A Branding Session with Ellenhorn
Not every branding session starts with a perfectly polished timeline and a cozy planning call weeks in advance.
This one started with a message that read something like: “Our photographer backed out three days before our shoot… is there any chance you’re available?”
Enter Ellenhorn.
Ellenhorn is a Psychiatric Recovery program, and they had already done all the right things. Employee schedules had been rearranged. Practice events were planned. Locations were secured. The intention behind the shoot was clear. When their original photographer backed out at the last minute, they were understandably disappointed. Yet still hopeful they could make it work and not call the entire thing a loss.
That’s when we connected. And I’m so genuinely glad we did.
Making It Happen (Even When It’s Last Minute)
Normally, every branding session I photograph begins with a planning consultation. We talk through goals, locations, visual tone, and how the images will be used. This time, we skipped that step… not because it isn’t important, but because time simply didn’t allow.
Instead, Ellenhorn came to the table prepared. They knew exactly what they wanted to showcase and had already thoughtfully planned the flow of the shoot. My job was to step in, listen carefully, and adapt quickly.
Thanks to an incredibly supportive community (and some last-minute childcare magic), I was able to make their dates work. Sometimes that’s how creative work goes, things fall apart, people step up, and something really meaningful comes together in the process.
The Heart of the Session: Connection
From the very beginning, Ellenhorn was clear about one thing: this session was about connection.
Not stiff headshots.
Not overly posed moments.
But real people interacting in real ways.
We photographed across three of their Arlington locations, along with a nearby local park. Each setting offered a new layer to their story, staff and participants connecting through conversation, shared meals, gardening, music, and art. All the everyday moments that reflect what their program truly offers.
Spending the day with them gave me such a genuine insight into their work. The environments felt warm, intentional, and human… each space was more charming than the last. Many of their locations are old homes converted for commercial use, which feels so fitting for a program centered on care, community, and recovery.
Working With Real Spaces (and Real Light)
Like many homes in the greater Boston area, these spaces came with their own challenges. Smaller rooms. Limited natural light. Tight corners.
And honestly? That’s where experience really matters.
At Ellenhorn’s request, we photographed everything using available light only… no added flash or artificial lighting. To make that work, I leaned on tools and techniques I know well: a wide-angle lens, shooting wide open, and being intentional about positioning and movement within each space.
The goal wasn’t perfection, it was authenticity. The images needed to feel real, grounded, and approachable. Sometimes that means embracing softer light and letting moments unfold naturally instead of forcing a setup that doesn’t fit the environment.
Why This Session Worked (Even Without the Usual Steps)
This shoot was a great reminder that while planning sessions are incredibly valuable, clarity and intention matter just as much.
Ellenhorn knew who they are.
They knew what they wanted to communicate.
And they trusted me to translate that visually, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
The result? A branding gallery that feels honest, warm, and deeply aligned with their mission. Images that show people engaging, listening, creating, and connecting. Exactly what psychiatric recovery looks like in real life.
A Final Thought
Not every shoot will be perfectly planned. Schedules change. People cancel. Curveballs happen.
But when everyone involved is committed to the purpose behind the work, something really special can still come from it.
This session was proof that flexibility, trust, and a shared goal can turn a stressful situation into a meaningful, impactful experience and I’m truly grateful Ellenhorn trusted me to step in when they needed it most.
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