Why Winter Is the Perfect Time for a Branding Refresh

When you think about branding photoshoots, your mind probably jumps to blooming flowers, golden light, and the warmth of spring or summer. But what if I told you that winter might actually be the best-kept secret for a successful brand refresh?

Here in Cape Town, the winter months—especially June and July—offer something uniquely beautiful: soft, moody light, rich colours, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to take advantage of gorgeous indoor spaces that feel intimate and inviting. If you're a small business owner, content creator, or influencer, this is your moment to get ahead and create intentional, powerful imagery while others are still in hibernation mode.

In this post, I’ll explore why winter is the ideal season for a branding session, how we can make the most of indoor (and even outdoor) locations, and how a well-planned winter shoot can elevate your brand’s visual identity all year long.

Rain? No Problem — Let’s Take It Indoors

Let’s start with a little love letter to Cape Town in winter.

While some might shy away from booking a shoot during this season, locals know that winter brings a quiet kind of beauty. Mornings often start with soft mist hovering over the vineyards, clouds rolling in across the mountains, and a crisp freshness in the air. The natural light is diffused and even, creating flattering tones and a gentle ambiance that’s perfect for photography.

Yes, we do get rainy days—but that’s where the magic of well-chosen indoor venues comes in.

Winter doesn’t have to mean rescheduling your photoshoot. In fact, some of the best branding sessions I’ve done have taken place in stunning indoor locations. From cosy cafés to thoughtfully styled studios, there are countless beautiful venues around Cape Town that offer the perfect backdrop for a winter session.

A few of my favourite indoor shoot spots include:

• 🌿 Greenhouses & nurseries – like the charming Pink Geranium, where lush greenery makes it feel like summer indoors.

• 🪞 Stylish Airbnbs – warm lighting, modern décor, and space to play with multiple looks.

• ☕ Cafés & creative studios – perfect for creators, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want a lifestyle vibe.

• 🏡 At-home sessions – intimate, real, and completely unique to your brand.

  
  

Businesses and Influencers Need Content Year-Round

If you're running a business or showing up consistently online, then you already know: content doesn’t take a season off. Winter is a great time to get ahead—build up your image library, create fresh visuals for Q3 campaigns, or launch that new product you’ve been working on.

This season, I’m offering "Winter Refresh" branding sessions tailored for:

• Content creators & influencers

• Coaches, creatives & freelancers

• Small businesses launching new offers or products

• Lifestyle and service-based brands looking to elevate their online presence

And yes—winter light in Cape Town is a photographer’s dream. Soft, diffused, and oh-so-flattering. Perfect for creating cosy, moody, and authentic images that resonate.

Before we dive into shoot locations, let’s talk about why you should be thinking about brand photography right now.

Your business doesn’t take the winter off. Neither should your content.

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a personal brand, a product-based business, or a school or organization, having a consistent visual presence online is more important than ever. Professional photos that reflect your values, personality, and aesthetic help you:

• Build trust and credibility

• Stand out from the crowd

• Maintain a cohesive look across your website, social media, and marketing materials

• Tell your story in a way that words alone can’t

Winter offers a unique window of opportunity: while your competitors may be pausing or waiting for spring, you can use this time to refresh your brand visuals, plan ahead for upcoming launches, and create a content library that supports your goals for the rest of the year.

Branding Case Study: Rallim School, Sunningdale

Take a look at my recent branding shoot with Rallim School in Sunningdale. The school’s modern architecture, innovative learning spaces, and dynamic podcast studio created an incredible setting for fresh, bold branding imagery.

We captured everything from natural classroom interactions to sleek, professional content that the school can now use across their website, social media, and marketing materials. This is the kind of long-lasting visual value a well-planned branding shoot can offer—even in the middle of winter.

Now’s the Time to Book Your Winter Refresh

You don’t have to wait until spring to show up confidently and professionally online. Let’s make the most of Cape Town’s cosy season and create branding images that tell your story beautifully and authentically.

📅 Limited winter dates are available in June and July.

Interested? Let’s chat about your brand and the story you want to tell.

📩 [Contact me here]📷 Follow along on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes & recent work: @ashleychapmanphotography