Lifestyle Photographer | Carolina | Kate Benson

by katebe | Jul 23, 2018 | Product

Lifestyle photographer Kate Benson for Boca Terry

The Rebranding.

If you look at my website, you may not see much that shouts “TRADITIONAL LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER” on it. I don’t shoot lifestyle the way many photographers do. When I get the opportunity to work with clients in this genre, I like to play and create situations that the models can be characters/actors in and then approach my shooting from a documentary style. The camera should feel like a friend or be invisible in the context of the pictures. The luxury bathrobe company Boca Terry connected with me through a branding agency a while back and asked for me to help photograph a rebranding for them. I was invited to sit in for more than a couple meetings and really learn what BT loved and didn’t love about their photography in the past. Getting this time with the client meant that when we arrived at the beautiful 1 Hotel South Beach for the shoot, capturing Jason and Fernanda went really smoothly. I loved working with BT. The company has great leadership and team so it never felt like work and the days flew by. I was hired to be a model + lifestyle photographer and still life/product photographer so across the board their images could have a consistent feel. Being able to shoot both on model and still life really served me well as the photographer on this project as I really love both types of shooting and don’t treat one as a requirement for getting the job. In this case, the resort focused product photographer roll was just as important as the lifestyle photographer one. Here are some of my favorites from this shoot:

In addition to the needed image, I always try and give my clients some surprises. Jason practicing his martial arts was the team favorite of these from the shoot. 1 Hotel was just opened at the time we did the shoot and we found an outdoor space that was mostly being used for storage. My assistants helped me moved the planters against this blank wall and cleared out a space for Jason to do his magic. When we get a chance to be really creative and the team is good and relaxed, the most unexpected and engaging photography happens.

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Fashion Photographer | Kate Benson | Cosabella Summer 2016

by kate benson | May 5, 2016 | Advertising, Charleston Fashion Pho..., e-commerce photographer, Ecommerce Photographer, Product

It is hard to stay on top of when and where my work is printed. My genre is complex since I shoot products and have no bias as to on what or how. I just think deeply and explore products visually with my camera. So despite being a product photographer, I often lean towards more of a fashion photographer. It is logical, many of the products I shoot are fashion products and often brands who start working with me one way, trust and ask me to shoot their products other ways. Cosabella is a great example of where working together small lead to much bigger shoots. This was shot last fall and has just released.

You can imagine it is hard for me to track down my work when the time between shooting and printing is so long. Cosabella is really awesome about it though and they often sneak me a catalogue way before it is seen by anyone else. It is a small but very appreciated gift to get to see the shots finalized months before they go live. This season has some of my favorite lingerie to date, btw. I’ll take one of each of the above, thanks.

Also on their homepage was another shot from that day, the Align Shoot. Cosabella has some fantastic (and super stylish) activewear.

What I wasn’t expecting to find was a shot we took last month for maternity! This sweet and beautiful model was sandwiched between two shots from over half a year ago!

Cosabella is just about the only place that makes really cute maternity. I wish I had known when I was pregnant! Somewhere, I scanned some more shots from the new Summer 2016 catalog and will share here when I find them! For now, enjoy!

Charleston Fashion Photographer | Kate Benson | Collaborating with Alexandra Styles

by kate benson | May 3, 2016 | Charleston Fashion Pho..., Fashion

Do you know what is wonderful? Finding a team in Charleston, SC who can produce greatness in front of a camera with me. On a locals beach on Sullivan’s Island, the week before last (wow, time flies) I collaborated with a fantastic stylist Alexandra Munzel for Alexandra Styles (check out this fantastic Charleston Stylist‘s Instagram for some of her most recent work). Alexandra conceptualized the shoot (stripes), did a fantastic pull, and primarily produced the shoot. She then was the first one ready on set. So to all my Miami (and beyond) followers/readers, take note. These are the beaches in Charleston (and I’m pretty beach bias shooting in Miami the last 9 years). This was all shot with local talent. Our model Maribeth, is represented by Directions USA and a local Carolina girl. Hair and makeup is by Emily Allyson, also local.

So bravo to the team. I’m happy with this and it is the first time in YEARS I shot fashion for fun and not work. I’m looking forward to having this group, especially Alexandra, on set again soon.