Power By People - Retail Excellence Meets Social Impact
- PREMIUM PHOTOGRAPHY
- LUXURY SET DESIGN
- CONCEPTUAL DIRECTION
- POST-PRODUCTION
- CREATIVE DIRECTION
When Powered by People approached us to create Bloomingdale’s-ready imagery for two remarkable artisan brands—Soli & Sun from the Philippines and Indego Africa from Rwanda—we knew this project was about more than beautiful product photography. It was about opening doors to one of America’s most prestigious retailers for artisan creators from developing countries who deserve access to global markets.
The challenge was clear: transform 35+ handcrafted products into 130+ retail-grade images that meet Bloomingdale’s exacting standards, all within a two-week timeline and at a price point that makes economic sense for social enterprises.
THE CHALLENGE
From Artisan Craft to Retail Ready
Soli & Sun and Indego Africa represent the best of artisan craftsmanship—handwoven bags, thoughtfully designed accessories, and products rich with cultural heritage. But their existing imagery, while authentic, wasn’t optimized for major U.S. retailers.
The gaps were specific:
- Inconsistent image quality and resolution
- Missing essential angles (overhead, detail shots, interior views)
- Improper cropping for retail specifications
- Backgrounds that didn’t meet Bloomingdale’s standards
- No swatch images for materials and colors
- Absence of lifestyle imagery with models
The stakes were high: Without retail-ready imagery, these artisan brands—no matter how exceptional their products—would remain locked out of premium retail channels. Bloomingdale’s doesn’t compromise on image standards, and neither could we.
Elevating artisan craftsmanship to Bloomingdale's standards through retail-ready photography, authentic heritage preservation, and scalable excellence.
With 35+ products requiring comprehensive photography, we developed a systematic approach that balanced Bloomingdale's strict creative guidelines with two-week delivery efficiency. Each product received a consistent set of images: primary packshot, overhead and detail angles, close-ups highlighting craftsmanship, professional lifestyle shots with models, and material swatches for accurate variant representation. This standardized excellence ensured every piece—from handwoven bags to bag charms—met the same exacting standards.
Working within Bloomingdale's creative constraints meant zero room for artistic interpretation. Every image needed exact specifications for lighting, cropping, background, and color accuracy. These weren't guidelines—they were requirements. Our focus remained on showcasing the authentic beauty and craftsmanship of each handmade piece while maintaining absolute consistency across the entire collection. The challenge wasn't just creating beautiful images; it was creating beautiful images within a rigid framework designed for visual coherence across Bloomingdale's entire platform.
One of our biggest technical challenges was accurately capturing the rich textures of handwoven materials—Filipino raffia, natural fibers, African basketry—without complete physical access for every angle. Our AI-enhanced workflow, guided by expert creative direction and deep material understanding, allowed us to create multiple angles and lifestyle scenarios while preserving the authentic tactile quality that defines both brands. The goal was never artifice, but truthful representation of the handmade excellence these artisan creators bring to every piece.
The Result
A complete, cohesive visual library that positions both Soli & Sun and Indego Africa as premium brands worthy of Bloomingdale’s shelves—imagery that honors the artisan craftsmanship while meeting the uncompromising standards of luxury retail.
RETAIL-READY PHOTOGRAPHY
AT SCALE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Traditional Product Photography
Studio-based retail photography
$9,800+
Based on standard retail rates
Multiple studio days required
Product shipping & logistics
Professional styling per product
Model booking & session fees
4-6 week typical timeline
Limited revision rounds
Chronos Studio
Retail photography at scale
$4,200
57% cost optimization
Professional quality, plus:
130+ retail-ready images
2-week complete delivery
3+ angles per product
Professional lifestyle shots
Material swatches included
Bloomingdale's compliance
Full revision rounds
No shipping logistics
