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Sandhills Community College Branding and Marketing Photography, Makana Photography

Writer's picture: Lisa MiyamotoLisa Miyamoto

Updated: Feb 8


Towards the end of 2023, I received an exciting opportunity that became a highlight of my photography career. The head of marketing at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst reached out to me for a marketing photography project. Collaborating with such a reputable educational institution was an honor, and I was eager to capture images that truly resonated with their audience.

To ensure the photographs aligned with the college's vision, I immersed myself in understanding the essence and values of Sandhills Community College. Through in-depth discussions with the marketing team, I gained valuable insights into their brand identity and the message they aimed to convey through visual storytelling. This collaborative approach allowed me to tailor my photography style to align with the college's vision, ensuring that each image captured not only showcased the campus and facilities but also reflected the vibrant community and educational opportunities it offered.

Over the course of four months, I dedicated my time and skills to capturing the essence of each of the college's 52 departments. Visiting the Pinehurst campus once or twice a week allowed me to immerse myself in the daily life of the college, forging connections with students and staff members along the way. Exploring other locations like the Robbins Center in northern Moore County provided me with a comprehensive view of the college's footprint and allowed me to document various aspects of campus life.

Each department presented unique environments, each with its own distinct characteristics and ambiance. Despite the variations in natural light availability, each space presented its own unique challenges when it came to setting up and capturing the perfect lighting scenario. Some rooms required meticulous adjustments to enhance visibility and clarity, while others demanded creative solutions to balance shadows and highlights effectively. As a passionate photographer, I found immense joy in overcoming these challenges, as each situation pushed me to think outside the box and experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired results.

Some departments truly went above and beyond in showcasing their dedication to offering captivating portrait opportunities. The Firefighter Academy stood out by delivering an action-packed experience that left a lasting impression. Their demonstration was nothing short of spectacular—rescues from windows, smoke billowing out of buildings, and so much more. Despite the North Carolina heat, these firefighters showed incredible commitment and enthusiasm.

Another favorite of mine was photographing the Pastry and Culinary Department. Being an absolute foodie, I was really impressed by Chef Martin Brunner, the former owner of the Aberdeen Bakehouse, who gave me a freshly baked loaf of German bread. The moment I laid eyes on it, I knew it was going to be a culinary masterpiece. However, the joy of savoring that bread was short-lived as my family devoured it within a day.

Now, after those epic four months, I'm thrilled to unveil the masterpiece photos we managed to take. As a Southern Pines headshot and branding and marketing photography studio owner, I really enjyed these last four month of photographing on- location.



Collage of students in a dining hall setting, interacting, studying, and socializing. Includes paintings, bright colors, and signage. Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford

The Demspey Student Center and Cafeteria.


Collage of people in greenhouses and gardens tending plants, riding lawnmowers, and posing by "Donnell Horticultural Greenhouse" sign. Vibrant flowers.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford
Did you know that the Sandhills Community Center has a yearly plant sale? I get some flowers and produce plants there every year!

Collage of people outdoors conducting environmental research and surveying. Activities include water testing and using tripods. Trees in background.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford


Collage of people in a classroom setting, engaged in various hands-on activities like building with colorful blocks. Bright and lively atmosphere.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford

Collage of people engaged in classroom activities, crafts, and reading. Bright room, educational materials visible. Positive and collaborative mood.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford
Early Childhood Education. All these fun classroom materials almost made me want to be a kid again!

Scientists in lab coats work with microscopes and petri dishes in a bright lab. They wear gloves and focus on experiments, appearing focused.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford

Collage of nursing students in blue scrubs practicing medical skills, taking notes, and interacting with patients in a clinical setting.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford
One of my favorite sessions at the college. If you didn't know, I actually used to work at a hospital/ geriatric rehab when I was still working as a speech and language pathologist in Germany before moving to the States and starting my career as a commercial photographer. I felt right at home in this setting!

Collage of people practicing CPR, playing tennis, lifting weights, and jogging in bright settings. Some wear grey and red sports attire.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford

Collage of people studying and discussing in a classroom, reading textbooks, and writing. Bright setting, diverse emotions of concentration and learning.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford

Collage of classroom activities: students examining evidence, using microscopes, reading. Diverse group, learning atmosphere, evidence charts visible.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford

Collage of healthcare workers assisting a patient in a hospital room. White uniforms, red polka dot blanket; scenes of care and teamwork.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford

Medical team in blue scrubs preparing for surgery. Scenes include scrubbing, discussing, and conducting procedures in a well-lit OR.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford
Dr. Grey, paging Dr. Meredith Grey!

A classroom collage shows students studying, using flight simulators, and listening to an instructor. The setting has aviation posters.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford

People operate flight simulators in a classroom. Multiple screens show sky views. Instructors assist, and students focus on controls.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford
The flight simulator was so cool!

People use a flight simulator in a room. Close-up of control panels and a map on a tablet. Instructors guide students. Focused and engaged mood.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford


Collage of people in workshop, wearing casual clothes, handling tools, and discussing projects. Bright indoor setting, teamwork-focused.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford
The HVAC crew was a fun bunch! Lots of jokes.


Medical students practice emergency care on mannequins in a bright classroom. They wear uniforms, use medical tools, and display teamwork.Branding session by commercial photographer Makana Photography, a company located near Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Sanford
If you look closely, I'm sure you have seen one of these images on a billboard in Southern Pines and Pinehurst! I love seeing my work large and printed.




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