Branding Photography for people who hate social media

September 08, 2020

I know I'm not alone in my desire to spend as little time on social media as possible, though I may be the first branding photographer to ever openly admit it.  I do not like to spend my days being an observer of other people's lives - I want to engage!  I want to meet up for coffee and see your kids in person - not in your iPhone snaps.  I want to have deep discussions and talk about your goals and dreams.  I want to hear about your struggles face-to-face....not read about them in a one dimensional post.  I never EVER want to respond to your joy, heartbreak or sorrow with an emoji.

 

So that is one of the reasons I do what I do.  My belief is that the more diverse and colorful your catalog of branding photography the less time you actually have to spend strategizing and posting on social media. 

 

This post is meant to illustrate how much you can communicate in photos - no narration necessary.  If you have a good collection of images that show who you are and what you do social media becomes less distracting and time consuming.

 

To start with, a good headshot is important for any branding catalog.  I like to give my clients a tight crop as well as a few 3/4 shots for versatility.

Next we want to give our audience a sense of who we are by showing our work environment.  My office is the most "me" room in the house.  What does this room tell you about me?  That I love a white, clean asthetic.  I'm obsessed with Christmas and love everything to feel super cozy (even though I live in Arizona).  I like to mix in an organic feel with reclaimed wood to prevent things from feeling sterile.  Texture is important to me - I touch everything when I shop which is why I am the only person I know who hates to shop online.  I love creating little nooks where I can hide from the world and recharge.  I'm an introvert hiding in an extrovert's body.  I love books and soft lighting. 

Now lets look at HOW I work.  I love to collaborate with my clients.  This isn't a one-way relationship, we create as a team.  You bring your ideas and visions and I bring mine and together we create something amazing. I don't show up in a dress, though I'm always envious of photographers that look like models when they work.  I show up in clothes appropriate for the setting whether that is steel toed boots and jeans or rompers and comfortable shoes.  I'm there to work and I don't want to feel restricted by my clothing.  If I need to lay down in the dirt or jump up on a table I want to be prepared.

 

Working with me is a relationship.  I don't show up and bark orders. You don't show up and wait to be told what to do. We get to know each other and work together to get a quality end result.  A lot of my clients actually end up being super close friends.

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

Next let's look at more subtle forms of branding imagery - look at how much these detail shots tell you about who I am and what you might expect from working with me.  My favorite coffee mug gives a glimpse into my sense of humor. You can see my casual side bumping right up against my desire to hustle and succeed.  I always say if you want to get to know a person just take a look at their bookshelf.  In my case that is spot on!  

Candid and action shots give the audience a chance to get to know me but they also lay a neutral frame work for any type of messaging I might want to create. I like for my branding sessions to give a client as much mileage for their money as possible.   

and finally, some fun shots that get people's attention and show my personality, as well as my photography and editing skills.

When you are preparing for your own branding session make it a game.  Be creative in looking for ways to create images that speak for themselves and deliver a message about who you are and what you care about.  Great images speak volumes on your behalf - almost as loud as lousy ones do.  This is true for ANY industry.  

 

Let's make social media fun, not stressful or time-consuming.  I can attest to how much easier managing my social media accounts is when I have lots of great quality, relevant images to post. 


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