Lilly Pulitzer: A Retail Photography Project in Scottsdale

As a retail photographer based in Arizona, I had the privilege of photographing Lilly Pulitzer’s newest location in the Scottsdale Quarter. This project was all about bringing the brand’s signature light, bright, and colorful aesthetic to life through carefully crafted images.

Matching the Brand’s Identity Through Photography

Lilly Pulitzer is known for its vibrant colors, playful patterns, and breezy resort-inspired design. My approach was to ensure that the final set of images aligned seamlessly with their brand identity. To achieve this, I used flash to maintain color accuracy, while post-processing refined the details to perfection. Every detail mattered, from the rich pinks and greens to the soft natural tones that define the store’s atmosphere.

Key Design Elements and Challenges

One of the standout features of this store was the hand-painted fitting rooms. Lilly Pulitzer flew in an artist specifically to create unique, one-of-a-kind murals for each room, making them a central focus in my shots. Additionally, material details like the gold window frames and mother-of-pearl tile on the exterior played a crucial role in conveying the store’s luxury appeal.

Despite my careful planning, I faced an unexpected challenge: the morning light I had anticipated almost didn’t show up. The first hour of the shoot was gloomy, making me worry about how difficult it would be to achieve the brightness I had envisioned. Thankfully, the sun broke through, allowing me to capture the airy, inviting atmosphere that defines Lilly Pulitzer stores.

Another major hurdle was dealing with reflections in the store’s exterior windows. To minimize distractions like construction trucks reflecting in the glass, I used a six-foot black pop-up oval to block out those unwanted elements. However, six feet barely covered a portion of a single car, so I took over 50 frames and meticulously blended them in Photoshop to create a natural, clean final image.

Why Retail Photography Matters

For retail brands, high-quality photography isn’t just about showcasing a space—it’s about storytelling. My goal is to create images that not only highlight a store’s design but also resonate with its target audience. What sets me apart is my ability to adapt my style to match a brand’s identity. While I’m often known for dark and moody imagery, this shoot required the complete opposite: a fresh, bright, and colorful approach. That versatility is what retail clients can expect when working with me.

The Takeaway for Retail Brands

When it comes to retail photography, matching a company’s brand is everything. Even if a photographer has a signature style, it must align with the brand’s aesthetic for the images to hold value. My approach ensures that each retail space is captured in a way that reflects its unique identity while maintaining the high quality needed for both web and marketing use.

If you’re a retail brand looking for a photographer who understands the importance of brand consistency and high-end imagery, let’s connect. Your store deserves visuals that truly represent its personality and appeal to your customers.