Recent work for Starbucks

When Starbucks was looking to hire a Louisville photographer for one of their photo shoots, they gave Telegraph Visuals a call. They asked if we would photograph one of their local store managers for Black History Month. Of course we would! Upon receiving the inquiry, I immediately began working to fit the shoot into our schedule. 

Like many Americans, I know my way around the Starbucks menu pretty handily. My background as a documentary and magazine photographer means I’ve spent lots of time traveling on the road to photo shoots and assignments. Over the years I’ve found there’s nothing quite like a strong cup of Starbucks cold brew to keep me awake and alert on those long drives back home to Louisville.

Over my decade-long stint as a Louisville portrait photographer, it’s been an honor to meet and photograph so many incredible subjects around Kentucky and the Midwest. Whether the project calls for a portrait lit with studio lights, or natural light, the team at Telegraph Visuals always gets the job done. 

Everyone at Starbucks, from the corporate photography team on down to the baristas were professional and easy to work with. No surprise there. Our subject, Casey, was a breeze to photograph thanks to his warm personality and charisma. He even brought some personal items from home for me to photograph like a necklace and portrait of his wife. Having had a good bit off retail photography experience under my belt, I was confident going in that I could come away with everything Starbucks was looking for. Guidance from the creative team called for a handful of natural light portraits of Casey both looking at the camera and interacting with his team-members. The store’s huge windows with their soft, diffused light made this on-location environmental portrait a piece of cake. 

Looking back, I realize my extensive experience as a newspaper and magazine photographer in Louisville gave me the confidence to tackle this shoot head-on and deliver photos on deadline. Thanks to a great team effort we came away with a fantastic portrait of one of the best local small business owners that Louisville has to offer. Thanks to everyone at the store for making us feel welcome and for helping us accomplish our mission for Starbucks’ News and Stories section. It’s assignments like these make being a photographer in Louisville worth it.

Learn more about Casey’s story at Starbucks Stories & News.