Why You Need a Branding Photography Session

When someone mentions “headshots”, what’s the first thing you think of?

If you’re like most people, you picture a man or woman in a suit jacket or blazer, arms folded & authoritative as they stand in front of a backdrop and smile. And that’s okay for corporate headshots, but for branding? It’s so much more.

Headshots are only part of what goes into branding – and while we want your potential clients to see who they’re working with, we also want them to know who they’re working with. And that’s where branding photography comes in.

You’ve probably heard the saying about letting your potential clients – the ones you see you on social media and your website – get to know, like, and trust you, and that’s exactly what branding is all about. It’s creating a narrative in photos that tells your story as a brand so the folks who see those photos feel like they know you by the time they reach out to hire you. And they’re hiring you because of the brand story you tell.

Co-Founder of One Breath Institute

(www.onebreathinstitute.com)

So how does it all work? We begin with a questionnaire that’s all about you and your brand so I can get an idea of what ideas and personality we want to convey. Then we meet to go over the ideas, answer your questions, and start putting together the look that best fits your brand.

A lot goes into the planning stage, but don’t be dismayed! It can actually be a lot of fun! We’ll be talking wardrobe, location, props, and how to put all of it together in a way that shows the world exactly who you are and what makes you and your brand unique. This part is super important, because what you wear, the tools you use, and the settings you’re in all tell a story, and we want that story to sing!

Local Florida Songwriter

(www.kimlecoutermusic.com)

When it comes to the photo session itself, we’ll select at least two locations that best showcase the work you do and how you do it. If you’re a pastry chef, we’d take pictures of you at the market, shopping for supplies, and then in your kitchen, at work on one of your tasty masterpieces. If you’re a coach, we’ll photograph you working on your computer in a coffee shop or your office, as well as interacting with clients. If you’re a dance or yoga teacher, we’ll show you in your studio teaching or capture you mid-pose.

This is me at my core - goofy & weird

(It works because I make goofy faces during my shoots - I'm awkward and this is how I cope...which is something my clients might want to know about me, so I show them this photo next to the one where I look like a normal, functioning adult) photo by Hearts of Sage Photography - www.heartsofsagephotography.com

You get the idea. But don’t think it’s only about getting pictures of you at work. We’re going to capture your personality, work in your brand colors, document the client journey, and so much more! By the time we’re done, your potential clients will feel like they know – and trust – you, which is absolutely key when it comes to getting – and keeping – clients.

Are you ready to start your branding journey? Hop on over to my Contact page to get started! (www.purpleflyphotography.com/contact-us)

How to Get in the Right Headspace For Your Photo Session

Tips for overcoming the pre-session nerves (and we all get them!)

If you're like most people (including me), the idea of getting in front of a camera is a little bit terrifying. There's a lot of pressure, and suddenly you're self-conscious and awkward so then you get anxious, and before you know it you've got a gallery of photos where you look like an extra from Revenge of the Nerds (if you don't get the reference, I encourage you to check that movie out - it's a cult classic).

So…how do you get over those nerves and get into a self-confident, I’m a bad-ass headspace? There are a few things you can do, actually. Check out these tips below:

First, it's important to communicate with whomever you're working with beforehand. If I'm your photographer, tell me what you're worried about. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve to help with nerves, but more importantly I'm here to listen to what you need. This session is all about making you look & feel your best, so that's what we're going to do.

Don't laugh, but I recommend that you take some time to practice posing and facial expressions in front of a mirror. You're going to feel like a crazy person, but I promise, it will help you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera. The more you know and understand what your body can do, the more you can control it. Same with your expressions. A lot of why we feel awkward in front of the camera is just not knowing "what to do" with ourselves. If you practice ahead of time and learn to control your facial and body movements, you'll feel TONS more comfortable once I raise the camera to my eye.

Choosing the right outfit can also make a big difference in how you feel during the shoot. Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and avoid anything that is too tight or restrictive. For a more in-depth exploration into styling yourself (and your partner) for your photo session, check out my Instagram feed for some quick tips, or send me an email and let me know you'd love to see my styling guide. I'm happy to share!

If you booked a solo session and you're terrified you'll make a fool of yourself, bring a friend along! They can be your cheerleader, your security blanket, your comic relief - whatever you need!

Having someone you're comfortable with can make the difference between dreading your photo session and laughing all the way through it. And that, my friend, is what makes excellent pictures.

Think of what you'd do to comfort a friend or loved one who was feeling nervous - and do those things for yourself. Need some ideas?

* Take yourself out for a fancy coffee (or tea, if you prefer)

* Go for a walk in Nature (fresh air is sooooo good for the soul!)

* Put on your favorite playlist and turn up the volume (and consider sharing that playlist with me so we can listen to it during the shoot!)

It's natural when you're nervous to hold your breath, but if you focus on breathing - controlling your breath - your nerves will calm themselves and you'll be relaxed and ready for your closeup!

Finally, try to have fun and enjoy the experience! Remember that I'm here to bring out and capture you at your best, and I will guide you through the process to ensure we get the best results. Dance it out if you feel yourself getting stiff, laugh it off if you feel like you're being awkward and weird (you'll be in good company because that's how I am 90% of the time), and always - always - let me know if you need a little boost. I promise...I've got you!

Nancy Dinsmore is a Gainesville, Florida-based photographer specializing in Lifestyle Engagement, Maternity, and Newborn Photography.

Expectation vs. Reality

When your newborn session isn't as glamorous as you imagined

There’s an expectation that newborn photo sessions are magical and perfect and full of dreamy moments. Nobody cries, nobody poops on the props, and the pictures are all perfect.

I’d love to say that’s how it really goes, but I’d be lying.

Sound Asleep

Everybody cries — the baby, the parents, sometimes even the photographer. There will be pooping incidents. And while there will be perfect pictures, there will be just as many imperfect ones. There’s no such thing as an uneventful newborn session.

And you know what? That’s okay!!

Photographers are prepared for this, and pretty much nothing fazes us anymore, so if you’re worried your session is going to be epically messy or chaotic, or the baby won’t cooperate…don’t be. I promise, we’ll make it work.

Wide-Eyed

One thing I like to do is help parents be as prepared as possible, so nobody panics when things get a little wonky. In addition to my session guide, we’ll have lots of conversations about what to expect — and what not to — and I’m always here to answer any questions parents may have.

Another thing I do to increase the chances of still getting the best photos possible is schedule the session for no less than two hours. Even if we’re doing the session in your home, Baby is going to need breaks to feed, to be changed, to settle down. Each of these things can take up to 20 minutes, and if you only have a one-hour session, you’ve just lost all of it to taking care of Baby’s needs. So we give ourselves extra time. Trust me, I am not in a hurry.

Not Having It

When I did my first newborn session, the baby was not having any of it. She shrieked and cried and fussed for about half an hour before she finally settled down long enough for me to get some pictures. Mom and Dad were mortified, but honestly — what is a newborn supposed to do but sleep, feed, and cry? All we can do is wait it out and keep trying.

Same with diaper (or no diaper) accidents. They are going to happen. I always have puppy training pads with me, which I tuck under the blankets when we lay baby down or wrap them up. I’ll have a change of clothes with me — and I’d recommend that the parents do, as well.

Baby & Dog

And as for Baby staying asleep…well, if wishes were horses, and all that. Honestly, Baby is in charge and it’s our job to adapt to their needs, so if Baby doesn’t want to sleep, then we work with it. Honestly I like it when they’re awake (as long as they’re not screaming, haha). The interaction between Baby and parents is even sweeter when there’s eye contact (and have you noticed all that wisdom in those newborn eyes? ::GUSH!::

The bottom line is this: You’ve got to suspend any and all expectations for how your newborn session will or should go. It’s entirely up to Baby. So while I can’t promise a super smooth session, I can promise you some beautiful, emotive, and precious photos. And in the end, that’s what we’re here for, right?

Nancy Dinsmore is a Gainesville, Florida-based photographer specializing in Lifestyle Engagement, Maternity, and Newborn Photography.