5 Reasons You Need Quarterly Personal Brand Photography

You already know that personal brand photography is about more than updating your headshot. (And if you don’t, you can find out the difference in this previous blog post).

So once you’ve completed a branding portrait session, why would you need to do it again? Well, we’ve got answers.

Here’s 5 reasons why we think annual, semi-annual or even quarterly personal branding sessions are not only important, but necessary.

1) Seasonal / Style changes

You know what changes in Rochester NY? The weather. Using a sunshine filled summer branding portrait in the dead of winter may not resonate to local clients. It’s hard to talk about pumpkins and apple pie on your Instagram feed if your attire shows you in beach wear and flip flops.

2) New Products

Branding photography isn’t just about new headshots for your LinkedIn page. Are you an artist or a maker? Do you own a physical storefront? Did you create a 5 step productivity program? What new offering have you come up with in the last 3 months that you need to put out in the world?

3) Fresh content

You’re going to need to show more than the same 10 pictures. Eventually people will start to notice if you’re always showing up in their Instagram feed in the same outfit.

4) Stay Relevant

Current events are always changing. What was important to talk about yesterday, might be totally different today. Besides that, your field of expertise might change too. Stay on top of the changes in your own brand with timely branding photographs.

5) Growth

Is your business the same as it was when it began? Are you the same person you were when it began? Hopefully not. Hopefully, you’ve grown and evolved over time. The brand you created when you started your business should evolve as well. Your branding photos should reflect your growth.

So why is it important to update your branding photographs on a regular basis? In a nutshell? Change happens.

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.

How to Repurpose Branding Images Across Your Marketing

You’re a small business owner / entrepreneur. You have a great idea, and you want to get it into the minds of your audience.

So you write something for Facebook and hit post. Then you wait… but all you hear are crickets. What else can you do?

Here’s five ways to repurpose your idea while using your personal brand photographs across your marketing.

1) Blog

Whether you like it or not, blogging is a great tool in your marketing tool box. It can improve your position on Google while you share about what it’s like to work with you. The brand pictures you use in blogs should compliment you as a professional.

2) Share on Instagram / Facebook

Now, take that blog post and break it down into easy to follow social media posts. Link back to your website and use your photos to elevate your perceived value. Posts that include an attention grabbing photograph are always more likely to get noticed. Create several to share your content on social in different ways, because one post alone isn’t enough to get your message out. This is also why having an accessible variety of branding images matters.

3) Pin to Pinterest

Same information, but now create a graphic to go with your “3 Reasons You Need XYZ” blog post, and pin it! There are many ways to create valuable Pinterest content using your brand photographs.

4) E-mail Marketing

Do you have an email list you’re not utilizing? Never know what to write in your newsletter? Are your phone pictures cutting it? Level up your newsletter with your both content and photographs. These people chose to follow you in their inbox, so engage with them!

5) Printed Materials

Create a product catalog, or brochure that you can leave behind with current clients. Share a tip with them that keeps them coming back for more. Professional images will never not be useful on a printed brochure.

Getting your message out takes time and more than one marketing tool. The beauty of personal branding is that you can use this set of professional images anywhere across these platforms. Check out 8 Ways to Use Your Branding Images for some other ideas.

Because unless you have mass amounts of social media followers, there’s no button that magically brings people to your doorstep. Use the tools (and photographs) you have.

8 Ways to Use Your Branding Photography: Rochester NY Photographers

You’ve had your personal brand portrait session taken. Now what? Where do you use all of these gorgeous new branding images? Here’s just a few suggestions!

1) Your About Me Page Needs Updated Photographs

Obvious? Yeah, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to update their own website with their branding photographs.

2) Put Your Branding Photos on Pinterest

Bloggers. creatives and entrepreneurs of all kinds use professional branding photography on Pinterest to create graphics and share their content. Unique images will get noticed faster, while poor iPhone pictures get scrolled past.

3) Blog Posts

Use your personal brand photography in graphics, or stand alone in your blog posts. Written content requires great images.

4) Use Brand Photographs Facebook

Your cover photo and profile pictures are the first thing people see when they visit your page. Make them stand out! On top of that, posting with text alone isn’t going to show up in someone’s feed. You need something eye catching to get people to stop their scroll.

5) Instagram and Personal Branding

This is a platform based on pictures. First you have to catch their eye with your brand photos. Then tell your story with your caption combined with personal brand photography. Show people your personality. Share tips with your audience.

6) Brochures and Printed Materials

Print is NOT dead. Give someone a printed brochure that uses professional level photographs you’re showing them you mean business. And you can put these images on more than just an informational brochure. Use branding photography on business cards, postcard reminders, or even thank you cards.

7) Email Newsletters

Step up your newsletter game with more than text on screen. Show the people who chose to follow you that you’re a real person, and a professional by incorporating personal branding photography.

8) E-commerce and Product Branding

What do you sell? And are you selling it online yet? If you are, product pictures are a must.

These uses are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more ways that personal branding photographs can be used. Need more? We share a little bit about the HOW to repurpose your branding images here.

We’re here to help with your create these images. The work that we do before we ever take a single shot is what makes us different, and we invite you to find out how.

Family Pictures at Webster Park: Rochester NY Family Photographers

You know what’s perfect? When siblings set up a portrait session, so they can surprise their mom with pictures on her birthday. What’s better than giving portraits as a gift?

These three are basically every parents dream, right?

We visited Webster Park with the family pups, and created portraits, as well as some more candid scenes. We had to sneak these in before these three left for school in August - so I’ve been waiting to share them for what feels like forever.

But now that I can, I’m smiling all over again at the reminder of those happy dogs, and a great family.

Branding Session for Art Therapist in Rochester NY

Therapy that doesn’t feel or look like therapy.

Sounds pretty good to me right now. Sarah wants those who come to her website to know that therapy doesn’t always happen in a sterile office environment.That’s exactly what it felt like walking into Spotted Rabbit Studio.

Brand photography isn’t always about a clean, tidy office space with white everything and perfectly manicured to do lists. This space felt down to earth, real, surrounded by art and supplies. It felt like creatives work there, and they do - but it’s in a way that helps others grow and feel more confident.

And all of that needed to be translated to images for their new website, so that’s what we did.

How can we help you show up for your business?

5 Ways to Make Your Holiday Card Stand Out

Ready to switch out your fall scented candles for your Christmas tree scent? If so, then I’m going to assume you’re planning your holiday cards too. This year, it feels like getting mail is a treat again - so why not do something to make your card stand out in the sea of 2020 holiday cards. Here’s a few ideas.

1) Make it Interactive:

If you’re going to send a holiday card, why not make it interesting? We have some fun designs to get you started. Or - what if you included some sort of activity for those with young kids? (Think coloring!) There are options out there - think outside the glittery holiday box!

2) Candid Portraits

Tired of seeing the same holiday props and smiles? Let the pictures on your holiday show off something real! Do something fun - snowball fights or ice skating, show off your moments, not your poses. If you need some ideas, check out our latest post: 5 Ways we can safely photograph your winter portrait session!

3) Make it Frame Worthy:

If you do it right, the beauty of the right size holiday card, is that Grandma can lovingly put it into a frame and keep you on display forever. We can help you out with that if you want!

4) Think Local:

Is there a local artist that you know of selling card designs? Show them your love this year, and encourage your friends and family by showing up for your local small businesses.

5) Send it in January:

You know when people need a pick me up? AFTER the holidays. After the tree comes down, and all that’s left is the wrapping paper bits you find throughout the house until February. Bonus factor: You don’t have to rush to get them completed. Some call it procrastination, I call it genius.

Thanks for stopping by! Let us know if we can help you create your holiday card, or it’s gorgeous photos this year!

Winter Family Picture Ideas in Rochester NY: Fairport NY Photographers

If you know me, you know that I am not a winter person. Most years, I’m firmly in the “hibernate until Spring” camp. This year though I might have to put on my thermal wear and go for it. And if you ask me to, I’ll do it - but only as long as I get to capture your family pictures in winter along the way.

So if you want a family portrait taken this winter, here’s a few ways we can create your winter family portrait, and whole lot of beautiful, candid pictures too.

1) Sledding and hot cocoa:

Grab your sleds, and your kids and head to the nearest sledding hill. Then enjoy the moments and happy smiling faces. Along the way bundle close together with your cute hot cocoa mugs for a winter family portrait.

2) Snowball fights, snow forts, and snow angels:

We’ve had this spontaneously happen at winter family portraits in Rochester. It is a lot of fun.

3) Take a hike:

Just because there’s no leaves on the trees, doesn’t mean your favorite trail to hike with the family is ugly now. We can find a beautiful backdrop just about anywhere if we look hard enough.

4) Ice skating:

And there’s even an outdoor ice skating rink we could visit at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park/Manhattan Square Park! Can you see the laughter as you hold onto each other for dear life in your pictures? Because I can, and the moment is fantastic.

Speaking of which, we’ll be there next week for a candid mini session event!

5) Have a backyard campfire:

Do you have a fire pit? Is it useable in the winter? It’ll make your family pictures feel more special! Sure you’ll have to bundle up a little, but some adorable winter coats can make great outfit choices!

So anyway, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we have to stop playing outside. It definitely doesn’t have to stop your family pictures. We just have to get a bit more creative and adventurous!

I’ve got my long underwear ready, so let’s go!

Apple Picking Candid Mini Sessions: Victor NY Family Portraits

We took a lemon of a year, and turned it into safe family mini sessions. How about them apples?

Ok yeah sorry, that was terrible. What wasn’t terrible, (in fact it was the complete opposite) was our annual apple picking, candid mini member event.

We’ve been photographing our member families long enough to remember when some of our older members were our youngest members. I distinctly remember images and moments from those portrait session events.

That’s what I love about our candid member mini sessions; I love capturing these same smiles, year after year as they go from babies to little kids. It’s such an honor to stay a part of their lives on a regular basis.

Curious about what I mean by “candid member mini sessions” yet? Don’t be shy, find out more information!

Holiday Picture Gift Ideas: Rochester NY Photographers

It’s not even Thanksgiving - yeah, we get it. Believe us, we don’t love the idea anymore than you do. This year though, don’t we all need a little extra joy in our lives? And let’s be real, pictures will NEVER not be a great gift.

So if you need some ideas on what Grandma/Aunt Susie/Mom/etc etc would love to get from you here are a few of our most popular products this time of year:

1. Ornaments! We offer metal and loft ornaments. They're a perfect small gift for anyone on your list. Put your favorite photo on one side, with the year and a message on the back. Boom, custom, easy and done!

2. Float Wraps! This item has a wow-factor. It's unique, ready to hang (no worrying about frames!) and easy to order in any size from 8x8 to 24x36.

3. Holiday Cards! Don't waste hours searching through, and fighting with online sites. Let us create exactly what you are looking for. We have a lot of customizable options to fit the color and wording choices exactly as you desire.

4. Their own session! Maybe you don’t have the perfect gift yet. Guess what, no parent will EVER say no to a gift certificate so they can have their whole family together for a family session. (Or in this time of quarantine, for a future safe session.)

Need more ideas? You can browse our full catalog for inspiration!

Then call us and we'll make your holiday shopping personalized and thoughtful as well as easy, and most importantly, DONE!

How You Can Help a Small Business in Rochester this Season

1) Buy Local:

Money in the community, stays in the community. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t feel comfortable going into their store or location, see if they have an online option, or give them a call to make a curbside purchase.

2) Give a gift certificate:

Have a favorite restaurant you love? Or photographer perhaps? (Yes, that was a shameless plug). Same ways to buy as #1 applies here too!

4) Get Take Out, and Tip:

I know restaurants are currently open, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of the woods. If it’s applicable and you’re able to do it, tip well. Service workers and small family run restaurants need your love.

3) Use your Voice:

Small businesses don’t just grow because of social media. Refer them, share your experiences, be their cheerleaders. And yes, you can do all of those things on social media too. Tag them in your posts, and let others know about them.

4) Engage:

It’s not enough for a business to have followers online, they need engagement too. Comment on their posts, like them, share them, and do it regularly if you’re able. Reach out to them and see how you can be helpful.

5) Leave a Review:

Have some love to share about a favorite business you worked with this year? Give them a google review. You have no idea how much this helps people find and trust a local small business.

Some of this is so simple and even free, so please give your favorite local businesses your love. They/we appreciate you so much and they need you more than ever before. If there’s any way we can help you in this season, please reach out. Let’s keep small business alive together!

Candid Mini Sessions: Sunflower Family Portraits at Wickham Farms

I’ll be honest, had it not been for the Pandemic, I don’t think we’d have chosen to play in the sunflowers. Because 2020 threw us the curveballs, we pivoted and made our events work safely for our members.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to do it again. In fact, some of the family portraits that we captured that night may be all time favorites of mine. It’s just that we’d never really considered it before.

I’m so glad we did though - I mean, look at these. Seriously though, do it, and when you’re done - find out how you can get yours next year.