Personal Branding Stories
Amanda's story
Amanda and I met at one of her yoga classes. She had worked for a group yoga studio for a few years and decided to branch out on her own. She wanted beautiful, fresh, artistic photos for her new website - a first time entrepreneur!
Amanda is an excellent instructor with a great sense of humor, a beautiful, open spirit and a love of art (she reads a bit of poetry or an essay during shavasana that leaves you tingling with inspiration). I knew I wanted to capture Amanda's zest for life in addition to her skill and grace as a yogi.
After chatting a bit and drinking our coffees (and giving her time to stretch), I took casual shots of her doing some more simple poses (well simple for her). I set about capturing her lightness of mood and spirit and also her strength and power in executing and holding poses.
We laughed and chatted our way around the beautiful farm property (a hookup from a friend of hers) thinking up ideas for where to take the next pictures. I I like to come with my own ideas and also fully open it up to the client to share ideas for the shoot, too.
We had so much fun picking what place to shoot next, from the side of the barn to a cool peeling wall (where I got cool detail shots) to her standing on a huge tree stump doing amazing Sunflower and Moonflower poses. And I most love the in-between moments, when I photographed Amanda just talking or breathing slowly or lifting her face to the sun or just talking with me.
Amanda's business, and brands like hers, are the kinds I want to represent: people who believe in the value of what they are providing or giving to customers. It's not about "selling" a product or service as much as it is the opportunity to give.
I always promote my clients' businesses. So... this is Amanda Lane! Her website for Liminal Space Yoga is still in progress (and looking good!) but for now here is her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalane_yoga/
more about my sessions
As you can see from the story above, my branding photo sessions are casual and candid. I do not pose you or tell you what to do. Because of that, my pictures are honest representations of you. These pictures display the energy of your brand, your personality, and the way you show up emotionally.
I let each person’s personality and beauty and spontaneity come through. I have techniques that will calm you and get you feeling more relaxed, like closing your eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath before I snap a picture. So I will certainly help in those ways. The most important thing is that you have fun, and feel relaxed and true to your own moods.
In the first few minutes of the session, I introduce myself to everyone, talk with you, and I might take a few pics. This intro period gets everyone comfortable with me and with the environment.
From then on, it’s free-form. I’m there to document and lightly direct you. Some people may worry they will be “boring” without the photographer telling them what to do. No one I have ever photographed has ever been boring.
what to wear
The look you want is all about YOUR brand. I can offer some tips but mostly this is up to you and how you want to convey your look. If you're a real estate agent, it's less important than if you're a fashion designer or a designer, for example.
Most important - be yourself! If you don't usually wear dressy clothing, don't. If you are a sporty person, dress sporty. You can find clothing that fits your style that is clean, nice, and comfortable. Simply put: dress your best...in your own style.
Overall, I urge clients to avoid graphics like logos and lettering on t-shirts... unless it's part of your brand. And if you have tattoos and you like how they represent you visually, then show them off, please!
Basic tip: dress in layers. Layers add interest but also allow for removing or adding clothing if it gets warm or cool. Think scarfs, hats, vests, jackets. Ask me for help if you want - I am more than happy to offer suggestions as we look forward to our shoot.