Elegant older woman with gray hair wearing white shirt and gold jewelry, smiling confidently in a studio portrait.
Elegant older woman in pink shirt with gold jewelry, red lipstick, smiling confidently with hand in gray hair.
Smiling older woman with short gray hair wearing a green plaid shirt and gold jewelry poses confidently.
Older woman with blonde hair wearing a white ruffled blouse and gold hoop earrings, smiling confidently.
Two elegant older women sitting together on a white chair in a stylish room with shelves and plants.
Two stylish older women in sunglasses and gold jewelry pose confidently on a covered walkway.
Stylish older woman in denim jacket, white cap, light pants, and sneakers posing confidently against a dark wall.
Two women in Ole Miss and Georgia fan gear pose with arms crossed against a dark background.
Two elegant older women with gray hair sit back-to-back on a white sofa, smiling warmly in stylish outfits.

 

SOUTHERN CHARM

Southern Charm: A Day Behind the Lens


Every once in a while, I get a session on the calendar that I just know is going to be a good day. This was one of them.


I recently had the joy of photographing two incredible women-owned businesses right here in Middle Georgia — The Refined Ruffle, a shirt-making company full of personality and Southern flair, and 2 Southern Designers, talented ladies who transform houses into homes through their beautiful staging work.


And y'all... these women did not disappoint.


The Refined Ruffle: Where Style Meets Sweetness

Peggy Keys & Mary-Anne Pilkenton


If you haven't heard of The Refined Ruffle yet, let me introduce you. These sweet ladies create shirts with so much charm and detail, you can feel the love stitched into every piece. And when they stepped in front of my camera, that same warmth came right through the lens.


Our goal for their branding session was simple: capture the heart behind the business. Because here's the thing — people don't just buy shirts. They buy from people. They buy the story, the laughter, the friendship behind the brand. So we made sure every image showed exactly that.


There was laughing (a lot of it), a few "I don't know what to do with my hands" moments that melted away within minutes, and by the end, they were posing like seasoned pros. That's my favorite transformation to watch.


2 Southern Designers: Making Houses Feel Like Home

Peggy Keys & Rebecca Shriver


Then came the ladies of 2 Southern Designers — and let me tell you, these two have an eye for beauty that shows up in everything they touch. Their home staging work helps sellers show off a house at its absolute best, and buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door.


For their session, we wanted images that matched the elegance and warmth of their work. Polished, but personal. Professional, but approachable — because that's exactly who they are.


Photographing two business partners is always special. You can see the trust between them, the way they finish each other's thoughts, the years of friendship woven into the work. Those are the moments I live for as a photographer — the genuine, unscripted ones.


Why Branding Photos Matter for Small Businesses


Here's what I tell every business owner who sits down with me: your photos are working for you 24/7. On your website, your Facebook page, your Instagram — before a customer ever meets you, they've met your images.


When those images are warm, genuine, and you, something wonderful happens. People feel like they already know you. And people do business with people they know.


Both of these sessions reminded me why I love what I do. It's not just about pretty pictures (though we got plenty of those). It's about giving hardworking business owners images that tell their story the way it deserves to be told.


Let's Tell Your Story Next


If you're a small business owner here in Middle Georgia and your photos aren't showing the world who you really are — let's fix that. Whether you're a maker, a designer, a shop owner, or a dreamer with a big idea, I'd love to create images you're proud to put your name on.


Reach out to Iconic Shots today and let's get you on the calendar. I promise it'll feel less like a photoshoot and more like an afternoon with friends — with beautiful photos to show for it.