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.

Moodboarding: How to Inspire Your Brand Photos with Stunning Digital Visuals | Boston Brand Photographer

Picture this: You have booked your brand photoshoot, and you’re ready to make a statement with gorgeous, on-brand images for your website, but you arrive, and the vibe is “bright and casual”, not the “upscale and elegant” vibe you were going for. Didn’t you talk with your photographer about this beforehand?

Moodboarding (or modern-day Pinning on Pinterest) is THE best way to communicate what you want your branding photoshoot to look like to your photographer. In our initial conversation, I ask a lot of questions about your brand, your ideal client, and especially about what you want your photos to look like. As much as we chat about this, there is no replacement for visual representation. As I tell my clients, “modern farmhouse magic” can translate totally differently to two people. It’s always best to have visual inspiration to communicate your “dark, sophisticated, moody” or “bright, cheerful, casual” vibe.

Where to Start:

Create a Pinterest board you can share with your team. This part may feel like homework but it’s so fun, this is where your brand personality can really shine! Pinning images that reflect your brand's values, mission, and personality helps you define and communicate your identity visually. It's like giving your brand a voice without saying a word.

To Create your own Pinterest Inspiration Board:

1. Create a new board: "your business name brand photoshoot" and check the box to keep it secret

2. Search relevant terms. Use words to describe your brand, "bright, modern, minimal", and words relevant to your industry. This might look like "bright modern interior design brand photoshoot ideas" or another iteration of that. The goal is not to find exact images we will replicate, but to use your board to come up with the overall brand aesthetic that you are going for.

3. You'll want about 10-15 images on your board. You want to have enough variety, but too many could start to lose focus on the main concept.

4. Share your board with your team.

That’s it! Now you and your team of marketers, web designers, hair and makeup artist, and photographer will all be on the same page to help you create stunning visuals that are on brand for your business.

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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Top Visual Branding Trends of 2024 for Women-Owned Small Businesses | Boston Brand Photographer

In the ever-evolving landscape of visual branding, small business owners are increasingly utilizing the power of a personalized experience. As a Boston-based small business owner and photographer, I know how important it is to stay on top of visual trends to effectively speak to the audience of women-owned enterprises. In 2024, brands are gravitating toward minimalism, candid realness, bright colors, and authenticity. Embracing these trends will uplevel your brand photography and resonate with your target audience.

Embracing Minimalism

The "less is more" philosophy has never been more relevant in visual branding. Minimalism conveys a sense of sophistication but also ensures that your message is clear and impactful. When photographing I like to focus on creating images that are clean, uncluttered, and utilize simplicity to highlight the most important parts of your brand. Whether it's a product, a service, or the entrepreneurs themselves, minimalistic visuals allow the audience to focus on what truly matters.

Bright Colors

Vibrant colors within your brand photos can add that extra pop to your content without being overpowering. Bright colors are stealing the spotlight this year from fashion to home decor to photography, don’t be afraid to embrace them for that little shot of energy you may be lacking in your visuals. They’re not just a trend but a statement, let your images help you incorporate modern vibes within your existing brand landscape.

Getting Real

The trend in 2024 leans heavily towards capturing natural expressions and candid moments. Gone are the days of stiff, posed photographs, your audience wants to work with REAL people. As a photographer, I strongly encourage my clients to be themselves during the shoot. Documenting genuine smiles, laughter, and authentic interactions adds a human touch to the brand. This element of realness is tangible through a screen and creates a more relatable brand aesthetic for your audience to connect with. 

In a world inundated with curated content, authenticity stands out as a breath of fresh air. Let the heart and soul you bring to the brand shine through, showcase the genuine faces behind the business, the passion that drives it, and the unique stories that make it memorable. By weaving authenticity into your visual storytelling, you not only become a recognizable part of your client's brand but also build personal trust.

Incorporating Trends into Your Brand Aesthetic

Staying relevant while also appealing to your target audience can be difficult in today’s ever-changing social media landscape. It’s important to keep up with trends and determine what already flows your existing brand aesthetic. No one understands your brand’s audience better than you, so start adapting your content and brand photography to not only reach your current following but to reach newcomers as well.  Maintaining consistency in theme across all platforms will ensure a cohesive and recognizable brand identity that aligns with the evolving visual preferences of 2024.

In the realm of brand photography for women-owned small businesses, the emphasis on authenticity, minimalism, and natural expressions is shaping a new era. By staying attuned to these trends and seamlessly incorporating them into your photography, you not only uplift your business but also contribute to the success and visual identity of the inspiring female entrepreneurs you work with. In 2024, let your lens capture the authenticity, simplicity, and genuine connection, helping small businesses thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

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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.

Where do I start? Tips for planning your best personal brand session | Boston Photographer

As a small business owner, you know that branding is everything. And one of the best ways to showcase your brand is through professional photoshoots. But where do you start? Don't worry – planning a successful brand photoshoot doesn't have to be overwhelming. With these four easy steps, you can plan and execute a photoshoot that perfectly captures your brand's personality and message:

Step 1: Communication is key to successful planning, and that's why I always start with a conversation before commencing any project. This gives me the opportunity to understand your brand, goals, and vision for the photos. If you already have a Pinterest board with ideas in mind, please share it with me so that we can work together to bring your vision to life. Even if you don't have a Pinterest board yet, don't worry; we'll work together to create one that aligns with your goals and vision. Based on our conversation, I will provide suggestions and recommendations that are tailored to your brand and objectives. With clear communication and collaboration, we can create stunning visuals that effectively communicate your message and resonate with your target audience.

Step 2: Fill out your questionnaire. This is like an ultimate brainstorm session for your brand. It is an opportunity to reflect on your brand and think deeply about its strategy. If you have a clear brand strategy in place, filling out the questionnaire may be a breeze, but if not, it could require some more thought and reflection. The questionnaire will help you to define your brand's unique selling proposition (USP), target audience, mission statement, and messaging. This information is essential for creating a cohesive and effective brand identity that resonates with your customers.

Step 3: Decide on a location. This is one of the most important elements, and should not be overlooked. The location we shoot should be authentic to your brand, versatile, and (of course) available to rent or use. See more about choosing a location here.

Step 4: Create your inspo board on Pinterest. Sometime between our initial call and two weeks leading up to our shoot date, you’ll want to create a Pinterest board for inspiration. This is where I can actually SEE what your vision might look like. Words are great, but “modern chic” might mean one thing to you and another to someone else. A mood board is the best way for us to get on the same page visually. When planning your branding photoshoot, it's important to also consider props! They can add depth and interest to your photos, as well as tie in with your branding. Gather any props you may need in advance and make sure they align with the overall aesthetic of your shoot.

Planning a brand photoshoot requires thoughtful consideration and strategizing. Start by defining your brand's target audience, mission statement, and messaging through a questionnaire. Next, choose a location that aligns with your brand's authenticity and versatility. Create a Pinterest board for inspiration and gather props that tie in with your branding. By following these steps, you can create a cohesive and effective brand identity that resonates with your customers through stunning visuals.

Don't worry, you’re in good hands. I’ll use all of this info to create an absolute killer shot list for us. Next stop is wardrobe… :)

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

Inside an Interior Designer Personal Brand Shoot: Sarah Cole Spotlight | Boston Photographer

On an interior shoot, so much prep goes into making a room photo ready. On a brand shoot with an interior designer… in a home that she designed, take that prep work and make it a double, hah! When working with interior designers, I usually recommend that we keep the photoshoot for the home they designed and their brand photoshoot separate, but limitations in using someone else’s home doesn’t always allow that kind of freedom. Sarah had two days to prep, style AND shoot the home and her brand photos… I’m sweating and stressed just saying that. Prep work and communication, while time consuming, truly makes or breaks the outcome of a shoot like this.

Sarah Cole has made the art of prepping a space for a shoot down to a T. Being a visual person herself, she had the perfect vision for her “red dress” room, and using the built-ins as a main backdrop. And hello yellow shoes to perfectly compliment the yellow/blue sitting room? Showing part of her process and not JUST the pretty, finished product, was important, so we made sure to take elements from the planning stages - the measuring to get the perfect custom fit, the dozens of meetings and conversations with clients, reviewing the floor plans, down to the final touches.

How to make your brand shoot more personal with Kylie Wright | Boston Photographer

One of the many parts I love about personal brand shoots is the opportunity it creates for you, the client, to reflect on your brand and how you want to be seen. Kylie, CEO of a tech company, has had many “corporate” headshot sessions to show the serious professional side of her job, this time opted to go for a more personal approach with her session.

I loved this approach, as it allowed us to highlight Kylie’s life outside her Back Bay office, creating a very genuine “total package” image of her. She lives near her work, and if you haven’t been to Back Bay, it has so many photo opportunities with the brownstone buildings, Newbury street, restaurants, and green spaces. Pretty much quintessential old town Boston. In capturing her less corporate side, we focused on what she appreciates outside of the office such as her favorite walks in the neighborhood, or her favorite restaurants in the area (which I don’t know how you can pick), rides her Blue Bike to the office, and one of my favorite moments, spending some time engaging with her family and pups. 

For a more casual professional vibe, we concentrated on what she would post to a blog or LinkedIn about, such as how she can take work calls walking down Commonwealth Ave. As a leader, she loves working with her team and considers that one of her happy places.

Behind the Scenes of a Personal Brand Session in Marblehead with Kelly Duggan | Boston Photographer

This past fall, I was up in Marblehead (which is so beautiful!) every few weeks working with some incredible interior designers and architects. One of the shoots that really brought Marbleadhead to life though, was Kelly’s personal brand session. This all-inclusive, all-day lifestyle session for Kelly was really meant to show off HER. The perfect combo of her biz and life… because honestly is there really that much of a line between the two anymore?

Walking in the door at our first location Kelly chose - a beautiful home overlooking the bay in Marblehead- I gawked at the stunning clothing laid out for this session, which pretty much turned the downstairs entrance into a walk-in closet. Our mutual friend Paula was her hair and makeup artist, and really went above and beyond, taking the role of wardrobe stylist as well, adding accessories to compliment and finalize outfits. (Thank you Paula!) Kelly and Paula absolutely NAILED wardrobe, and Kelly wore her clothes with such confidence. Side-note: even if you are coming to the studio for a quick headshot, I recommend getting your hair and make-up done by Paula. She’s my HMU spirit animal and always creates the perfect camera-ready-but-still-yourself look.

Kelly had a clear vision for her shoot, bringing fun props along with her to clearly define her brand and add some personality (pro move Kelly). How fun is it to have a bunch of balloons and pop some bubbly?! There was even fake snow, which required us to get creative with our cleaning in our efforts to be as eco-friendly as possible. We had an action packed shot list for the day (I may have broken a sweat on multiple occasions), but we ended up with a TON of variety that will fill her content library for months.

And, as always, we had to be flexible in true photoshoot fashion, as one of our locations in town was closed. That just led us to a lovely flower shop right down the street, with great steps for posing, and pristine lighting. Everything worked out beautifully in the end! We ended the day in Lynn, right along the water in time to catch the sunset over Boston; casting a golden glow to the end of our session. Of course, there was a toast to celebrate!

How Gwen made the most of her brand shoot | Boston Brand Photographer

Gwen, Homeopath, came to me when planning her website with her website designer Lulu, and her photos from this brand shoot fit her website. During our consultation, she described how she wanted an organic and neutral look to her images. We decided to do the shoot at my studio in Lawrence, starting with a complete blank slate background and adding in details and items reflective of her brand such as earth toned art and plants. A minimalist approach with beautifully simple results. One of our goals was to recreate the warmth and openness of her office environment and the general vibe of zoom calls with patients, and we were able to do just that using a few key items and colors.

And while we had the whole brand session in our studio space, we were not limited! Gwen worked with a virtual wardrobe stylist before our session, and they put together A LOT of looks. In fact we had 7 outfits which we fit into a half-day shoot! Talk about really creating versatile content. Once again, here is where planning and prep are everything. We were able to be intentional about shooting 7 looks in one half day session, and successfully giving Gwen the variety in her content that she needed. Of course I have to give a shout out to Paula, my friend and makeup artist, who was with us for the entire session to transition between looks, she makes everything look so effortless. 

I can’t say enough good things about working with the right team. With Lulu’s direction, Gwen’s clear visual inspiration, Kate’s magical wardrobe, and Paula’s always natural HMU, we were able to produce exactly what Gwen wanted.

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Brand Shoot | Boston Photographer

1. Re-evaluate what your brand means to you and how you want that visualized. What are some of your business’s grounding principles or your own personal mantra? What do you want to be known for- approachability? Family oriented? Think about what locations are good visual representations of your brand. 

2. Image research and prep. Time to head on over to Pinterest and other social media (or scroll through my instagram) to find poses and images that give me some direction for what you want. I will guide you through posing the day of our shoot, but this is a good place for you to figure out what you like and (maybe more importantly), don’t like aesthetically. Additionally, if you already know where you want these images to end up, that’s super helpful in creating a shot list customized to your needs.

3. Keep me updated! Communication, communication, and did I mention communication? We will start with a consultation call to go over how to best showcase you and your brand during our time together. This is a great time for me to really listen to your needs, pain points, and ideas, so that I can start putting those all together into a custom shot list before our session. If any changes do happen along the way - you decide you want to change location, add a specific shot, prop, bring your dog, fill in the blank, let me know ahead of time so we can plan for it.

4. Picking your outfits. A perfect excuse to look through your wardrobe with a fresh set of eyes. It’s so important to choose clothes you feel confident in AND that are representative of you and your brand. If that means shopping to add in some key pieces, or borrowing some accessories from a friend, you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time for searching and ordering what you need. I always suggest having a few extra options.

5. Day of shoot. Leave yourself plenty of time to prepare, and arrive at our first location punctually so we can make the most of our time together. I highly recommend bringing a few snacks and water bottle. Trust me, the time will go by fast, so take a deep breath, and relax so you can enjoy it and be your authentic self. Once we get going these sessions are so much fun!

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.

Updating your personal brand photos with Marty | Boston Photographer

How do you keep fresh content flowing for repeat clients? When someone comes back to update their personal brand photos once every few months or once every year, it’s important that we get it right everytime. We want it to be consistent with their brand, but not redundant from one shoot to the next. Marty Moore’s two shoots are perfect examples of how to properly execute this.

Here are my top 3 things to consider:

Consider location.

I always emphasize how important location is for a brand shoot, but the 2nd or 3rd time around, location plays an even bigger role.

Contrary to what one might think, you don’t want to choose somewhere wildly different. The goal is to choose somewhere that offers new perspectives but is still cohesive with the photos we’ve already shot and the brand story we’ve been telling. For some, that could even be the same location for more than one session. For others, that could mean hunting for the perfect new space to rent for each shoot.

Freshen up the wardrobe.

This will vary from brand to brand, but for Marty’s in particular, his look is the casual suit jacket over a white shirt with jeans or trousers. So for him, we kept it consistent but paid close attention to the smaller details - the cuff links, the watch, the tech accessories.

For other brands, half of the fun in planning the 2nd shoot could be choosing a whole new wardrobe! There are no rules here, so switching up the look or keeping it similar, it’s all good.

Dig into the purpose behind the shoot

Is it for a new product or course launch? Are you offering a new service? Celebrating a big biz milestone?

Whatever the purpose is, this will steer us in the right direction to create brand new content, even if we are shooting on the same neutral backdrop. Planning the right “action” shots is really what guides the story we want to tell.

Marty’s team chose to rent the lovely Newburyport Studio for their shoot. It was my first time shooting there, and wow was it versatile! I can’t wait to shoot there again. Marty’s team once again provided amazing creative direction, and it’s always satisfying to hear they were thrilled with the outcome.

What you can learn from Marty Moore and his brand shoot | Boston Photographer

No Bullsh!t on this brand shoot with CEO mentor, now author, Marty Moore for his book release, “No Bullsh!t Leadership”. It had to be one of the most organized shoots of 2021, which is mostly due to his daughter, and business partner, Emma.

Definitely a powerhouse father-daughter duo.

Emma was pretty much my dream client- she had a clear idea of the visual story they wanted to tell, and came up with a detailed shot list, including inspiration visuals, before our shoot.

The whole family played a part on this brand shoot:

Marty’s wife, Kathy, doubled as a personal stylist and helped get the most natural expressions out of Marty. His leadership skills, particularly his charisma and confidence truly came through in the finished photos. Overall he is a natural in front of the camera!

Determining location is such an important piece in telling your brand story.

More on how to determine the best location for your brand here. Since they needed a very minimal, clean backdrop, we opted for renting a space. After doing a bit of research, I sent Emma three options of potential sites, and let her decide which one best fit their brand and specific look for this shoot. We ended up renting the perfect studio space right in East Boston. 

Oh! And…

if you have that ever growing pile of books you mean to read but haven’t gotten to yet, I encourage you to add this one to the pile, though he also has a podcast for leaders and future leaders. It’s worth a listen on your next drive.

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.