Tanya G. | Personal Branding Session

personal branding session
Tanya G. | Personal Branding Session
I’m always amazed when someone comes from far away just to have a session with me.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for each and every client I have the opportunity to work with both near and far, but when someone hops a flight or drives for hours just to work with me, well…let’s just say it blows my mind a little.  Not because I don’t think I’m a good photographer, but there are so many photographers out there that produce good work I guess it just baffles me a bit when someone thinks enough of me and what I do to make the trek to see me.
denise benson photography
Tanya and I are a part of a Facebook group for photographers and that’s how we initially ‘met’.  She reached out to me and indicated she wanted to come down from the DMV area for her next branding session.  Some time went by and she eventually reached back out when she was ready to move forward.  She explained her vision and what she does as a side hustle (photography) as well as her hobby (ballroom dancing) and we worked together to create a session that combined her two passions and something that was uniquely hers.
denise benson photography
Over the course of two hours we spent working together we had a great time getting to know one another and I was able to see first hand how her passions make her come alive and how excited they get her.  After our session time together ended I knew we had to hang out for just a bit longer so we enjoyed desserts and coffee at the original Amelie’s in NoDa while getting to know one another on a more personal level.  I’m truly thankful she entrusted me with her vision and I’m excited to see where both of her dreams take her.  You can find Tanya on her website, Instagramand Twitter. And if you’re in the DMV area and looking for a photographer definitely reach out to her!
denise benson photography

Candice J. | Columbia Branding Session

binact

Candice J. | Columbia Branding Session

While I love shooting in and around Rock Hill and Charlotte, NC it’s fun to get out of town every once in a while for a session and shoot in locations I only get the opportunity to shoot in occasionally and sometimes for the first time ever.  When my Soror Candice reached out to me regarding a branding session for her blog, But I’m Not A Critic Though (aka BINACT), I was so excited to get the opportunity to work with her!  BINACT’s mission is to provide unique and positive perspectives to today’s music culture.  BINACT, as it’s sometimes affectionately dubbed, gives it’s followers music reviews of not only mainstream music, but also independent artists that you may have never heard of before.  And in today’s culture that’s definitely a refreshing change of pace.
but I'm not a critic though
denise benson photography
Candice and I met in The Vista located in downtown Columbia, SC (home of my alma mater) for a quick shoot to give her some fresh, new images that she can use across the board for not only her website, but social media and her marketing materials.  Her laid back style allowed us to capture some unique imagery that isn’t stuffy or boring like typical headshots can sometimes be.  I love when my clients think outside the box and use their images to speak to who they are and what they want their brand to represent.
columbia branding session
You can check Candice and BINACT out on Instagram and Facebook. And to keep up with the latest at But I’m Not A Critic Though make sure to visit her website and sign up for her newsletter.  And if you’re a blogger, business owner or just need some updated images I’d love to chat with you!  Email me today so I can help you bring your vision to life.

Sheena F. | Slay The Day

denise benson photography
Sheena F. | Slay The Day
I had the pleasure of working with Sheena a few months ago for her first branding session and we instantly clicked!  I love it when I meet a new client and our visions are so in sync that we’re already looking forward to our next shoot together.  So I was thrilled when she reached back out to me regarding her new t-shirt line “Slay The Day” and having me capture it.  Sheena is an advocate for living the single life fabulously so this new line of t-shirts (that let’s both married and single ladies know they’re slaying this life with no regrets) is completely on brand for her.  It was something a bit different for me when it comes to branding photography and I always like to stretch myself and try new things so I was extra excited for this session.
sheena faust
personal branding
We decided to shoot in her city of Columbia, SC, affectionately known as Soda City in the downtown area with a group of fabulous ladies.  Some that Sheena has known for years and others that she had just met prior to the shoot and got them to be a part of the fun!  I got to work with each of these ladies individually and in groupings and it was such a fun morning!  Thankfully we were able to get in and out before the humidity got the best of us and we came away with some amazing shots.  I’m so glad that Sheena chose me to be part of creating this campaign for her and I’m already looking forward to our next collaboration.  If you’re looking to build your brand or create new images for an existing brand I’d love to hear from you!  Email me today so that I can hear your ideas of how we can create some magic together.
slay the day

Meet Me In Maui

denise benson photography
Meet Me In Maui
A couple of months ago I took one of the most amazing vacations of my entire life all thanks to my best friend.  Hawaii has been on my bucket list for years.  And when I say years, I mean YEARS.  And although it’s part of the United States it’s always seemed a bit unattainable.  Literally being on the other side of the country and knowing how expensive of a trip it would be made it a trip that I wasn’t sure would ever take place.  So when the opportunity presented itself at the end of 2017 to actually go in August of 2018 I decided to put my doubts to the side and just say YES!  And boy am I glad I did.  It was one of the most beautiful and relaxing vacations I’ve ever taken.  For one week straight I was literally out here “living my best life.”
meet me in maui
denise benson photography
hawaii vacation
The island of Maui is incredibly lush and scenic and although it’s a laid back environment we were never short on things to do.  From lounging on the beach in our own private casabella and at the resort pools of The Grand Wailea Resort, pampering ourselves at the best spa I’ve ever experienced, exploring a nearby rock beach on the search for sea turtles, to zip-lining in one of the most scenic places in the world it was a trip I will always remember.  If you ever find yourself in Maui take advantage of everything it has to offer.  And fully enjoy the cuisine!  We ate so good everyday and I’m still craving the shrimp poke bowls that I had on more than one occasion.  I’m so thankful this was something I was able to share with some amazing ladies and am already looking forward to my next adventure!
luaudenise benson photography

Olivia Bridal Session | The Venue At Falls Park

denise benson photographyOlivia Bridal Session | The Venue At Falls Park
Now that my baby sister is officially a married woman I can FINALLY share her bridal session portraits.  And believe me, sitting on this session has been difficult!  First world photographer problems…I know.  She originally didn’t plan to do a bridal session, but I told her this would be a moment in life she would never get back.  The hustle and bustle of the actual wedding day often times doesn’t leave you with a lot of time for portraits of just yourself in your gown so the bridal session is a great time to capture those images and do a test run of how you will look on your big day (hair and makeup included).
venue at falls park
venue at falls park
The day of her session was long starting out in Lancaster, SC for her hair appointment with Donna Heath of Elegant Touch and then trekking to Columbia, SC for her makeup appointment with Maranda Williams of Faces By Maranda and finally ending the day in Greenville, SC at The Venue At Falls Park for her actual portrait session.  Along with the help of her good friend and wedding planner Laquesha White we made a little bit of magic that day.  My sister was a stunning bride and I’m so thankful that I was able to capture this moment for her in such a beautiful location!  And although her wedding day is my last as a lead photographer (more on that to come on a future blog post all about my transitions) I absolutely LOVE capturing bridal portrait sessions.  So if you have a big day coming up I would love to be a part of it and make it memorable for you.  Please email me today so we can begin discussing your bridal session and how I can play a part of such a special moment in your life.  I can’t wait to work with you!
denise benson photography
bridal portrait photography

CATEGORIES

Based In

CHARLOTTE METRO AREA

803.526.7880

CHARLOTTE PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY

small logo

CONNECT