Crafting Stories in Leather: A Branding Shoot for Lightning Ridge Leather

There’s something magical about photographing products that are made with heart, skill, and a deep connection to the lifestyle they represent. My recent shoot with Lightning Ridge Leather, Angie’s incredible leather-crafting brand, was one of those sessions that remind me why I adore product photography and branding photography—especially here in beautiful Cape Town.

Product and Branding Photography in Cape Town.

From intricately stitched pieces to hand-carved details, Angie creates leather goods that tell a story. And these custom horse-portrait keyrings? They’re absolutely everything. Each one is crafted to celebrate a specific horse—every marking, every soft brushstroke, every expression lovingly recreated in leather. So when Angie reached out for a branding shoot that captured not just the product but the soul behind the work, I knew exactly how to bring her vision to life. Having her create my own horse and a friend's to gift was the perfect subject to use for this shoot.

A Branding Shoot in Two Parts: Studio Precision & Farm Authenticity

We began in my home studio setup, where the focus was purely on the craftsmanship. The soft, neutral aesthetic allowed the textures, tones, and artistry of the leather to shine. Clean lines, intentional styling, and natural light helped elevate each piece into a hero product—perfect for websites, online stores, and social media.

But Lightning Ridge Leather is more than a leather brand—it’s rooted in farm life, horses, and the bond between equestrians and their companions.

So, to honour the story behind these keyrings, we headed out to the farm to capture these custom products with our horses.

Among the dust, warm sun, and familiar sounds of hooves, everything came together. Photographing the keyrings in the environment that inspired them added authenticity, emotion, and that unmistakable Cape Town warmth. Our horses these keyrings were based on even joined us, bringing the branding shoot full circle in a beautifully organic way.

Why Branding Photography Matters for Craft-Based Businesses

In today’s digital world, your online presence is your storefront. For artisanal businesses like Lightning Ridge Leather, imagery needs to do more than show a product—it needs to tell a story, build trust, create desire, and reflect the heart of the brand.

High-quality branding photography:

✨ Helps your audience connect with your process and values

✨ Elevates your brand’s professionalism

✨ Creates consistency across social media, websites, and advertising

✨ Converts views into sales

✨ Makes your business stand out in a competitive online space

People don’t just buy leather goods—they buy craft, passion, lifestyle, and the emotion behind the product. Photography is the bridge that makes that connection happen.

Branding photography in Cape Town.

Why Book Your Branding Shoot With Me

As a Cape Town-based photographer specialising in branding photography, lifestyle imagery, and product photography, I bring a blend of storytelling, strategy, and warm natural aesthetics to every session.

When you book with me, you get:

📸 Thoughtful, intentional imagery that aligns with your brand identity

🌿 A relaxed, guided experience to help you feel confident and comfortable

🐴 An understanding of equine and lifestyle brands, perfect for those with animal-based or farm-based businesses

🎨 Creative direction that brings your products or services to life

🪄 A gallery of versatile images you can use across your website, social media, and marketing platforms.

Your brand deserves imagery that showcases its heart—imagery that works for you long after the shoot is over.

Working with Angie and Lightning Ridge Leather was a reminder of the beauty in small businesses—the passion, the craft, and the personal stories that make each product meaningful. These custom keyrings aren’t just accessories; they’re memories, connections, and tributes crafted in leather.

If your business is ready to elevate its brand identity and showcase what makes it truly special, I’d love to help you tell your story through powerful, intentional branding photography.