Telling a Story…Awakener Collective

Ideation
Photography

Background
An executive colleague had reached a meaningful milestone in her life and felt compelled to tell her story—visually. Together, we decided to create a photographic dialogue that explored her past experiences and limiting beliefs, culminating in her present success as a confident, accomplished executive—who also happens to be a middle-aged woman.

Design Process
When our client approached us to bring her artistic vision to life, we jumped right into brainstorming. As we collaborated with her and other creative team members, the ideas evolved into a much clearer and more impactful narrative.

To preserve her anonymity, the project was named Samantha Bergman Awakener Collective—a title rich with personal meaning for her.

What began as a single fine art photography session quickly grew into a multi-location series that took us across the country to visually complete Samantha’s story.

Samantha East, shot in New York, captured the emotional release of old beliefs and narratives that had once held her back.

Samantha West, photographed in Southern California, reflected her sense of newfound freedom and empowerment.

Both collections were featured in a beautifully designed, limited-edition coffee table book that told Samantha’s story through powerful, expressive imagery.

Challenges
The New York shoot was highly structured and meticulously planned, with each shot carefully orchestrated. In contrast, the California shoot embraced spontaneity and creative exploration.

While that freedom added energy and authenticity, it also presented logistical challenges—such as jumping out of the car in the desert to quickly set up and capture fleeting moments. Although some destinations were planned in advance, many of the most compelling images were captured on the fly—resulting in a dynamic, unfiltered sense of discovery that’s felt throughout the final collection.

Success
Our client fully realized her creative vision, and the process sparked additional artistic pursuits for her. The coffee table book was enthusiastically received, and for our team at SVML, it was a rewarding opportunity to stretch our creative boundaries and be part of a deeply personal and meaningful project.