Charlotte Branding Photographer

Closing Out 2024: Important Dates and What’s Coming in 2025

December 1, 2024

During this time of year I always find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve had over the last 11 months. From new branding projects that connected me with passionate entrepreneurs and businesses, beautiful maternity sessions, graduating seniors and milestone birthdays. It has truly been a year of growth and creativity. None of this would have been possible without you—my amazing clients and community. Your trust in my work has allowed me to continue doing what I love, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

This year has brought so many highlights and every moment behind the camera reminded me how fortunate I am to do what I do, and it’s all thanks to you.

As we approach the holiday season, I wanted to share some important updates regarding my upcoming availability. My last day of shooting for 2024 will be December 9, and I will resume photoshoots on January 6, 2025. This break will give me the chance to rest, reflect, and come back energized for an exciting new year ahead.

During this period, I will continue to be available via email and will respond to any inquiries received between December 10 and December 19. However, from December 20 through January 5, I will be taking a complete break from work to fully recharge and spend quality time with family and loved ones. During that time, I won’t be answering emails, but rest assured, I will get back to any messages after January 6 when I return.

This has been an important year for me in terms of balancing work and life, and I appreciate your understanding and support as I take time to rest and reflect. I believe in the importance of showing up fully for my clients, and part of that means taking moments to rest and refocus.

Looking ahead, I am so excited for what 2025 will bring. I can’t wait to collaborate with more talented entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners to continue telling the stories that matter most. And of course I’m always here to capture your meaningful moments like maternity, bridal, birthday and senior sessions. I am confident that the best is yet to come, and I look forward to being a part of your journey in the new year.

Thank you again for your continued support of Denise Benson Photography. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and creativity. Here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling 2025—we’ll make it a great one together!

– Denise

Beyond Branding: Seniors, Maternity, Birthdays & Bridal Photography

November 1, 2024

Beyond Branding: Other Photography Services I Offer

As many of you know, my passion and specialty lie in branding photography, helping businesses and entrepreneurs bring their unique stories to life through professional imagery. However, what you might not know is that I also love capturing other special moments that go beyond the world of business.

In addition to branding, I offer a variety of personal photography services that highlight life’s important milestones. Here’s a glimpse into what else you can book with me at Denise Benson Photography:

Graduating Seniors

Graduating is a major accomplishment, and there’s no better way to celebrate this milestone than with a senior portrait session. Whether you’re a high school senior preparing for the next chapter or a college grad ready to enter the professional world, I’m here to capture your confidence, personality, and excitement in timeless images.

Maternity

Pregnancy is such a beautiful journey, and I love creating images that celebrate the anticipation and joy of welcoming a new little one. My maternity sessions are designed to make every mom-to-be feel radiant, comfortable, and empowered. These sessions can be for mom only or mom and their significant other.

Birthdays

Milestones like birthdays deserve to be celebrated in style! Whether it’s a special birthday or you just want to treat yourself to a fun and creative photoshoot, I’ll make sure your photos reflect your personality and how you want to celebrate your day.

Bridals

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and bridal portraits give you the chance to truly showcase the elegance of your gown, your beauty, and your excitement for your big day. These sessions are all about you and creating timeless portraits to cherish forever.

While branding photography remains the heart of my business, I love that these additional services give me the chance to capture so many other special moments in your lives.

If you or someone you know is celebrating one of these milestones, I’d love to connect and help create beautiful, lasting memories. For inquiries or to book a session, feel free to visit my contact page or reach out to me directly at [email protected].

Let’s make your special moments unforgettable!

Putting A Pause On Family Mini Sessions For 2024

October 1, 2024

Why I’m Skipping Fall and Christmas Mini Sessions This Year: Prioritizing Work-Life Balance as a Photographer

As many of you know, while I am primarily a branding photographer, every year I’ve made an exception to offer fall and/or Christmas mini sessions. It’s always been a way for me to connect with families and provide beautiful seasonal portraits, even though my main focus is branding. However, this year I’ve decided to take a step back and not host mini sessions.

This decision didn’t come easy. Every year, planning these sessions takes a lot of energy and coordination—from finding the perfect location to setting up the ideal backdrop, to scheduling and delivering galleries during a time when my photography business is already in full swing. The truth is, the weight of it all started to feel like too much.

Fall has always been one of my busiest seasons for photography. Between photo shoots, editing, and client consultations, I realized that adding mini sessions to the mix would only stretch me thinner than I’m comfortable with. For me, it’s become increasingly important to maintain work-life balance, and this year, that meant saying no to something I’ve traditionally enjoyed offering.

I’m not saying I’ll never offer family mini sessions again—this decision likely won’t be forever. But this year, I needed to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being. And sometimes, as business owners, we have to listen to our gut. It’s crucial to make decisions that not only serve our clients but also support our own well-being, even if it means letting people down.

I know that many of you look forward to these seasonal sessions, and trust me, I’ll miss the fun and festive energy they bring. But I truly believe that by creating a balanced work life, I’ll be able to serve my branding clients better and keep my passion for photography alive.

Thank you for your understanding and support! If you’re here for branding photography, I’m fully available and excited to work with you this season. And who knows—maybe next year I’ll be back with a fresh take on mini sessions!

Warmly,
Denise

Your Most Burning Questions About Branding Photography

September 17, 2024

The Top 3 Questions About Branding Photography – Answered!

When it comes to branding photography, many clients have a few common questions before booking their session. I understand how important it is for you to feel confident in the process, so today I’ve answered the three most frequently asked questions to help guide you as you plan your branding session.

1. What exactly is branding photography, and how is it different from a regular headshot?

Branding photography goes beyond the traditional headshot. While headshots are usually simple portraits that focus on your face and expression, branding photography tells a bigger story about you and your business. It captures the essence of your brand through imagery that reflects your personality, values, and the services or products you offer. The goal is to create a visual representation of your brand that can be used across your website, social media, marketing materials, and more.

In a branding session, I might capture you at work, interacting with clients, showcasing products, or using props that represent your brand. These images help your audience connect with you on a deeper level, giving them a glimpse into who you are and what you stand for.

2. How should I prepare for my branding photography session?

Being prepared is so crucial to a successful branding session. Here are a few steps to consider:

Know Your Brand: Have a clear understanding of your brand’s values, mission, and target audience. This will guide the creative direction of your photos.
Wardrobe: Choose outfits that reflect your brand’s personality. Whether it’s casual or corporate, ensure your clothing aligns with the message you want to convey.
Props and Location: Think about incorporating items that represent your business—whether it’s your laptop, tools of your trade, or products. The location should also match your brand’s aesthetic. For example, if you’re a wellness coach, a serene outdoor setting might be ideal.
Mood Board: If you have a vision in mind, creating a mood board with colors, themes, and images that inspire you can help me align the photos with your goals.

I work with each client individually to create a session that’s custom-tailored to their brand. We’ll discuss all these details in our pre-session consultation to ensure we’re both fully prepared.

3. How can I use branding photos to grow my business?

Branding photos are versatile and can be used in many ways to build your online and offline presence. Here are some ideas:

Website: Incorporate them into your “About” page, blog posts, or service offerings to give a personal touch to your content.
Social Media: Consistently using professional branding images on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn helps create a cohesive and polished look. You can use them for announcements, promotions, or simply to engage with your audience.
Marketing Materials: Whether it’s flyers, brochures, or business cards, high-quality branding photos help create a strong first impression and reinforce your professional image.
Email Campaigns: Personalize your newsletters with photos that reflect your brand, making your emails more engaging and memorable.

I can’t say enough about the power of great branding images. They communicate professionalism, establish trust, and ultimately attract more clients. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your brand, investing in branding photography is a smart business move.

Ready to Elevate Your Brand?

I’m passionate about helping businesses visually tell their stories. If you’re ready to take your brand to the next level, let’s connect and discuss how we can create a branding session that reflects the heart of your business.

Feel free to reach out through via my contact form to book your session today!

How To Use Your Branding Images To Standout In A Crowded Market

July 15, 2024

In a crowded market, the ability to stand out is crucial for the success of your business. Effectively leveraging branding images can play a significant role in capturing attention and helping your brand to stand out. In this week’s blog I want to discuss a few strategies to make your branding images project in a competitive landscape.

Crafting a distinctive visual identity plays a crucial role in setting yourself apart. You want to develop a unique and consistent visual for your brand which includes using a specific color palette, typography, and style in your branding images. Consistency helps to build recognition, making it easier for your audience to associate visuals with your brand. You’ll also want to use your images to tell a narrative that resonates with your target audience. Highlight the journey of your brand, showcase real customer stories, or illustrate the values that set you apart. A compelling story creates an emotional connection, making your brand more memorable.

Next, make sure to clearly communicate your Unique Selling Proposition through your branding images. Showcase what makes your products or services stand out from the competition. Whether it’s innovation, superior quality, or exceptional customer service, let your images visually emphasize your USP. Then you’ll want to tailor your branding images for various social media platforms. Craft visually striking content that aligns with the tone and style of each platform. Experiment with engaging visuals, such as infographics, carousel posts, and video content, to capture attention in the fast-paced world of social media.

The final two steps are to utilize consistent branding across channels and to stay ahead of trends. Ensure a consistent visual identity across all channels, from your website to social media to print materials. Consistency builds trust and reinforces your brand’s credibility. Make sure your logo, color scheme, and overall design language remain cohesive. Keep an eye on design and visual trends within your industry. While maintaining your brand identity, incorporate contemporary elements that resonate with your target audience. Staying current helps your brand appear modern and relevant.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively use your branding images to cut through the noise and establish a memorable and distinctive presence in a crowded market. Consistency, authenticity, and a strong visual identity are key elements that can set your brand apart and attract the attention of your desired audience.