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.

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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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… :)