Capturing the Magic: Top 5 Tips to Photograph Kids Products WITH Kids | Boston Brand Photographer

Kids are an important part of the process when it comes to branding for what kids like and want to see, so why wouldn’t they be a part of the process? This blog includes our tips and tricks for how we roll with the incredible chaos of a kid’s brand shoot, and how we photograph kids’ products that appeal to parents AND interest their kids.

Be flexible!

We may have a grand plan for (our model) the child, to sit on a stool, surrounded by flowers, with the perfect sunlight falling over them. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, sometimes, reality has different plans. If the kid decides that our plan is not the same as theirs, it's essential to roll with it. Flexibility is a superpower, we are always prepared to embrace the unexpected, pivot when needed, and sometimes, let them think it was all their brilliant idea. After all, magic often happens when we let go of rigid expectations and go with the flow; kids know what’s cool and fun to their own brains and they usually surprise us with what they come up with by just playing.

Connecting with Them

Years of working with kids has taught me that above all, connection is key. Every child is unique, with a distinct personality that dictates how they respond to the world around them. Some are all about silliness, others thrive on compliments, and then there are those who really just want a quiet, safe space. It is so important to pause and make time to understand and connect with each child individually. Building that relationship of trust and making them feel heard is going to open the door to genuine expressions and authentic moments that truly shine in the final photos.

Become an Observer

On a photoshoot, it can be easy to get caught up in the director's role, after all, we love having a good shot list! (IYKYK) But sometimes, the best moments unfold when we step back and just watch what they do naturally. Kids are genuinely curious and creative little geniuses. Given the space to explore on their own terms, we often find ourselves capturing pure, unscripted magic. My extreme type A personality can have a tendency to over-direct, but it's a delicate balance between guiding the shoot and allowing their playful spirits to take the lead.

So, there it is – a sneak peek into the world of kids' brand photography and how we approach it. Our guidelines are: Stay flexible, focus on connections, and step back and observe. The spontaneous shots that we end up with are often my long-time favorite photos.

Visual Content Calendar: How to Plan a Year’s Worth of Social Media from One Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer

It feels like in the last few years we have really entered the era of the small business, so many more people are looking to shop locally and establish relationships with companies and people that they want to use over and over again. As a personal brand photographer, I’ve worked with many brands in and around my South End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, and I can’t emphasize enough the value of taking personal brand photos. Investing time and resources in a brand photoshoot to capture the essence of your personal brand to share with the world is crucial to growing and having your name passed down the line by your clients. But once you’ve done so you might be thinking what do I do with these images now?

 With a gallery of professional images that beautifully represent your business in your hands, how can you use them to get the most out of every photo? In this guide, we'll explore the importance of these brand photos and dive into strategies for maximizing their potential through a long-term social media plan. We want you to have the power to elevate your online presence and uplevel your business!

The Importance of Brand Photos

Your brand photos are so much more than just product photos or a headshot; they are a huge part of your online identity. In a digital age where first impressions matter, professional brand photography sets the stage to convey your personality, values, and the unique story behind your business. Once you have your gallery in hand, the key is to not wait! Let’s start planning so these images can become an innate part of the way clients recognize you and your brand.

Using Your Professional Photos Wisely

While it's tempting to use your brand photos across all your social media channels all at once, you want to make sure you’re using them in the best places possible. Use your favorite or most impactful images for key social media posts or announcements, or on your website. By focusing on quality over quantity, you maintain a consistent brand image, without overusing the photos to the point where you have nothing left to post in just a few weeks. Remember, these images were a labor of love, so use them wisely to maintain engagement and interest without getting repetitive

Tips for Yearlong Content Planning

To ensure a steady stream of captivating content throughout the year, consider creating a yearlong content plan. This may sound overwhelming, because who really knows what they want to post in December when we’re just barely moving into February? Start by outlining your goals or themes for each month, and aligning them with your business objectives and promotional activities. This allows you to strategically incorporate your brand photos into campaigns, product launches, or seasonal content. If you post a lot of content, this may mean planning a photoshoot each quarter, or twice yearly. If you don’t need daily or weekly content, that could mean just one brand photoshoot per year. By planning in advance, you'll be able to budget accordingly, plan your entire content calendar, and save yourself the time and stress of what to use and when. Remember, plans can always change.

A brand photoshoot is a powerful investment that is a huge part of establishing your brand in the online world. Use this as a guide to show off the full potential of your brand photoshoot, laying the groundwork for a successful social media presence to connect with your audience and uplevel your business!

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3 Mistakes to Watch Out For on Your Brand Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer

Hey there, small business owners and entrepreneurs in Boston! If you're gearing up for an awesome brand photoshoot, we've got some essential advice to share with you. Today, we're going to uncover the top three mistakes you need to avoid to ensure your brand photoshoot is a resounding success. So, grab your notebook and let's dive into this blog post that's all about what to avoid to create stunning brand visuals.

1. “Winging It”: The Importance of Preparation

Picture this: You show up for your brand photoshoot, all excited and ready to strike a pose. But hold on, have you actually prepared for it? "Winging it" might sound thrilling, but when it comes to creating a strong visual identity for your brand, preparation is absolutely crucial. In the initial steps of the planning process we’ll get into the importance of communication, prop selection, and outfit coordination to match the vibe and location. Trust us, skipping the preparation phase is a big no-no that can lead to lackluster results. So, let's ensure your photoshoot is set up for success right from the start.

2. Location, Location, Location: Don’t Settle for a Location that Doesn’t Fit Your Brand

So, before you brush off your own workspace as not being "luxury" or "on-brand" enough, think again! (Check out the blog for prepping your workspace!) Embrace its unique qualities and consider how they align with your brand's story. Authenticity goes a long way in building trust and connecting with your audience, and using your own workspace can amplify that in your brand photos.

If your workspace doesn't fit right for what you’re going for, tap into the resources around you! Do you have a friend with a kitchen that perfectly complements your lifestyle brand? Or perhaps you can strike a sweet trade deal with a past client who has an "on-brand" blue living room? And hey, have you ever considered checking out some Airbnb options? Renting a location may come with an extra expense, but trust us, it's always worth it. We've never had a client say they regretted investing in the perfect space that truly embodied their brand.

For more tips on choosing the perfect location, head over to our blog post on "How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Brand Photoshoot". It's a game-changer!

3. Don't Let Those Photos Collect Digital Dust

Now that you've embraced the idea of using your own location for your brand photoshoot, let's talk about the importance of actually using those photos. We understand that the overwhelming feeling of "How do I use them?" can sometimes creep in. But remember, the key is to take action and be strategic. “Done is better than perfect.”

Here's the truth: using your photos strategically is crucial for showcasing your brand and engaging your audience. We'll share valuable insights and practical tips on how to leverage your photos across your social media platforms, website, and other marketing channels. Let's ensure your brand photos shine brightly and contribute to your business's success. Check out “Tips for How to Make Your Brand Stand Out Online”

Start by creating a content calendar and planning out how you'll incorporate your photos into your social media posts, website, and other marketing materials. Highlight different aspects of your workspace and how they tie into your brand's story. By using your own space, you're not only showcasing your products or services but also inviting your audience into your world.

Now that you're aware of the top three mistakes to avoid on your brand photoshoot, you're equipped to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Remember the significance of preparation, the importance of choosing the right location, and the necessity of maximizing your photos' potential. By sidestepping these mistakes, you'll be well on your way to capturing stunning visuals that truly represent your brand. So, get ready to showcase your brand's essence through captivating imagery and watch your business thrive.

What does a typical day look like at a brand shoot? | Boston Photographer

As a personal branding photographer in Boston, I can help elevate your business by highlighting your values, personality, and style. As a small business owner, it's essential to have high-quality photos that showcase your brand and products. Having on-brand photos spread across your website and social media has the ability to draw in prospective clients and customers. A branding session can be anywhere from one hour to a full day. That's where a personal brand photographer comes in. We plan, we prepare, we find the perfect location, we book hair and makeup, we choose amazing on-brand outfits, but what does the day of our brand shoot actually look like?

In this blog post, we'll give you a sneak peek into the process. From scouting locations to setting up equipment and directing poses, you'll get an inside look at the steps involved in creating stunning images that capture your brand's essence. So if you're considering hiring a personal brand photographer or simply curious about what goes into a photoshoot, keep reading! Here is exactly what to expect, broken down into 6 steps:

1. If you’ve booked hair and makeup, they will arrive first, about two hours before our scheduled start time. Now is the time to communicate and show them any inspiration images, and your outfits for the photo shoot.

2. We’re here! Emily and her assistant will arrive at the time we’ve scheduled for arrival. We’ll spend about 20 minutes scouting the location and setting up lighting if necessary. Once you’re ready, we’ll go over your wardrobe and come up with a plan for which outfit to shoot in front of which backdrop. In addition, we’ll chat about the feel you want to capture in each image and how to best direct you during the shoot.

3. We’ll start shooting. During the shoot, Emily will give direction on how to pose, where to look, and what kind of energy to bring. We may try several different positions and angles until we get just the right shot. And don’t worry if you feel a little awkward at first – it’s completely normal! The important thing is to relax. You don’t need to know what to do in front of the camera, Emily will direct you, and no matter how “unphotogenic” you are, you will start to loosen up and even have fun in front of the camera… and it will show in the photos!

4. There’s no rush. Emily will have her shot list and timeline, which we’ve outlined ahead of time, with plenty of wiggle room for breaks, wardrobe mishaps, hair and makeup touchups, etc.

5. We’ll shoot a lot. A lot. Of images. We’ll stick to the shot list, but also leave a lot of room for spontaneity and creativity (after all, isn’t that why you hired us in the first place?). Headshots, lifestyle, process... We’ll also usually try to capture as much behind the scenes photo and video content as possible, we know you’ll want to post all about the day (the glam and… not-so-glam moments).

6. We may finish early. We may finish a little late. There are so many variables that contribute to our timeline - weather, lighting, comfort level, did a squirrel eat our perfectly styled prop bowl of nuts? We try to stick to our schedule, but being flexible is always a good idea.

That’s it! Of course, each shoot is different, with varying elements, but that’s the gist of the day of our photoshoot. As your Boston personal brand photographer, I will work with you to capture the feel you want in each image, directing you on how to pose and bringing an energetic vibe to your photo shoot. There's no need to worry if you feel a little awkward at first - I'll guide you through it! We'll follow our shot list and timeline, but also leave room for creativity and spontaneity. And don't forget, we'll capture behind-the-scenes moments too! Let's have some fun and create next level images for your website, social media, and promotional materials. Bottom line, if we are prepared (and we will be) it’s low pressure, and lots of fun.

Photo Shoots in Amazing Locations: Martha’s Vineyard Spotlight with Jill | Boston photographer

The first time I chatted with Jill, she opened up to me about her passions, her business, her life. She wanted to plan her personal brand shoot where she lived, in Martha’s Vineyard, and she had already put more thought and planning into this session than any other client I’ve had. She was working on her brand with Jordan Duvall from Ignite Your Soul Brand and her art direction guide was 20 pages long. 20 pages. Now this could have made me run in the other direction, but it was perfect. Strategic, intentional, and very very well thought out. She had a vision for her images, and I couldn’t wait to help her bring the vision to life.

We had an amazing location and A LOT on our shot list the day of the shoot, so we set up a strict timeline to help us stay organized. It certainly takes a village sometimes and I was so grateful to our team of amazing women - My assistant Gwen, Paula with hair and makeup, as well as styling, and Jill’s two best friends for being an extra set of hands wherever they could (and the perfect hype women as needed).

It was important for us to show Jill’s spiritual side. She offers intuitive healing and guidance to help women become their authentic selves. Her clients choose her because of her open, nurturing, and compassionate nature, so that was an element that we had to make sure we captured throughout the day. She also does akashic record readings (which I had to google it after our first conversation!)

We ended at the beach at sunset - our grand finale after a long day of shooting. It was the perfect magic to wrap a full day. Beautiful sunset, wind in our hair, waves crashing. All said and done, it was a 14 hour day (which I don’t do many of anymore with two toddlers at home), but so worth it.

5 Great Tips To Make Your Lifestyle Brand Stand Out Online | Boston Photographer

In today's digital world, building an online presence for your lifestyle brand is not only essential, but also challenging. Everyone is seeking a way to stand out and make a unique impression on your audience. One way to achieve this is through personalized brand photography. Customized visuals help businesses showcase their brand’s personality in a more creative and engaging way. This blog post will show you the role personalized brand photography can have in increasing your online presence and how you can create lifestyle branding photos that resonate with your target audience. From identifying your brand aesthetics to working with professional photographers and incorporating your team and products, we have listed five tips that will make your lifestyle brand stand out online.

Adding customized lifestyle branding photos is a huge step towards really establishing your brand's unique identity and standing out online. First thing’s first, is to identify your brand's aesthetic and use it as the foundation for planning your shot list, this will help us connect with your target audience on all levels. A Pinterest board is my favorite way to communicate your vision to me!

Once you have a clear vision, we can start diving into choosing locations, props, and wardrobe! You want to use props and settings that reflect your brand’s personality. Investing in a brand strategist in addition to a professional photographer is the best way to meet your goals with the photo shoot. We can help to ensure your images have a visual consistency across your platforms. Social media platforms have become the best way to showcase your personalized brand photography, and really kickstart engagement and relationships with your customers.

Identify Your Brand Aesthetic

Creating customized lifestyle branding photos that stand out online requires a deep understanding of your brand's aesthetic. The right color palette, patterns, textures, and locations can all contribute to building a strong visual identity for your brand. By identifying what best represents your messaging, you can create visuals that will set your brand apart from competitors. Consistency is key in developing a recognizable brand aesthetic, so be sure to use the same filters, editing styles, and overall vibe throughout all of your branding photos.

Choose the Right Setting and Props

In order to create customized lifestyle branding photos that stand out online, it's very important to choose the right location and props. This means considering what you want to evoke in your audience and selecting a setting that aligns with those emotions. Additionally, it is good to remember that when it comes to props, less is more. We want to strike a balance between adding visual interest and keeping that cohesive look that reflects your brand. Don't be afraid to experiment! Try out different settings and props until you find what works best for your brand.

Work with a Professional Photographer

Collaborating with a professional photographer can help elevate your brand's visual storytelling to a whole new level. I’m here to use lighting, composition, and editing, to visually tell your story and bring your brand to life. I work together with my clients to really reflect their vision, so we come out with photos that align with their brand identity.

Incorporate Your Team and Products

Adding your team and products into your lifestyle branding photos can be a great way to add a personal touch  to your brand and create a connection with your audience. Including your team members in photos and marketing communicates the values of your company and builds trust with your customers. Remember to keep the photos visually appealing and aligned with your brand goals to effectively showcase your personalized brand photography on social media platforms.

Using Social Media to Showcase Your Personalized Brand Photography

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook provide an opportunity to engage with your followers and build a community around your brand. By using consistent branding elements such as color schemes and fonts in your social media posts, you can create a cohesive and recognizable image.

Get creative with different types of content! Experiment with behind-the-scenes shots, lifestyle images, and product photographs. Show the faces behind the brand that make it successful. Collaborating with influencers or other brands can expand your reach even further, and you want to have photos you're proud of to share with them. Use social media to showcase your personalized brand photography and show the world why your business is unique.

In conclusion, it is so important to create a solid presence for your lifestyle brand in today's digital world. Personalized brand photography can help you stand out from the crowd, connect with your target audience, and become a recognizable entity. It’s a great tool to reach more customers, show off your brand’s personality, and create an unforgettable online presence. Need more tips on how to make your lifestyle brand stand out online? Check out our blog for more insights and inspiration!

The 5 Best Ways to Put Your Brand Photos to Use

5 Must-Have Photos from Your Personal Brand Session

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Brand Shoot

How Working with an experienced Brand Strategist Can Elevate Your Photo Session (Part 2) | Boston Photographer

If you started on Part 1 of this post, let me pick up where I left off… Enter my dream client, interior design entrepreneur extraordinaire, Ms Rachel Reider of Reider and Co. She is doing a complete rebrand with Kris, and they need next level content to show off what this team is all about. Oh, have I mentioned her amazing, powerhouse (all female) team of 6?

Example of a client shot list

Again, I can’t stress enough how beneficial it was to have Kris on the brand strategy/art direction side of this. After diving deep into the Reider and Co brand and the direction they were going, Kris and I came up with a shot list together. Here is an example of a shot list I would create for every brand photoshoot. It includes inspiration photos, locations, and specific shots we know are a priority.

For this particular shoot, we wanted a heavy focus on the team dynamic. Day 1 included two versatile locations - one in a Back Bay, Boston condo, and the other in a suburban Wellesley home. Our main focus was really powerful team photos, headshots, as well as a peek into all of the many things that happen behind the scenes as they are working with their clients. This was one of my favorites, shot “tableau style” to highlight the all inclusive experience the team provides from start to finish.

Day 2 was on location at Rachel’s studio in the South End of Boston (two blocks away from my condo, perfect!) Our main focus was to show the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes team in action: the start of the process, the sample selection, the team meetings. All of the things we don’t think about when we see the finished product.

All in all, it was a successful brand shoot, and I am THRILLED to see these images on Rachel’s gorgeous new website. Kris did an amazing job. This is what happens when women are in charge.

Check out the Reider and Co brand new website here

Check out the very talented Kris Kennedy of Loudhouse Branding website here

Of course what would a great photoshoot be without gorgeous hair and makeup, by Paula Roderick-Voisembert

Working with a Great Brand Strategist and Why You Need One (Part 1) | Boston Brand Photographer

If you come to me and you’re already working with a brand strategist, I immediately love you as a client. Why? You’ve already taken a major step to uplevel your business. You are most likely an entrepreneur with defined goals and a clear brand story. Planning your photo shoot is already less stressful for you.

If you ARE the brand strategist, now I am doing a happy dance. When Kris contacted me because she wanted to book a photoshoot for one of her clients, the first thing we did was to schedule a call to make sure we “vibed”. I don’t know about anyone else, but entering into a relationship with someone you are not compatible with, is DANGEROUS ground. Luckily, within 5 mins we were giggling and chatting about patriarchy and lifting up women business owners in the home design industry (perfect, I love her already).

Two weeks later she came to me with her first client she wanted to book a photoshoot for… which happened to be my dream interior design client, boutique hotel design goddess, the legend herself, Ms. Rachel Reider or Reider and Co. IYKYK.

(Rachel’s team shoot blog coming on part 2 tomorrow!).

Kris had been working (heavily) with Rachel on her rebrand already, so it was easy for Kris to take the reins on direction and planning for the shoot. This was a HUGE benefit to Rachel and her team - it totally took the weight off of her shoulders, goodbye stress and overwhelm!

Kris and I chose three incredible locations (always helpful when your client has designed two luxury homes that we can use as a backdrop, and has a chic design studio in Boston’s South End), and came up with a shot list that included specific needs for Rachel’s website and social media.

On the first day of the (two day) shoot, Kris took the role as art director, and we worked as a team to produce and execute the shot list. It was a long two days for everyone, but having Kris as the art director, truly made this shoot as successful as it was.

Check out her (also newly-rebranded-coming-soon) site where you can see more details about how awesome she is.
In the meantime, her new Instagram is getting very interesting! @loudhousebranding

And you are going to be absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the new Reider and Co site. You want to know how to effectively use your brand photos? This is it… We’ll be posting Reider and Co’s final images and link to their brand new website next week! I know it’s so hard to wait!

You can find Kris on her newly rebranded Instagram @loudhousebranding and her website coming soon: Loudhouse Branding

Cooking up a successful brand image with Tyler Kinnett | Boston Photographer

A young (super) successful chef with passion, kindness and humility needs some great photos to up the ante with his brand image.

Tyler was clear in the direction he wanted to go - away from wholesome and typical, and more toward gritty, edgy, Anthony Bourdaine. He wanted to show that he was more than a restaurant chef, he encompassed the total package and had big plans to expand his career.

After learning that sourcing his food is one of his top priorities, I knew we had to make that a highlight of our shoot. Tyler focuses on using ingredients that are not only unexpected, (like pine in sauces and desserts… see above photo), but locally sourced and seasonal as often as possible.

He has a great relationship with one of his suppliers, Allendale Farms, which was clear from the way they greeted each other when we arrived to shoot there. Tyler takes the time to chat with lead farmer, Kate, and she goes through their current and upcoming seasonal crops with him.

It’s always great going into a shoot with someone who is so passionate about what they do, it makes it easy to create beautiful, genuine images for them.

YES! Your workspace is photogenic. How to easily prep your space | Boston Photographer

Ok, our workspace does not look like HGTV in day to day life, but there are some really simple things we can do to style it for photos. If you know me, you know I love shooting a portion of our brand photos in the spaces my clients actually work in. If we are talking real and authentic, this is it! We want it to look clean and “effortless,” but not perfect, so there are some really simple ways to prep your space for photos.

1. Declutter. This is the number one, number two, and number three way to prep your environment. This doesn’t mean clearing off your desk completely, we want it to look functional, but not chaotic. Remove stacks of papers, organize pens, and clean up wires. These simple things will dramatically impact the way your desk photographs.

2. Remove “heavy” or dark objects from background. Darker objects steal focus, and we want to keep distracting elements out of the background. (example here before and after?)

3. Add life! Now that we’ve removed, it’s time to add. Green plant life would be my recommendation but any sort of flowers or plant will do the trick. This can be a desk plant, bamboo stalks, or a larger standing tree-type plant. (photo example with plants in foreground and background). Plants are a styling must have for most lifestyle photoshoots, no matter what your business is.

That’s it! Just a little rearranging and your space that you didn’t think would be appropriate for photos, is now the clean, personalized space you need for your brand photos. We want it styled, not sterile.

Bonus tip: if you already have brand colors, subtly accessorize your space using those colors in your vase, plants/flowers, pen, notebook, or desk organizers. The key here is subtle, pick one or two of those items, not all of them.

The Top 3 Things Holding You Back from Your Brand Photos and How to Fix Them | Boston Photographer

Feeling hesitant on planning your own personal brand photo session? You are not alone! But rest assured, as I walk you through three of the most common things holding people back from taking brand photos, and how to fix them. 

1. I don’t like the way I look.

Leave that to us! 

First I will  provide you with a posing and style guide. If you want to take your style to the next level, I can recommend one of the wardrobe stylists I love. Working with professional hair and makeup is also a key factor in amping up your look. It’s important to work with someone who can give you an everyday look - if you don’t wear an updo and smokey eye as part of your everyday look, let’s keep it real. Great HMU artists know how to give you the gorge look that’s still YOU.

We created a PDF guide with the absolute best wardrobe advice everyone needs before going into a photo shoot: Download it here

2. I don’t know how I would use these images.

Social media, blogs, website landing pages, about pages, process pages, email campaigns, printed marketing materials, press releases, etc, etc, etc.

Did you know that images on social media posts receive 120-180% more engagement and visibility? Powerful images provide a quick and clear message to your clients (esp for those who scroll right on past text). With the images from your brand shoot, you can create a visual library for fresh social media and marketing content.

3. I’m not ready.

When is anyone 100% ready?

Anything new can be intimidating, but you gotta start somewhere. We will start off with a brainstorm session, which will allow me to get to know you and your brand better. From our discussion, I can create the perfect shot list for your business. This is a great opportunity for you too to discover what you value in your business and want to highlight. I guarantee once we start, you won’t be able to wait to do it again! 

Captivating images are what make you stand out to your potential clients. They give your audience the chance to see what it’s like to work with you. All personal brand sessions are 100% customized to you, and conveying your brand story.

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“Working with Emily was incredible! Not only did she know how to work with my brand board, but also went out of her way to create her studio with my brand colors & specific plants to extenuate the look and feel of my brand. She was professional, extremely accommodating, friendly and more importantly.. AMAZING at what she does! I have the most gorgeous photos for my web site…”

— Gwen K, Homeopath

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