A Picture Really Is Worth A Thousand Words! | Guest Blog Series

denise benson photography

A Picture REALLY is Worth A Thousand Words!

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Dr. Katrina Spigner at the start of 2017 for her branding session via another branding client of mine and we immediately hit it off!  We had so much fun getting to know one another during our time together and by the time it was all over I’d felt like I’d known her for years.  When I put out the call for guest bloggers she reached out to me and I was ecstatic.  Having read some of her other articles I was truly thankful that she would take time out of her busy schedule to do a write up for DBP.  You guys are in for a treat!

 


 

Have you ever stopped to listen to a picture?  

I ask because we are bombarded with images through social media and television, and if you are like me, the nearly 5,000 pictures stored in my cell phone. We have become fascinated with our ability to crop, add filters, change colors, and even add puppy ears, noses, and a crown of flowers to our pictures. Yes…I know these things are fun. But, I return to my original question.

Have you ever stopped to listen to a picture?

In January 2017, I had my first Branding Session with Denise Benson Photography. Because I had never had this type of session before, I really did not know what to expect. Leading up to my photo shoot, I had already fallen in love with Denise from afar. She was professional, the materials I received via mail were stellar, and the process for doing business with her was incredibly efficient. On the day of the shoot, I met Denise face-to- face for the first time. Yet, I felt like I had known her for years. I felt connected to her and had immediate trust that my session was in good hands.

Okay…so you’re asking what does that have to do with the thoughts that run through your mind when you see a picture. Well, I’m glad you asked. Here is the thing…

I felt this deep connection to Denise and her work because prior to ever meeting her, I had been snooping around on her website. I had spent time going through the gallery of pictures in her portfolio. The truth of the matter is…her work had spoken me. Each image had something to say. In some, I heard joy. In many, I heard peace. In the majority, I heard happiness. These pictures spoke volumes.

However, it wasn’t until I received the proofs from my own shoot that “a thousand words” ran through my mind. Each picture spoke of my journey. Embedded in each image, was my story. Each picture housed my history of the good, the bad, and the ugly. My pictures whispered reminders of what it had taken to get to this place.

My pictures spoke to me about my strength, resilience, confidence, and voice. My pictures spoke my AUTHENTICITY.

You see…

If you would have asked me years ago, “Katrina, who are you?” I would have told you about my age, my family, my educational background, where I worship, my career, where I live, my hobbies, along with multitudes of other external descriptors. I would have told you all about my external world and all of the things that exists in that world. I would have flashed a convincing smile that emerged from the many masks I wore. I would have told you many, many wonderful things about the woman I wanted you to see, while failing to mention the woman who was covered under all of the external stuff… But, after a tumultuous and arduous journey of uncovering the “Real Me” – my pictures told a different story…

I am a woman who is comprised of the sum total of her experiences. I am perfectly imperfect. I am flawed. Yet, I am still perfectly loved by God. I am scarred. Yet, my scars are beautiful reminders of just how far I’ve come. I am gifted. Yet, my gifts don’t define me. My definition comes based upon how I use them. I am complex. Yet, my complexities are a gleaming representation of how we are all created by God to be unique. I am confident. Yet, I am not confident in myself, but in the truth that I was created to shine in the world. I am certain, not about everything, but certain that there is a purpose, plan, and destiny at work in my life that far exceed my ability to comprehend. I am powerful, not because I believe that I exude strength, but because I am committed to addressing my weaknesses. I am passionate about life. I am inspired by possibilities. I am excited about my journey.

Why?

Because my pictures spoke to me about my future and they told me…my best is yet to come.

So, I know for sure that pictures are worth a thousand words. If you don’t believe me, pause to listen the next time you look at yours. You’ll be surprised by what you hear.

 


 

denise benson photography

You can connect with Dr. Katrina Spigner on the following platforms:

Facebook: @resourcesolu (Re-Source Solutions)

Twitter: @KatrinaSpigner

Instagram: @drkatrina_spigner

Website: http://www.re-sourcesolutions.com

Website: http://voicelessons.solutions

 

2017 Fall Mini Sessions Are Here!

rock hill sc portrait photography

2017 Fall Mini Sessions

 

It’s that time of the year again!  I eagerly anticipate my Fall Mini Sessions each year and this year I’m excited to announce a new location!  If you’re unsure if a mini session is right for you hop over to my blog post giving you all of the benefits of booking a mini session.  This year sessions will take place in Old Town, Rock Hill, SC.  It’s a quaint downtown area that will give you a little something different from the standard park portrait session.  A few slots have already filled up, so if you’re interested in booking a session make sure to contact me as soon as possible to secure your space.  Mini sessions are great for families (up to 5 people), friends, branding and so much more!  You will also receive your images in time to start sending out your upcoming holiday greeting cards!  So here are the all the details you need to know:

Date: October 21, 2017 (rain date is October 22, 2017 and you must be available for both dates)

Location: Old Town, Rock Hill, SC

Time: 8 am – Until (sessions will take place in 20 minute increments)

Price: $149 (plus tax)

 

What’s Included:

Digital Welcome Guide

10 Edited Digital Images (with options to purchase more)

Photo Print Release

 

Hopefully that’s piqued your interest and you’re all ready to book your next session!  Shoot me a message and let me know you’re interested in securing your mini session time slot and I will forward you the available times and other information you need to know to start the booking process.  I can’t wait to hear from you!

 

 

 

The Paul Family | Glencairn Garden Session

denise benson photographyThe Paul Family | Glencairn Garden Session

It’s always nice when working with friends for their family photo session.  It’s even nicer when they’ve got something to celebrate!  I’ve known Tracie for a few years now.  We both are members of the same book club so we get together monthly to discuss our favorite reads over good food and lots of wine.  When she reached out to me indicating she wanted to celebrate her upcoming 40th (yes, 40…can you believe that?!) birthday with a shoot I was excited to begin planning it and to get the opportunity to work with her for the first time.  She decided she wanted her family to get in on the action as well so I knew Glencairn Garden in Rock Hill, SC would be the perfect location for their session.

denise benson photography

 

denise benson photography

 

We had a great time making our way through the park and it was nice to be able to see husband Kevin and little KJ dote upon Tracie. Women play so many roles in their family’s lives as mothers and wives so it’s always nice when the men show you their appreciation.  And it was fun for me to meet and work with Kevin and KJ and I felt truly honored when little KJ inducted me as an honorary member of their family by dubbing me as their cousin.  I know these are going to be some wonderful, cherished memories that the Paul family is going to remember for a long time to come and I hope I get the opportunity to work with them down the road as little KJ grows up.  And if you’re looking to capture an upcoming birthday or just celebrate life with your loved ones I’d love to hear from you!  Contact me and let me know your thoughts so we can begin planning the perfect session for you.

 

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Takesha + Morris | Glencairn Garden Session

couples photography

Takesha + Morris | Glencairn Garden, Rock Hill, SC

 

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Takesha and Morris.  Takesha reached out to me and indicated she wanted to do a couple’s session with her boyfriend Morris.  Because beautiful Glencairn Garden was in full bloom during that time I knew it would be the perfect location to capture their love!  We met the morning of their shoot and I have to tell you they were one of the most adorable couples I’ve ever had the opportunity to get in front of my lens!  Most people aren’t completely comfortable in front of the lens immediately so I make sure to have fun with my clients and get them warmed up to me and the thought of having a camera in their face over the course of the next hour.  Once I could see the two of them getting more relaxed I knew we were going to be able to create some magic!  The sweetest moments for me were when I would have Morris whisper something into Takisha’s ear to get her to give me a sweet little giggle.  I’m not sure exactly what Morris would say to her, but whatever it was it worked!  Each time he would do it I could visibly see her blush and a look of pure joy overtook her.  Sometimes you can just look at a couple and tell they’re in love and truly and genuinely happy being a part of one another’s lives.  I most definitely got that feeling by just being around the two of them for the short span of time that we were together.  I’m excited to see what the future holds for these lovebirds and I pray that Morris will be able to make Takesha smile (and vice versa) for many years to come.

 

 

glencairn garden sessionglencairn garden photoshoot

Transitioning Your Look From Summer To Fall

makeup blog post

 

Guest Blog Post by Maranda Williams

So every single blog I have ever read about transitioning into fall fashion, makeup, or other lifestyle related trend always begins with verbiage about tree leaves changing colors and the little kiddos heading back to school. As a mom, yes, I am excited about the decrease in my grocery budget (more lipstick money) and a decreased need for oil control on these 100+ degree temperature days, but I think this is an immense turning point in the year that many bloggers and journalists neglect. The fall signifies a crossroads in the year for many professional women. Budgets at the office are in, and it is time to plan for the new year, and plan the reinvention of your professional brand for the huge push to start new career opportunities in the new year to come. Summertime makeup at the office can be minimal for most, as we fight the good fight to embrace our natural beauty and rely on mineral powders, mascara, and bronzers. The fall, however, is a perfect time to amp up your beauty regimen; after all, if you are anything like me, you may as well get up early instead of sleeping through the 5 alarms set to get your kids to school on time.

Office Makeup Etiquette

  • It is good manners to use a great foundation! Minimize pores and imperfections with a liquid or cream foundation that has buildable coverage to minimize over doing it, and maximize your professional, polished office look. My faves right now are the Make Up For Ever HD foundations (medium, buildable coverage) and Becca’s Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème (more coverage but it’s awesome…not for the faint at heart).
  • Swap out your lighter gold tone shadows for rose gold and warmer, burnt orange tones. I am totally crushing on the new Urban Decay Heat palette; it’s the perfect blend of matte and shimmer, with impeccable tones to transition into the fall.
  • As always, an awesome brow shape frames your face perfectly. For sparse brows, try the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencils, or for fuller brows, try the dip brow gel, also by Anastasia. One of my go-to time saver but still show-stopper looks is a great brow paired with a matte, skin toned eye shadow and a pop of color in the waterline using a warm pencil like Torch from Urban Decay.
  • Tone down the highlighter powders for the office. Yes, I know we all loved the glow that the shimmer powders gave us this summer, but for the office, trim down this part of your regimen to only your cheekbones, in the arch of the eyebrows, and maybe the cupid’s bow (ok, I know I pushed it with that one). Trust me; the office selfies and team pics for Facebook do not need the extra highlight; years from now when you look back, you will thank me for that tip.
  • Last but not least, schedule a session with Denise to upgrade your headshots. There is a science to navigating LinkedIn for your January job search, and it starts with the professionalism of your social media image.

Happy Autumn!

 


faces by maranda

Maranda Williams of Faces By Maranda is a professional makeup artist based in Columbia, SC.  With over nine years experience, her work has been featured in Inspire National Hair magazine, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, and Universal Salons Magazines, and she has been a creative force in the makeup direction for the Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology advertising campaigns.  I have the pleasure of calling Maranda my Soror and worked with her for my own projects.  I’m excited to work with her again on my upcoming branding shoot so make sure to stay tuned for that!  You can keep up with Maranda via her website.

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