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.

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!

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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