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Embodying Intention and Nature — A Soulful Branding Shoot with Krissy Couch

  • Writer: Ashley Chapman
    Ashley Chapman
  • 6 days ago
  • 4 min read

Some shoots go beyond visuals — they become a form of storytelling, a translation of spirit, and a reflection of one’s purpose. My recent branding photography in Cape Town session with the inspiring Krissy Couch was one of those experiences. Krissy is in the process of launching a new business centered around helping others approach and integrate their plant medicine experiences, both psychedelic and non-psychedelic. Her work focuses deeply on intention, healing, and connection — guiding others to weave their spiritual experiences into their everyday lives with clarity, grounding, and grace.

Branding photography in Cape Town.
Branding photography in Cape Town.

I was genuinely excited when Krissy reached out to collaborate on this branding shoot. Her new business and the intention behind it immediately intrigued me — helping people approach and integrate their plant medicine experiences in such a grounded and heart-centered way felt deeply meaningful. I loved the idea of creating visuals that would reflect her connection to nature and the spiritual depth of her work. From the start, I knew this shoot would be something special — a chance to blend creativity, emotion, and storytelling in a way that truly brought her vision to life.


The Vision: Capturing Connection Through Nature


We began our session at the enchanting Arderne Gardens in Cape Town, a lush oasis filled with ancient trees, winding paths, and gentle light filtering through the leaves. It was the perfect setting to capture Krissy’s brand essence — one deeply rooted in nature, grounding, and spiritual connection.

From the very start, the intention was to move away from overly staged or corporate branding photography. Instead, we wanted to capture movement, emotion, and presence — the way Krissy interacts with the natural world around her. Every image would tell part of her story: that she helps others reconnect with their own essence through mindfulness, ritual, and respect for nature’s wisdom.


We spent the first hour immersed in this quiet green sanctuary, focusing on organic, sensory imagery:

  • Walking barefoot through the grass, symbolizing grounding and a return to the earth.

  • Hands brushing through tall grass, connecting with life in motion.

  • Bare feet stepping into soft soil, embodying trust and surrender.

  • Flowing fabric catching the breeze, representing freedom and flow.

  • Fingers tracing the texture of tree bark, a gesture of appreciation for nature’s energy.

  • Sitting beneath a large tree, leaning into its strength and wisdom, reflecting peace and stillness.

These visuals perfectly represented the softer, intuitive side of Krissy’s brand — the side that helps people slow down, tune in, and find guidance through nature and inner stillness.

A Journey Between Worlds: From Nature to Ritual


After a beautiful session at Arderne Gardens, we moved to Keurboom Park in Rondebosch for the second half of the shoot. The transition between locations symbolized moving from connection with nature to ritual and intention — an important part of Krissy’s work.


Here, we shifted focus to scenes that represented integration and mindfulness practices — the gentle rituals that help people anchor their experiences after working with plant medicine. These moments were soft, spiritual, and filled with meaning:

  • Journaling with an open notebook, pen in hand — reflecting introspection and integration.

  • Burning sage and holding a smoke wand, symbolizing cleansing and intention-setting.

  • Lighting a candle in natural light, marking presence and sacred space.

  • Pouring water or tea, grounding rituals that honour nourishment and balance.

  • Twirling or swaying with arms open, embodying freedom, release, and gratitude.

  • Walking away into nature, symbolizing trust in the journey ahead.

  • Holding a flower gently, capturing tenderness and mindfulness in the smallest gestures.


Every movement, every prop, and every element of nature was intentionally chosen to align with Krissy’s mission — to help others find meaning and healing in their personal journeys. Through her brand, she offers support for those integrating plant medicine experiences, whether they are psychedelic or non-psychedelic, helping them do so with intention, safety, and heart.

The Essence of Branding Photography in Cape Town


This session was a reminder of how powerful branding photography in Cape Town can be when it’s rooted in authenticity and connection. The landscapes here — from botanical gardens to wild forests — provide endless opportunities to reflect the soul of a brand. For Krissy, nature wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a co-creator in her story.


What made this shoot so memorable was how naturally everything unfolded. Krissy was completely in tune with her environment — barefoot, grounded, and open. She wasn’t performing for the camera; she was living her message. The results were a series of images that feel genuine, soft, and intentional — a visual embodiment of her values and the healing work she offers.

Branding and Lifestyle Photography in Cape Town.
Branding and Lifestyle Photography in Cape Town.

The Energy Behind the Lens


As a photographer, working on shoots like this reminds me why I love what I do. My goal isn’t just to take beautiful pictures; it’s to create visuals that carry energy — images that make people feel something. For Krissy’s session, that energy was earthy, sacred, and deeply rooted in transformation.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about collaborating with conscious entrepreneurs who are doing such meaningful work in the world. To witness Krissy embody her brand with such grace and authenticity was truly inspiring. Every photo radiates the same grounded, soulful energy she brings to her work with clients.


Closing Reflections


By the end of the day, as the sun began to fade and the last golden rays filtered through the trees at Keurboom Park, it felt like we had created something far more than a branding shoot — we had created a visual meditation. Each image speaks of presence, connection, and purpose — qualities that reflect not only Krissy’s new business but also her heart.

To Krissy — thank you for trusting me to bring your vision to life. Your journey and purpose shine so clearly through every frame. I have no doubt your work will inspire and guide many on their paths toward healing and self-discovery.


For those seeking branding photography in Cape Town, I always encourage approaching your session with intention. Your brand is more than just what you do — it’s who you are, and when we capture that authenticity, the results are timeless.

Branding and Lifestyle photography in Cape Town.
Branding and Lifestyle photography in Cape Town.

 
 
 

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©Ashley Chapman

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