Brand Photography for Florists: Rochester NY Branding Pictures

Jamie’s goal at Creative Gardens is to help everyone be surrounded by color, because it makes their lives a little bit brighter, more cheerful and welcoming. She wants to bring inspirational beauty to the world through her gardening.

She could just post branded pictures of her container gardens or wedding designs to her social media feeds. But Jamie knew it was time to elevate her look with a personal branding photo session. She already works with some higher end country clubs and residential homes, so it was time to show up that way in her business, all year long.

So far, we’ve created branding pictures in Rochester, working at her hotel and country club sites, and on a wedding design at Fig Holllow Barn.

We can’t wait to see what else we’ll get to photograph for her brand as the year goes on!

Branding Headshots in Fairport NY: Rochester NY Photography

A retired FBI agent and a yoga instructor walk into the same studio…

…and BOTH get updated branding headshots that reflect their business.

Listen, I know I need to work on my material, but I’m a branding photographer, not a comedian. The fact remains, that even in a 15 minute branding portrait mini session we could create two different looks for totally different businesses.

We are so thankful to Ali at Yoga 170 for sharing her amazing space with us, giving us the opportunity to bring these brand photographs to life.

Interested in leveling up your brand in 15 minutes? Check out the next round of branding minis, coming soon!

Look great in pictures without retouching: Fairport NY Photographers

PS: It's not what you think.

If you ask us about retouching, you may see us cringe. It’s not because we don’t know how, or that we’re not good at it. In fact, some have called us Photoshop wizards.

No, it’s not that. Rather, we prefer to see everyone the way they are, and celebrate that real, honest beauty.

What’s more beautiful than confidence?

So you want to look good in your photos. Who doesn't?
Here are our top tips to look good.

1. Confidence. Radical self love. Acceptance. Whatever you want to call it: if you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside. So take care of yourself! If that means getting your nails done, do it. If it means going for a run, do it. If it means listening to your favorite music on the way to your session, DO IT! Find what makes you feel really you, and bring that beautiful you to your session.

2. Choose an outfit that makes you feel good. This doesn't mean you have to wear what's trending, high heels, or all black, it just means wear something that makes you smile. Flaunt the parts of you that you love and don’t stress the parts that you don't.

3. Trust your photographer. (that's us!) Through lens choices, angles and positioning, we emphasize your best features, naturally reducing the rest.

   Remember: The eyes say it all. If you are truly present, happy, and connected, no one is looking anywhere else.

In both of these photos, my eyes go straight to Erin’s face. With a twist of her body, thoughtfully placed hands, good light and a fun prop, we have a 3/4 length portrait with the emphasis on her smile.

Why do we hate retouching so much?

1. It assumes we think you need it. We think all people are beautiful, and our differences make us special.

2. It assumes we know what you want to look like. Appearance is a very personal thing. Our preferences may be the opposite of yours. If you want something retouched, we need you to be specific about what that is for you.

3. Where do you draw the line? How many pounds or years do you want to take off? 1, 5, 20? It is very subjective, and if you have found our work, I assume you like the natural feel of our images.

This is example of going to far (in my opinion). On the left, I softened the bags under my eyes (hey, I have a toddler.) On the right, I smoothed away all evidence of skin texture to create an unrealistic glow. I could have even gone farther and added makeup, but then no one would recognize me.

So what do we do?

We'll remove acne (we assume no one wants to remember that) and subtly brighten teeth. Other than that, not much unless you ask for it.

Braces are optional, but lately, more folks have opted to keep them in their pictures. If you’ve got concerns about shape, we discuss that in advance and choose clothes and poses that flatter. As for wrinkles, beauty marks and hair, we don’t touch them unless you ask.

So tell us... do you love yourself just the way you are, or do you want to look 20 years younger?

Because we think you are beautiful.

Love, Lori & Erin

I adore freckles like Mallory’s! (above) My niece, Grace, hates hers.

Personal Branding Mini Sessions: Rochester NY Brand Photography

Some of our favorite entrepreneurs just gained a fantastic collection of branding images.

All it took was saying “yes” to a 15 minute personal brand mini session.

We had some great female entrepreneurs show up from various occupations - SEO specialist, marketing strategy, college administrators and even a fellow branding photographer!

What’s great about this space, is that we were able to create great branding portraits and headshots for every person that came, because there are a variety of backgrounds that range from fun and funky to board room business.

In just 15 minutes, you could revamp the images on your whole website. For example - shortly after we delivered Kristi Mitchell’s images, we saw them on her website, and we have to say, the pictures fit her brand perfectly! (See what we mean below.)

Or, you could create a library of images you can use on social media to talk about your brand. The options for using brand photography are endless.

Check out more of our favorites from the branding mini sessions at Do or Dye Beauty and Barber Shop below!

Tips for Personal Brand Photo Shoots: Fairport NY Brand Photography

You know your brand visuals are super important to your small business. So you’ve got your brand photo shoot booked, but you’re a little nervous about what to do next.

Here’s four tips for your head shot or branding session:

1) Find some inspiration.

Use Pinterest, or collect images that you’re drawn to. It could be as simple as your brand colors, or a fun pattern, or even specific poses that portray what you want your audience to feel. Then show your photographer what you’re drawn to.

2) Pick the right location.

Ask yourself, does this location fit my brand? Or am I using it because it’s what everyone is doing? Find the right place for you.

3) Do what feels good.

If it helps you, get your hair and makeup done. Pick the right outfits, and get a second opinion if you need it. Meditate or do yoga, or have a dance party if it relaxes you. Because when you feel good, your confidence will show in your branding pictures.

4) Know your words and your why.

Why do you do what you do? What purpose does your business serve? What are the top 3-5 words you want the world to see in your brand? For example: A few of ours are “fun” and “real.” We try to show these kinds of images for our people to understand who we are and what we’re about.

You’re going to use these branding images to communicate your message and build trust with your audience. Hopefully these personal brand session tips help point you in the right direction.

If you’re truly lost, ask your photographer for help - that’s what we’re here for. We want you to have the right brand pictures for you.

Above all else, have fun!

Personal Brand Photography in Rochester NY: Compounding Joy

From our first phone call I knew that working with Jen from Compounding Joy on her brand photography would be fun. What I didn’t know, was how much!

She has goals of showing up more on social media, and updating her website with images that tell her audience that she’s not just a budget sheet and quickbooks kind of professional.

In her own words she wanted her “pictures to show that I AM different than other money coaches out there. I’m not buttoned up tight. I’m not living in a big fancy house. I’m not “dressed for success.”

So we incorporated sweaters which she knits herself, her love for camping and her dog Peanut. We gave her brand photographs a true to her, down to earth feeling, so that she can help other women feel the same way.

It’s not every day that a campfire and marshmallows are incorporated into a personal branding session - but when they are, you bet we’ll be there to help clean up those marshmallows.

Want to talk about your brand photography?

Branding Photography in Rochester NY: Entrancing Inspirations

If you have a follower on your social media account, they didn’t find and consciously decide to hit “follow” by accident. Something about you, or your business caught their attention.

This is one reason why your personal brand needs to stand out from the crowd. How is your business unique?

Personal brand photography can help you with that, like we did for Kim here. She wanted people to see that there’s more to her skill set than meets the eye, and that there’s research and training involved with her services. She wants people to see that she goes above and beyond for her clients.

The branding photographs we took, combined with the right captions on social media can elevate her as an authority figure in her field.

I can’t wait to see what she does with them.

What's the Difference Between a Headshot and Personal Branding Photography?

A common question we get when people inquire about photography for small business is: What’s the difference between personal branding and headshots?

We’re SO glad you asked. A personal branding photography session differs from a typical headshot session in a few different ways..

When you have a business headshot taken, it’s usually a portrait from the waist up, smiling at the camera. You’ll use it on your social media profiles, and maybe a business website. That’s it, all done. It takes 30 minute at most.

Personal branding sessions do include some headshots, but they are also so. much. more.

To start, there are planning meetings. We ask questions about you, your business, and brand that go beyond your appearance. We go deeper into what your story is. Why do you do what you do?

You typically get generic backgrounds from a standard headshot session. Which is fine, if that’s all you need. However, a personal branding session is a customized experience. We help you choose the location, props and even help with outfit suggestions to help you elevate your brand.

Then, we take the photographs that tell that story. We take detail shots, lifestyle shots, behind the scenes shots, product shots and more all to further the story you want to tell your audience. You don’t get that with a business headshot.

Check out Jessica’s recent session to give you a better idea of what personal brand photography is all about, and what she got out of it.

The goal of a personal branding session is to give you a library of image options that will help your business be more profitable. You can use them in so many places. For some ideas, check out this previous post: 8 Ways You Can Use Your Branding Photography

Personal brand photographs are an investment, versatile and customized to your unique brand.

Because “generic” isn’t a word your brand should use.

Personal Brand Photography for Consultants in Rochester NY

When it comes to the glamorous world of SEO and being found in a google search, I tend to think of very technical people sitting in a dark office scanning computer screens like crazy.

Meg, from Love at First Search is not one of those people.

She’s amazing at creating an SEO strategy in ways that you’ll understand. She’ll tell you herself, she’s more technical that a web designer, but more people oriented than your typical SEO consultant. She’s relatable, funny, friendly and a fantastic mom to her boys.

She rebranded her whole business not too long ago, and ever since has been growing like the Hulk when he’s angry. (Except, she’s not angry and green).

The only thing that didn’t change in her super hero sized rebrand, were her photographs. And while those old photographs worked, they no longer fit her brand like they should.

So we helped to give her some new looks to choose from when she’s posting on social media, updating her website, or teaching her wealth of wisdom online.

If you haven’t met her yet, you should!

Personal Branding Photography: Natalli in Fairport NY

Bright, airy. Professional, but real. Her style is classic, and she enjoys flower arranging in her spare time. How do you incorporate all of this into a “headshot”?

If you didn’t know, every single session we photograph comes with a planning consultation to make sure we know your goals and aesthetic. Any photographer in Rochester can take a picture, but together, we can make images that tell your story and relay your brand (and who you are) in a fun and visually pleasing way.

Say hi to Natalli, and if you need to refresh your personal brand photography, reach out to us today!

-Lori

Personal Brand Photography in Fairport, NY: Dana

Talk about a fun photo shoot! Say hello to Dana!

Dana is an entrepreneur. She sells Arbonne and wants to help women feel their best, inside and out. Though I have known her for several years, I learned so much more about her in preparing for this headshot session. When she launches her brand, she wants it to be vibrant, positive, fresh.

Cue playing in the fall foliage.

Everyone is on a journey, and this is a journey to wellness. Since Dana’s husband runs the bike shop in town, why not include this adorable vintage bike in her shoot!? We had so much fun in the Village of Fairport creating images for her to use as she shows the world who she is.

So say hello to Dana, the Fresh Start Lady! And if you are looking for images to help illustrate your new brand, give us a shout today!

Cheers!
Lori

Voice Actor Head Shots in Fairport NY: Kurt

Like son, like father, that's what they say, right? If Kurt looks familiar, it may be because his son was just featured on our blog a few weeks ago.

Also a voice actor, Kurt was due to update his look. He brought a different microphone to play with (a Fentone, vintage RCA look alike) and several outfits from casual to semi-formal. We played off of those options to create a variety of looks - from fun and silly to a more "traditional" head shot. However...

What's really neat about being in business these days, is that no longer is "boring-headshot-in-front-of-boring-background" the norm. Today's customers want to know the person behind the product (our voice in this case) so we really get to showcase our clients' personalities.

Kurt very easily switched from selling cars and mattresses to telling stand up jokes against the classic brick wall. He's a great guy, so if you're in the market for some voiceover work, you should check out his team at The Write Creative.

Enjoy!
Lori