Storytelling Photography for Families
Parenthood is bittersweet. We love watching our children grow, even as we wish we could hold onto each stage a little longer. Bittersweet Books grew from that feeling, combining storytelling photography with beautifully designed books that families could hold, share, and return to as their children grew.
Project Goals
- Move beyond high-volume mini sessions toward more meaningful, story-driven photography.
- Connect with families who value preserving the everyday moments of childhood.
- Make books and albums the centerpiece rather than an add-on to digital images.
- Create a distinctive brand combining photography, storytelling, and thoughtful details.
Project Goals
- Move beyond high-volume mini sessions toward more meaningful, story-driven photography.
- Connect with families who value preserving the everyday moments of childhood.
- Make books and albums the centerpiece rather than an add-on to digital images.
- Create a distinctive brand combining photography, storytelling, and thoughtful details.
Logo
I chose a classic literary serif for the wordmark to give it the feel of a familiar, well-loved book title. The dragonfly, carried over from Reiley Photography, connected the two brands while quietly honoring Owen’s memory.
Typography
I used classic serif typefaces to carry the literary feel throughout the brand, paired with a clean sans serif for contrast and readability. A handwritten typeface added a more casual touch and kept everything from feeling too formal.
Color Palette
I carried colors over from Reiley Photography to create a visual connection between the two brands. The warm neutrals kept things understated and allowed the photography to take center stage, while muted teal added a subtle accent.
Business Cards
I kept the business cards simple, letting the logo and typography do most of the work, with touches of teal tying them back to the Reiley Photography brand.
Thank You Cards
I gave the thank you cards a more casual, whimsical feel to make them feel personal, with plenty of room inside for a handwritten note. Each one was included with the client’s order as a thoughtful touch.
Referral Cards
I created referral cards to encourage clients to share Bittersweet Books with friends and family. The offer rewarded both the existing client and the new one, making referrals feel more like a personal recommendation than a promotion.
Brochures
The brochures helped clients understand the options for creating their book, from cover materials and other custom details to the differences between photo books and albums. I organized the information to make the choices easy to understand without feeling overwhelming.
Literary Quote Cards
Inspired by the bookplates traditionally pasted inside book covers, I created a library of quotes about childhood, family, and the passage of time. I used them throughout the brand, including social media, blog posts, printed pieces, and packaging, as a way to express the bittersweet idea behind the name.
Digital Image Packaging
Although books were at the heart of the experience, clients also received digital copies of their photographs. I created branded packaging that made the files feel like a thoughtful part of the finished order while providing practical information about storing and safeguarding them, along with a print release form.
Outcome
Bittersweet Books brought together so much of what I loved about photography and design. From the sessions and finished books to the packaging and smallest printed details, everything worked together around one idea: creating something meaningful that families could hold onto as their children grew.
Outcome
Bittersweet Books brought together so much of what I loved about photography and design. From the sessions and finished books to the packaging and smallest printed details, everything worked together around one idea: creating something meaningful that families could hold onto as their children grew.