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branding photography
At the end of last year, Jessica and I decided we wanted to personalize our client experience a little more. We reached out to Tori about designing a custom collar charm for Trumbull Photography. Tori joined us in-person for a consult/brainstorming session to pin down what we were looking for.
Did you know that we don’t just photograph headshots in the studio? We also offer for our clients to have their professional photos outdoors. These photos with Matthew were taken at Wildwood Metropark. We stayed close to the manor house but focused specifically on brick and leafy areas.
Why are professional headshots important to you? “They are the face you put out to the world, so you want them to be an honest reflection of how you look and how you present yourself to prospective clients and opposing counsel.”
Women’s History month means we want to show off some of the amazing ladies we have gotten to work with. Lexie volunteered last summer to stand in for some headshots when Jessica was training. Since these photos were taken, Lexie has opened her own studio space and really begun to build her own photography brand here in Toledo. It is really wonderful to see our peers growing and contributing to our industry!
“I am passionate about this profession because I enjoy being a listener and source of support for those sharing stories of trauma, life challenges, resiliency, hope. Making a human connection with others while providing a space for individuals to be vulnerable in an otherwise world that can feel chaotic and unsafe at times motivates me to show up for them consistently.”
Anyone who knows me, knows how much I value being good at what I do. Trusting someone else to take on a big role in my business was a little scary at first. But I have a desire to grow this business and to serve a larger clientele base. Making the choice to bring in an associate who cares just as deeply about being good at what she does, working hard, and creating lasting memories for clients is the logical next step for this business.
“I love what I do because I'm able to help people when they are in need. Someone who's too sick or injured to work has their entire life upended. Giving some type of security to that person is an incredible feeling.”
“Rebecca gave me an opportunity to see myself in a way that I never had before. I had an image in my mind of what I expected to see in the photos, but instead I saw a happy, successful entrepreneur who was living a really great life. Rebecca you captured my space beautifully and I'm so excited for the next photoshoot!”
One of the first things I teach all of my clients are the boundaries for respect. They, their children and their guests should all follow these guidelines.
Having your employee’s faces on your business website can help your office to stand apart. As I peruse many websites for local businesses and services, I am disappointed at how many do not include the faces of their staff, owners or management. Putting real faces with your brand’s name helps to convey a sense of trustworthiness and responsibility to potential clients.
“Rebecca was filled with motivational words, which is what several people need during this pandemic. The world felt uncertain to me, and she reminded me that I certainly deserved an opportunity where I could leverage all of the experience I have gained.”
“I’ve been told I have a very warm, calming presence which is really beneficial because most clients come to my chair really nervous for a big event or shoot that I’m getting them ready for. I help them focus and calm their nerves either by talking or using tools/products that help them relax.” -Amy Lewis
“Femininity appears to be one of those pivotal qualities that is so important no one can define it.” -Caroline Bird
Working with my Amy to pursue the creative things she loves has been such a fun experience. We have photographed outfits in snow, in rain, in summer heat. We have made some tricky locations look great and working with Amy has taught me new things about my own craft as well. Fashion photography is very different from portraiture or event coverage. I thrive on the textures, patterns, colors and flow of each outfit. I can’t wait to see the next ensemble she has for me to photograph.
March 2019 was my fourth year documenting the Water for Ishmael annual fundraising event. Each spring the staff, students, and volunteers put together a special event to raise funds for scholarships for ESL students. Dinner is served and includes dishes from many different countries. Some food is homemade and some is donated by a variety of local restaurants. The event also involves a silent auction, a bazar, cultural demonstrations and traditional dance performances.
Headshots are important in the professional world. Not only do they impact how your peers see you, they can direct how your potential clients think about you. Just like your store front, logo, and website create an experience for your customers, your own image is also an important part of your brand. A person who presents a sloppy appearance could be labeled as someone who might not take pride in their work. A nervous or angry expression could make clients wonder if you are difficult to work with. An outdated headshot may remind you of a younger self, but it will confuse peers when they meet you in person.
There are numerous things to consider when thinking about what to wear for your family pictures. Colors, patterns and styles are all part of the, don't mind my pun, picture, but don't just think about the externals, think about your family as a whole and what they are going to feel comfortable standing in front of the camera in. Some people have a hard enough time getting their picture taken and feel totally awkward in front of the lens, but then add to that trying to make them wear clothing that is not their style or color preference and the smiles are not going to be very natural.
Anva is a very cute place. The decor is fun but relaxing and comfortable. I am a lover of textures and Anva is full of lovely ones to look at and feel. I felt like the whole place spoke to me saying, "just breathe and be". Val is one of the most positive people I have ever met. Every other word out of her mouth was a compliment. I am drawn to people like that because I highly value words of affirmation. What better place to get a self esteem boost than your stylist's chair? Val was very knowledgable about her business and her services. She has her client's well being in mind.
Branding your business might sound like something that just happens. When you start your shop, your service, your product, branding and public image will just fall into place right? Wrong. Branding is something purposeful that every successful business has done. Branding has to do with logos, color schemes, names and aesthetic. But it is even more than that. From the way you speak about your business on your website to the smell your clients associate with your company, everything you do can impact your branding.
