Scale vs. Detail
Some projects are about scale. Others are about detail.
Photographing the work of Kirsten Dryden, a London-based specialist in modern upholstery, curtains and bespoke artsourcing, was very much the latter. Her work is tactile, considered, and quietly confident. The kind of craft that reveals itself through texture, seams, and finishes.
From the outset, the brief was simple: create brand photography that feels natural, editorial, and intentional. Images that could live across her website, social channels, and wider brand presence, and that fully document the integrity behind the work. Rather than simply documenting finished pieces, the focus was on telling the story behind them and showing why the details matter.
Slowing Down
For shoots like this, my approach is always the same: slow down and pay attention. Upholstery is a material-led craft, where small moments carry weight. The drape of fabric, the curve of a chair, the quiet in-between spaces of the studio. These details turn functional objects into something personal, and that became the visual language of the shoot.
Helping creative professionals translate their work into strong visual narratives is one of my favourite parts of portrait and brand photography. It's never about forcing a look, but rather revealing what's already there and giving it room to breathe. With Kirsten's work, that meant allowing each piece to feel considered rather than overly styled.
Building Trust Through Imagery
Imagery builds trust, communicates quality, and gives potential clients a sense of what it's like to work with you, long before the first conversation. I also love when photographs capture more than just the object or subject in frame. For Kirsten, this shoot also marked her return to the studio and her business, following maternity leave, capturing new work as she stepped back into her practice.
"Working with Katherine was fantastic. She went above and beyond to get every single shot I wanted (and many more) and they came out better than I could have imagined. We also had a wonderful day together. I can't wait for the next shoot."
Work That Lasts
If you're a designer, maker, or creative professional looking for brand photography that feels honest, considered, and built to last, this is exactly the kind of work I love to create.
All images © 2026 Katherine Lucas. If you're interested in commissioning brand or portrait photography for your creative business, get in touch.