(GILBERT, Ariz.) – Embodied Visuals is expanding what it looks like to work with a professional photographer. Owner Kenna Hoefler serves the women of the valley to capture their true essence through a camera lens.
OpGov.News sat down with Hoefler to discuss her creative process and style, and the impact of thoughtful photography.
Photo Credit: Kenna Hoefler / Embodied Visuals branding
Across the industry, it is commonplace for a photoshoot experience to go as follows: inquire with a photographer, book a session, have a discovery call online, show up, capture photos. Embodied Visuals identified a lack in this standard protocol, noting that oftentimes clients may feel awkward when they are put in front of the camera without emotional preparation.
“I can see the fear in them,” is what Hoefler shared about what she often sees in clients before they experience their first photo shoot with her. She discussed the inevitable vulnerability that comes with being in front of the camera, noting, “it’s an intimate thing.”
This reality made it clear to Hoefler that there was a substantial gap in photography sessions with non-model clients. She spent two years developing the approach that addresses the emotional side of photography and helps clients land in the experience softly.
The Essence Experience. That is what Hoefler calls her highest tier of photography services.
Photo Credit: Kenna Hoefler / Client Photo
While her unique approach starts the moment clients book, Hoefler’s explanation of her services blatantly clarified that the designated shoot day is when the real difference between industry standard and Embodied Visuals emerges.
Hoefler shared that before photos begin, she guides clients through breathwork and meditation to calm their nervous systems and “drop them into their bodies.” After meditation, she turns on an intentionally curated playlist which includes the clients' own favorite songs. Hoefler shared that it is these extra components that provide opportunity for real emotion to emerge through her clients as she starts the capturing process.
As the experience continues, Hoefler noted that she guides clients’ natural movements to highlight their features on camera. She clarified that if clients have specific poses that they want to try, there is time for such exploration as well.
When asked about the difference she sees in clients when they arrive on location versus when they leave the shoot, Hoefler shared with a warm smile, “There’s a lightness in them, they’re just having fun.”
She went on to explain that while at the beginning of the shoot, clients tend to be more timid in their self-expression, by the end of her time with them, she feels like the client no longer knows that she is even there, calling this “embodiment.”
The Embodied Visuals Owner also shared about her client base, which is largely made up of women in the spiritual/energy work space. Hoefler expressed her satisfaction in working with sound healers, movement teachers, and experience facilitators. She continued, noting that she also photographs group events such as women’s circles, wellness retreats, group classes, and other like events.
Her photo editing style honors the landscape of the valley, utilizing grain and soft lighting. She explained that she prioritizes editing photos enough that they feel intentional, but not so much that they feel artificial in order to keep the visuals looking like “real life,” as she called it.
Photo Credit: Kenna Hoefler / Client Photo
Hoefler shared her gratitude for the work she does and how deeply she enjoys curating photography experiences for her clients.
Those local to the Phoenix valley who are interested in working with Embodied Visuals can reach out via Instagram @embodiedvisuals or directly to her email: kenna@withlovefromkenna.com.
To contact me about your local small business, please email me at Madeleine.b@lead4earth.org.
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