For the past three years, I’ve had the honor of working with Chaparral Jewelry — a brand that beautifully intertwines nature, and artistry into Topographic Jewelry that reflects the landscapes we hold close to our hearts.

In this blog, I’ll take you behind the scenes of three unique brand photography shoots that have shaped the visual story of Chaparral Jewelry:

An In-Studio Brand Shoot – capturing Alissa in her creative element, bringing raw materials to life.
A Lifestyle Brand Shoot in Yosemite – a lifestyle shoot set in the landscapes that originally inspired Chaparral Jewelry.
A Collection Shoot – a full-scale shoot highlighting the launch of the Colorado Collection

Each brand shoot was designed to tell a chapter of Chaparral Jewelry’s story and showcase how the brand continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to its roots.

Meet the Artist – Alissa & Chaparral Jewelry

At the heart of Chaparral Jewelry is Alissa — a designer, and metalsmith whose work is deeply rooted in nature. Inspired by the raw beauty of the wilderness, she crafts each piece with the intention of capturing the textures, contours, and spirit of the landscapes that shape our most treasured experiences. Her designs mirror the details found in topographic maps, which record the elevations and forms of both natural and man-made features. Through intricate metalwork, Alissa translates mountain ranges, river bends, and rugged terrain into wearable art, allowing each piece to tell the story of the places we hold closest to our hearts.

Based in Oakland, California, Alissa’s journey as a jeweler began with a love for exploration, a passion that was deeply shaped by her time as a park ranger in Yosemite. Over time, she has honed her craft into a collection of handmade, heirloom-quality jewelry.

Chaparral Jewelry is for those who find solace in the untamed, who are drawn to the imperfect beauty of nature, and who believe that jewelry should feel intentional, and timeless.

In Studio Brand Photos – Oakland, California

Our first shoot together took place in her studio at Art Haus, a vibrant artist community housed in a 100-year-old Oakland warehouse brimming with creative energy. Inside this inspiring space, Alissa transforms raw materials into handcrafted, topographic jewelry — and that’s exactly what we set out to capture.

Planned as a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, this fall brand shoot provided Chaparral Jewelry with a collection of images to use for a Small Business Saturday Campaign and throughout the holiday season.

Highlights from the In Studio Brand Shoot:

Candid headshots of Alissa, immersed in her craft and showcasing her space.
The artistry behind her jewelry, from initial sketches to shaping and finishing each piece.
Sweet moments with June, her loyal studio companion.

This session was about capturing the hands that craft each piece, the passion that fuels Alissa’s work, and day to day moments that make Chaparral Jewelry more than just a brand.

Climbing in Yosemite – Lifestyle Brand Shoot

Some places stay with you forever. For Alissa, Tuolumne Meadows in Upper Yosemite is one of those places, where she previously worked as a park ranger for the National Park Service. Tuolumne’s open meadows, winding rivers, and granite mountains are the landscapes that continue to inspire her work. This summer shoot was all about connection — between people, the outdoors, and the pieces they carry with them on every adventure.

We planned this shoot around a weekend climbing trip with friends, embracing a candid, lifestyle-driven approach to tell the story of Chaparral Jewelry in its natural element.

Part One | Lifestyle Portraits + Product Photos in Tuolumne Meadows

The morning began with Alissa, in the wild and beautiful landscape of Yosemite. We wandered through meadows, along trails, and beside the river, capturing quiet, introspective moments. These images weren’t just about showcasing her jewelry but about documenting her connection to a place that has shaped her journey.

Part Two | Climbing & Community in Upper Yosemite

As the day unfolded, friends joined in, and the focus shifted to movement, and adventure. With Chaparral Jewelry adorning their hands, necks, and wrists, they climbed together and spotted each other. Proving that jewelry isn’t just for special occasions; it’s meant to be lived in.

A beautiful day spent in the landscape that first inspired Chaparral Jewelry.

The Colorado Collection – Brand Photos for a Launch

In 2024, Alissa embarked on a creative journey she had been dreaming of for years — an annual project where she crafts an entire jewelry collection inspired by the landscapes of a single place. This year, the spotlight was on Colorado, known for its iconic peaks and mountain ranges.

The Colorado Collection features a diverse range of pieces, from pendants and rings to stud earrings, each adorned with topographic details of Colorado’s most beloved landmarks. The collection includes designs inspired by Pikes Peak, Loveland Pass, Maroon Bells, Longs Peak, and the winding paths of the Colorado River. Every piece is a tribute to the rugged beauty of these places, allowing wearers to carry a piece of Colorado with them wherever they go.

We planned this collection shoot in the Redwoods of the Oakland Hills, right in the backyard of Alissa’s home base and studio. The setting provided a natural and timeless backdrop, perfectly complementing the earth tones and organic designs of the collection.

The goal was to capture a mix of lifestyle and product photos, showing the collection both as a cohesive set and in styled shots worn by Alissa. These images would be used to promote the collection’s launch on social media, in email newsletters, and as product photos across Chaparral Jewelry’s website.

Over the past three years, capturing the story of Chaparral Jewelry as it evolves has been a journey of creativity and connection, helping Alissa shape her brand visuals into a cohesive and authentic collection. Each shoot has been a chapter in her story, reflecting the artistry, inspiration, and landscapes that define her work.

If you’re feeling inspired and ready to tell the story of your own brand, I’d love to collaborate with you. Whether you’re looking for behind-the-scenes imagery, lifestyle shoots, or styled product photography, I’m here to bring your vision to life.