Let’s talk about the day Elaine, a Certified Sommelier and absolute wine wizard, turned my lens into a gateway to her world of grape magic.

Branding photography isn’t just about headshots or perfectly posed smiles—it’s about telling your story in a way that makes people feel like they already know you. It’s the difference between a forgettable photo and one that makes someone stop scrolling and think, I need to work with this person. With Elaine, that meant capturing her as the sommelier next door—approachable, knowledgeable, and completely unpretentious. Someone who’ll demystify wine without making you feel like you need a dictionary to keep up.

You see, Elaine isn’t just any sommelier. She’s the Yoda of wine pairings—her mission? To help you nail the Why, When, and Where of wine pairings. (Yes, there’s more to life than “white with chicken, red with steak.” Who knew?)

So we built a visual story around that. We took shots of her swirling wine with that professional-yet-playful smirk, others of her dancing with a glass in her hand, and—my personal favorite—Elaine laughing mid-pour. Because who wouldn’t smile while holding a bottle of grape happiness? These weren’t just pretty pictures; they were a reflection of her brand, Vino Corso—an invitation to experience wine with confidence, curiosity, and a little bit of fun.

By the end of the session, it hit me. Branding photography isn’t just about showing what you do; it’s about making people feel what it’s like to work with you. And through these photos, that’s exactly what people will see in Elaine—a woman who’s not just teaching you about wine but welcoming you into her world, where the perfect pairing is always within reach.

Looking for Branding Photography?

If you’re a fellow entrepreneur wondering if hiring a branding photographer is worth it, let me say this: It’s not just a photoshoot. It’s your story—bottled up and ready to serve. Just ask Elaine.

Lisa G (Elle G) is a San Diego beach photographer based in Pacific Beach, CA. Proudly serving San Diego’s coastal communities: La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Coronado. 858-344-1068. To chat about booking your own portrait session click HERE.