Elevate your brand.
A Comprehensive Guide to
Editorial Branding Portraits
You Are Your Brand: The Power of Personal Branding
April 2024
In today's digital age, personal and professional branding has become more important than ever. High-quality editorial branding portraits can help you stand out, convey your personality, and tell your story in a visually compelling way.
1. Define Your Brand Identity
Before you start planning your photo session, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your brand identity. Ask yourself:
What are the core values of my brand?
Who is my target audience?
What message do I want to convey through my portraits?
Answering these questions will help you align your visual strategy with your brand's voice and goals.
2. Choose the Right Photographer
Selecting a photographer who understands your vision and has experience in editorial branding photography is key. Look at their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your brand. Communicate your ideas and expectations clearly to establish a collaborative relationship. Make sure to send your photographer some inspiration pictures and editing styles to ensure clear communication.
3. Plan Your Wardrobe
Your wardrobe should reflect your brand's personality and the image you want to project. Choose outfits that are stylish, professional, and align with your brand colors. Consider incorporating accessories and props that are relevant to your industry and add visual interest to your photos.
4. Select the Perfect Location
The location you choose for your shoot can significantly impact the overall feel of your portraits. Select a setting that complements your brand. This could be an urban environment, a chic office space, a cozy coffee shop, or even an outdoor location that resonates with your brand's vibe. Simple + modern photo studios make great locations as well.
5. Prepare Your Props and Accessories
Props can add context and depth to your portraits. Think about items that are integral to your work or symbolize your brand. For example, if you're in the hair industry, you might include business cards, shears, brushes, hair extensions, a notebook, a laptop, etc. Imagery with props and accessories can make great reel cover photos or filler photos for your social media feed.
6. Focus on Natural Poses
Editorial portraits should feel natural and authentic. Avoid overly staged or stiff poses. Instead, aim for relaxed, candid shots that capture your personality. Interact with your props to create dynamic and genuine moments.
7. Use Your Portraits Strategically
Once you have your editorial branding portraits, use them strategically across your online and offline platforms. Update your website, social media profiles, marketing materials, and press kits. Consistent, high-quality visuals will help reinforce your brand image and create a cohesive professional presence.
A Guide to Stunning
Family Beach Photos
Tips for Taking Stunning Family Photos on the Beach
June 2024
1. Choose the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to beach photography. Aim for the "golden hour"—the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. During these times, the light is soft and warm, casting a beautiful glow on your subjects. Midday sun can be harsh and create unflattering shadows, so it's best to avoid it.
2. Coordinate Outfits
While you don't need to be matchy-matchy, coordinating your outfits can make a big difference in your photos. Choose colors that complement the beach setting. Soft pastels, neutrals, whites, and light blues work well. Avoid busy patterns and logos that can distract from the overall aesthetic.
3. Capture Candid Moments
Some of the best family photos are candid shots that capture genuine emotions and interactions. Encourage your family to play, laugh, and interact with each other naturally. These moments often result in the most heartfelt and memorable photos.
4. Pay Attention to Composition
Use the rule of thirds to create balanced and visually appealing photos. Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid and place your subjects along these lines or at their intersections. This technique can help you create more dynamic and interesting compositions.
6. Be Mindful of the Background
The beach can be busy, so be aware of what's in the background of your photos. Look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds that keep the focus on your family. Sometimes, a slight change in angle can make a big difference. It’s common with beach settings to be busier but that’s nothing that a quick Photoshop or Canva tool can’t help remove. Don’t overthink people being in your background!
7. Get Creative with Angles
Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Try shooting from a low angle to capture your children playing in the sand or from a high angle to get a bird's-eye view of the shoreline. Changing your perspective can add variety and interest to your photos.
8. Use Reflectors or Light Diffuser
If you're shooting during the day when the sun is high, consider using a reflector or light diffuser to reduce harsh shadows on your subjects' faces. Reflectors can bounce light back onto your subjects, creating a softer and more flattering light.
9. Focus on the Eyes
When taking portraits, make sure the eyes are in sharp focus. The eyes are the most expressive part of the face and draw viewers into the photo. Use a shallow depth of field to blur the background and keep the focus on your family.
10. Have Fun and Be Patient
Most importantly, try to have fun and be patient. Family photoshoots can be challenging, especially with young children. Keep the mood light and playful, and don't stress if things don't go perfectly. The goal is to capture your family's unique dynamic and create lasting memories.
Senior Portraits in the Desert
The unique landscape, vibrant colors, and dramatic lighting of the desert provide a perfect backdrop for capturing authentic
senior graduation portraits.
Desert Dirt Bike Senior Portraits
May 2024
1. Choose the Right Time of Day
The desert sun can be harsh, so it's crucial to plan your photo session during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon. These times offer softer, more flattering light and create a warm, golden glow that enhances the natural beauty of the landscape and your subject.
2. Scout the Location
Before the day of the shoot, take some time to explore the desert location. Take note of areas with shade, unique lighting conditions, and if mountains are nearby. Mountains will provide shade so you may be able to shoot a little earlier if your shoot is scheduled for the end of the day.
3. Dress for Success
Choosing the right outfit is essential for senior portraits. Encourage your subject to wear clothing that is authentic to their style. Earth tones, whites, and vibrant colors work well.
4. Play with Lighting
The desert offers unique lighting opportunities. Use the natural light to your advantage by experimenting with backlighting, silhouettes, and lens flares. Reflectors and diffusers can help control and manipulate the light, ensuring your subject is well-lit without harsh shadows.
5. Capture Candid Moments
While posed shots are important, candid moments often convey the most emotion and authenticity. Encourage your subject to move around, laugh, and interact naturally. These genuine expressions and movements can result in some of the most memorable and impactful photos. Ask your subject questions about any fun plans after graduation, what they like to do for fun, what their hobbies are, etc.
6. Bring Essential Gear
The desert environment can be challenging, so come prepared with the right gear. Bring extra batteries, memory cards, a tripod, and lens cleaning supplies. Consider using a UV filter to protect your lens from sand and dust.
7. Stay Safe and Hydrated
Desert conditions can be extreme, so prioritize safety. Bring plenty of water and appropriate clothing to protect against the sun. Always inform someone of your location and estimated return time. Keep an eye out for desert creatures and even consider bringing a pair of tweezers or a first aid kit in case you need to pull out cacti thorns (trust me on this one - been there done that).
8. Edit Thoughtfully
Post-processing is the final step in creating stunning desert senior graduation portraits. Enhance the natural colors and lighting, but avoid over-editing. The goal is to highlight the beauty of the desert and the subject while maintaining a natural look.
