As a Local Business Photographer in Guelph, I know how important it is to support, promote, and showcase this city’s small businesses in the best possible way. I’m always excited to help highlight the products, services, and creative vision of Guelph’s local entrepreneurs.
I recently had the pleasure of photographing Lauren for the May edition of Neighbours of Hanlon Creek Magazine, which serves residents of Rickson Ridge and Kortright East. Lauren is both a hairstylist at her salon, Studio EllE, and a dance instructor at her newly opened dance, fitness, and art studio in downtown Guelph.
Why a Local Business Photographer is Perfect for Showcasing Multiple Businesses
As I’ve mentioned in my blog, I’m a contributing photographer for Best Version Media, which publishes Exhibition Park and The Neighbourhood of Clair and Gordon. In a recent edition, I had the opportunity to photograph Lori with her family, an experience I shared in my blog post, Contributing for the Neighbours of Hanlon Creek Magazine.
Lauren was another Guelph entrepreneur, but what made her unique was that she owned not just one but two local businesses. It was a bit unusual for me when she suggested meeting at one location and possibly heading to the second if time allowed.
The day of the shoot was cold and overcast, and I wasn’t sure whether we’d be working indoors or outdoors. Since both businesses—a dance studio and a hairstyling studio—operated indoors, I assumed we’d stay inside.
Lauren was excited to show me the dance studio and share her vision for the magazine feature. She was outgoing and friendly, which wasn’t surprising given her work in the service industry. Wanting to make the most of our time, we got started right away, taking photos against her studio’s clean, white walls.
With the studio’s bright, minimalist decor and Lauren wearing a white blazer, I wanted to capture the space’s light, uplifting energy. As we worked, I asked if she’d show me a few dance moves so I could focus on different poses within her movement.
My favourite shot came from her step dance—zooming in on the metal front edge of her shoes, designed to create that signature rhythmic sound. I recognized the detail instantly, thanks to my wife, who has been dancing since she was young.
The Art of Combining Two Brands in One Session with a Local Photographer
After wrapping up the photos in the dance studio, we were ready to head to her hairstyling studio. As soon as we stepped outside, I noticed a perfect lighting opportunity on the veranda. The covered terrace not only provided shelter from the light rain that had just started but also created beautiful, soft lighting. This setting worked perfectly, enhancing the contrast between Lauren’s white blazer and jeans, making for some stunning images.
As a local business photographer in Guelph, I understand how important it is for customers to visualize where they’re going—especially when they can see a welcoming photo of the entrance and the person who will be assisting them. Before heading to her hairstyling studio, I made sure to capture the inviting atmosphere of the studio space, ensuring potential clients could get a feel for it right away.
Lauren’s hairstyle Studio Elle in Guelph
Lauren’s studio was located in downtown Guelph, in a house directly across from The Children’s Art Factory. Though small, the space had a charming and inviting feel. With its vibrant atmosphere and Lauren completely in her element, I was able to capture her true personality. Her playful, joyful energy was reflected beautifully in the large mirror in front of her.
I asked if she could work on her hair while I experimented with some creative perspectives to showcase her craft. Since moving to Guelph and becoming a local business photographer, my mission has always been to give each business owner 150% of my effort and expertise—helping them build thriving, successful businesses. That same commitment applied to both of Lauren’s ventures.
Typically, I allocate about 30 minutes for these business photo sessions as part of the local neighbourhood magazines. However, this session stretched beyond an hour as we continued working on more creative shots.
One of my absolute favourite images—chosen as the cover for Neighbours of Hanlon Creek Magazine—was a set of photos where Lauren sat in her hairstyling chair, holding her scissors and brush. The energy, joy, and warmth she projected in that moment made the shot truly special, perfectly capturing her passion and enthusiasm.
Tips for Working with a Guelph Local Business Photographer on a Dual Branding Shoot
Once we wrapped up the final set of photos in the studio, we stepped outside to capture the atmosphere surrounding Lauren’s business—just as we had done earlier with her dance studio.
This time, I positioned her across from her studio house, with The Children’s Art Factory as the backdrop. I had two reasons for this choice. First, it helped people recognize her location by associating it with a well-known landmark. Second, since the time of year meant there was little greenery or foliage, I wanted to add a pop of vibrancy to the photos. The factory’s bright yellow facade and its colourful lettering provided just the right touch.
This session was a fantastic opportunity to showcase two businesses in one shoot. Lauren has dedicated herself to sharing her expertise—as an educator, dance instructor, and hairstyling specialist. As a local business photographer, I take great pride in supporting passionate entrepreneurs like her, helping them bring their vision to life and achieve their goals, especially here in my beloved city of Guelph.
Thank you, Lauren, for being yourself and for sharing your work and creativity with me through your business.
- Photos taken by Dragi Andovski, published ©2025 DA Photography
- Photo Locations: Studio Elle, Downtown Guelph, ON.
- DA Photography Families on Instagram
- You can see more front cover magazine photos at Becoming a Guelph Neighbourhood’s Photographer blog post.
