Michigan Commercial Photographer: Storytelling Brand Session for Taste the Local Difference in Three Oaks, Michigan

sarahrypma
Oct 11
2 min read

In 2022, Taste the Local Difference hired me to photograph farms, restaurants, and food businesses across southwest Michigan. Three years later, I’ve come to know their clients and their mission deeply.

This fall, the story came full circle when I was invited to photograph them: the passionate women behind the brand that has been connecting Michigan eaters and farmers for over two decades.

What Does a Michigan Commercial Photographer Do?

As a Michigan commercial photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic brand storytelling sessions that help businesses visually connect with their audience and share their purpose. Whether it’s a local restaurant, a farm-to-table nonprofit, or a distillery brand, commercial photography tells the story behind the work and give clients a image library to leverage across their own marketing platforms.

The Taste the Local Difference team meeting in a cozy living room during their Three Oaks, Michigan retreat, photographed by Michigan commercial photographer Sarah Rypma

Behind the Scenes: A Storytelling Retreat in Southwest Michigan

TLD’s team gathered at a cozy VRBO in Three Oaks for a work retreat filled with strategy, creativity, and reflection. They brainstormed new ways to connect Michigan farmers and food lovers through digital storytelling.

Collaboration in Action

During the retreat, the team met with one of their clients, Precision Syrups, to strategize around marketing, visuals, and storytelling. What struck me most was how naturally this group supports and uplifts everyone in the room. They listen deeply, exchange ideas generously, and lead with heart.

Taste the Local Difference team brainstorming marketing ideas during a creative strategy session at their Three Oaks, Michigan retreat, photographed by Michigan commercial photographer Sarah Rypma

Taste the Local Difference team members collaborating during a marketing meeting in Three Oaks, Michigan, captured by Michigan commercial photographer Sarah Rypma

Collaborative teamwork at the Taste the Local Difference retreat in Three Oaks, Michigan — creative hands exchanging ideas during a marketing planning session

Taste the Local Difference leadership team laughing and connecting during a collaborative retreat at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan, photographed by Michigan commercial photographer Sarah Rypma

The Power of Women-Led Work

Taste the Local Difference is proudly women-led, and photographing them reminded me why representation matters. At one point, a team member held her baby during the meeting—a simple moment that spoke volumes about balance, compassion, and modern leadership.

Taste the Local Difference team member holding her baby during a meeting, symbolizing balance and leadership at a women-led Michigan food organization. Captured by commercial photographer Sarah Rypma

Smiling baby held by her mother during a Taste the Local Difference team retreat, representing balance, compassion, and modern leadership. Photographed by Michigan commercial photographer Sarah Rypma

Story Isn’t Just for Families

I often talk about storytelling in the context of family photography but sessions like this remind me that story runs through everything we do. Whether it’s the hands that grow our food or the minds that bring that food to our tables, story connects us—it’s what makes brands human.

Taste the Local Difference team collaborating around a farmhouse-style table during a creative strategy meeting in Three Oaks, Michigan, captured by Michigan commercial photographer Sarah Rypma

Michigan Brand & Commercial Storytelling Photography

If your business has a story worth sharing, let’s tell it together. From farms and restaurants to creative teams and nonprofits, I specialize in documenting the why behind the work.

📸 Learn more about my commercial photography sessions

💬 Contact me to start your own brand storytelling project

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