Kenzie | Hairstylist Branding Shoot | Carlsbad, New Mexico

A Branding Session Like No Other: Kenzie Rogers’ Desert Adventure

When you think of a typical branding session, you might imagine perfect lighting, calm winds, and a smooth-sailing shoot. But for Kenzie Rogers, a talented hairstylist based in Carlsbad, New Mexico, her session turned into something much more memorable—thanks to a surprise desert storm, a little chaos, and a whole lot of fierce energy.

Setting the Scene
We headed out into the Carlsbad desert for Kenzie’s branding session, excited to capture her magic with the stunning mountain backdrop. The plan was simple: showcase Kenzie’s bold, creative energy with some desert vibes and a few dreamy shots under the wide-open sky.

But as soon as we started setting up, the skies decided to take a dramatic turn.

Mother Nature’s Surprise
What began as a bright, sunny day quickly transformed into a stormy spectacle. The wind picked up, the clouds rolled in, and before we knew it, rain started to pour. While golden hour was a distant dream, we found ourselves in the middle of an unforgettable adventure. Kenzie’s cousin Ashley joined us on the shoot, and together, they were ready to embrace whatever the desert threw their way.

The storm didn’t stop us—it only made the session more memorable. Between dodging raindrops and braving the elements, we captured Kenzie’s true essence: strong, confident, and completely unshaken by a little weather.

Making It Work
At one point, we even found ourselves on the road for a few quick shots. And while we may have slightly stopped traffic (thanks to her cousin Ashley!), we got some powerful images of Kenzie. Her confidence shone through every frame, whether the wind was whipping through her hair or rain was coming down sideways.

This was no cookie-cutter branding session—it was raw, real, and full of heart.

The Power of Imperfection
While some might have called it a “disaster,” this session turned out to be a perfect reminder that some of the best moments happen when things don’t go as planned. There’s beauty in the chaos, and Kenzie’s branding session proved just that. She didn’t need golden hour lighting or a perfect calm day to shine—her talent, her personality, and her fierce energy were the real stars of the show.

Whether you’re a hairstylist, photographer, or creative in any field, branding is about more than just showing up—it’s about being yourself in every moment, no matter what. Kenzie’s session was a perfect example of that.

Wrapping Up
A huge thank you to Kenzie and her cousin Ashley for being such troopers through the storm—and for embracing the unexpected with such grace. And to the desert, for providing one heck of a backdrop (even if it wasn’t exactly what we’d planned)!

If you’re looking to capture your own branding session, don’t let a little weather or imperfection stop you. Sometimes, it’s those unexpected moments that make the best memories—and the best photos.

xoxo
Hannah