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This week I had the opportunity to shoot with the sweetest Portland tattoo artist, Morgan, aka Moon Goof. We did this branding and portrait shoot at the studio where she's studying, Angel Ink Tattoo in Oregon City.
I love shooting with tattoo artists because of all the LIGHTS available in tattoo studios. Neon signs, warm overhead lamps, bright task lighting—it all creates the perfect mix of drama and dimension. I played around with the tattoo lights to frame Morgan, catching those moody shadows and soft glows. The studio itself had a perfectly colorful vibe for the Kodak Gold film I was using, with great, tall windows with teal trim that cast in some dreamy natural light.
I love to shoot a mix of film and digital, so I switched back and forth between my Nikon Z6II and my 35mm camera to capture both crisp, high-contrast shots and softer, grainy film tones. For a little extra punch, I used my Godox Lux flash on my film camera—it helped balance out the studio’s lighting and added some depth to the shadows.
Here are a few of the film branding photos:
And here are a few of the digital branding shots. I personally love the softness and nostalgic glow of the film shots, but the digital photos definitely have a high-quality editorial vibe that also hits.
Morgan was working on one of her Valentine’s flash designs—a traditional style heart with flowers blooming in the center. But instead of keeping it a traditional outline, she started transforming it into a blackout design—filling in the negative space around the flowers to make them pop. STUNNING.
I love getting to photograph tattoo artists working with clients—or really, any artist immersed in their craft. There’s something so magnetic about capturing someone in their element, completely zoned in and in the flow. These aren’t the posed branding shots; they’re a real-time glimpse into the way you create and the passion behind your work.
For branding photography, these moments are gold. They’re authentic, dynamic, and personal. Yes polished headshots are also great, but there’s something about seeing an artist mid-focus, mid-creation that connects on another level.
That’s what makes these shoots feel different from just another day on the job for me, too. There’s something about working with other creatives that makes these sessions feel less like work and more like a collaboration of art forms.
If you’re in the Portland area and looking for a whimsical line work tattoos, Morgan’s your girl. Keep an eye on her work! And if you're ready for a baddie photoshoot of your own, reach out to chat!
Want to explore more resources for your personal branding or small business adventures? Check out these links below:
Explore more brand photoshoots and product photography - whether you need photos for your bar and restaurant or creative product portraits for your new side hustle, let's chat about up-leveling your brand photos.
I absolutely love shooting creative portraits on film. Explore more examples of some of my favorite film portraits.
A questionnaire that helps you figure out what your own brand photoshoot could look like.
If you're looking for resources to help grow your small business or 1 on 1 coaching to up-level your marketing strategies, let's chat!
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