Featured Project
Kato Custom Homes
Kato Customs is the creative vision of Madison Gates—a thoughtful, design-forward contractor with a sharp eye and a humble presence. Based in Galt, California, Madison brings an approachable kind of luxury to home design—where function and beauty are never at odds. What started with building her own home has grown into a trusted design business that serves families who want spaces that feel as good as they look. A working mom herself, Madison gets it—and that authenticity is exactly what makes her brand magnetic.
Meet the Brand
- Elevated
- Intentional
- Timeless
The Vibe
- Functional
- Curated
- Effortless
These photos weren’t just for a website—they needed to show up in proposals, emails, design presentations, and behind-the-scenes content. We focused on creating a set of images she could use again and again across her business.
Her business is rooted in trust—clients come to her for her calm demeanor and her clarity of vision. She wanted photos that reflect exactly that: confidence, ease, and attention to detail.
Madison wanted brand images that were clean, cohesive, and elevated—something she could use across social media, proposals, and client materials with confidence. The goal? Professional presence without the pressure to be perfect.
The Beginning
We began with a brand questionnaire and inspiration board that revealed exactly what Madison’s brand embodies: elevated simplicity with heart. We discussed her vision for blending behind-the-scenes grit with curated polish.
Deep Dive
01.
From blueprints and site walkthroughs to clean headshots and workspace vignettes, every photo was mapped out to cover the real needs of her business—social posts, presentations, and client deliverables.
Shot List Strategy
02.
This shoot wasn’t about being overly posed—it was about capturing Madison in action: leading, creating, collaborating. We included movement, hands-on design, and real-time moments that reflect who she is.
Confidence in Motion
03.
We paired a clean studio space with an active construction site to tell both sides of her story: the polished and the practical, the creative and the technical.
Locations That Match the Vibe
04.
Neutral, structured, and simple. Her outfits told a clear story: this is someone who is polished but approachable, current but never trendy.
Styling that Aligns
05.
This is where everything came together.
Scroll through to see the energy, confidence, and story we brought to life.
The Results: A Scroll-Stopping Gallery
"I had the pleasure of working with Nicole for a professional branding shoot, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the moment we started, she made me feel at ease in front of the camera—something that doesn’t come naturally to me. Nicole has a warm, approachable energy and by the end of the session, it felt more like hanging out with a longtime friend than a photo shoot.
She’s incredibly professional, punctual, and clearly passionate about her work. I’m thrilled with how the photos turned out, and can’t wait to use them to improve my brand identity!"
- Madison Gates
From the moment we started, she made me feel at ease in front of the camera.
"Fixie wolf forage gastropub umami chicharrones subway tile air plant fashion axe tattooed 90's vegan. Fanny pack humblebrag venmo church-key wolf. Jianbing retro ennui, next level bitters godard put a bird on it squid shaman copper mug pitchfork."
- Riana T.
Turned my life around. So grateful!
"Chicharrones chambray flannel tofu pabst next level. Gluten-free ramps vexillologist echo park trust fund bespoke jean shorts listicle next level tilde. Before they sold out fanny pack franzen ramps seitan."
- Amber J.
Couldn't have made a better decision!
Her Words, Not Mine
Reach out to start your branding session →
If you're ready for brand photos that actually feel like you—and help you show up confidently across every platform—I’d love to plan something intentional together.
Feel Like It’s Your Turn?
© 2025 Nicole Hodgson Photography | Site Design By Jess Gingrich | Privacy Policy