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Follow Me On Social Media

Charlotte branding photography

 

Follow Me On Social Media 

 

There are several reasons why you should follow me on social media. Firstly, by following me, you will gain access to exclusive content that I share only with my followers. This could include behind-the-scenes glimpses into my daily life, sneak peeks of upcoming projects, and special promotions or discounts.

Additionally, following me on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on my latest news and announcements. Whether I’m launching a new product or service, hosting an event, or sharing important updates, you’ll be the first to know.

Following me on social media also gives you the opportunity to connect with a like-minded community. You’ll be able to interact with other followers, share your thoughts and opinions, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Finally, following me on social media is a great way to support my work and stay connected with me on a more personal level. I strive to create meaningful content that informs, inspires, and entertains, and I would love to have you along for the journey.

So…wondering which platforms I’m active on?  Then look no further and check me out via the list below:

Click here for Instagram

Click here for Facebook

Click here for Pinterest

Click here for Twitter

Click here for LinkedIn

Click here for YouTube

Out of these platforms you’ll find the most up to date content on Instagram and Facebook.  This is where I share sneak peeks of my latest client sessions, you can catch glimpses of my everyday life and so much more!  Twitter is where you’ll get more of my personality.  While I do share some of my latest work here, it’s mainly to express my thoughts on current events, what I’m watching and how I’m spending my day.  Finally, Pinterest is great for seeing my latest work and ideas on how to style yourself for your next shoot as well as a way for clients to share their mood boards with me for their upcoming sessions.  I’d love to connect with each of you on these platforms and hope to see you there!

 

10 Tips To A Successful Branding Session

Charlotte branding photography

 

10 Tips To A Successful Branding Session

 

Over the years I’ve done hundreds of branding sessions and sadly, not all of them have been a 10/10.  While that’s always my goal as a photographer it doesn’t always work out that way.  The best sessions have come out of my clients and I collaborating 100% from the beginning to the end of the session.  Your vision can only come to life through my lens if I am clear on your mission and if you trust me to bring that vision to life.  If you’ve ever wondered what you, as a client, can do to ensure the success of your next session check out these helpful tips below:

  1. Define your brand’s mission and vision.
  2. Identify your target audience and understand their needs and preferences.
  3. Conduct market research to gain insights about the competition and industry trends.
  4. Develop a unique brand voice and tone that reflects your values and personality.
  5. Create a visual identity that includes a logo, color scheme, and typography.
  6. Establish brand guidelines to maintain consistency across all communication channels.
  7. Craft a brand messaging strategy that resonates with your audience and aligns with your mission.
  8. Use storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection with your audience.
  9. Leverage social media and other digital marketing channels to promote your brand.
  10. Continuously monitor and evaluate your branding efforts to ensure they align with your goals and objectives.

The best way to communicate these things to your hired photographer is to set up a strategy call prior to your session taking place.  This is a great way to get to know one another so that you feel comfortable come session day and you can clearly explain your brand’s identity, mission and goals.  If you have additional tips on making your branding photoshoot a success I’d love to hear them!  Feel free to add them to the comments.

 

Why Do I Need A Branding Photoshoot?

Denise Benson Photography

 

Why Do I Need A Branding Photoshoot?

 

You may be a new business owner and you’re going down your checklist of things you’ve read you’re “supposed to do”.  One of those things is a branding shoot and you’re wondering if it’s even necessary?  Surely, a nice selfie can work on your About Me page right?  Do you really NEED a branding session?  If these thoughts have ever entered your mind then I’m here to tell you, you’re not alone.  Startup costs of running a business can be a lot and branding photography isn’t cheap.  Here are a few reasons why I think a branding photoshoot is an investment in your personal or professional brand that can yield significant returns for you.

  1. Stand out from the competition: In today’s crowded market, it’s important to differentiate yourself from your competitors. A branding photoshoot can help you showcase your unique personality, skills, and style, and create a visual identity that sets you apart.
  2. Build trust and credibility: High-quality, professional photos can help you build trust and credibility with potential clients or customers. They show that you take your business seriously and are committed to delivering quality work.
  3. Create a consistent brand image: A branding shoot can help you create a consistent brand image across all your marketing channels, from your website to your social media profiles. This helps your audience recognize you and builds brand awareness.
  4. Increase engagement and conversions: Eye-catching photos can help increase engagement and conversions on your website and social media profiles. People are more likely to click on and share visually appealing content, and high-quality photos can help you stand out and grab attention.
  5. Save time and money: Investing in a branding photoshoot can save you time and money in the long run. Rather than constantly searching for and creating new visual content yourself, you can have a library of photos that you can use across all your marketing channels.
  6. Boost your personal or professional brand: A branding session can help you create a personal or professional brand that resonates with your audience and helps you achieve your goals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, influencer, or job seeker, a strong brand can help you stand out and achieve success.
  7. Have fun and express yourself: A branding photoshoot is also a fun and creative way to express yourself and showcase your personality and style. You can work with a photographer to create a vision that reflects who you are and what you stand for.

Overall, a branding photoshoot is a worthwhile investment that can help you stand out, build trust, and achieve your personal or professional goals. Don’t hesitate to contact me today to book a branding session and take your brand to the next level!

 

How To Incorporate Props Into Your Branding Session

Charlotte branding photography

How To Incorporate Props Into Your Branding Session

 

One question I’m often asked by potential clients is what props work best for their profession.  And of course, this answer will change depending on the industry you’re in, what your day to day work life looks like and the hobbies you enjoy during your down time.  Here are a few of my thoughts regarding props and how to use them in your upcoming session.

Props can add depth and personality to your branding photoshoot, making your images more engaging and memorable. Start by considering the theme or message you want to convey, and then choose props that align with your brand’s aesthetic and values.

One popular prop for branding photoshoots is a laptop or tablet, which can convey a sense of productivity and modernity. You can also add small decorative items that complement your brand’s color scheme, such as a vase of flowers or a stack of books.

If you want to add an element of playfulness or whimsy, consider using balloons, confetti, or even a bottle of champagne to celebrate a recent win. These props can add visual interest and create a fun, lighthearted vibe that captures your brand’s personality.

 

Denise Benson photography

 

Another option is to incorporate your products or services into the photoshoot. For example, if you run a bakery, you could include a tray of freshly baked goods or a display of colorful macarons. This can help showcase your offerings and create a sense of authenticity and transparency.

Finally, consider using props to create a specific mood or atmosphere. For instance, if you want to convey a sense of relaxation or mindfulness, you could include a yoga mat, candles, or a soothing essential oil diffuser. If you want to create a sense of adventure or exploration, you could use a map, compass, or hiking boots.

Ultimately, the props you choose for your branding photoshoot should align with your brand’s identity and messaging. By incorporating thoughtful and relevant props, you can create images that capture the essence of your brand and engage your audience.

My Photography Journey

Denise Benson photography

 

My Photography Journey

 

Some of you have been here from the very start and some of you may have just found me this year.  And even if you’ve been here from the get go you likely don’t know my full photography story.  How this went from just a hobby to a full time career (one of which I never even intended on having!).  I don’t want to bore you with a ton of minute details, but thought it may be fun for you to see how things progressed over the last (almost) 12 years!

In the spring of 2009 I decided to take an Intro To Photography course at York Technical College.  It was a night class that met twice/week.  I wanted to learn how to take nice photos that could produce a “clear subject and blurry background”.  Since insurance was my 9-5, I needed a creative outlet as a hobby.  During the course of this class I bought my first DSLR camera, a Nikon D40.  For 2 years I played around, practicing on mostly inanimate objects (flowers, shoes in my closet, my mom’s Christmas tree, the beach, etc).

In April of 2011 I took my best friend and her pup to the park to capture some images, uploaded those photos to Facebook and next thing I knew…I had a budding side gig on my hands.  I immediately began receiving requests for photoshoots.  And because this wasn’t anything I expected (I just bought the camera and took the class for fun) I didn’t know how to price myself accordingly and shot everything from baby showers to little league football games.  And for family shoots…yeah…I was charging around $45 for an hour long session (we’ve come a LONG way!).

On December 7, 2012 I decided to move my work from my personal FB page to a business FB page.  I created a website and began to price myself more in line with my industry peers.  In 2014, I started up a monthly newsletter for clients so that I could share my work, current availability, etc.  That first year I had a “whopping” 67 newsletter subscribers so it blows my mind that there are over 1,000 of you following along on this journey with me now!

In February of 2017 I introduced 1:1 coaching for other photographers that wanted to learn how to create a better client experience and have come to love that part of my business more than I ever could have imagined.  It’s been such a fulfilling role for me!

Over the years I tried my hand at all sorts of photography, but eventually decided to niche down to just branding and some portraits (birthdays, seniors, maternity & bridal).  And on January 2022 I went full time. As someone that never saw myself doing this full time it’s wild to think of where I am now.

I’ve upgraded my equipment numerous times, revamped my website, had countless branding sessions for myself, and taken tons of courses (free and paid).  I’ve had really high highs (being published in magazines and working with high profile clients have made my head spin) and some really low lows (the year burnout almost took me out I knew changes needed to be made in how I ran my business).  But we’re here.  This past April I celebrated 12 years in business and if THIS is what the first 12 look like I can only imagine how amazing the next 12 will be.

Thank you for continuing on this ride with me.  I look forward to serving you as best as I can for many more years to come!

 

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