Meet Daniela Larsen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniela Larsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniela, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At the heart of my work is the belief that visibility fuels both growth and purpose. Through Daniela Larsen Photography, I help founders, professionals and creatives be seen in a way that empowers them to show up confidently online. My personal branding and headshot photography services are designed to tell each client’s unique story with clarity, authenticity, and visual impact.

I work closely with entrepreneurs—especially women-owned and purpose-driven brands—to craft imagery that not only reflects who they are, but also strategically positions them to grow their audience, elevate their message, and deepen their community impact. Whether it’s a founder stepping in front of the camera for the first time or a product launch that needs to stand out in a saturated market, I bring both a storytelling approach and a strong design and styling background to the table. That foundation ensures every product and person I photograph shows up beautifully and professionally in today’s crowded digital space.

In addition to client work, I share accessible resources through blog posts, photography prep guides, and free tips for newer entrepreneurs navigating their first brand shoot. I also offer occasional mini-session scholarships and collaborate with local businesses through styled brand shoots, cross-promotions, and social media spotlights—helping amplify their reach and increase visibility in our community. These touch-points create real opportunities for small businesses to grow with confidence and connect with their audiences through intentional, elevated imagery.

Ultimately, I believe when a business owner feels confident being seen, they become empowered to lead, serve, and succeed in more impactful ways. My role is to help them show up as the best version of themselves—online and beyond.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work blends strategy with soul. As a personal branding and product photographer, I don’t just capture beautiful images—I create visuals that help entrepreneurs show up confidently and communicate their story with clarity. What sets me apart is my background in design and content strategy, which allows me to approach photography as both an art form and a brand-building tool.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve earned from women-led brands over the years. Helping clients feel seen and supported—especially when stepping in front of the camera for the first time—is what drives me.

The path hasn’t been easy. I’ve navigated major life transitions while building a creative business from the ground up. But every challenge taught me to embrace change and lead with empathy. Today, my brand is rooted in intention and authenticity. I want people to know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting photos—they’re getting a partner invested in their growth and success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d design the ultimate personal brand content week—because what better way to explore San Diego than through a lens that captures who you are, surrounded by beauty and intention? Here’s what our 7-day creative shoot itinerary would look like:

Day 1 – Vision & Strategy Over Lattes
We’d start with a morning strategy session at Parakeet Café in La Jolla—mood boards, brand clarity, and shoot styling over a cozy latte. Afterward, we’d browse La Jolla Village boutiques for wardrobe options and props. A sunset walk and photo scouting along La Jolla Cove would complete the day with fresh inspiration.

Day 2 – Coastal Chic at Windansea Beach
We’d capture golden hour content at Windansea Beach—a favorite for its natural rock formations, big waves, and effortlessly cinematic light. Flowing fabrics, barefoot moments, and windswept hair would create images that feel both grounded and elevated. It’s the perfect mix of coastal edge and soft, intentional beauty. We’d wrap the shoot with dinner at Catania, toasting to the first stunning set of brand visuals.

Day 3 – Elevated & Editorial at Scripps Pier
Early morning shoot at Scripps Pier—a signature San Diego backdrop for strong yet soulful imagery. We’d style a more polished, editorial vibe: blazers, beachy waves, and intentional poses under the pier’s architectural lines. The soft light and quiet atmosphere make it ideal for capturing elevated brand visuals without distractions. Lunch at Caroline’s Seaside Café with ocean views would follow.

Day 4 – Lifestyle + Work Mode in the City
We’d start the day capturing lifestyle content in a chic, light-filled Airbnb or modern co-working studio—moments of laptop work, journaling, and content creation that feel grounded yet aspirational. Think cozy textures, clean lines, and that signature “real but refined” energy.

In the afternoon, we’d head to The Grounds Bean Bar or James Coffee Co. in Little Italy for casual, city-styled content—coffee in hand, candid street views, and creative energy all around. We’d wrap the day with a relaxed golden hour stroll through Piazza della Famiglia or the surrounding side streets—perfect for modern, editorial-style b-roll with pops of personality and urban charm.

Day 5 – North Park Creative + Coffee
For an artsy, urban vibe, we’d head to North Park or Barrio Logan for vibrant murals, curated shops, and curated street-style content. Communal Coffee makes a perfect stop for lifestyle shots, followed by a visit to Pigment for product-based flat lays or portraits with plants, props, and textures that elevate the brand feel.

Day 6 – Desert-Inspired Magic in Balboa Park
Shoot in Balboa Park’s Alcazar Garden, Spanish Colonial arches, and cactus garden for a mix of elegance and organic texture. The wardrobe would lean elevated and artistic. We’d finish the day with mocktails at Kindred in South Park, soaking in the eclectic ambiance and capturing a few relaxed evening moments.

Day 7 – Wellness & Wrap-Up in Encinitas
We’d close with a sunrise wellness shoot at Stone Steps Beach or Seaside Gardens—calm, grounded energy with flowing fabrics, movement, and quiet intention. Afterward, brunch at Goodonya Café would give us the perfect setting for final lifestyle content and a moment to review the week’s image library together.

This content week isn’t just about capturing images—it’s about building a cohesive, confident brand presence through thoughtful storytelling and elevated visual strategy. San Diego offers the perfect canvas to make your brand feel timeless, magnetic, and uniquely you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, I want to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible women who have trusted me with their stories, their portraits, and their products over the past 15+ years. From founders building brands from the ground up to creatives launching passion projects and small business owners stepping in front of the camera for the very first time—they are the heart of my work and the reason I continue doing what I do.

Their trust has not only allowed me to grow as a photographer and storyteller, but it has also fueled my purpose: helping women show up confidently, feel empowered in their presence, and communicate their value through impactful visuals. I’m honored to play a small part in amplifying their voices and supporting their success. Every session is a collaboration, and every image is a reflection of the courage, resilience, and brilliance these women bring into the world.

To all of them—past, present, and future—thank you for allowing me to capture your journey.

Website: https://www.danielalarsen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandmesavvy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielanascimento/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandmesavvy/

Other: https://www.brandmesavvy.com

Strategic Templates & Tools for Savvy Brands

Image Credits
All Images shot by me: Daniela Larsen https://www.danielalarsen.com