Authentic Narrative Product Photography: Behind the Scenes with Flora Mirabilis

Capturing Authentic Stories

Narrative portraits are about authentically telling the story of the person I am photographing, and I approach product photoshoots with the same dedication. Each shoot begins with thorough research, thoughtful preparation, styling, and customization to capture the product's story beautifully and authentically. It is important to me that I am telling the story in a meaningful way.

The Story of Flora Mirabilis

The creation of Flora Mirabilis is a labor of love for founder Jordan LaFragola. After years as an esthetician, Jordan launched her line of artisanal plant-based skincare products, driven by her passion for helping people achieve healthy skin. Inspired by the Renaissance—a period when beauty and design were paramount—Flora Mirabilis features logos and packaging influenced by Italian maiolica pottery. The Flora Mirabilis team also told me that they appreciated the dreamy, romantic vibe of my work, so I also aimed to reflect that in the photoshoot.

Creative Inspiration and Execution

Finding Inspiration

Every photoshoot starts with a spark of inspiration, but sometimes it needs a little nudge. For the Flora Mirabilis project, I needed to break from my routine, get outside, and take a walk. Slowing down allowed me to speed up creatively. Spending time in nature and visiting the library to look at art history books—particularly focusing on Renaissance maiolica pottery and Pre-Raphaelite paintings—was the spark I needed.

BTS - Watch me build this still life!

Lay-Flat Still Lifes

For the lay-flat still lifes, I used ingredients from the plant-based formula, including rose, lavender, and frankincense, along with other plants and flowers I foraged. The pattern was inspired by the Flora Mirabilis artwork, which itself draws inspiration from Italian maiolica pottery. I wanted to reflect the natural plant-based formula in the images, incorporating many of the ingredients in a layout inspired by the product's packaging.

Model Shots

The shots with the model were inspired by Renaissance paintings, with additional influence from Pre-Raphaelite paintings of women for the poses. This blend of influences helped create a timeless, romantic vibe that complements the brand's aesthetic.

By approaching each photoshoot with a focus on storytelling, I strive to create images that are not only visually captivating but also deeply meaningful, capturing the essence of both the product and the brand.