Reintroduction: Get to Know Your Future Photographer | Boston Brand Photographer

I’m Emily, brand photographer, and creative director of your shoot. I help you plan and execute an amazing (and fun!) photoshoot that is customized to your brand. I’m based in Boston’s South End and especially love to work with the small businesses right in my own community.

This is Mikayla, photo assistant, incredible content creator, and all-around extra set of hands on the day of the shoot.

Who do we work with? Brand photoshoots can scale from 1 individual to a large company. But we LOVE working with small teams. Teams of 1-5 people in any sort of creative field is kind of our sweet spot, as that’s usually where we get to let the inspiration and small team personality shine.

How can we help your business grow? This is where our genius comes in. (see our blog post about how to create amazing mood boards) A pro photog should be able to create great images, but a brand photographer should be able to create compelling images that attract your ideal client. When we work together, we try to gain as much insight into your brand as possible, so that every image we make is intentional, unique, and speaks to your brand. Our goal is to show your customers what is so awesome about working with you. (Oh, and we also like to make it fun, because if you’re not having fun, what’s the point)

Using my small business to uplift others is the ultimate win, and I love to see all the ways clients continue to use their images after the shoot. Let’s uplevel your branding together, we can’t wait to work with you! 

Creating Curiosity: How to Reach the Small Business Owner with Revby | Boston Brand Photographer

This month I get to spotlight a shoot where I had the pleasure of working with the team of awesome individuals at Revby. Revby is a small business technical assistance provider, and business, marketing, and market research consultancy based in Boston, Massachusetts, and makes it their mission to create a real, human connection with each and every client they work with. As a small business owner myself, I was excited to help them level up their content and give their personal branding the look they were striving for. 

They came to us during a rebrand, looking for original content to highlight their team and how they work together to create a personal experience from one small biz to another. Revby being a smaller team allowed us to focus on the size of their agency, and how amazing it is for clients to get a personalized experience that works for their unique business.

Going into the shoot I also knew one of their main goals to connect with their audience was not just curiosity, but also inspiration. They want the people they work with to have confidence and to be able to approach their small business with energy and motivation for success. We were able to showcase the fun but hard-working dynamic of their group, the images make you feel like you’re sitting right down in the office with them.

We wanted to focus on their team as a whole, and how they collaborate for each client, with their Back Bay, Boston office as a backdrop. I was so excited they wanted “personality” headshots, those are always a blast to do, especially with a team that has so much personality to show. (They had really fun inspiration photos) It’s images like these that really show off the people behind the brand, and the warm, friendly faces you’ll get to know by working with them

I love working with teams and capturing the unique dynamics amongst every group of people, and I can’t wait to work with them again in their branding journey.

Moodboarding: How to Inspire Your Brand Photos with Stunning Digital Visuals | Boston Brand Photographer

Picture this: You have booked your brand photoshoot, and you’re ready to make a statement with gorgeous, on-brand images for your website, but you arrive, and the vibe is “bright and casual”, not the “upscale and elegant” vibe you were going for. Didn’t you talk with your photographer about this beforehand?

Moodboarding (or modern-day Pinning on Pinterest) is THE best way to communicate what you want your branding photoshoot to look like to your photographer. In our initial conversation, I ask a lot of questions about your brand, your ideal client, and especially about what you want your photos to look like. As much as we chat about this, there is no replacement for visual representation. As I tell my clients, “modern farmhouse magic” can translate totally differently to two people. It’s always best to have visual inspiration to communicate your “dark, sophisticated, moody” or “bright, cheerful, casual” vibe.

Where to Start:

Create a Pinterest board you can share with your team. This part may feel like homework but it’s so fun, this is where your brand personality can really shine! Pinning images that reflect your brand's values, mission, and personality helps you define and communicate your identity visually. It's like giving your brand a voice without saying a word.

To Create your own Pinterest Inspiration Board:

1. Create a new board: "your business name brand photoshoot" and check the box to keep it secret

2. Search relevant terms. Use words to describe your brand, "bright, modern, minimal", and words relevant to your industry. This might look like "bright modern interior design brand photoshoot ideas" or another iteration of that. The goal is not to find exact images we will replicate, but to use your board to come up with the overall brand aesthetic that you are going for.

3. You'll want about 10-15 images on your board. You want to have enough variety, but too many could start to lose focus on the main concept.

4. Share your board with your team.

That’s it! Now you and your team of marketers, web designers, hair and makeup artist, and photographer will all be on the same page to help you create stunning visuals that are on brand for your business.

Where do I start? Tips for planning your best personal brand session | Boston Photographer

As a small business owner, you know that branding is everything. And one of the best ways to showcase your brand is through professional photoshoots. But where do you start? Don't worry – planning a successful brand photoshoot doesn't have to be overwhelming. With these four easy steps, you can plan and execute a photoshoot that perfectly captures your brand's personality and message:

Step 1: Communication is key to successful planning, and that's why I always start with a conversation before commencing any project. This gives me the opportunity to understand your brand, goals, and vision for the photos. If you already have a Pinterest board with ideas in mind, please share it with me so that we can work together to bring your vision to life. Even if you don't have a Pinterest board yet, don't worry; we'll work together to create one that aligns with your goals and vision. Based on our conversation, I will provide suggestions and recommendations that are tailored to your brand and objectives. With clear communication and collaboration, we can create stunning visuals that effectively communicate your message and resonate with your target audience.

Step 2: Fill out your questionnaire. This is like an ultimate brainstorm session for your brand. It is an opportunity to reflect on your brand and think deeply about its strategy. If you have a clear brand strategy in place, filling out the questionnaire may be a breeze, but if not, it could require some more thought and reflection. The questionnaire will help you to define your brand's unique selling proposition (USP), target audience, mission statement, and messaging. This information is essential for creating a cohesive and effective brand identity that resonates with your customers.

Step 3: Decide on a location. This is one of the most important elements, and should not be overlooked. The location we shoot should be authentic to your brand, versatile, and (of course) available to rent or use. See more about choosing a location here.

Step 4: Create your inspo board on Pinterest. Sometime between our initial call and two weeks leading up to our shoot date, you’ll want to create a Pinterest board for inspiration. This is where I can actually SEE what your vision might look like. Words are great, but “modern chic” might mean one thing to you and another to someone else. A mood board is the best way for us to get on the same page visually. When planning your branding photoshoot, it's important to also consider props! They can add depth and interest to your photos, as well as tie in with your branding. Gather any props you may need in advance and make sure they align with the overall aesthetic of your shoot.

Planning a brand photoshoot requires thoughtful consideration and strategizing. Start by defining your brand's target audience, mission statement, and messaging through a questionnaire. Next, choose a location that aligns with your brand's authenticity and versatility. Create a Pinterest board for inspiration and gather props that tie in with your branding. By following these steps, you can create a cohesive and effective brand identity that resonates with your customers through stunning visuals.

Don't worry, you’re in good hands. I’ll use all of this info to create an absolute killer shot list for us. Next stop is wardrobe… :)

What does a typical day look like at a brand shoot? | Boston Photographer

As a personal branding photographer in Boston, I can help elevate your business by highlighting your values, personality, and style. As a small business owner, it's essential to have high-quality photos that showcase your brand and products. Having on-brand photos spread across your website and social media has the ability to draw in prospective clients and customers. A branding session can be anywhere from one hour to a full day. That's where a personal brand photographer comes in. We plan, we prepare, we find the perfect location, we book hair and makeup, we choose amazing on-brand outfits, but what does the day of our brand shoot actually look like?

In this blog post, we'll give you a sneak peek into the process. From scouting locations to setting up equipment and directing poses, you'll get an inside look at the steps involved in creating stunning images that capture your brand's essence. So if you're considering hiring a personal brand photographer or simply curious about what goes into a photoshoot, keep reading! Here is exactly what to expect, broken down into 6 steps:

1. If you’ve booked hair and makeup, they will arrive first, about two hours before our scheduled start time. Now is the time to communicate and show them any inspiration images, and your outfits for the photo shoot.

2. We’re here! Emily and her assistant will arrive at the time we’ve scheduled for arrival. We’ll spend about 20 minutes scouting the location and setting up lighting if necessary. Once you’re ready, we’ll go over your wardrobe and come up with a plan for which outfit to shoot in front of which backdrop. In addition, we’ll chat about the feel you want to capture in each image and how to best direct you during the shoot.

3. We’ll start shooting. During the shoot, Emily will give direction on how to pose, where to look, and what kind of energy to bring. We may try several different positions and angles until we get just the right shot. And don’t worry if you feel a little awkward at first – it’s completely normal! The important thing is to relax. You don’t need to know what to do in front of the camera, Emily will direct you, and no matter how “unphotogenic” you are, you will start to loosen up and even have fun in front of the camera… and it will show in the photos!

4. There’s no rush. Emily will have her shot list and timeline, which we’ve outlined ahead of time, with plenty of wiggle room for breaks, wardrobe mishaps, hair and makeup touchups, etc.

5. We’ll shoot a lot. A lot. Of images. We’ll stick to the shot list, but also leave a lot of room for spontaneity and creativity (after all, isn’t that why you hired us in the first place?). Headshots, lifestyle, process... We’ll also usually try to capture as much behind the scenes photo and video content as possible, we know you’ll want to post all about the day (the glam and… not-so-glam moments).

6. We may finish early. We may finish a little late. There are so many variables that contribute to our timeline - weather, lighting, comfort level, did a squirrel eat our perfectly styled prop bowl of nuts? We try to stick to our schedule, but being flexible is always a good idea.

That’s it! Of course, each shoot is different, with varying elements, but that’s the gist of the day of our photoshoot. As your Boston personal brand photographer, I will work with you to capture the feel you want in each image, directing you on how to pose and bringing an energetic vibe to your photo shoot. There's no need to worry if you feel a little awkward at first - I'll guide you through it! We'll follow our shot list and timeline, but also leave room for creativity and spontaneity. And don't forget, we'll capture behind-the-scenes moments too! Let's have some fun and create next level images for your website, social media, and promotional materials. Bottom line, if we are prepared (and we will be) it’s low pressure, and lots of fun.

Photo Shoots in Amazing Locations: Martha’s Vineyard Spotlight with Jill | Boston photographer

The first time I chatted with Jill, she opened up to me about her passions, her business, her life. She wanted to plan her personal brand shoot where she lived, in Martha’s Vineyard, and she had already put more thought and planning into this session than any other client I’ve had. She was working on her brand with Jordan Duvall from Ignite Your Soul Brand and her art direction guide was 20 pages long. 20 pages. Now this could have made me run in the other direction, but it was perfect. Strategic, intentional, and very very well thought out. She had a vision for her images, and I couldn’t wait to help her bring the vision to life.

We had an amazing location and A LOT on our shot list the day of the shoot, so we set up a strict timeline to help us stay organized. It certainly takes a village sometimes and I was so grateful to our team of amazing women - My assistant Gwen, Paula with hair and makeup, as well as styling, and Jill’s two best friends for being an extra set of hands wherever they could (and the perfect hype women as needed).

It was important for us to show Jill’s spiritual side. She offers intuitive healing and guidance to help women become their authentic selves. Her clients choose her because of her open, nurturing, and compassionate nature, so that was an element that we had to make sure we captured throughout the day. She also does akashic record readings (which I had to google it after our first conversation!)

We ended at the beach at sunset - our grand finale after a long day of shooting. It was the perfect magic to wrap a full day. Beautiful sunset, wind in our hair, waves crashing. All said and done, it was a 14 hour day (which I don’t do many of anymore with two toddlers at home), but so worth it.

How Working with an experienced Brand Strategist Can Elevate Your Photo Session (Part 2) | Boston Photographer

If you started on Part 1 of this post, let me pick up where I left off… Enter my dream client, interior design entrepreneur extraordinaire, Ms Rachel Reider of Reider and Co. She is doing a complete rebrand with Kris, and they need next level content to show off what this team is all about. Oh, have I mentioned her amazing, powerhouse (all female) team of 6?

Example of a client shot list

Again, I can’t stress enough how beneficial it was to have Kris on the brand strategy/art direction side of this. After diving deep into the Reider and Co brand and the direction they were going, Kris and I came up with a shot list together. Here is an example of a shot list I would create for every brand photoshoot. It includes inspiration photos, locations, and specific shots we know are a priority.

For this particular shoot, we wanted a heavy focus on the team dynamic. Day 1 included two versatile locations - one in a Back Bay, Boston condo, and the other in a suburban Wellesley home. Our main focus was really powerful team photos, headshots, as well as a peek into all of the many things that happen behind the scenes as they are working with their clients. This was one of my favorites, shot “tableau style” to highlight the all inclusive experience the team provides from start to finish.

Day 2 was on location at Rachel’s studio in the South End of Boston (two blocks away from my condo, perfect!) Our main focus was to show the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes team in action: the start of the process, the sample selection, the team meetings. All of the things we don’t think about when we see the finished product.

All in all, it was a successful brand shoot, and I am THRILLED to see these images on Rachel’s gorgeous new website. Kris did an amazing job. This is what happens when women are in charge.

Check out the Reider and Co brand new website here

Check out the very talented Kris Kennedy of Loudhouse Branding website here

Of course what would a great photoshoot be without gorgeous hair and makeup, by Paula Roderick-Voisembert

Working with a Great Brand Strategist and Why You Need One (Part 1) | Boston Brand Photographer

If you come to me and you’re already working with a brand strategist, I immediately love you as a client. Why? You’ve already taken a major step to uplevel your business. You are most likely an entrepreneur with defined goals and a clear brand story. Planning your photo shoot is already less stressful for you.

If you ARE the brand strategist, now I am doing a happy dance. When Kris contacted me because she wanted to book a photoshoot for one of her clients, the first thing we did was to schedule a call to make sure we “vibed”. I don’t know about anyone else, but entering into a relationship with someone you are not compatible with, is DANGEROUS ground. Luckily, within 5 mins we were giggling and chatting about patriarchy and lifting up women business owners in the home design industry (perfect, I love her already).

Two weeks later she came to me with her first client she wanted to book a photoshoot for… which happened to be my dream interior design client, boutique hotel design goddess, the legend herself, Ms. Rachel Reider or Reider and Co. IYKYK.

(Rachel’s team shoot blog coming on part 2 tomorrow!).

Kris had been working (heavily) with Rachel on her rebrand already, so it was easy for Kris to take the reins on direction and planning for the shoot. This was a HUGE benefit to Rachel and her team - it totally took the weight off of her shoulders, goodbye stress and overwhelm!

Kris and I chose three incredible locations (always helpful when your client has designed two luxury homes that we can use as a backdrop, and has a chic design studio in Boston’s South End), and came up with a shot list that included specific needs for Rachel’s website and social media.

On the first day of the (two day) shoot, Kris took the role as art director, and we worked as a team to produce and execute the shot list. It was a long two days for everyone, but having Kris as the art director, truly made this shoot as successful as it was.

Check out her (also newly-rebranded-coming-soon) site where you can see more details about how awesome she is.
In the meantime, her new Instagram is getting very interesting! @loudhousebranding

And you are going to be absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the new Reider and Co site. You want to know how to effectively use your brand photos? This is it… We’ll be posting Reider and Co’s final images and link to their brand new website next week! I know it’s so hard to wait!

You can find Kris on her newly rebranded Instagram @loudhousebranding and her website coming soon: Loudhouse Branding

How to make your brand shoot more personal with Kylie Wright | Boston Photographer

One of the many parts I love about personal brand shoots is the opportunity it creates for you, the client, to reflect on your brand and how you want to be seen. Kylie, CEO of a tech company, has had many “corporate” headshot sessions to show the serious professional side of her job, this time opted to go for a more personal approach with her session.

I loved this approach, as it allowed us to highlight Kylie’s life outside her Back Bay office, creating a very genuine “total package” image of her. She lives near her work, and if you haven’t been to Back Bay, it has so many photo opportunities with the brownstone buildings, Newbury street, restaurants, and green spaces. Pretty much quintessential old town Boston. In capturing her less corporate side, we focused on what she appreciates outside of the office such as her favorite walks in the neighborhood, or her favorite restaurants in the area (which I don’t know how you can pick), rides her Blue Bike to the office, and one of my favorite moments, spending some time engaging with her family and pups. 

For a more casual professional vibe, we concentrated on what she would post to a blog or LinkedIn about, such as how she can take work calls walking down Commonwealth Ave. As a leader, she loves working with her team and considers that one of her happy places.

Behind the Scenes of a Personal Brand Session in Marblehead with Kelly Duggan | Boston Photographer

This past fall, I was up in Marblehead (which is so beautiful!) every few weeks working with some incredible interior designers and architects. One of the shoots that really brought Marbleadhead to life though, was Kelly’s personal brand session. This all-inclusive, all-day lifestyle session for Kelly was really meant to show off HER. The perfect combo of her biz and life… because honestly is there really that much of a line between the two anymore?

Walking in the door at our first location Kelly chose - a beautiful home overlooking the bay in Marblehead- I gawked at the stunning clothing laid out for this session, which pretty much turned the downstairs entrance into a walk-in closet. Our mutual friend Paula was her hair and makeup artist, and really went above and beyond, taking the role of wardrobe stylist as well, adding accessories to compliment and finalize outfits. (Thank you Paula!) Kelly and Paula absolutely NAILED wardrobe, and Kelly wore her clothes with such confidence. Side-note: even if you are coming to the studio for a quick headshot, I recommend getting your hair and make-up done by Paula. She’s my HMU spirit animal and always creates the perfect camera-ready-but-still-yourself look.

Kelly had a clear vision for her shoot, bringing fun props along with her to clearly define her brand and add some personality (pro move Kelly). How fun is it to have a bunch of balloons and pop some bubbly?! There was even fake snow, which required us to get creative with our cleaning in our efforts to be as eco-friendly as possible. We had an action packed shot list for the day (I may have broken a sweat on multiple occasions), but we ended up with a TON of variety that will fill her content library for months.

And, as always, we had to be flexible in true photoshoot fashion, as one of our locations in town was closed. That just led us to a lovely flower shop right down the street, with great steps for posing, and pristine lighting. Everything worked out beautifully in the end! We ended the day in Lynn, right along the water in time to catch the sunset over Boston; casting a golden glow to the end of our session. Of course, there was a toast to celebrate!

Updating your personal brand photos with Marty | Boston Photographer

How do you keep fresh content flowing for repeat clients? When someone comes back to update their personal brand photos once every few months or once every year, it’s important that we get it right everytime. We want it to be consistent with their brand, but not redundant from one shoot to the next. Marty Moore’s two shoots are perfect examples of how to properly execute this.

Here are my top 3 things to consider:

Consider location.

I always emphasize how important location is for a brand shoot, but the 2nd or 3rd time around, location plays an even bigger role.

Contrary to what one might think, you don’t want to choose somewhere wildly different. The goal is to choose somewhere that offers new perspectives but is still cohesive with the photos we’ve already shot and the brand story we’ve been telling. For some, that could even be the same location for more than one session. For others, that could mean hunting for the perfect new space to rent for each shoot.

Freshen up the wardrobe.

This will vary from brand to brand, but for Marty’s in particular, his look is the casual suit jacket over a white shirt with jeans or trousers. So for him, we kept it consistent but paid close attention to the smaller details - the cuff links, the watch, the tech accessories.

For other brands, half of the fun in planning the 2nd shoot could be choosing a whole new wardrobe! There are no rules here, so switching up the look or keeping it similar, it’s all good.

Dig into the purpose behind the shoot

Is it for a new product or course launch? Are you offering a new service? Celebrating a big biz milestone?

Whatever the purpose is, this will steer us in the right direction to create brand new content, even if we are shooting on the same neutral backdrop. Planning the right “action” shots is really what guides the story we want to tell.

Marty’s team chose to rent the lovely Newburyport Studio for their shoot. It was my first time shooting there, and wow was it versatile! I can’t wait to shoot there again. Marty’s team once again provided amazing creative direction, and it’s always satisfying to hear they were thrilled with the outcome.

What you can learn from Marty Moore and his brand shoot | Boston Photographer

No Bullsh!t on this brand shoot with CEO mentor, now author, Marty Moore for his book release, “No Bullsh!t Leadership”. It had to be one of the most organized shoots of 2021, which is mostly due to his daughter, and business partner, Emma.

Definitely a powerhouse father-daughter duo.

Emma was pretty much my dream client- she had a clear idea of the visual story they wanted to tell, and came up with a detailed shot list, including inspiration visuals, before our shoot.

The whole family played a part on this brand shoot:

Marty’s wife, Kathy, doubled as a personal stylist and helped get the most natural expressions out of Marty. His leadership skills, particularly his charisma and confidence truly came through in the finished photos. Overall he is a natural in front of the camera!

Determining location is such an important piece in telling your brand story.

More on how to determine the best location for your brand here. Since they needed a very minimal, clean backdrop, we opted for renting a space. After doing a bit of research, I sent Emma three options of potential sites, and let her decide which one best fit their brand and specific look for this shoot. We ended up renting the perfect studio space right in East Boston. 

Oh! And…

if you have that ever growing pile of books you mean to read but haven’t gotten to yet, I encourage you to add this one to the pile, though he also has a podcast for leaders and future leaders. It’s worth a listen on your next drive.

7 Tips for What to wear to your Brand Photoshoot

When scheduling a Personal Brand Session, clients always ask, “What should I wear?” I’d like to share my top 7 tips for what to wear to your brand photoshoot! Before we get to the details, my best advice is to work with a wardrobe stylist, especially if you are doing an Essential or All Inclusive Personal Brand Session.

A good stylist will take into consideration what will be most flattering on you and relevant to the overall vibe we are going for in our session. If you love styling yourself and you know you got this, GO FOR IT! You know yourself and your brand best! Whether or not you decide to work with a stylist, here are some items to consider when choosing outfits for your Brand Photoshoot.

1. What do you Want to Convey?

Is your brand upscale luxury? Or, down to earth and casual? Your wardrobe should 100% reflect the messaging you want to put out there.

2. Variety

We all need some variety in our lives, and our photos are no different! You don’t want to have 20 photos of you in the same outfit scattered across your social media. Instead, consider all the different hats you wear.

You dress one way when you’re working at home (although maybe we can go a step up from the sweats and unwashed hair here). I'm going to bet you dress another way when you’re meeting with clients, doing a speaking engagement, or shipping out products. Your looks can be multi-dimensional and still cohesive.

3. Survey your Wardrobe

Go through your wardrobe with a fresh set of eyes before our shoot in order to determine what you already have and what you need.

• What are your absolute favorite go-to pieces?

• What do you love about them?

• Do any of them fit into your brand?

If yes, great! Use these items as a starting point. Now, think about what you need to complete each outfit - a statement necklace or earrings, a floral skirt for twirling, a ripped pair of jeans, or a cute hat, there are a million ways to refresh a wardrobe staple for our shoot.

4. Give Yourself Time

Choose your outfits and accessories ahead of time. You want to give yourself PLENTY of time to order, try on, and return if necessary.

5. Choose Colors Wisely

Keep your brand aesthetic at the forefront of your mind. Now, I’m not saying that if your brand colors are navy and gold, you should come to your brand session dressed head-to-toe in navy and gold. (please don't do that!) But the colors you choose should complement your brand aesthetic. You can accomplish this in a variety of ways like throwing on some gold bangles to complete your look, or draping a navy blazer on the back of your desk chair.

Bottom line:

If your website and insta feed are all neutral, soft tones, we should not be focusing on a rainbow palette for your wardrobe. That being said, don’t be afraid to strategically throw in a pop of color to grab attention when appropriate.

6. Ask for Feedback

Try outfits on, take photos, & send them to your photographer. This is a collaboration, so if you’re on the fence about what is appropriate for your brand photos, ask for feedback!

I LOVE helping clients curate their wardrobe for a brand photo shoot.

7. Fit + Comfort is Priority

Above all, we want you in well-fitting clothes. If something is uncomfortable, too big, or too tight, it will likely translate in the photos. When you feel and look your best, you radiate confidence!

I’ll say this one last time for those in the back:

Try it on BEFORE your shoot

Bonus Tip

While I highly recommend working with professional hair and makeup for your session, keep in mind that whichever option you choose, it is most important to remember that we are almost always going for an everyday look. If you’re done up with smokey eyes everyday when meeting with clients, then girl, Rock it! But we want your clients to see YOU in your photos, not a done-up, unrecognizable version of you. You’ll be at your best in front of the camera when you look and feel like yourself.

I hope you found these 7 Tips for What to Wear to Your Brand Photoshoot helpful! If you are interested in learning more about Emily O’Brien Personal Brand Photography, or want to schedule your Personal Brand session, contact me here. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Emily O’Brien Photography is a Boston based Photography Studio specializing in Personal Brand and Family Photography.

The Top 3 Things Holding You Back from Your Brand Photos and How to Fix Them | Boston Photographer

Feeling hesitant on planning your own personal brand photo session? You are not alone! But rest assured, as I walk you through three of the most common things holding people back from taking brand photos, and how to fix them. 

1. I don’t like the way I look.

Leave that to us! 

First I will  provide you with a posing and style guide. If you want to take your style to the next level, I can recommend one of the wardrobe stylists I love. Working with professional hair and makeup is also a key factor in amping up your look. It’s important to work with someone who can give you an everyday look - if you don’t wear an updo and smokey eye as part of your everyday look, let’s keep it real. Great HMU artists know how to give you the gorge look that’s still YOU.

We created a PDF guide with the absolute best wardrobe advice everyone needs before going into a photo shoot: Download it here

2. I don’t know how I would use these images.

Social media, blogs, website landing pages, about pages, process pages, email campaigns, printed marketing materials, press releases, etc, etc, etc.

Did you know that images on social media posts receive 120-180% more engagement and visibility? Powerful images provide a quick and clear message to your clients (esp for those who scroll right on past text). With the images from your brand shoot, you can create a visual library for fresh social media and marketing content.

3. I’m not ready.

When is anyone 100% ready?

Anything new can be intimidating, but you gotta start somewhere. We will start off with a brainstorm session, which will allow me to get to know you and your brand better. From our discussion, I can create the perfect shot list for your business. This is a great opportunity for you too to discover what you value in your business and want to highlight. I guarantee once we start, you won’t be able to wait to do it again! 

Captivating images are what make you stand out to your potential clients. They give your audience the chance to see what it’s like to work with you. All personal brand sessions are 100% customized to you, and conveying your brand story.

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“Working with Emily was incredible! Not only did she know how to work with my brand board, but also went out of her way to create her studio with my brand colors & specific plants to extenuate the look and feel of my brand. She was professional, extremely accommodating, friendly and more importantly.. AMAZING at what she does! I have the most gorgeous photos for my web site…”

— Gwen K, Homeopath

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Five Must-Have Photos From Your Brand Session

The Headshot

This is the baseline for the face of the company. It’s a must have, and it doesn’t have to be boring! Modern headshots are full of life, personality, and do not have to be stiff or boring.

Working photos

Where and how do you work? At a home office? Spread out on your living room floor? In a coworking space? These are your essential newsletter and social media photos… especially perfect for social media stories. People can’t get enough good BTS shots.

Deliverables

Are you product or service based? Either way, you have deliverables. If you’re a products based biz, that’s easy. We need some GORG product shots. If you are service based, it may seem harder to think of what to shoot, but there’s lots of options (here’s where I come in with our brainstorm questionnaire once we book). If you’re a stylist, what will your clients look and feel like when you’re done with them? A luxury concierge service can show what your clients gain from hiring you - more time with their family? Being able to relax and put their feet up while letting someone else do the work? Motivational speaker? How about some audience reaction shots, how do you make them FEEL when you speak?

Process

What is working with you like? Do you work side by side with clients? Do you work with them virtually? Do you have a shop where you create things? Let your client imagine what it’s like to work with you through photos.

YOU

Home life, hobbies, personality, etc. This is your “know, like, and trust” shot. People want to see you, in your natural setting. What are you like outside of work? Are you a dog lover? Do you have kids? Show your client how they can relate to you

These shots are the perfect starting point for your brand session, but what I love about working with all types of businesses is that every biz is different, which is why we start with our “Brand Brainstorm Sesh” questionnaire and then customize our shoot to your brand specifically.

Click here for more info on brand sessions

Click here for full brand photo gallery

Personal Brand Sessions, What The Heck Are They?

What IS a Personal Brand session? Personal brand sessions start with a consultation to get to know your brand story. Sessions usually include headshots, lifestyle images to capture you in action, as well as details that cater to your specific business. Because the session is so customized to suit your brand, the types of images we create will vary from one business to another... which is totally the fun part!! We are telling YOUR unique story

Who is it for? Short answer - anyone who is representing their brand. Small business owners, solo and entrepreneurs, creative professionals, public figures, coaches, teachers, the list could go on and on...
 

Why do I need it? 🤔Strong images give your brand a personality, they show people who you are as a business and what it’s like to work with you. We live in a visual world, and if people can’t see you, they don’t know if they can trust you. I know it’s not easy being in front of the camera, but if you are the face of your brand, YOU need to be involved in the story!
 
What can I expect? You can expect a personalized, customized experience, that clearly communicates your brand story. We start with a questionnaire and consultation to get to know your brand, this is your chance to throw out any ideas, requests, must haves, or definitely-nots. I love the brainstorming process and once we know where we are going, we can start looking at location and wardrobe options. Hair and makeup is always recommended and helps you look and feel your best in front of the camera. It’s always my goal to make you feel comfortable throughout the shoot so we can capture your true personality and of course THIS WILL BE FUN!!

What can I do with my images? This list could be 10 pages long but let’s stick with the basics for now. 

1. Social media in all its glorious forms! Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In. Social media posts that include an image receive 120-180% more visibility and engagement.

2. Your website - Blogs, home page, about me, landing pages, sales pages, contact, etc.⠀

3. Marketing pieces - Business cards, brochures, mailers, or other printed marketing materials.⠀

4. Press releases, speaking engagements, email signature, anywhere you have the opportunity to show people what it would be like to work with you⠀

I bet you can think of at least 10 more that apply to your specific business. I’d love to know what you can come up with for your business!

What types of images do we create? I know you don’t want 30 versions of a formal headshot... BORING! Of course this varies with every brand, but I love to mix in some lifestyle and “working” photos so that people can truly visualize what it’s like to work with, and just be around you. If you offer products, we’ll get some really great product shots. If you have your own workspace, I love to shoot there and incorporate the vibe of your space

Once I’ve experienced and loved everything about our photoshoot, when can we do it again? YES I hope that’s what everyone says, but honestly, our need for content these days can be overwhelming and it can be so hard to keep up with. Again, everyone has different needs, but we can come up with a plan to shoot weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly to keep your content fresh and consistent!

Personal_Brand_Photography from Emily O'Brien on Vimeo.

North Andover | Business Portraits with Personality for Monx Design House

Monique answers the phone with a smile. She is always ready to charm and she seems to have mastered the perfect combination of professionalism and personality.

Monx Design House team members, Julissa, Monique, and Katherine

She is a wonderfully creative event designer, and owner of Monx Design House. Her events range from the most extravagant weddings, to smaller intimate gatherings with friends. Whatever the project is, she is working on it wholeheartedly, creating custom props, centerpieces, and experiences.

They always get together and brainstorm ideas for an event

They truly customize your event with unique props

I was thrilled when she asked me to do a photo shoot with her and her team for their new website, and I knew immediately that we needed to really create something personal for their brand, something far from the average business portrait. Monique, Katherine, and Julissa, are the epitome of girl power as a team, and I really wanted to let their sophistication and personality shine, while also showing that the are offering a high end luxury service.

Monx Design House team at North Andover Country Club

We talked a lot about styling and location and how we could really compliment her brand best. Creating a subtle feeling of luxury was our main focus, giving it an editorial look with the styling and posing.

Monx Design House team at North Andover Country Club

The three of them with their dazzling personalities couldn’t have been better to work with, and while it was a long day for all of us perfectionists, I think we were all happy with the outcome. Look at those powerful beauties!

Thanks to Chelsea Stearns for the GORGEOUS new Monx Design House website

Thanks to North Andover Country Club for the amazing location, and letting us rearrange your function room

Thanks to Robert Jason Salon for the hair and makeup that held all day long!