As a fashion and portrait photographer running a studio for more than 15 years, one of the questions I’m asked most often is simple: “Where do you find the clothes for your photoshoots?”
The answer is rarely a single source. Great styling is often the result of relationships built over years with designers, stylists, artists, and retailers who understand that clothing can be more than something we wear. It can help tell a story, and in fashion photography, clothing is often the foundation of the story itself.
For many years, a valuable resource for fashion has been Twig, the downtown St. Petersburg boutique owned by Elizabeth Burbage. Located along 6th Street at Central Avenue, Twig has become known for its carefully curated mix of established and emerging designers, offering pieces that are intentionally selected rather than mass-produced. Elizabeth curates her collections from around the world, traveling annually to Paris and New York to discover designers and bring distinctive pieces back to St. Petersburg. The result is a collection that feels both exclusive and timeless.
As a photographer, that perspective matters. Clothing is an important part of visual storytelling, helping shape the mood, character, and identity within an image. The pieces I have photographed from Twig over the years bring texture, personality, and craftsmanship to every frame. The lighting I use is almost always natural, bright, and relatable. Adding too much drama or shadow to these collections would distract the viewer from the clothing itself.
Before a customer ever walks through the door, they are often discovering a brand online. While Twig’s brick-and-mortar boutique remains a destination for shoppers throughout the Tampa Bay area, many new customers first encounter the store through its online presence. Compelling photography is more important than ever in a competitive digital landscape of algorithms and AI-generated ads.
Fashion trends will come and go, but personal style endures. The boutiques that understand the difference remain relevant season after season because style is about finding pieces that reflect who you are and wearing them confidently. •
