as the backdrop, featuring a reclaimed wooden table and a homemade pumpkin pie, creating warm, authentic images that captured their relationship—and their love of cake!
Next we created images providing insight into the making process, featuring Joanna’s branded apron and tools of her trade. The white kitchen worktop enhanced the clean, minimalist aesthetic while symbolizing purity and hygiene, highlighting the meticulous care she takes in preparing her handmade skincare products.
Having changed into pyjamas, we headed to the children’s bedroom with Joanna and her step-son to capture images demonstrating the use of Fera Tallow as part of a daily routine. The natural bedhead and wooden shelving retained the organic vibe with a sense of childhood playfulness being introduced with colour pops from the pyjamas and accessories.
We wrapped up the shoot outdoors showcasing the human side of Joanna’s business with some seasonal images. Her pet dogs who, having been looked after by her mum during the day, were delighted to join in the fun! Set in the countryside, these final images beautifully reflect her values of wellbeing and make for engaging content with her clients.
How did you feel when you received your images?
Ecstatic! Honestly, I was beyond thrilled. Moira completely understood my vision, and the photos turned out even better than I could have imagined. They exceeded my expectations in every way. I was SO excited when they came through!
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about a lifestyle product and branding shoot, what would that be?
Book a shoot location. This didn’t even cross my mind at first, but when Moira suggested it, it made a world of difference. It completely elevated the final images and achieved an outcome I wouldn’t have achieved shooting at home. It’s a game-changer!
How have you gone on to use your gallery of images and how (if at all) do you feel it’s impacted your brand?
I genuinely feel like this shoot was a turning point for Fera Tallow. It kick started a huge year for the brand and really set the ‘vibe’ I’d been aiming for. I’ve used the images across my website, socials, and marketing materials, and they’ve completely transformed how my brand presents itself.
I keep thinking I should have done it sooner, but in hindsight, I needed that first year of running my small business to fully understand what I wanted from the shoot. Now, everything from my website to my socials looks so much more cohesive and professional. I constantly get comments on how amazing the photos are, and it’s totally leveled up Fera Tallow.
The impact has been huge – so much so that the images are now going into four magazines between February and April! It’s given my brand an edge that it didn’t have before, and I couldn’t be happier.
Joanna is passionate, determined, and so thoughtful in everything she creates. Seeing her use these photographs to bring her brand to life and grow Fera Tallow has been incredible, and I feel lucky to play even a small part in her journey.
Feeling Inspired?
If you’re ready to book your own lifestyle product and branding photography session, get in touch for an informal an obligation free chat – I’d love to hear from you!
Moira is a Southsea photographer who works throughout Hampshire, West Sussex and the UK. She specialises in personal branding, children and families on-location photography.
