A journalistic-inspired, down-to-earth custom web design for Kat Arndt, a documentary lifestyle and wedding photographer based in Ontario, Canada.
Every year, I work with 1-2 artists to design a custom website inspired by a template that’s been ideating in my mind – one which I believe would align so beautifully with their unique brand vision. Working alongside Kat to create this space that not only houses a collection of galleries documented for some of the sweetest couples and growing families, but that also evokes a strong sense of sentiment and meaning to both her and her couples, is truly the greatest gift I could experience as a designer. This project took a human-centred approach as we focused on creating a space that felt intimate yet elevated at the same time.
The full website template is coming soon.
Keywords: Real, Warm, Connection, Journalism, Inviting, Spacious
“Savannah puts so much thought into every aspect and element that goes into building each page of your website. Everything she designs feels intentional in bringing your vision to life. Within my business, I wanted to change who my client was, and Savannah helped create a space that seamlessly blended all of my work together to draw in those clients – I would not have been able to do it without her!”
Before working together, I was looking for someone who connected with my vision for how I wanted my website to feel. As a photographer, it was important that my website felt like it was more than just a website, I wanted it to feel artful, calm, and inviting. Investing in website design and branding with Savannah helped elevate my client experience and brand, making it easier for my clients to feel connected to my offerings. I am so happy to have my new website as a home for my clients to come to and feel like they can connect with my work. My new website feels better than I could have envisioned it.
– Kat Arndt
Intention
The primary intention for this project was to design a custom website that aligned with Kat’s evolving vision and aspirations as a documentary wedding and lifestyle photographer. She initially came to me feeling somewhat disconnected from her current offerings and wanted to create a space that spoke to her ideal clientele – sentimental couples seeking honest and candid photography experiences for life’s many memorable moments. She envisioned a website that would attract more family and newborn sessions while still showcasing her wedding galleries. Her focus was on building a digital presence that exuded a sense of comfort and connection – one that would resonate deeply with herself as well as with her potential clients, all while offering an elevated, unique, and inviting online experience that set her apart from other photographers.
Process & Approach
In approaching this project, we focused on building a website that would feel like a photojournalistic experience, celebrating human connection while maintaining a sense of artistry. The process involved three key elements:
Brand Discovery & Vision Alignment
We began by diving into Kat’s core values and the type of sessions she wanted to focus on. Understanding her desire for more lifestyle-oriented sessions, we made sure the design showcased both wedding and lifestyle photography equally. Throughout our copyediting, we embraced keywords and phrases that felt personal and honest, which informed our overall design approach. Understanding that Kat wanted to create a space with genuine connection at its core, we tailored the website’s aesthetics and functionality to reflect this feeling of authentic expression. The emphasis here was on natural storytelling – capturing real moments that felt like they could be pulled directly from the pages of your favourite storybook.
Design Concept: Photojournalistic Storytelling
Given Kat’s documentary approach, we aimed for a design that felt free-flowing, much like the pages of a storybook. Each page offers an experience where visitors can explore Kat’s work while feeling immersed in a visual journey – we specifically love the primary navigation element – a digital bookmark. Along with organic textures, we also used a minimalist approach to highlight the photography itself, ensuring the imagery took center stage without overwhelming visitors with too many visuals.
User Experience & Flow
While the design has a free-flowing, editorial style (without feeling too “Vogue”), we ensured that the navigation remained familiar and intuitive. The layout features easy-to-find sections that flow naturally into the next with easy access to portfolio sections – separating lifestyle and wedding photography, allowing each service to shine while encouraging exploration of both offerings.
By focusing on Kat’s documentary style and desire for connection, we created a space that feels intimate, nostalgic, and welcoming. This website now serves as a true reflection of Kat’s brand – a space where potential clients feel comfortable, understood, and inspired to work with her.
“In relation to the overall process, I couldn’t believe how many extra resources and guidance I was given along the way. Having never had my website designed before, I found so many of the guides thought-provoking in a way that helped me further expand how I thought about my business and website.”
I loved the branding design forms that helped me visualize my brand and I love the copy template that helped narrow down the most important information to include on my website! I also loved how responsive you were, keeping me on track and answering questions as they came up. I was genuinely surprised at the level of involvement and guidance from you; it truly felt like there were so many opportunities for me to share what was important to me, and I felt like the final website was the result of you getting to know me and my vision so well.
“Hire Savannah, she’s amazing. It felt so easy to trust Savannah while she designed my new space with so much intention. It was the easiest investment, and I wouldn’t hesitate to choose her to build your own dream space!”
I was hesitant to trust someone with the vision I had in mind for building my new website for my wedding and family photography. But as soon as I met with Savannah, I felt like she truly understood and connected with the way I wanted my website to feel. From the beginning, Savannah works hard to really get to know who you are and who your business is so that your final website is a true reflection of your brand and aligns with how you want your clients to feel when they’re present on your website. I couldn’t believe how many supportive resources were available that helped guide me in the direction I wanted to go, especially her copyediting. When I saw my website for the first time, I was blown away by how much it really resonated. To say I love it is an understatement. Every time I reopen the pages, I am so in love and can’t believe this is my own space. I cannot wait for my clients to have this as a home for them to see my work.
– Kat Arndt
