Business and Brand Photography for Purnam Ayurveda by Erika Tanith
When you have a product to sell, the photography for your advertising is significantly easier than when you’re a service-based business. For an ayurvedic practice, the goal is wellness particular to each individual client. Visually, that’s a lot more complicated to put across than if you’re selling, say, a herbal supplement. So, how did we go about revamping things for Purnam Ayurveda?
Akanksha, the lovely owner and practitioner, had taken on new premises, so the first thing we wanted to do was to highlight the space. We used wide angle shots to show the comfortable room, and the inherent privacy. Akanksha invited one of her clients to walk through an introduction so that other people can see that it’s a one-to-one, personal service, in a room that’s comfortable and relaxing.
Purnam Ayurveda offers many different treatments that are tailored to each individual. The idea is to find the root cause of problems such as digestive issues, emotional dysregulation, sleep difficulties etc. and stop the problem at its source, rather than to treat things symptomatically. It’s a fascinating practice and, personally, I’m convinced. I’ve struggled with a shoulder issue for over a decade (thanks to a man driving a Nissan Almira who could not have looked where he was going when he ploughed into my stationary car), and after one session of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Therapy my shoulder works like it hasn’t in twelve years.
But I’m getting away from myself.
Akanksha wanted to focus the photography on the core treatments she offers. Unlike a lot of wellness photography which leans into a bright and clinical feel, she wanted to emphasise the calm and relaxing nature of the sessions. That meant darker shots. No bright lights, just natural sunshine through the closed blinds, reflecting how the treatments would be received in real life.
Through the use of herbs, spices, oils, milk, sound baths, massage, assisted yoga, and more Akanksha helps people from all walks of life to feel better.
It was important to Akanksha that we take real photos, rather than relying on stock photography. Taking photographs of her, of her clients, and in her space, means that people can see that she is authentic. They know exactly what they can expect when they go to her.
Akanksha completed many treatments for her clients, and I photographed what happened. We didn’t mock anything up, we simply did it. I think you can see that the treatments are genuine, and not staged. We completed the photography over several days because of the physical nature of what the treatments involve. It’s time consuming, and physically hard work. Not to mention that the photography side of things is physically demanding as well. The result is a collection of photographs that showcase the amazing treatments on offer at Purnam Ayurveda, honestly, in a way that is faithful to the experience.
If you’re interested in any of her services, she’s based in Whitley Bay and I highly recommend her.
She’s really nice too.
