A New Chapter in Branding for a Passionate Personal Chef
This brand session highlight is for all the foodies out there: a lifestyle shoot with Victoria Cortes! She is a French-trained culinary expert with over 15 years of experience specializing in nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory meals for high-profile clients and busy families alike. After launching her personal chef business in 2010, she now operates out of a licensed commercial kitchen in Arlington, Virginia, and in 2022 expanded her offerings to include gourmet, health-focused meal deliveries designed to nourish and heal. Passionate about food as medicine, Victoria brings both personal commitment and professional expertise to every dish she creates.
Goals and Planning for a Successful Shoot
Every small business owner has a story, and nothing tells it better than powerful, intentional imagery. For this personal chef, a fresh brand shoot was long overdue. She had been using a single outdated headshot that was several years old (which is incredibly common among small business owners!), and was in need of cohesive imagery that reflected the warmth, passion, and dedication she pours into her business.
With a focus on meal prep and delivery for clients following an anti-inflammatory diet, she needed a brand presence that mirrored the fresh, vibrant, and nourishing meals she creates daily.
We created a mood board with the goal of refreshing her visual identity and creating images that felt true to her evolving brand: thoughtful, nourishing, and professional.
During our planning session, we discussed her goals, her aesthetic preferences, and the types of images that would best serve her website and marketing.
Finding the Perfect Location
On a chilly, snowy day in the DMV, we drove our matching Subarus (a hilarious discovery once we both pulled into the driveway) to her client’s home where they so generously let us use their stunning kitchen as a backdrop!
In their beautiful, light-filled space, we set the stage to capture her world — the careful chopping of organic veggies, the precise plating of wholesome dishes, and even quiet, reflective moments flipping through cookbooks with a warm cup of coffee in hand.
Capturing the Art of Meal Prep
Meal preparation is at the heart of her business, so we focused on moments that highlighted her process. From slicing vibrant vegetables to assembling nutrient-rich meal containers, every shot emphasized the dedication and skill that goes into each dish.
Delivering More Than Just a Meal
One of the most personal and rewarding parts of her job is ensuring clients receive carefully prepared, ready-to-eat meals that align with their health goals.
We captured the thoughtful placement of labeled containers seamlessly delivered into her client’s neatly organized fridge — small details that showcase the care she takes in every step.
The Personality Behind the Brand
Beyond the kitchen, we wanted to showcase Victoria’s personality — the things that spark joy for her. She adores coffee, so we captured her pouring a fresh cup, a moment of joy and relaxation amidst the hustle.
Shots of her flipping through her favorite cookbooks and managing admin work bring her story to life, revealing the full scope of what it takes to run a personal chef business. We also had to capture a new headshot featuring her colorful Le Creuset pot and apron!
Why Brand Photography Matters for Personal Chefs
For service-based businesses, especially ones in the health and wellness space, professional brand photography is an investment that pays off in countless ways. Here’s why:
- Creates a Professional First Impression – Your website and social media are often the first touchpoints for potential clients. High-quality, authentic images immediately establish credibility.
- Showcases Your Unique Process – Clients want to see exactly how their food is prepared and delivered. Visual storytelling builds confidence in your services.
- Connects on a Personal Level – People want to hire a chef they feel connected to. Lifestyle and behind-the-scenes images allow clients to see the person behind the meals.
- Boosts Marketing Efforts – From Instagram to newsletters, having a collection of professional images makes marketing simple and visually appealing.
Bonus: Gifs and Short Videos
I love finding ways to add some movement to my imagery whenever I can. If I spot an action that would make a great gif or a short, dynamic video, I’m quick to capture it! Little moments like sprinkling salt or a garnish can help spice up a gallery.
A Brand Shoot Built on Trust and Collaboration
This brand session was extra special because it came from an ongoing connection. We first crossed paths when Victoria was catering a client’s 50th birthday party that I was photographing. A year later, she reached out to collaborate on her own brand shoot for her personal chef and meal delivery business.
These are a few photos of Victoria in action from that birthday party:
And now we continue to meet up at monthly networking events supporting other local women-owned businesses here in Northern Virginia!
A Fresh Look for a Fresh Approach
This brand shoot was more than just a series of images — it was a visual transformation that aligned her online presence with the passion and quality she delivers in every meal. Now, she has a library of cohesive, on-brand images that she can use across her website, social media, and marketing materials.
For any entrepreneur, investing in brand photography isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building an identity that resonates, connects, and inspires trust.
If you’re a chef, nutritionist, or wellness professional looking to elevate your brand, let’s create something beautiful together. Your story deserves to be seen!
She shared a few kind words after our session:
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“I first met Marisa when my catering clients hired her to document the husband’s 50th birthday party. I was able to witness how Marisa interacted with her clients and how she navigated the work of taking photographs during a dinner party without interrupting the vibe. Exactly one year later I hired Marisa to collaborate with me on some brand photographs for my personal chef service. The brand photography package that Marisa offers is comprehensive. It includes a pre-shoot meeting to discuss my goals for the shoot and to go over my preferences. She offered me the ability to change my outfit three times during the shoot. Marisa works quietly, carefully, and professionally – essential qualities since our shoot took place in my client’s home. Marisa delivered the photographs within two weeks in a thoughtfully curated and easy to navigate gallery. I am in love with the photographs and highly recommend Marisa Glaser Creative, 10/10.”
Reading this meant a lot. Helping small business owners feel seen and confident in their brand is why I love what I do. Creating these images was truly a collaborative effort, and the result is a gallery that feels personal, purposeful, and full of life!
Browse More Images from Her Gallery:
You can see more examples of Victoria’s delicious culinary creations and learn about her anti-inflammatory meal services on her Instagram, @victoriacortespersonalchef
Ready to elevate your brand imagery?
📸 Let’s connect and create something beautiful for your business.
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