Personal branding portraits of New Zealand artist and skateboarder Levi Hawken, photographed over time for WWF and in his garage studio during the early stages of his art practice.
I’ve photographed New Zealand artist and skateboarder Levi Hawken at different points over the years, including commissioned portrait photography for WWF and a series made in his Auckland garage studio during the early stages of his art practice.
What I like about these photographs is that they document more than appearance. They show Levi within the world around him — his artwork, his skateboard, the garage he was working from and the beginnings of a creative practice and personal brand that would continue to develop considerably over time.
That sense of context is an important part of my approach to creative portrait photography. A strong portrait can communicate personality, branding. occupation and identity without needing to manufacture a version of the person being photographed.
For artists, musicians, performers and other creative professionals, personal branding photography can sit somewhere between a conventional headshot, documentary photography and editorial portraiture. It can still serve a very practical purpose for websites, media, social platforms and publicity while having a much stronger visual identity.
These photographs of Levi are also a good example of why I enjoy photographing people over time. As someone’s work and career develops, the photographs become a record of that progression rather than simply a collection of isolated portraits.
My approach can range from clean, contemporary professional headshots through to more environmental and creative portraiture, depending entirely on the person and how they want to present themselves.
You can see more of my personal branding photography and wider commercial work on my main photography website.
If you’re looking for personal branding, creative portraits or professional headshots in Christchurch, email me to start a conversation.
