In Home Lifestyle Session Prep

charlotte lifestyle photography

 

In Home Lifestyle Session Prep

 

If the thought of capturing a branding or family session inside of your home sounds intriguing but you have no idea where to start then you’ll definitely want to check out this IGTV video that I created to help you prep your home.  In home lifestyle sessions are great because it gives your photos a unique perspective that differs from everyone else and allows you to shoot in a space where you’re the most comfortable.  Your home is your sanctuary and if you’re already nervous about your upcoming session then this is a great way to relieve some stress because what other space are you as comfortable in as your own home?

Let me know your thoughts after you’ve watched the video and if you’ve done an in home session previously and have more tips to share then make sure to do so in the comments below!  I’d love to hear your tips!

 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/BnLMeXTnSE6/

5 Branding Shots You Need For Your Business

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5 Branding Shots You Need For Your Business

 

As a personal branding photographer I’ve come to learn that over the years there are a few must have shots that work across the board for every business owner.  And the great thing about these shots is that they can be worked into a smaller session like my Standard package (30 minutes – 10 images) all the way to my Boss package (2 hours – 55 images).  The next time you’re planning for your branding session remember to keep this shot list in mind.

 

 

  •  Traditional Headshots – Headshots are great for any profession because you can use them across the board for your social media avatars, website bio photo as well as your main go to photo when submitting for things like podcasts, speaking engagements, etc.  You want some variety with your headshots so make sure to get a few smiling images as well as more serious poses.

 

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  • Personality Poses – Headshots and branding images don’t have to be boring.  During my sessions I like to make my clients feel as comfortable as possible so that we can show off a range of emotions.  Poses where you’re laughing or showing off the silly side of yourself will help you to better connect with potential clients and make you look more relatable.

 

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  • Consider The Details – Detail shots are key in showing the tools of your trade.  Although we definitely want to focus on your beautiful face during your session, it’s also important to zoom in on things like your paintbrushes (if you’re an artist), your camera (if you’re a photographer), your raw ingredients (if you’re a baker), etc.  These images help to tell the story of what it is you do.

 

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  • Working Shots – Images of you doing what you do shows your clients your behind the scenes process.  Think beyond pulling out your planner and a mug with your logo on it and actually SHOW the people how you work.  If you’re a life coach why not hire a model (or better yet one of your actual clients) to participate in your session with you to show how you work one on one with your clients.  If you’re a photographer have your brand photographer capturing you while you edit a session.  The possibilities are endless when sharing what it is that you do.

 

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  • Relax During Your Session – Finally, if your session allows for a wardrobe change then consider a look that shows off a more relaxed side of yourself.  Sure you want to still present a professional appearance, but who said you can’t do that in a great pair of jeans, comfy sneakers and a cute tee?  Relaxed, casual shots are perfect for social media when sharing an introduction to your audience.  It comes off as a bit ‘less polished’ and shows the more real side of yourself.

 

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During your branding session with me we will cover all of these shots AND MORE!  Branding shoots are a great way for businesses to have consistent content to share with their audience and shows your clients that you’re willing to invest in yourself (and therefore they should too!).  If you found this article useful then I’d love for you to share it!  And if YOU’RE in need of branding images then contact me today so that we can begin planning for your session.

Freely Nat | Echo Collection Sessions

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Freely Nat | Echo Collection Sessions

 

Ending my 2019 sessions with Natalie of Freely Nat with two more amazing shoots!  We’ve had a real blast shooting together this year and have come up with some amazing content for her blog.  I was happy to help her wrap up her final two shoots of this year, one featuring her biz bestie who runs the podcast Eye Speak It.  These two ladies were truly a joy to work with and capture!  The fun started the moment I greeted them and didn’t end until I put the camera away and we made our way back to our respective homes.  I love when women come together and put competition aside and truly support  one another.  Natalie and Kerri are the epitome of the phrase “community over competition”.  The aspect of this session that I loved the most was doing the podcast setup.  It was fun capturing Kerri in her element as she ‘interviewed’ Natalie.  It was a bit out of the norm from what I typically shoot and was a lot of fun!

 

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My final session with Natalie took place in one of my favorite Charlotte neighborhoods, NoDa…short for North Davidson street.  The artsy NoDa district is vibrant and quirky and was the perfect backdrop for Natalie’s first look which was a fiery red dress that popped against the murals that weave through NoDa.  Her second look was perfect for fall as she was bundled up in a chunky knit and cute booties.  She also brought along her oldest daughter for a few, fun quick shots showing them as they spend quality time together in her final look, showing mamas they can still be cute when going out with the kids.  It was truly a perfect way to wrap up our final session together.  I already know that Natalie is working on some great content for 2020 that I can’t wait to capture for her so make sure you stay tuned for that!

 

echo collection sessions

Tamesha B. | Mesha’s Sweet Treats

rock hill photographer

 

Tamesha B. | Mesha’s Sweet Treats

 

I’m so proud of the session that I’m sharing today.  Not necessarily proud of myself because I shoot branding sessions day in and day out, but proud of the person that I had the chance to capture.  My cousin Tamesha, owner and baker extraordinaire, of Mesha’s Sweet Treats has taken the leap into entrepreneur life.  She’s worked in bakeries for years and dabbled in creating her own goodies, but now Mesha’s Sweet Treats is a full fledged business that she runs alongside her mother.  When she reached out to me regarding a branding session I was ecstatic!  I’ve had the pleasure treating myself to some of her desserts over the years so I was happy to work with her in this capacity and share with the world, visually, just how good her treats are!

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Over the course of our time together I was able to capture Tamesha in action showing her baking process from start to finish.  And of course the perk for me was capturing the finished products and then tasting them!  They do NOT disappoint.  We wrapped her shoot by capturing a few headshots that she’s able to use across the board from her website, to marketing materials to her social media accounts.

 

mesha's sweet treats

 

I’m seriously proud of the woman and business owner she’s become.  And I cannot wait to see what her business blossoms into.  I know she has a seriously bright and SWEET future ahead of her.  If you’re in the Rock Hill area and in need of custom made goodies for your next event (or even just to take home and treat yourself with) then definitely check her out today!  And if you’re a baker, maker or other creative and in need of updated branding images then I’d love to chat with you!  Contact me today to see if I can help you bring your products to life.

 

 

Alycia Turns 10!

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Alycia Turns 10!

 

I’m going to attempt to write this blog post without balling my eyes out.  You see, Alycia is my niece and it’s hard for me to believe she’s already 10 years old!  Like seriously, how did we get here so fast?  I’ve been there to see her grow from an adorable baby, to a sassy toddler and now into a beautiful tween.  She’s also had the pleasure (if that’s what you want to call it) of having a camera in her face for just about her entire life.  I began my photography journey right around the time she was born, by taking an introductory course, purchasing my first camera and a few years later turning my hobby into a side hustle.  And when you need someone to practice on…well babies can’t tell you no.

 

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I’m so grateful that she still allows her auntie to point a camera her way.  She’s always been super photogenic and one of the easiest kids I’ve ever worked with.  I don’t know if it’s because I was the one behind the lens or if that’s just her overall nature.  It’s been amazing to watch her grow into the person she currently is and I can only imagine the teenager and woman she will eventually become.  And I definitely look forward to capturing more important life moments like her sweet 16, prom, graduation and more!

 

rock hill sc photography

 

And if you have a child that is having a milestone birthday that you want to capture then I’d love to chat with you!  While I no longer photograph babies on their own, I’m more than happy to get your tweens, teens and more on my camera.  Contact me today to book their session and make it a birthday they won’t soon forget!

 

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Denise Benson Photography
Denise Benson Photography
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