Does your business need new branding photos?

Does your business need new branding photos?

by | Sep 19, 2019 | branding, Creative Business Stories, photography

Headshots and Branding

Does your website need updated headshots and branding imagery?

Are you not quite sure where to start?

Let me help. One of my favorite parts is talking through your Creative Business Story. What do you want to show? What’s your story to tell?

Location, Location, Location

This group was updating their website and needed a variety of new headshots. First, we discussed shooting indoors vs. outdoors (it was August in Texas after all). Then, once they decided they wanted to be outside, I sent them three different downtown skyline options

  • The view from the Long Center
  • The view from Palmer Event Center
  • The view from the Pedestrian Bridge

(Butler Park is under construction or I would have sent that as an option as well).

They decided on the Austin downtown skyline view from the Pedestrian Bridge.

The night of the shoot, I came prepared with a portable fan, ice packs and cold water (since it was a “balmy” 98 degrees). We made sure to get a variety of close-ups as well as images that showed the skyline.

And at the end – when they suggested a team pyramid – I was happy to comply.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of their Creative Business Story branding package. To see all the photos, click HERE.

1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?

We had our family portraits done with Stephanie several years ago and she recently did a “Best Friends” photoshoot with my daughter. The pictures from both sessions were amazing. We have another family photo session scheduled for October with Stephanie.

2. What was your favorite part of your branding session?

There were two favorite parts for me…the location and how fun it was. First, Stephanie recommended the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge over Lady Bird Lake and it was perfect. The skyline at sunset was amazing and the photos turned out great. Second, it was so fun! There were 4 of us and we got to ham it up for the camera and just be silly. We got the serious shots we needed but also got some hilarious shots. We also took some headshots in front of some trees and greenery and they turned out really nice.

3. What advice would you give to other people planning a branding session?

Do the session outside if possible. The lighting was great and it gives a different look than just taking your headsets in the studio. If was 100 degrees when we did our shoot. Stephanie had a handheld fan and blotting tissues that came in very handy! If you do it inside, pick a location that has some really interesting backdrops for your photos. It is always better to have more that just headshots in case you ever need them.

4. Anything else you’d like to add?

Just that I think you should book a branding session with Stephanie. You won’t regret it!

If your small business also needs updated images, please contact me below:

Artwork by JBM Studios – Creative Business Story

Artwork by JBM Studios – Creative Business Story

by | Aug 7, 2019 | Creative Business Stories, photography

Jamie in front of the mural she co-created outside the Kammok Store in East Austin

Local artist, Jamie B. McCormick a.k.a. JBM Studio contacted me last month for a branding photo session. She’s re-doing her website and needed some new content for her site and social media. I’m always happy to work on a Creative Business Story. We brainstormed where it would make sense to take the photos. I definitely thought we should highlight her mural (seen above) and show her painting where the subject of a lot of her work takes place – out in nature.

We started the morning at Bull Creek District Park.

While Jamie worked on a few new art pieces, I made sure to get a variety of shots.

Next we drove over to the east side to visit the Kammok store. Jamie worked with fellow Austin artist, Brittany Callender, on their mural piece “Sculpture Falls” that appears on the side of the shop.

Thank you, Jamie, for a fun branding session. I can’t wait to see your updated website!

How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?

Our children are friends and I’ve admired her school photo booths! I knew she was capable of a lot if she can make an entire class full of 4-5 year olds look happy and cute.

What was your favorite part of your branding photo session?

I am not incredibly comfortable in front of the camera, but Stephanie is so fun and relaxed, it was easier than I anticipated. We talked through a lot of ideas, and she came very prepared, so I knew the plan and I didn’t feel worried on the day of the shoot. Stephanie was also good about telling me what was working (and what wasn’t) and let me look at pictures as I went, so I had a good feel for what was happening and felt comfortable asking for feedback.

What advice would you give to other business owners planning a branding photo session?

Make choices that you make you feel more confident — where you go, what you wear, etc.

If you’d like your own personal branding session, more information can be found HERE or just contact me below.

Shibori Workshop with Jamie McCormick – Creative Business Stories

Shibori Workshop with Jamie McCormick – Creative Business Stories

by | Jul 8, 2019 | Creative Business Stories, photography

Are you familiar with local artist, Jamie McCormick? She’s a painter and mixed media artist living in Austin, TX (and our kids go to school together).

She has a collection of paintings done on indigo-dyed fabric. Recently, she offered an indigo-dying workshop held at the Gloria Collective. I attended, took pictures and also got to take home a set of dyed-napkins. (Though I feel like I should frame them rather than putting them on our dining table because I love them so much!)

So what are the steps in dying with indigo? (I’m so glad you asked)

First – learn about the different wrapping / prepping techniques.

Second – prepare your fabric by wrapping, folding, pinching, etc. You can use rubber bands, clothespins, blocks and more to get different effects.

Third – dip the fabric in water.

Fourth – Submerge the fabric in the indigo dye.

Fifth – Remove the fabric and let it oxidize. It will start out green-colored, then shift to blue. The longer you keep the fabric in the indigo dye, the darker it will be at the end of the process.

Sixth – Rinse again with water and repeat for your next piece of fabric.

Seventh – Take home your new piece of art (where you will wash it separately in cold water – perhaps even with a vinegar mix first to set the dye).

Eighth – Smile big because you love what you made 🙂

Thanks, Jamie – that was a very fun workshop!

If your business needs photo content for your website, blog or social media, I offer “Creative Business Story” packages that come in many sizes. Let’s work together. Contact me below.