Commercial Photography With a Story to Tell

Rachel Saddlemire
Aug 10
4 min read

Commercial photography should do more than simply show what you offer—it should make people feel something. It should create curiosity, capture attention, build trust, and tell a story that makes someone want to stop scrolling, look closer, and say, “Wow. I want to know more.”

That is where my love of documentary photography becomes such an important part of my commercial work.

food photographer, commercial photographer, obx photographer, travel photographer, events photographer, product photography — I bet you're thinkin....how can I get my mouth around that burger??

I photograph food, events and conferences, music and concerts, theater, merchandise and products, commissioned projects, headshots, and real estate. While each of these genres is completely different, my approach remains the same: I look for the story.

I don't just photograph what is there. I look for the details, the atmosphere, the emotion, the personality, and all those little in-between moments that bring an experience to life.

Your Story, Through My Lens

For real estate and commercial work, I want viewers to feel like they are already there. Through thoughtful composition, creative angles, and intentional perspectives, I highlight not only the architecture, but the amenities, details, textures, and unique features that make a property special. My goal is to create imagery that invites someone to step inside and imagine themselves there.

For products and merchandise, photography needs to make an impact. The right perspective can make an ordinary product jump right off the screen and demand attention. I love finding those unexpected angles and details that make an image feel polished, dynamic, and WOW-worthy.

For headshots and personal branding, I want to capture more than a perfectly posed smile. Your photographs should communicate who you are—your professionalism, confidence, personality, and even your fun side. Whether you need a polished corporate portrait or something a little more relaxed and approachable, I'll help create images that feel authentically you.

And then there's food photography.

Let's just say…I want your food to look so mouthwatering that you may be tempted to nibble on your computer screen. From the colors and textures to the steam, garnishes, layers, and tiny details that make a dish irresistible, I want viewers to practically taste the photograph.

I have been lucky enough to be the official photographer for the Theater of Dare on the Outer Banks. As a former thespian myself, it was like coming home! Every show I capture is actually exhilarating and the back stage photos are not only some of my favorites, but the actors as well!

Concert & Band photography is a niche I sort of found myself in. I was walking around Binghamton, NY's Porchfest a few years ago and got some photos of L'bonti, a local band to the area. They loved my work and this ignited a little fire I didn't know was there. Then a chance encounter with Michael Franti who allowed me to shoot his show, got me hooked! Catching the movement, the sweat and intensity of a show is such an amazing experience! In the beginning I would just show up where local bands were playing which led me to capturing headshots for up and coming singer/artist Hunter Turner and on my way to becoming the official photographer for SOULone!

Capturing the Moments In Between

Events, conferences, concerts, and theater are where my documentary photography roots really shine.

There is something incredibly special about the moments that happen when no one is looking directly at the camera—the laugh between colleagues, the excitement in the audience, the performer preparing backstage, the interaction between guests, the quick exchange of a smile, or the energy that fills a room.

Those are the photographs that help tell the whole story.

I watch. I anticipate. I move. I look for the unexpected.

And I capture the moments in between.

More Than a Gallery—A Visual Library for Your Brand

One of my goals with commercial photography is to give you options.

I strive to create a large, diverse gallery filled with photographs you can continue pulling from long after your session or event is over. Images for your website. Social media. Advertising. Email campaigns. Print materials. Blog posts. Editorial features. Marketing campaigns. Announcements. And all those moments when you suddenly realize, “I need a great photo for this!”

Instead of giving you a handful of nearly identical images, I want to create a visual treasure trove that gives your brand room to breathe and plenty of content to work with.

I look for wide establishing shots, intimate details, environmental portraits, action, emotion, texture, personality, and those little unexpected moments that add another layer to your story.

And yes—I love making those colors POP.

Let's Make Your Project Look Amazing

Whether you're launching a new product, opening a property, hosting a conference, performing on stage, building your personal brand, creating a cookbook, promoting your restaurant, showcasing your merchandise, or simply need incredible imagery for your next campaign, I'm ready to bring a documentary eye and a creative perspective to your project.

You have a story to tell. Let me help you tell it beautifully.

Through my lens, I'll capture the big picture, the tiny details, the energy, the personality, and all the moments in between—creating commercial photography that doesn't simply document what you do, but makes people want to experience it.

Let's make your project look amazing.

Reach out today to discuss your commercial photography project and let's create something unforgettable!