Behind the Brand with Beauty Bar Mona Lisa

It was such a joy working on this branding content photography shoot with Lisa-Marie, who is a talented beauty therapist and the founder of Mona Lisa Skin Bar. Her practise is set in the most picturesque surroundings in the heart of Clifton Village in Cape Town. How lucky to be able to take full advantage of the incredible blue African skies, her lush courtyard, and the sparkling pool. They sure added layers of sophistication and tranquility to the backdrop.

Prior to the shoot, we had a collaborative planning session to make sure I understood Lisa-Marie’s brand vision. During our meeting, we discussed the overall concept, styling options, and the use of props, while exchanging reference photos to refine the creative direction. As much as I work very fluidly during a shoot and welcome spontaneity, this pre-shoot preparation is something I always recommend, as it establishes a shared visual language and gives us a foundation to work with.

The objective of the shoot was to create a series of lifestyle images that wou;d showcase the exclusive, rejuvenating services Lisa-Marie provides. These images were designed to convey her brand's essence—fresh, elegant, and inviting— which she will use for her website and social media platforms.

Mona Lisa Skin Bar offers clients a sanctuary to pause and recharge amid life’s fast pace. Lisa-Marie’s practice has such a calming energy. Shooting in such a lush environment was an absolute pleasure.

A special thank you goes to our model, Lene van de Berg, who was such a joy to work with!