One of my favorite parts of being a Houston photographer is working with creative professionals who are passionate about what they do. Recently, I had the chance to partner with Katie Hilburn Homes (KHH) as they prepared for a major rebrand. Katie and her team were expanding their business beyond interior design to offer full-service architectural and interior design. With this new chapter, they needed headshots and team portraits that reflected the sophistication and authority of their work.


Rather than going with traditional corporate-style headshots, the goal was to create branding portraits that felt warm, approachable, and high-end, while showing off the personality of the team and the space they’ve built.

 

 

Houston Branding Portraits in the KHH Studio


We shot the session in the Katie Hilburn Homes offices near Downtown Houston, a space that immediately gave us plenty to work with. The studio’s warm tones, exposed brick, and thoughtfully curated artwork made for perfect backdrops. Rather than hiding the environment, we leaned into it and let the space itself become part of the story.


For the team photo, we moved upstairs and positioned them against a large backlit window, filling from the front with a strobe to balance the light. For the individual portraits, we worked throughout the main studio, using the brick and art to add texture and depth.

 

A woman in a white button-down dress poses against a brick wall background in a professional portrait series.
Person in gray polo shirt posing with crossed arms and warm expression against brick wall background.
A creative headshot sequence showing different poses in a striped blouse against a warm wood-paneled backdrop.

 

Technical Setup for Professional Team Headshots


For this session, I shot with the Fujifilm GFX 100II, pairing the GF 45–100mm for the group shots with the GF 110mm for the individual portraits. Lighting was key in this environment. I set a large white umbrella overhead, boomed on a c-stand, to create a soft hair light, and paired it with a second white PLM umbrella with a scrim as my key light from camera left.


The biggest priority was to make the images feel integrated with the space. I balanced the ambient background light with my strobes so the photos wouldn’t look overly lit or artificial. The result was a set of images that felt natural yet polished, a perfect reflection of Katie Hilburn Homes’ aesthetic.

 

A woman wearing a blue and brown patterned dress shown in multiple poses.
Person wearing a green floral print blouse poses against brick wall background.
Portrait series of a person in burgundy velvet top against brick wall with natural lighting and dynamic poses.

 

Editorial-Style Action Shots


In addition to the headshots and team portraits, we also captured a series of editorial-style images of the KHH team working in their studio. The idea was to highlight their process and show the team dynamics that make Katie Hilburn Homes unique.


I guided them into specific setups that felt natural but still visually strong, so the photos would tell a story without coming across as stiff or artificial. We photographed the team collaborating around design boards, reviewing materials, and interacting in ways that reflect the thoughtful, collaborative approach KHH brings to every project.


To achieve the right look, I blended natural light with subtle fill from my strobes. This allowed the images to feel crisp and professional while still maintaining an organic, authentic atmosphere. The end result was a set of branding images that not only present the team as experts but also capture the energy and creativity of their work.

 

A person smiles warmly while sitting with a relaxed demeanor in a casual indoor setting.
Hands holding architectural floor plan blueprints on wooden table showing detailed room layouts and measurements.
Professional wearing a burgundy blouse sits thoughtfully at a desk in an office setting with natural lighting.
professional branding portraits for an interior design firm.
Using a silicone baking mat to flatten out and shape cookie dough into a textured pattern with small repetitive shapes.
A smiling person in glasses and black t-shirt works at a desk with an Apple computer in a bright office space.

 

Houston Team Headshots and Branding Results


The finished collection gave KHH exactly what they were looking for. The headshots and group portraits positioned them as polished professionals with authority in their field, while the action shots added personality and dimension, showing potential clients how the team collaborates and creates together.


From the carefully selected backgrounds to the team’s impeccable wardrobe choices, everything worked together to elevate the final look. The portraits will be used across their website and digital marketing platforms, helping Katie Hilburn Homes showcase their team to potential clients in Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, and beyond.


For me, this session was an easy win. The studio itself was tailor-made for the warm aesthetic I often gravitate toward, and working with a team so dialed into design details made the process seamless.


 

Group photo of five colleagues in casual business attire standing together in a bright office space.

 

Why Branding Portraits Matter for Houston Small Businesses


For firms like Katie Hilburn Homes, imagery is more than just a headshot. It is part of their brand identity. Clients who are considering a design team want to feel confident in who they are trusting with their home. Professional portraits that are cohesive and thoughtfully styled create that sense of trust and authority from the very first interaction.


If you are a Houston business owner, law firm, or executive team looking to refresh your brand, investing in professional portraits is one of the most effective ways to communicate your expertise and connect with your ideal clients.

 

 

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