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Category: Photography
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Aug
07

The Role Of A Creative Director In Branding & Photography

With over 13 years of experience as a seasoned photographer, I have embarked on an exciting transition, embracing a more prominent role as a creative director. This evolution allows me to offer my clients a unique and comprehensive approach to their branding and marketing strategies. As a creative director, I blend my expertise in photography with visionary leadership, crafting compelling visual narratives that elevate brands to new heights. Let’s explore the significance of this transformation and how it translates into remarkable benefits for my clients.

Defining the Creative Director

As a creative director, I step into a multifaceted role that goes beyond capturing stunning images. I am the mastermind behind the artistic direction, ensuring that every visual element aligns harmoniously with the brand’s identity and objectives. My 13 years of experience as a photographer have honed my eye for aesthetics. Still, now, I go beyond the lens, strategically shaping stories that resonate with audiences and establish a profound connection with the brand.

The Power of Coherence and Cohesion

One of the significant advantages of my transition to a creative director is the ability to offer my clients a cohesive and consistent brand identity. Through my comprehensive understanding of their brand values and vision, I curate a visual narrative that remains true to the essence of their business. From the initial photoshoot to the final edits, I ensure that every image contributes to the overarching brand story, reinforcing their message and setting them apart in the competitive landscape.

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The Indispensable Role of Creative Directors in Branding and Marketing

Creative directors play a pivotal role in shaping a brand’s identity and communication. They are the driving force behind the entire visual representation of a brand, from its logo and website to its marketing materials and advertising campaigns. Here’s why creative directors are indispensable in the world of branding and marketing:

Strategic Branding: Creative directors possess a keen understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour. They use this knowledge to create a cohesive and impactful brand identity that aligns with the brand’s values and speaks directly to the target audience.

Consistency: With creative directors at the helm, brands can maintain consistency in their visual communication across all platforms. This consistency fosters brand recognition and builds trust with consumers.

Emotional Connection: Visual storytelling is a powerful tool in creating an emotional connection with consumers. Creative directors curate images and visuals that evoke specific emotions, allowing brands to forge meaningful relationships with their audience.

Uniqueness and Differentiation: In a crowded marketplace, creative directors ensure that their client’s brands stand out and differentiate from competitors. They craft visuals that reflect the brand’s unique personality, setting them apart in the minds of consumers.

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The Influence of Visual Narrative in Branding

Visual narrative is the backbone of effective branding. It is the art of using images and visuals to tell a compelling story about a brand, evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression. Here’s how the visual narrative shapes a brand’s identity:

Creating an Identity: Visuals are the first touchpoint for consumers to interact with a brand. A well-crafted visual narrative helps establish a brand identity, conveying its values, mission, and personality.

Communicating Brand Values: Through visual storytelling, brands can communicate their core values and beliefs without using words. The right imagery can evoke feelings of trust, reliability, and authenticity.

Engaging Storytelling: Visual narrative allows brands to tell their story in a captivating way. It captivates the audience, sparks curiosity, and encourages them to explore the brand further.

Establishing Brand Recall: Memorable visuals make a brand unforgettable. A strong visual narrative ensures that the brand remains etched in the minds of consumers, leading to increased brand recall and loyalty.

Our team at Azori Studio is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the branding journey, from conceptualizing your brand story to creating stunning visuals that leave a lasting impact. We understand the power of visual narrative in building iconic brands. We help founders and entrepreneurs craft compelling visual identities that resonate with their target audience. If you’re ready to elevate your brand to new heights, let us help you create a visual narrative that sets you apart and captivates your audience. Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can transform your brand into an unforgettable experience.

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An Immersive Collaborative Experience

My clients benefit from an immersive and collaborative experience that takes their branding journey to a whole new level. As a creative director, I work closely with them to develop a tailored creative strategy, infusing their brand personality into every aspect of the visuals.

Together, we conceptualise photoshoots that reflect their unique story, select the perfect team of photographers, makeup artists, and stylists, and create a visual language that speaks directly to their target audience.

Empowering Brands to Shine

Above all, my transition to a creative director is driven by my passion for empowering brands to shine. With an acute understanding of the power of visuals in storytelling, I am dedicated to crafting imagery that not only captivates the eye but also sparks emotions and leaves a lasting impression.

This shift in my role enables me to provide my clients with a complete branding experience, helping them unleash their full potential and make a remarkable impact in their industry.

So, as we journey through the world of creative direction, you will discover how my unique blend of photography expertise and visionary leadership sets my services apart, guiding brands towards unrivalled success. Together, let’s explore the possibilities of visual storytelling and unlock the true essence of your brand.

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The Creative Director’s Vision

As a creative director, my foremost responsibility is to craft a visionary concept that breathes life into your brand. Through a combination of expertise and intuition, I shape a brand story that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact. Let’s delve into the key aspects of my creative direction process and how it drives your brand’s success.

Conceptualising the Brand Story

At the heart of every compelling brand is a captivating story that resonates with its target audience. As your creative director, I embark on an immersive journey to uncover the essence and values of your brand.

Uncovering the Brand’s Essence and Values:

I take the time to understand your brand’s history, values, and unique selling points. This in-depth exploration allows me to create a narrative that authentically reflects the core of your brand.

Creating a Mood Board to Convey the Vision:

Visuals are a powerful language in storytelling. I curate a mood board that brings your brand’s story to life through carefully selected images, textures, and colours. This tool serves as a visual compass for the creative direction of your brand.

How A Creative Director Develops A Brand’s Visual Identity

A strong and consistent visual identity is essential for brand recognition and recall. As your creative director, I meticulously develop the elements that shape your brand’s visual personality.

Selecting the Colour Palette and Typography:

Colours evoke emotions and communicate subconsciously with your audience. With an acute understanding of colour psychology, I handpick a palette that aligns with your brand’s character. Additionally, I choose typography that complements your brand’s voice and enhances its overall aesthetic.

Establishing Brand Guidelines for Consistency:

Consistency is key in building a recognisable brand. I craft comprehensive brand guidelines that serve as a roadmap for your brand’s visual elements across all platforms. These guidelines ensure a cohesive and unified brand identity, reinforcing your brand’s message and values.

As your creative director, my vision is to transform your brand into a captivating visual journey. With every strategic decision made, I aim to elevate your brand’s presence, establish its unique identity, and cultivate an emotional connection with your audience. Together, we’ll create a brand story that inspires, engages, and stands the test of time, setting you apart as a true industry leader.

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Creative Director’s Guide: Preparing for the Photoshoot

As a creative director, my role extends beyond the conceptualisation stage; I also play a pivotal role in meticulously preparing for the photoshoot. This phase is a collaborative effort involving insightful discussions and assembling a dream team to bring the brand’s vision to life.

Collaborating with the Brand Owner

Understanding your brand at its core is essential to curate a photoshoot that authentically embodies its essence. To ensure that your brand’s goals are met and your message resonates with the target audience, I collaborate closely with you.

  • Understanding the Brand’s Goals and Target Audience:
  • Through in-depth conversations and research, I gain profound insights into your brand’s objectives and aspirations. Understanding your target audience enables us to craft visuals that strike a chord with them, forging an emotional connection.
  • Discussing the Desired Message and Brand Personality:
  • Every brand has its unique personality, and it’s vital to convey it effectively through the photoshoot. By discussing your desired message and brand personality, I ensure that the visuals align seamlessly with your brand’s voice and values.

Selecting the Right Team

A successful photoshoot requires a skilled team that shares the same passion and dedication to bring your brand’s vision to fruition. As your creative director, I handpick professionals who can collectively deliver excellence.

  • Finding Photographers and Visual Artists that Align with the Vision:
  • Matching the right photographer to your brand’s style and message is crucial. I collaborate with photographers and visual artists who possess the expertise to capture your brand’s unique essence and personality.
  • Coordinating with Stylists, Makeup Artists, and Props Experts:
  • The devil is in the details, and styling plays a significant role in creating captivating visuals. I coordinate with talented stylists, makeup artists, and props experts to ensure every element complements the brand’s narrative flawlessly.

So, as your creative director, I take pride in curating a harmonious team that collaboratively works to elevate your brand’s visual storytelling. By preparing meticulously and collaborating closely with you, I aim to create a photoshoot that exceeds your expectations and communicates your brand’s message with unwavering clarity and impact.

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Creative Director’s Mastery: The Photoshoot – Transforming Vision into Reality

As a creative director, my expertise lies in turning conceptual ideas into tangible visual masterpieces during the photoshoot phase. This stage is where the brand’s vision comes to life, and every element is carefully orchestrated to convey the desired message and brand identity.

Setting the Scene: Selecting the Perfect Location

The choice of location plays a pivotal role in the photoshoot, as it sets the stage for the brand’s visual narrative. As your creative director, I meticulously select locations that resonate with your brand’s personality and message.

  • How the Location Adds Depth and Emotion to the Visual Story:
  • The right location adds depth and emotion to the visuals, reinforcing your brand’s story. Whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a serene natural backdrop, or an elegant studio, each location imparts a unique ambience to the photos.
  • Creating the Ideal Ambiance for Brand Expression:
  • By curating the perfect ambience, we ensure that the brand’s expression aligns seamlessly with the surroundings. The ambience becomes a canvas on which your brand’s essence is artistically painted.

Directing the Models and Subjects

As the visionary behind the photoshoot, I take on the role of guiding the models and subjects to capture authentic emotions and expressions that resonate with your brand’s identity.

  • Eliciting Authentic Emotions and Expressions:
  • A successful photoshoot is built on genuine emotions and authentic expressions. I work closely with the models and subjects, using expert direction to evoke the emotions that best represent your brand’s character.
  • Ensuring the Visual Narrative Reflects the Brand’s Identity:
  • Every shot during the photoshoot is curated to ensure it reflects your brand’s unique identity. From the subtle nuances to the bold statements, each image contributes to the cohesive visual narrative that embodies your brand.

As your creative director, my focus during the photoshoot is to infuse your brand’s vision into every frame. By selecting the perfect location and skilfully directing the models and subjects, I ensure that the photoshoot encapsulates the essence of your brand, creating visuals that leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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Post-Production: Bringing the Visual Narrative to Life As The Creative Director

As a creative director, my role extends beyond the photoshoot itself. Post-production is a crucial phase where the magic truly happens, and the brand’s visual narrative takes its final form. Through meticulous curation, editing, and infusion of brand values, we ensure that the images perfectly align with your brand’s identity and convey the intended message.

Curating and Editing the Images

The post-production process begins with curating and selecting the most impactful shots from the photoshoot. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of your brand’s vision, I carefully handpick the images that best represent your brand’s personality.

  • Selecting the Most Impactful Shots:
  • I prioritise images that evoke emotions, tell compelling stories, and resonate with your audience. By choosing the most impactful shots, we guarantee that each image contributes to the cohesive visual narrative of your brand.
  • Enhancing the Visuals to Match the Brand’s Aesthetic:
  • During editing, I apply my expertise in enhancing the visuals to match your brand’s aesthetic. From colour correction to adjustments in lighting and composition, each image undergoes thoughtful refinements to achieve visual harmony.

Infusing the Visual Narrative with Creative Director’s Expertise and Brand Values

The post-production phase is an opportunity to infuse your brand’s visual narrative with its core values and messaging, strengthening the overall impact of the imagery.

  • Using Graphic Elements and Branding to Strengthen the Message:
  • By strategically incorporating graphic elements and branding, we create a consistent and cohesive visual language that reinforces your brand’s message and values.
  • Adding Text and Captions to Complement the Visuals:
  • To amplify the impact of the visuals, I often add carefully crafted text and captions. These elements work in harmony with the images to convey essential information, evoke emotions, and engage your audience.

As your creative director, my commitment to perfection and attention to detail shine through during the post-production phase. Through curation, editing, and the infusion of brand values, I ensure that the visual narrative we create together is a true reflection of your brand’s essence and resonates powerfully with your target audience.

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Final Touches: The Creative Director’s Eye for Detail

As a creative director, my role extends beyond the photoshoot and post-production phases. The final touches are essential to ensure the visual narrative is cohesive, consistent, and aligned with your brand’s objectives. With a keen eye for detail, I oversee every aspect of the project to guarantee the highest quality and a strong brand presence.

Ensuring Cohesion Across Platforms

One of the key responsibilities of a creative director is to ensure that the visual narrative remains cohesive across different platforms and media. Whether it’s for social media, websites, print materials, or advertising campaigns, the brand’s message should be consistent and compelling.

  • Analysing How the Visual Narrative Will Be Used in Various Media:
  • Understanding how the imagery will be used in different media is crucial. By analysing each platform’s requirements and user expectations, I ensure that the visual assets are optimised for maximum impact.
  • Maintaining Consistency in Brand Messaging:
  • Throughout the creative process, I stay true to your brand’s messaging and identity. Consistency is key to creating a strong brand presence and fostering brand recognition.

Overseeing the Final Product As A Creative Director

As the project nears completion, my role as a creative director is to oversee the final product to ensure it meets the highest standards and aligns with your brand’s objectives.

  • Approving the Final Edits and Visual Elements:
  • I meticulously review the final edits and visual elements to ensure they adhere to the creative vision and effectively convey your brand’s essence.
  • Ensuring the Visual Narrative Aligns with the Brand’s Objectives:
  • The visual narrative we’ve crafted together should serve your brand’s objectives. As a creative director, I ensure that the imagery effectively communicates your brand’s values and resonates with your target audience.

The final touches are where the visual narrative truly comes together, reflecting your brand’s identity and making a lasting impact on your audience. As your dedicated creative director, I take pride in ensuring every detail is thoughtfully considered, resulting in a compelling and authentic brand story that sets you apart in your industry.

Aug
06

Decoding The Power Of Personal Branding

In today’s hyper-connected world, the power of personal branding has become an essential aspect of success, whether you are an individual seeking career growth or a business leader looking to expand your reach.

But what exactly does personal branding mean, and why is it so crucial in our modern landscape? Buckle up, as we embark on a journey to explore the uncommon dimensions of the power of personal branding and how it shapes our professional and personal lives.

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Definition of Personal Branding

Personal branding is the practice of individuals marketing themselves and their careers as brands. It’s about understanding your unique value and consistently communicating it across various platforms to a targeted audience. It goes beyond mere self-promotion; personal branding encompasses your values, skills, experiences, and how you want the world to perceive you.

Importance of Personal Branding in the Modern World

In the age of the Internet and social media, personal branding has evolved into a vital part of professional development. It’s no longer exclusive to celebrities or CEOs. From job seekers to entrepreneurs, the power of personal branding can open doors, create connections, and establish trust with audiences. It’s a tool that individuals can wield to set themselves apart in a crowded market, align with their career goals, and even influence others.

Preview of the Uncommon Insights This Blog Will Delve Into

Most discussions around personal branding stick to the surface – tips, tricks, and tactics. This blog post will venture beyond the common perspectives to explore the psychological underpinnings, the intersection with technology, cross-cultural dynamics, ethical considerations, and predictions for the future. We’ll delve into the aspects that are often overlooked but hold the key to unlocking the true power of personal branding.

So join us on this journey as we decode the hidden layers of personal branding and provide you with insights that are both unique and actionable.

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The Psychology of Personal Branding

Understanding Human Perception

Personal branding isn’t just a marketing strategy; it’s a psychological phenomenon deeply rooted in how we perceive ourselves and others. Understanding this can help us harness the power of personal branding more effectively. Here’s how:

  • How Personal Branding Relates to Human Psychology:Personal branding is about shaping perceptions. It’s the connection between how you see yourself and others. Understanding the psychological principles that influence perception can create a brand that not only represents you authentically but also resonates with your audience.

  • The Role of Cognitive Biases in Branding:Cognitive biases like the halo effect or confirmation bias can influence how people perceive a brand. For example, a positive first impression (halo effect) may lead people to overlook potential flaws. Conversely, people tend to seek information that confirms their existing beliefs (confirmation bias), which can impact how they interact with a brand. Recognising and accounting for these biases can unlock a deeper level of connection with your audience and enhance the power of personal branding.

  • Effect of Social Proof:Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people mirror the actions of others in an attempt to reflect correct behaviour. In personal branding, testimonials, endorsements, or a significant social media following can serve as social proof. Leveraging this can build trust and credibility, making your personal brand more appealing and relatable. Social proof amplifies the effect of your branding efforts, allowing you to reach and resonate with a broader audience.

Understanding human perception isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s a practical tool. By acknowledging how our brains work and how we form impressions, we can design a personal brand that’s visually appealing and psychologically resonant.

This deep connection turns a brand from mere images and words into something meaningful and powerful. The psychology behind personal branding is complex, but the rewards for those willing to delve into it are immense.

It’s all about making that human connection – that’s where the true power of personal branding lies.

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Emotional Resonance and Personal Brands

The power of personal branding extends beyond logos, colours, and professional achievements; it reaches into the realm of emotions. Understanding how emotions shape our interactions with brands can provide an added layer of depth and effectiveness to your personal branding efforts.

  • Connection between Emotions and Branding Success:Emotions are at the core of human decision-making. People often remember how something made them feel more than specific details or facts. When your personal brand triggers positive emotions, such as trust, excitement, or inspiration, it creates a lasting impression. These emotional connections can lead to stronger relationships, loyalty, and even advocacy for your brand. Whether you are a professional seeking new opportunities or an entrepreneur building a business, tapping into the emotional aspects can significantly amplify the power of personal branding.
  • Stories and Narratives in Building Personal Brands:One of the most potent ways to create emotional resonance is through storytelling. Sharing your journey, the challenges you’ve overcome, failures, and successes can humanise your brand. It allows others to see themselves in your story, creating empathy and understanding. Narratives provide context and make abstract concepts relatable. A well-crafted story can turn your personal brand from a static image into a dynamic experience, connecting with people on a deeply emotional level.

Personal branding isn’t merely a transactional endeavour; it’s an emotional one. By building a brand that resonates emotionally, you can engage your audience more profoundly and meaningfully.

The connection between emotions and branding success is clear: it’s not just what you say or how you look but how you make people feel that defines the true power of personal branding.

Whether through inspiring stories or intentional emotional engagement, infusing your personal brand with emotional resonance can make it more impactful, memorable, and successful.

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The Intersection of Personal Branding and Technology

In the digital era, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing personal branding. It provides new platforms, tools, and methodologies to create, promote, and analyse personal brands. The intersection between personal branding and technology offers opportunities and challenges, allowing innovative ways to connect with audiences and measure success.

The Rise of Digital Personalities

  • Social Media and Its Impact on Personal Branding:Social media has revolutionised how we approach personal branding. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter allow individuals to showcase their talents, share insights, and connect with a global audience. Social media enables real-time engagement, community building, and a personal touch, strengthening the power of personal branding. It’s not just a platform but an essential tool to create and maintain a dynamic and interactive personal brand.
  • AI and Virtual Avatars:The world of personal branding is venturing into the realms of artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Virtual avatars and AI-driven personal assistants are becoming extensions of personal brands, providing 24/7 interaction and engagement. Whether it’s a chatbot answering queries or a virtual version of yourself conducting seminars in virtual spaces, AI adds a new layer of accessibility and innovation to personal branding.

Metrics and Analytical Approaches

  • Key Performance Indicators for Personal Branding: Understanding the success of personal branding requires measurable insights. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like engagement rates, follower growth, click-through rates, and audience sentiment provide quantifiable data to assess the effectiveness of your branding strategies. These metrics offer a clear view of what resonates with your audience and what needs improvement, refining the power of personal branding.
  • Utilising Machine Learning to Understand Brand Effectiveness: With the vast amount of data generated through social media and online interactions, machine learning offers a sophisticated way to analyse and understand brand effectiveness. It can sift through complex datasets, identifying trends, patterns, and insights that might be missed by human analysis. Whether it’s predicting which content will be most engaging or personalising experiences for different audience segments, machine learning brings efficiency and precision to personal branding.

Integrating technology into personal branding has opened up exciting new avenues for creativity, engagement, and analysis. From the rise of digital personalities that break geographical barriers to advanced analytical tools that provide actionable insights, the power of personal branding is magnified through technology.

It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, offering endless possibilities for those willing to embrace innovation and explore the uncharted territories of digital personal branding.

Whether you’re just starting your personal branding journey or looking to take your existing brand to new heights, technology provides the tools and platforms to make your brand more resonant, responsive, and remarkable.

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Personal Branding as a Sustainable Effort

The power of personal branding doesn’t only lie in creating a strong initial impression; it’s about sustaining and nurturing that impression over time and doing so responsibly. Sustainability in personal branding refers to both the ethical considerations involved in shaping a brand and the long-term strategies required to maintain and grow it.

Ethical Considerations in Personal Branding

  • Transparency and Authenticity:A sustainable personal brand relies on honesty and openness. In an age where consumers are increasingly sceptical, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Being true to oneself, avoiding exaggerated claims, and being transparent about one’s abilities and beliefs can foster trust and loyalty. The power of personal branding increases manifold when your audience believes in your integrity and authenticity.
  • Environmental Consciousness and Social Responsibility:People increasingly evaluate brands based on their alignment with social causes and environmental responsibility. Whether it’s using eco-friendly materials in your products or advocating for a social issue you believe in, integrating social responsibility into your personal brand makes it more resonant with a conscious audience. It adds depth to your brand, aligns it with positive values, and makes it more sustainable in a world that increasingly values ethical conduct.

Long-term Strategies for Building and Maintaining a Brand

  • Building a Community:A brand isn’t just about an individual; it’s about the community that surrounds it. Engaging with followers, creating spaces for dialogue, and nurturing relationships turn audiences into communities. It’s not merely about broadcasting messages; it’s about creating meaningful connections. A community provides support, feedback, and loyalty, all of which contribute to the sustainable growth of a personal brand.
  • Adaptive Strategies for Changing Markets and Trends:The world is ever-changing, as are audiences’ preferences and expectations. A sustainable personal brand requires a willingness to adapt and evolve. Whether it’s embracing new technology, adjusting to market trends, or simply refreshing your messaging, an adaptive strategy ensures that your brand stays relevant and vibrant. It’s about learning, growing, and moving with the times, keeping the core of your brand intact while embracing change.

Sustainability in personal branding is not merely a strategy but a philosophy. It embodies a commitment to ethical conduct, authenticity, and long-term growth. In a world filled with noise, a sustainable personal brand stands out for its integrity, resonance, and enduring appeal.

Building such a brand isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a continuous journey that requires care, creativity, and conscience. Personal branding is not just about selling yourself; it’s about creating a meaningful and positive impact on the world and the people you connect with.

That’s the true power of personal branding, and that’s what makes it a sustainable and worthwhile endeavour.

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The Future of Personal Branding

The world is in a constant state of flux, and personal branding is no exception. As technology evolves and consumer behaviour changes, the landscape of personal branding is set to undergo significant transformations. What will the future hold, and how can individuals develop a robust personal brand in an age marked by change and uncertainty? Let’s delve into the emerging trends and the strategies to embrace them.

Upcoming Trends and Predictions

  • The Role of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality:Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are opening new frontiers in personal branding. They offer immersive experiences, allowing brands to engage with audiences in unprecedented ways. Imagine virtual networking events, 3D portfolio showcases, or even interactive personal brand stories. These technologies enhance the power of personal branding by adding depth, interaction, and creativity to the way people present themselves.
  • Shifts in Consumer Behavior:The digital era has already seen a shift towards authenticity, social consciousness, and personal connection. Future shifts might include a greater emphasis on mental wellness, environmental stewardship, or other evolving societal priorities. Understanding and aligning with these shifts can ensure that your personal brand remains relevant and resonant with changing audience expectations.

Developing a Personal Brand in the Age of Change

  • How to Stay Ahead of Trends:Staying ahead of trends requires a proactive approach. Regularly reading industry publications, attending conferences, engaging with thought leaders, and experimenting with new platforms can keep you at the forefront of personal branding innovations. It’s not about chasing every trend but identifying the ones that align with your brand’s values and goals. Embracing innovation while staying true to your core identity can amplify the power of personal branding.
  • Embracing Change and Uncertainty:Change is inevitable, and the future will always hold some level of uncertainty. Rather than fearing change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and differentiation. Be flexible in your approach, willing to learn from failures, and open to new ideas. Cultivate a growth mindset that views change not as a threat but as a pathway to new possibilities.

Conclusion

The future of personal branding is an exciting panorama of technological innovation, shifting consumer preferences, and endless opportunities for creativity and connection. It’s a landscape that rewards curiosity, adaptability, and authenticity. By understanding the emerging trends and adopting strategies to stay ahead, individuals can create a personal brand that not only stands out today but continues to thrive in the future. The power of personal branding in the age of change is immense; it’s a dynamic interplay between who you are, who you want to be, and how you navigate the evolving world around you. Embrace the future, for it’s the canvas on which you’ll paint your unique personal brand.

Additional Resources

For those looking to delve even deeper into the power of personal branding, here’s a list of recommended books, articles, and tools. The journey to a powerful personal brand is just a click away!

Books:
The Power Of You
Building A StoryBrand
Creative Personal Branding

Tools: 
Personal Branding Playbook
Book A Personal Brand Photoshoot
Build Your Personal Brand

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Embrace the power of personal branding and watch how it transforms your life and career!

Dec
13

How To Build Credibility & Authority For Your Business Through Brand Photography

Why you need to build credibility and authority in your industry.

If you’re trying to build credibility authority for your business, all in the context of a competitive industry,  then personal branding photography should be a non-negotiable investment for your business and marketing.

We live in a technological age where people are constantly distracted by social media, global news events, and smartphones.

Although social media has unleashed so many opportunities for us as entrepreneurs, it can be challenging to stand out and make yourself visible to the world.

It’s the art of showcasing every essence of who you are as a business owner;  your personality, how you work, your values, your interests and how you spend your free time in a way that inspires and attracts your ideal clients.

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The role of personal branding to increase your visibility

In the last decade, personal branding has become its own genre within the photography industry, and it’s one that I am utterly obsessed with. 

For me, it’s more than taking ‘pretty pictures’; it’s about getting to know someone and their brand and understanding what makes them tick so that I can create ‘pictures with purpose’ instead. 

I recently worked with a brand designer who could confidently raise her prices and double her income in just a few short months by using her new images on her website and social media to look more polished and professional.

It’s all about the personal touch, making you stand out from the crowd. Your brand needs a human face, and that’s where your personal brand comes in.

Not only does it give potential clients more insight into who you are as a person and as a business owner.

They’ll get excited about the possibilities of working with you or buying from you because they will have formed a personal connection with you before meeting you.

Brand photography is a powerful tool to connect with your target audience and convey a clear message about who you are and what you do; it’s your secret weapon in helping you build credibility and authority in your business.

But what does it mean to be credible? 

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Why being credible will help establish and build your brand

It means people have faith in your abilities and trust that if they work with you, they’ll get the results they want.

You can do this by becoming a reliable resource, sharing information with the right audience—whether through social media, blogging, podcasting or speaking at events—and making sure that what you share is accurate and helpful.

By having high-quality images accompany your content rather than a phone selfie, you’ll go that extra mile in building your authority as a professional in your industry, ensuring that people will come back time and again for more value from you.

Getting featured in major publications is a great way to boost your reputation and increase your influence.

Being able to include an “As seen on” section on your landing page that includes logos of publishers you’ve been featured on can significantly boost your conversion rates. 

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How to build credibilty and authority in the media

Having great-quality images will often determine whether you get media coverage. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. How often do you skim through articles without taking it all in? The visuals, not just the title or a block of text, attract attention to a story and convey a message.

If a journalist can visualise what the article would look like in a magazine and your images are remarkably more interesting and better quality than your competitors, you can greatly increase your chances of getting featured. 

Another thing to consider is the placement of images. Remember to include a mixture of portrait and landscape images and a couple with plenty of negative space to allow for text around the subject.

This is particularly important if you know the image will be used on the front page of a magazine. 

I have seen first-hand the incredible impact this has had on my business. For years I shied away from telling people who I had photographed and where my work had been featured.

It wasn’t until I learnt more about positioning and, rather than seeing it as bragging rights, used it to form credibility for my brand that a huge shift happened in my business.

It completely up-levelled my brand, giving me instant authority and changing how my clients perceived my work. 

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Embrace Your Brand: The Power of Personal Branding Photography

The truth is most entrepreneurs are terrible at marketing themselves.They don’t know how to tell their story or position themselves as an expert in their industry.

One of the simplest ways of doing this is by showing up as you. When I began using photos of myself, my engagement and conversions tripled overnight.

You’ll get more engagement when you upload an image with a person in it than if you upload an image without any people.

This is because we are naturally drawn to other people, especially when we look at images on social media.

In fact, a psychological element plays into this phenomenon: we are more likely to be interested in things that look like us or things that resemble us in some way.

So, when you upload an image with a person in it, you’re tapping into that innate desire for connection by showing the viewer something they can relate to.

I understand that the idea of being photographed can be particularly daunting for some.

But with the right photographer, they should instantly put you at ease, taking over every aspect of the shoot. When I plan a photo shoot, I spend a lot of time thinking about how I want the audience to feel when they see these images.

Do they want to feel warm, feminine, luxurious, or powerful? Knowing as much detail about my client helps me to advise on location choices, outfits, props and posing.

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How positioning will help you build your credibility and authority

You may wonder how two business coaches could have such different brand values. Well, it all comes down to the details.

Let’s imagine one is based in New York and the other lives in Costa Rica. The coach living in New York embodies the city style and is all about boldness and power, and she makes sure you know it. 

She wears tailored suits and bodycon dresses, black leather pants, and black court shoes—all of which give her an air of confidence and a no-nonsense attitude that she wants to instil in her clients.

She sticks to a neutral colour palette of black, brown, and cream, giving a luxury feel to her images. She uses locations with minimal fuss and isn’t afraid to show off her designer handbags and expensive shoes.

When she’s not in the office, she’s out at a cocktail bar with her friends or travelling the world first-class staying in 5-star hotels and attending exclusive events.

The coach in Costa Rica, however, takes a more spiritual approach to coaching. She wears floaty fabrics in soft colours and loose-fitting dresses that make her look like she’s ready to hop on a boat to the Bahamas at any moment.

Her spiritual style is reflected in things around her; yoga mats, crystals, burning incense, and other items that inspire creativity and relaxation.

She works from her home while surrounded by her dog and all those things that make her feel good and uses other props and plants to create an atmosphere that feels more like a beach than an office space.

So how do these two coaches create a cohesive brand?

It all comes down to defining what you want your brand identity to be based on the details that make up your personality traits and lifestyle choices so you can use them effectively when creating content for social media or your website.

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Reference: @iamalexandriamaria

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Reference: @lilrelks

The Power of Personal Branding

As you can see, personal branding is a powerful tool for businesses and individuals alike. It’s important to remember that your brand isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about who you are. No longer do we just buy products or services; we’re looking for experiences, ideas and emotions—we want to know who we’re buying from. We also want to know what we’re buying into, so we will trust we’re making a good decision on an investment of time and money.

If you’re looking to attract new clients, advance your career, or simply work toward feeling more confident in the way that you present yourself, it’s worth exploring the idea of personal branding. Or visibility is key to surviving and thriving as a brand.

So take a look at your social media platforms, and ask yourself: “What would my ideal customer think when they see this image of me?” Your brand should be grounded in authenticity and reflect who you really are.

I know how hard it can be to build a brand in your industry—it’s not just about having a great product and marketing strategy. It’s also about how you position yourself and your business in the minds of consumers.

With this in mind, I’ve teamed up with Pascale Ricchetti, who has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, to build a 6-month mentoring programme designed specifically for coaches and online business owners.

If you have questions about how to build a world-class brand, stand out in your marketplace, and offer premium service for premium prices so you can raise your prices and increase your income, find me on Instagram and say hello!

Developing a consistent brand starts with creating a brand style . To discover your unique style, take my brand personality quiz. Your result will include a personalised style guide and Pinterest board to give you some inspiration.

Image suggestions to help get you featured. 

Portrait photos

A portrait can be a headshot (your face only) or show your entire body. These are great for magazine covers or if you want the focus solely on you. Body language is essential in these shots as it will set the tone of your message.  How you hold yourself can convey how you want to come across as a person—whether that’s as confident and poised or relaxed and laid-back.

Action shots

This will help establish your credibility as someone who knows what they’re talking about. You could share what it would be like to work with you, how you create your products and standing on stage speaking. 

Your workspace or office environment

Showing off your workspace is another way of establishing credibility — if it looks clean and professional, so will you. This is a great way to show off your personality and work, and it can help build connections with other people who might be interested in what you’re doing.

Family life

Editors will also want a photo of yourself at home with your family or at work in your office so that readers know who you are as a person, not just someone who has made money through business ventures.

If you’re interested in booking a personal brand shoot, get in touch and we can have a chat about your business and how you want to show up.

Nov
09

The Ultimate Guide to Flat Lay Photography

Flat lay photography has become one of the biggest trends of the last 5 years. Even if you haven’t heard of the term “flat lay”, you will have most definitely seen them.

Flat lays are meticulously arranged items photographed from above.

They became popular with food and lifestyle bloggers, but they are perfect for any brand whether you are service or product-based business.

The reason I believe flat lays have been, and still are so popular is that psychologically, we find beauty in simplicity.

When items are in perfect alignment, our brain engages a wide range of cognitive, emotion and memory circuits, which leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction.

Flat lay photography have been very popular for shooting product and lifestyle imagery.

The key factor is that they are extraordinarily simple to work with, and the minimalist staging is well suited to modern web design.

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Why I love flat lay photography

I personally love flat lay photography. They are so much fun to create, style and shoot!

The sheer convenience of creating a flat lay shouldn’t be underestimated.

Anyone with a camera, a flat surface and a few props can make a fantastic looking flat lay.

With the rise of independent online brands, this has given start-up and small businesses a leg up in terms of creating content that looks professional and is visually appealing.

So, where to start and how to create the perfect flat lay. Here, I will be revealing all.

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The Flat Lay Photography Formula

Preparation

Like most things in life, the prep work is always the longest part of the process.

Spend some time getting inspiration for your image and source props that complement your product.

Flat lays are a visual story so think about the objects that relate to your hero product and how they relate.

You want to give yourself a number of different options, so make sure you have lots of different props just in case something doesn’t quite work out when you’re shooting.

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Lighting is key! 

Before you start shooting, first you have to consider the light. How are you photographing your flat lay? Are you using natural light or a flash? 

Living in the UK can be an issue as sunlight is not always guaranteed. However, if you have a flash/strobe lights, you can create beautiful light that can be used at any time of the day.

What I really love about flash is it produces a consistent light. When I need to shoot multiple images for a brand, it’s crucial that my pictures all look cohesive with one another. 

The next question is what kind of light are you looking for?

Are you looking for beautiful soft light, or are you looking to create an image with glossy reflections and hard shadows?

How hard or soft your light depends on two main factors:

  • Distance. The closer the light source, the softer it becomes.
  • Size of the light source. The larger the source, the softer it becomes.

Soft Light

Soft light wraps around objects, creating beautifully diffused shadows with feathered edges.

Think about the sunlight on an overcast day. The clouds act as a giant softbox, bouncing and spreading the light, so there are barely any shadows.

Soft lighting creates a beautiful ethereal look to your images, which is relaxing to the eye.

Hard Light

Hard light cast crisp, well-defined shadows and glossy reflections. If a hard light source hits a textured surface at an angle, it will accentuate all the details in an object, giving a 3D-appearance.

You might want to use hard light if you’re going to cast reflections of liquid in a glass, create crisp leaf shadows or provide a glossy look to your products.

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Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio, otherwise known as crop ratio, is a proportional relationship between an image’s width and height.

In simple terms, it describes an image’s shape. Usually, aspect ratios are written as a formula of width to height, i.e. 3:2, 4:3. For example, a square image has an aspect ratio of 1:1, since the height and width are the same.

Depending on how you want to use the image, i.e. Instagram, web banner, you need to shoot accordingly. It’s essential to know how the image will be cropped before you begin shooting. 

For example, if you’re shooting a square image for Instagram, you know you need to make sure that all your props fit within the square, so nothing important gets cropped out at the end.

You may find that you can take one shot that will work in a variety of different aspect ratios, but it’s always useful to have the back of your mind.

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Composition

The composition is a crucial factor when creating a stunning flat lay.

I always begin by playing the hero product down first and then add in objects one by one to see how each item affects the overall image.

Doing it this way gives you more control over how the picture comes together.

Depending on your objects, you can arrange them in a straight line, grid, follow the rule of thirds.

Unless you are creating symmetry, stick with odd numbers in your composition. Odd numbers of objects create visual interest.

Rather than placing all of your objects in the centre of the shot with a border of negative space surrounding them, I love arranging props so that they overflow out of the frame.

Doing so creates intrigue and encourages you to feel as though you see a snippet of a larger scene, engaging the viewer’s imagination to think beyond the frame.

Remember to allow space between each object to keep, so the image doesn’t look cluttered.

You can create balance by using small objects with larger objects and using similar colours on both sides of the picture.

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Text/Graphics 

If you want to add text or graphics in post-production, remember to leave some space. 

This is especially useful if you are looking to create an ad. You could add your logo or branding. If you’re going for an inspiration look, you could use a quote. 

I always use Canva to add text to my images.

Colour Scheme 

I believe less is always more with colour. By sticking to no more than three colours or using a variety of tones from only one colour, you’ll make images that really catch the eye.

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Layering

Layering is a great way to add depth to your frame if it’s looking flat. You can create depth by stacking different sized objects such as books, plates, trays etc. and placing your main subject on top.

For even more depth, you could add in a piece of material such as cloth, towel or scarf to create added depth and texture.

Props

I always recommend using props to compliment your product, business or brand.

For example, if you are selling a beauty product, you may want to think about the ingredients in the product.

The other option is to use props that you would associate with the product. If you were shooting a body scrub, you might want to include a body brush and a moisturiser, for example.

When I photographed pigments for the cosmetic company, Shades of London, I used makeup brushes around the product.

Whether you are running short on some prop ideas, these 101 flat lay props will seriously help you to up your flat lay photography game in no time. 

  1. Notebook
  2. Pen
  3. Laptop
  4. Keyboard
  5. Mouse
  6. Phone
  7. Books
  8. Quotes
  9. Gift Box
  10. Calendar
  11. Printable Lists
  12. Photo Prints
  13. Scrabble Letters
  14. Clock
  15. Glitter
  16. Paint
  17. Pens/Pencils
  18. String
  19. Frames
  20. Scissors
  21. Planner
  22. Magazines
  23. Candles
  24. Camera
  25. Tray
  26. Confetti
  27. Fold back clips
  28. Newspaper
  29. Ornaments
  30. Ribbon
  31. Paper Clips
  32. Postcards
  33. Magnifying Glass
  34. Map
  35. Passport
  36. Globe
  37. Compass
  38. Sunglasses
  39. Business Cards
  40. Leaflets
  41. Brochures
  42. Fresh flowers
  43. Petals
  44. Greenery
  45. Tea/Coffee
  46. Teapot
  47. Teacups
  48. Coffee Mug
  49. Water Bottle
  50. Soft Drink
  51. Straws
  52. Cakes
  53. Sweets
  54. Coconut
  55. Macrons
  56. Doughnuts
  57. Fruit
  58. Eggs
  59. Coffee Beans
  60. Honey Drizzler
  61. Wooden Tea Spoon
  62. Spices
  63. Vegetables
  64. Chopping Board
  65. Spices
  66. Kitchen Utensils
  67. Chocolate
  68. Hand Bag
  69. Shopping Bag
  70. Hat
  71. Suncream
  72. Moisturiser
  73. Natural Sponge
  74. Flannel
  75. Soap
  76. Body Scrub
  77. Perfume
  78. Nail Varnish
  79. Makeup Brushes
  80. Lipstick
  81. Foundation
  82. Bronzer
  83. Eye Shadow Palette
  84. False Lashes
  85. Eyelash Curlers
  86. Makeup Bag
  87. Hair Brush
  88. Straighteners
  89. Curling Wand
  90. Fake tan
  91. Rings
  92. Bracelets
  93. Earrings
  94. Necklace
  95. Watch
  96. Shoes
  97. Dresses
  98. Tops
  99. Trousers
  100. Jumpers
  101. Knitwear

 

Having a prop box drawer with some of the essential props is a great way to gain inspiration, and you’ll probably find that you already have a good majority of the things on this list too!

For props I don’t already have, I tend to check out Amazon for interesting props and accessories. 

Sep
14

How to plan months of content for social media

Want to know how to plan months of content for social media that won’t overwhelm you? If so, you’re in the right place.

Not that long ago, I used to create content on the fly.

I’d scroll through my photo albums in the desperation to find a suitable image. If and when I saw something, I would sit on the couch at 8pm frantically wracking my brain for something witty or interesting to say.

I didn’t really have a clear idea of who I was speaking to and who my ideal client was. So as you can imagine, by the time I posted my photo onto Instagram by 9pm, all I heard was crickets.

I was too late posting, the image didn’t look consistent with the rest of my grid, I had no idea who I was talking to, and there was no strategy behind my hashtags.

Who else can relate?

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Taking A Break

When lockdown happened, I took a couple of weeks off. No phone calls, no emails and no social media. Not only did I need to come to terms with everything going on in the world, but I also needed time away from my business. 

I wanted to reassess my workflows, my own branding and my marketing strategy. Lockdown was the best thing that could have happened in my life and business at that time. I was on a hamster wheel, keeping myself busy but not getting anywhere. 

The frustrating thing was, I knew what to do, but I never felt I had the time to implement it into my business. I also didn’t appreciate the power of social media when used strategically. When I actually started doing the work, nothing could have prepared me for the growth I saw in my business.

So I wanted to share my journey, in this blog post I will be covering;

  • the steps I took to create a marketing strategy
  • how I plan and schedule my posts
  • how I use my time effectively to batch my content
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How to create a marketing strategy

While this may seem a daunting task, I promise it’s not. Once you understand how to plan months worth of content for social media, it’s an absolute game changer.

I would highly recommend downloading my free branding workbook to get clarity on who your target market is and how you want your brand to be perceived.

Once you understand your ideal client’s pain or pleasure points, it’s easier to plan your content around this by providing the solution they need.

I created a Google sheet with a breakdown of my yearly, quarterly, monthly and weekly goals and marketing strategy so I can focus on each day, knowing I’m always doing something to move the needle and to get me where I need to be.

Content planning can feel overwhelming, but when you break it all down into bite-size pieces, it makes it more manageable and removes all the stress that usually comes with creating content at the last minute.

Yearly Goals

What are your three top goals would like to have achieved in 12 months from now? Do you want to be earning a certain amount? Have a clear number of clients you’d like to have booked or products sold? The more specific you can be, the easier it will be to measure and plan for your goal.

Quarterly Goals

Splitting the year into 3 month periods gives you enough time to reach your goals without getting too overwhelmed. You want to map out your goals and the associated actions required in the next 90 days. If you know that you have something launching at the beginning of the next quarter, then you will want to include your action steps in the previous quarter.

Monthly & Weekly Goals

Your monthly content calendar allows you to plan your topics for the month.

I break this into 4 sections with each week splitting up each area I use to market my business; i.e. Instagram, Pinterest, blogging etc. For each week, I write in my area of focus to keep me on track to hit my monthly and quarterly goals.

Don’t let this task overwhelm you. Set aside a whole day to get clear on your goals and spend some time breaking them down. Once this is in place, it makes the rest of your life so much easier.

Book A Content shoot
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Instagram Content Planning

I use Planoly to schedule my Instagram posts and stories. From switching over from another platform, this has been a complete game changer!

I can auto-schedule my posts, and it even includes my hashtags in the first comments. Planoly is so user friendly and you can easily drag and drop images to plan out your grid.

I usually have 60-70 images organised in the app. That’s 10 weeks/3 months of posts planned, ahead of time!

By doing this, you remove the panic of not having anything to post, scrambling through your photo albums with nothing suitable and no strategy behind the post.

Having a library of images gives you lots of variety to plan your grid, so it looks evenly balanced.

You want to make sure your brand colours weave throughout your feed to provide a cohesive look. I also recommend using images with negative space (space around a subject) to break up busier images.

In doing so, your giving your viewer the brain space to take in each picture, without feeling overwhelmed.

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Pinterest Content Planning

For scheduling Pinterest, I use Tailwind, and like Planoly, this has made a big impact on my growth how to plan months of content. I grew my monthly unique visitors from 7k to 450k within just a few months.

It actually didn’t take a whole lot of work, and I’ve seen a significant increase in the click-through rate to my website.

It’s essential to create your own pins as Pinterest now favours fresh/new content. I make pins using Canva and upload these to Tailwind and assign to the appropriate boards.

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Blogging

I never used to like writing. It’s never come naturally to me, and being a perfectionist is not ideal! If I wasn’t happy with what I had written, the post simply wasn’t published.

At the beginning of 2020, I decided I needed to get out of my own way and just write, no matter how terrible I thought it was. Done is better than perfect. I’ll say that again, done is better than perfect!

I use Grammarly when I write my posts to ensure I haven’t made any silly errors. Sure there are probably the odd few, but I feel more confident in publishing what I write.

By writing a blog post, it creates my long-form content which can be broken down into emails, captions and stories.

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Time Management

Marketing can feel like a full-time job but doesn’t have to be. I find batching content the most practical way to save time without losing my mind.

Once a week, usually a Sunday afternoon, I organise my posts, design my pins and schedule them both in Planoly and Tailwind.

I spend the first hour every morning to write a post for my blog. By breaking it up into smaller chunks, it means I have 5 hours of writing time. As writing isn’t my strongest area, I find that this doesn’t overwhelm me and I have time to go back and edit.

Shooting Content

Creating content can be the most time consuming aspect of it all. I highly recommend booking out a day or two every month to focus on shooting or curating content.

You can either go out by yourself, take a friend or book a professional photographer. I highly recommend shooting every month or two so you have enough content.

Doing this will mean you have a library of images to go to when planning and scheduling your content saving you a whole load of stress.

If you plan ahead, it gives you time to think about what kind of images you will need in the upcoming months so all your content will attract your ideal client.

Booking A Content Shoot

Now you know how to plan months worth of content for social media, it’s time to schedule some time to create a marketing strategy and set aside some time to create your content. 

To book your content shoot, check out my personal branding and and product photography packages or send me an email by clicking on the button below.

Book A Content shoot
Jul
27

How to create a personal brand for your coaching business

If you have a coaching business, it’s so important to nail your personal brand to convince your clients you’re the best fit for them. 

With so many businesses being online, it’s easy to be a faceless brand. When the product you sell is yourself – your knowledge and advice – you need to show your audience who you are and what you look like.

It’s not about how cool you look, or whether you look like a supermodel in your pictures. It’s about coming across in the right way that resonates with your clients. What would it be like for them to work with you? 

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Top tips to build your personal brand for your coaching business.

By showing images of yourself, you’re humanising your brand and building trust with your clients. I’ve put together a few tips you can start using to build trust and communicate the most authentic version of you.

1. Be yourself.

Allow your prospective clients to get to know you as a person. You can showcase your personality.

What makes you unique? What sets you apart from your competition? Think about when you hire service-based business in your own life.

You’ll notice that very often, their interests, stories and personalities were a big factor. It’s not always about selling a better product or service. So remember, people may choose you, just because they like you. 

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2. What are you passionate about?

If you have set up your own coaching business, you’re probably excited about what you do. If you’re not, then maybe it’s time to reconsider.

So don’t just share information about your coaching business. Share what inspires you as a business owner.

How did you start? Why do you love what you do? That passion can encourage your potential customers too.

When you let your passion shine through, people can’t help but be drawn to it. 

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3. Own your imperfections.

Most of us hate being in front of the camera. I get it! I used to HATE being in front of the camera and would do everything possible to avoid it. But it wasn’t until a friend pointed out that my Instagram lacked personality, I thought “I have to get a grip on myself”.


It doesn’t matter if you’re not perfect. In fact, the imperfections are the things that make your images feel more authentic and human.

Having always been behind the camera, it was just a case of being okay with myself. And the more you practice getting on camera, the more comfortable and more natural it becomes. 

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4. Share life behind the scenes.

People are fascinated with how everything works behind the scenes. It gives them exclusivity. Think about your favourite film, do you like hearing the juicy details that went on during filming?

Seeing how they put together the sets and how the directors chose the actors is fascinating and watching all the bloopers is hilarious! Show your potential clients how you work or introduce them to your team.

Talk about your daily routine, or what success looks like to you. How does your coaching business differ from others already out there?

5. Set the scene.

Where you shoot your images is as important as your caption. I always encourage my clients to shoot in places that depict their brand. What story do you want to tell? How can you showcase your personal brand for your coaching business. 

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It’s time to start showing up

Quite simply, you need to be showing up everywhere. And if you haven’t already started, now is a perfect time. 

Over the last year, I have photographed Naomi White, PR coach and consultant, a few times for her personal brand and social media imagery.

I see a lot of coaches and entrepreneurs struggling to create a consistent feed on Instagram. More often than not, this is because they don’t have a brand. Having your very own brand identity with your own colour palette is what will help you create that consistency on your feed.

Naomi has a very soft brand colour palette with beautiful pinks and greys. So we found cafe’s, houses, doors and garages with those colours to complement her outfits.

I’ve screenshot Naomi’s Instagram feed and her website, and you can see when everything is combined, it creates a consistent look which is pleasing to the eye. 

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Where to shoot your personal branding session

Notting Hill is always the perfect place to shoot! And it’s the ideal place for many reasons. No matter how many times I shoot around there, each time is different. There are always hidden gems to discover, and the changing seasons give a different look every time I go.

Spring has always been a favourite of mine. The beautiful cherry blossom or purple wisteria against a backdrop of bright white houses is a dream to shoot.

It’s also brilliant as there are so many varying colours that no matter what your brand colours are, they will probably be a house or a door painted with those exact colours.

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“I got in touch with Kate to shoot imagery for my brand and website, three shoots later I wouldn’t go anywhere else!

Kate is personable, professional and makes you feel so relaxed during the shoot that the end result is just what you’re looking for.

Kate’s thorough process, getting to know you and your brand ensures she captures every shot and the follow-up service to getting your imagery takes no time at all. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Kate to everyone I know”.

NAOMI WHITE – PR COACH & CONSULTANT

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Excited to get started?

Book your free creative call! We’ll get clear on your ideal client, visual identity and branding so we can start planning your photoshoot.

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Jul
12

Cosmetic product photography for Shades of London

Recent cosmetic product photography for Shades of London. Shades of London is a cosmetic brand that has a range of stunning, high-quality eyeshadow pigments. They required a number of images for their social content as well as the eCommerce website.

If you own or market a cosmetic brand, you want to start thinking about how your audience interacts with your audience. Do you they come directly to your website, stumble across you on Instagram or see an ad targeted to them on Facebook?

If you understand how your audience interacts with each type of platform, it’s easier to make decisions on the kind of images you need for your brand and where to use them.

 

download branding workbook
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Cosmetic Packshot Photography

Cosmetic packshots are images of your product taken against a white or coloured background.

Packshots are perfect for eCommerce listing. They’re a brilliant way to show your audience the product without any distractions.

They showcase the product so your customer can see what they are purchasing.

For cosmetic products, your customers must be able to read the labels.

At this stage of the buying process, you want to make things as clean and clear as possible to increase your conversion rates.

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Makeup Flat Lat Photography

Styled flat lays, or creative advertising shots are a brilliant way to create a story using other objects that relate to your product.

We are drawn to images that are styled in some way.

When we see something we consider to look beautiful, it fires up our memory, emotion and cognitive circuits.

It leaves us feeling satisfied. As humans, we love order, and we particularly like things to be arranged in a certain way.

So naturally, flat lays work well in piquing our interest and striking a connection. These images are great for facebook and instagram ads.

maura-higgins-love-island-beauty-cosmetic-product-photography

Cosmetic Lifestyle Product Photography

Lifestyle images are photos taken in situ to show how you could use a product.

For most cosmetic brands, this may mean using a model applying the makeup to their skin.

You could also place the makeup product on a dressing table or in a bathroom.

Lifestyle images are also a great way to show your customers your brand style – are you luxury, eco-friendly, functional?

For more tips, check out my Beauty Product Photography Guide 2020.

The more you relate to your customers, the more they will feel connected to your brand.

In turn, they are more likely to buy from you. Use these images as web banners and on your social media to build your brand identity.

kate-sharp-pigments-makeup-product-photographer

What is the process of shooting cosmetic product photography?

Creative Brief & Consultation
  1. Initially, I will send out a creative brief to get to know your brand. I need to understand what your values are, who your target market is, and the purpose of your new images. I’m a details girl, and I believe the more you know, the better the result will be. There is no point shooting imagery that does not speak to your target market. 
  2. Once I have your creative brief, I’ll then put together a moodboard based on your target market and brand identity. Putting together images for inspiration helps me get my creative juices flowing and gives you an insight into the kind of images I will be creating for you. We’ll schedule a consultation to go through the moodboard, and then begin working on the shot list. Shot lists are essential to make sure I don’t forget anything when I shoot.
  3. While you are packaging up your product to send to me, I’ll source any props and backgrounds you may need for your photoshoot. Every cosmetic product photoshoot is different and what makes them unique is the styling and the props we use. Can you imagine if every shot used the same prop and background? It would get very dull, very quickly! Props are a fantastic way to style your products in a fun and exciting way.
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Shoot & Edit
  1. Once I have received your product(s), I’ll get shooting. Each image is styled and prepped by me. I clean each product and remove any imperfections before I take the photo to minimise the amount of dust or imperfections on the product. If your product is a bottle with a clear label, I always suggest providing empty bottles and labels separately. Clear labels are the hardest to shoot as they tend to create tiny bubbles under the surface. To get around this, I often photograph the bottle without a label and then photoshop it in later, giving a beautiful finish to the image. 
  2. When I have photographed all your cosmetic products, I begin editing each image. Pretty much all cosmetic products have a pigment to them. When customers buy makeup products online, such as foundations, eye shadows, lipsticks, blushers, bronzers etc. they are relying on the images to give an accurate colour likeness. Colour grading is, therefore, an essential part of the editing process to reduce the number of returns.
  3. Your images will then be uploaded to a private online gallery for you to proof before sending over the final pictures. All photographs are provided in high and low resolution, for both print and web, respectively. 
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Book your cosmetic product photoshoot today. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. 

Jul
06

Beauty Product Photography Guide

The complete guide to beauty product photography for entrepreneurs and business owners. Get all the inside scoop on what makes an image convert and all the latest product photography trends in 2021. 

Beauty Product Trends

The beauty and wellness industry has been taking the world by storm. Furthermore, the UK is among the three leading cosmetic consumers in Western Europe, reaching a market value of £9.6 billion.

Here are some of the five biggest trends we have seen in 2020/21 so far:

Clean Beauty

We’ve seen considerable shifts in clean beauty. Skincare and cosmetic products are going green. Sustainable packaging and products was a key trend in 2019, but demand for full transparency is the key theme for 2021.

From the ingredients to the packaging, if sustainability isn’t at the forefront of your marketing, you may well get left behind.

Heath & Beauty Fusion

The health and beauty worlds are merging, and with the rise of vegan beauty and the CBD market, it’s going to be bigger than ever.

Hyper Personalisation

It’s not just the packaging that you can now personalise. Advancements in beauty technology now customise products. Swabs can test for DNA and bacterial analysis to advise customers on which products will be most suited to their genetic makeup.

kate-sharp-skincare-product-photographer

Indie-Brands

The rise of indie brands is challenging big corporations by creating tailored solutions to unique problems identified by their consumers.

Independent beauty brands are encouraging more creativity and entrepreneurship in the industry.

Direct To Consumer

With the decline of major retailers, independent beauty brands have a huge opportunity to take advantage of their ability to sell directly to their consumers.

Indie brands with strong branding, clear messaging, and modern strategies will pave the way for the direct-to-consumer beauty brands of the future.

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What is beauty product photography?

Beauty product photography is a type of commercial photography specialising in cosmetic, skincare, haircare, makeup, fragrance, tools and applicators.

Compelling beauty product photography showcases your products. By using high-quality images you can drive conversions based on the perceived value of your products.

Why you need compelling photography for your beauty products?

High-quality product photographs help to:

  • increase conversions
  • lower return rate
  • decrease cart abandonment rate
  • boost time on page
  • increase click-through rates (CTR)

It’s clear to see that the ROI for every pound invested in professionally executed product photography is one of the highest in digital marketing.

beauty-haircare-product-photography-london-hair-oil

What kind of product images do you need?

Packshot Photography

Packshots are product photographs typically used for eCommerce sites. Usually, packshots are products photographed against a white or coloured background.

ECommerce platforms such as Amazon, Shopify, eBay and Etsy all require products photography on a white background.

Images with white backgrounds keep pages looking clean and easy to navigate. They are also lower in size as there is less information in the photograph. The smaller the image, the faster the web page will load.

Site speed is fundamental for commerce websites and platforms in terms of SEO and conversion rates.

Having a coloured background could be detrimental if companies like Amazon were to lose a millisecond in page loading speed.


On the other hand, coloured backgrounds are perfect for complimenting brand colour palettes, making an impact on social media, and creating striking imagery for glossy magazines.

beauty-product-photography-london

Flat Lay Photography

A flat lay is an image shot directly from above, often styled with props around a hero product. Not only do they showcase the product, it’s a simple but effective way to tell a story.

Another benefit of a flat lay is their versatility and reducing production costs. If you have a tight budget, you don’t need to spend money on locations, models, hair and makeup etc. You only need a background and the props to accompany the product.

flat-lay-product-photography-london

Lifestyle Product Photography

Lifestyle product photography illustrates the purpose of a product and how a potential client may use it.

To create a lifestyle product photo, you need to shoot on-location or create a style scene, often with the use of models.

Lifestyle product images are an excellent way for a brand to sell the experience of using their product. It also promotes a specific lifestyle or aesthetic that will speak to their target market.


With both flat lay and lifestyle imagery, both can also promote and up-sell other products in the brand’s range.

lifestyle-product-photography-london-watermelon-smoothie

Creative Advertising Photography

Advertising photography captures a particular mood, emotion or feeling that a product can elicit in a viewer. The sole purpose of the shot is to create a need for the viewer to buy the product.

It’s the job of the photographer to tell a captivating story using stylised images, lighting and colours.

Advertising product photography uses advanced retouching and editing skills. Usually, I photograph multiple images to create a composite (layered photo) to produce a truly eye-catching image.

advertising-beauty-product-photography-london-frangrance-perfume

How to optimise images for your store

These three significant features will help you boost your SEO and conversion rates.

File Size

Some interesting facts:

  • Almost 50% of consumers won’t wait more than 3 seconds for an eCommerce site to load.
  • Google uses page load time as a ranking factor in its algorithm.
  • Amazon discovered that if their pages were to slow down by just one second, they would lose $1.6 billion a year.

So, what can you do?

There is always a balance between having stunning high-quality product imagery while also achieving fast page speeds.

I have done extensive research and have found that the sweet spot for having beautiful imagery while maintaining fast site speeds.

If you have Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, you can use the export or Save For Web feature so save down your images.

Alternatively, other online image editing tools will resize your images for you.

As a photographer, it’s super important that I maintain incredible detail in my photos without grounding my site to a halt. I’ve found a good rule of thumb is to try to keep image file sizes below 70 kb.

In some cases, this may not be possible, but I try my best to keep the size as small as possible. You can do this by lowering the quality of the image to around 60/70%.

I also resize my pictures to a specific dimension that is suited to my web page.

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File Format

The three common file types that you can use to post images to the web. These are JPEG, GIF, and PNG. However, when choosing file types, it’s important to remember the following:

For eCommerce images, JPEGs will be your best option. They provide the best quality for the smallest file size.

Never use GIFs for big product images. The file size will be too big, and there is not an easy way to reduce it. Only use GIFs for thumbnails and decorative images only.

PNGs can be an excellent alternative to JPEGs and GIFS. If you can only get product photos in PNG format, try using PNG-8 over PNG-24.

File Naming

Using relevant keywords will help improve your SEO ranking. Creating descriptive, keyword-rich file names is vital for image optimisation.

Not only do search engines such as Google, crawl the text on your webpage, they also crawl your image file names.

It’s also crucial to use descriptive titles to the ALT tags. ALT attributes are the text alternative when an image doesn’t load on a page.

The alt attribute is a crucial feature when trying to improve your SEO ranking. It’s also the best way for your eCommerce products to show up in Google image searches.

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Why I love shooting beauty product photographs

I love showing the beauty in a product. I enjoy working with companies with innovative new products, stunning designs, beautiful colour schemes, materials, textures and personality.

I have this deep-rooted need to create. So when I have a product to shoot, it lights up all my creative cells. I love the creative process, from conceptualising to shooting.

As a beauty and wellness consumer myself, I always think about what I like to see and what attracts me to buy certain products.

In a male-dominated industry, I think this gives me a considerable edge. I know what works and what doesn’t and I know my target market inside out.

beauty-haircare-product-photography-london-hair-oil

I know what women want

Women want to look and feel younger, slimmer and more attractive. We’re also more than just the way we look. We want to be heard.

Every time I shoot, I treat the product as if it were my own. The perfectionist in me has been my strength and weakness over the years.


However, in product photography, it has always been my greatest strength, and I will not stop until I am entirely happy with the results.

kate-sharp-beauty-product-photographer-london

How to book a beauty product photoshoot?

Booking a product photoshoot is simple.

  1. We’ll first jump on a creative call to discuss your product. We’ll get clear on your ideal client, visual identity and branding. Next, we’ll create a mood board, and we’ll get into the specifics to make sure we both have the same vision.
  2. Once we have a concept for your product, all you need to do is package up your products and send them to me while I’ll source your backgrounds and props.
  3. I’ll take care of the photography, styling and editing of your products. Once the images are finalised, I’ll then send your images via WeTransfer in both full and social size, so you’re all set to show to them off to the world!
flat-lay-product-photographer-london-coconut-lane

Beauty Product Photography Studio Near London

I have a photography studio based in Bedfordshire, UK, which is not far from London, Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

You are of course welcome to come to my studio or if you can simply post your products to me and I will return these as soon as I have delivered your final images.

I also serve an international client base so nomatter where in the world you are, you can simply post your product for me to photograph.

kate-sharp-photography-studio-bedford-near-london

Beauty product photography pricing and packages

Depending on your product range and budget, I have created three product packages as well as a monthly subscription package, The Content Creator.

My beauty product photography packages start at £275. The package includes everything from brand strategy, prop sourcing as well as concept and styling.

During the photoshoot, I usually take multiple images of your product using different light setups to highlight every feature of your product and edit these together to create a stunning product shot.

I then upload the images to an online gallery, and once you approve the photos, I export and send you the final pictures.

All images given in both high and low-resolution formats for both print and web/social formats.

I will then send a WeTransfer link so you can download the photographs to your phone or computer so you can start using them immediately.

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The Content Creator – Monthly Package

If you love updating your site and socials with fresh content, I offer a monthly product package.

Every month you send me your products, and I will shoot and deliver ten images straight into your inbox. If it’s the same product every time,

I can store the product for you and once a month we can create a photography brief to match your marketing strategy for the month ahead.


Curious to find out more about working together, or ready to book in your beauty product photoshoot? Get in touch today.

Jun
29

Why is personal branding photography important?

Personal branding photography is a collection of professional brand photographs for entrepreneurs and business owners.

They effectively tell your story, reflect your brand and builds trust with your audience.

If you have an online presence, i.e. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube,  Twitter or LinkedIn, you have a personal brand, and you must make the right first impression.


Your personal branding photography is your visual voice. It’s how your brand looks, feels, and speaks to people.

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What’s your brand stand?

Once you pinpoint which your ideal client is, you can dig deep into who they are, their pain-points and how you can connect with them. 

I used to be clueless about how to “be seen” and build a strong digital image of my business. When I was starting out, I thought it would be enough to just throw up a website with some details about my services.

Well, I put that website up, and you know what happened? 

Yep, not much! It sat there on the internet for a long, long time without getting me any results. No traffic, no inquiries, no clients, no joy.

This was the problem: My website was very pretty, and it was packed with info about my work, but nowhere was I expressing why it mattered to a potential client.

kate-sharp-personal-branding-photographer-london

Benefits of personal branding photography

  1. First impressions count. Nothing is more important than a first impression. Your sense of competence, professionalism and demeanour is a large part of a potential client’s decision to do business with you. Your branding photos tell your brand story the way you want it to tell it.
  2. Show your personality. Your professional branding images showcase your unique personality. You can use them a variety of ways throughout your website, social media and marketing efforts.
  3. Builds trust and credibility. By showing your potential clients your brand story and what makes you unique, your audience will feel like they know and trust you.
  4. Creates a connection with your clients. It’s a way to connect with your audience, show your personality and stand out from your competition. It allows you to create an experience that encourages your followers to engage with you.
  5. It’s more than just a headshot. Your personal brand images help to visually show your creative process. You could also show your workspace and what it would be like to work with you.
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You are your brand

Whether you have a product or service-based business, you are the brand. You created this business based on what you love doing and what you care about. So if you’re not showing up as the face of your brand, you’re seriously hurting your small business. 

Do you want your professional brand to come across as cold, lifeless with one monotone voice? Of course not! 

By making sure that you’re posting photos and videos of yourself is an important step in solidifying a personality-infused brand.

It may feel strange at first, particularly if you’re not used to jumping in front of the camera, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel.

Your personal branding photographs isn’t about what you look like or what kind of house you live in; it’s about your values and what your brand stands for.

They will help to familiarise yourself with your audience while building trust and credibility into your small business.

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What’s your brand stand?

You’re giving your them the opportunity to get to know you, what you stand for and what it would be like to work with you.

If people feel as though they know like and trust you, they’re 10 times more likely to buy into what you’re offering and choose you over anyone else.

As a branding expert and photographer, I have teamed up with Jessica Munro, to offer you a complete service from brand strategy, design and photography.

Not only can you have a professionally designed logo and website, but you’ll get a library of beautiful branded images too.

To begin creating your compelling brand that really represents you, your personality and your business, download my free branding workbook.

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Triple your Instagram engagement with your brand photos

Trust me; I get the fact you probably don’t like having your photograph taken. If I’m honest, I would rather pull my teeth out!

I used to be painfully shy getting in front of the camera so I would do anything to avoid it. It wasn’t until I start showing my face on my website and social media profiles that I started to get a lot more engagement in my posts. 

As a business owner, I have found that when I post images of myself on social media platforms, I get almost triple, the amount of engagement on my posts.

Once I figured out that my audience just wanted to get to know me more, everything changed, and everything got so much easier. 

It’s all about finding the right photographer, who will guide you through the whole process.

They should help you find the right locations, talk through your outfit choices and guide you through each pose, so you feel more relaxed in front of the camera.

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Share the behind the scenes of your small business

You can use your personal branding photography to reveal the behind the scenes of your business. Show your audience what it would be like for them to work with you. 

If you run a service-based business, you can show each process of your business and walk them through each stage so they would know what to expect if they booked in with you. 

If you have a product-based business, you could show how you make your product and why it is different from other similar products or brands on the market.

People still buy from people, so give your brand a face and connect with your customers. 

You’ll give more credibility to your brand, and your audience will feel like they are buying from a real person rather than a faceless brand.

Find out more ways to use your personal branding photography in your small business.

kate-sharp-personal-branding-photographer-london

Empower your brand with stylish and purposeful branding photos.

If I could only give one tip on how to create a successful small business, it would be to take a few hours to really think about what it is you do, what value you can offer and pinpoint your ideal client. 

My free branding workbook will help you get clear on your brand personality and how you want to visually tell your story. 

I’ve broken each stage into small sections so it should be easy to work through and you can dip in and out depending on what you need for your business. 

Getting crystal clear on what you can offer and who your dream client is will help you to create content that is truly aligned to your brand and attract your ideal clients.

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What does a personal branding photoshoot include?

If you decide to book a personal branding session with me, your branding shoot will include a brand identity consultation, wardrobe styling, location planning, posing and direction.

It also includes a personalised Lightroom preset so you can take and edit your photos that will look consistent with the images I have taken of you. 

I have broken down each part of the branding package, so you know what to expect when you book a brand photoshoot with me.

Brand Photoshoot Packages

  1. Pre-shoot questionnaire. Your personal branding questionnaire will help you get clear on your ideal client, target market, visual identity and branding, so we know what kind of images will attract your dream customers.
  2. Concept & style consultation. Before your branding shoot, together, we’ll create a Pinterest mood board of ideas to help us visualise and plan your photoshoot.
  3. Personal branding style guide. You’ll receive a PDF personal style guide to help you plan and prepare for your shoot. 
  4. Photoshoot. I can photograph you at my photography studio in Bedfordshire or a location of your choice. I’ll guide you throughout the entire shoot along with posing and direction, so you don’t need to worry about anything.
  5. Online gallery. Your images will be uploaded to a private online gallery for you to view your brand photos.
  6. Download your images. Your brand images will be provided in both print and website and social formats, so they are ready to use immediately. I will send you a WeTransfer link so you can download your personal brand photos straight to your phone or computer.
  7. Personalised Lightroom preset. You’ll also receive a personalised preset that will allow you to take your own photos and apply the preset so your images will look consistent throughout your brand.
  8. Optional extras. If you need a hair & makeup artist, location or prop hire, please get in touch. 
kate-sharp-personal-branding-photographer-london

Personal branding pricing and packages

I have created two branding packages to give you flexibility depending on how much time you have and what your budget can allow for. 

My personal brand photography packages start at £650. This includes everything from brand strategy, concept and styling, location planning, a visual mood board, a pdf personal style guide, brand photoshoot.

After your photoshoot, you will receive your online viewing gallery, your fully edited digital images as well as a personalised Lightroom preset so you can take your own photos that will look consistent with your brand photos.

kate-sharp-branding-photographer-bedford

Ready to book your personal branding photography session?

Curious to find out more about working together, or ready to book in your branding shoot? Apply for your personal branding clarity call, or email me at kate@katesharp.co.uk.

Once you’re booked, I’ll send you my branding questionnaire, and we’ll schedule a visual identity and branding strategy session.

This will help you get clear on your ideal client and what kind of brand statement you want to make.

I’ll bring my branding expertise to the table so we can plan a shoot that will capture your personal style and brand message

Once we have a date in mind, we’ll schedule a personal style and wardrobe consultation, so you have all the information and advice on what you need to bring and how to prepare for your photoshoot. 

You can visit my studio based in Bedfordshire, or we can arrange a Skype/phone call. After your consultation, you will take home a personal style guide that is packed full of information. 

It includes useful advice on how to dress for your body shape, colours that will complement your branding, beauty tips and a checklist, so you don’t forget anything. 

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Make the decision to start today.

By now, whether you’re a start-up or a seasoned entrepreneur, you should understand why personal branding photography is so important for your business.

Your brand is something that creates an emotional connection between you, your business and your ideal client.

Your branding images can be the difference between not only looking professional but feeling professional – the secret remedy for success.

Not only will you have a library of images to pull from at any given moment, but it will also save you time and money in the long run.

Because let’s face it, that LinkedIn headshot your Husband took of you sitting by the pool with the cropped out cocktail; probably isn’t making the kind of statement you want.

VIEW BRANDING PACKAGES
Jun
12

Troubleshooting tips for Lightroom Presets

Depending on how you have taken your image, you may find that a Lightroom preset isn’t quite right or doesn’t look how it’s intended to.

If one image is cooler (blue-toned) and another is warmer (yellow-toned), then applying one preset will never create the same look on both photos.

The good news, however, is that Lightroom presets, unlike filters, are very easy to tweak.

The beauty of presets is that they allow you to adjust each setting so you can simply warm-up or cool down your image. You can desaturate specific colours or amend how light or dark your picture looks.

This is useful when you are trying to apply the same preset to make two images look similar in style.


I’ve taken your most asked questions  to walk you through some of the most common issues so you can make your images shine.

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How do I make my image brighter?
Increase the exposure.
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Exposure
Lightroom Mobile > Light > Exposure
*You can also use shadow and highlights to lift the dark areas. Try decreasing the highlights and increasing the shadows. 

How do I make my images darker?
Decrease the exposure. 
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Exposure
Lightroom Mobile > Light > Exposure 
*You can also use shadow and highlights to darken the lighter areas by decreasing both the highlights and shadows. 

My pictures look orange or warm.
Push the temperature slider to the blues. 
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Temperature
Lightroom Mobile > Colour > Temperature


How do I get rid of the blue tinge in my photos?
Push the temperature slider to the yellows. 
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Temperature
Lightroom Mobile > Colour > Temperature
*You can also use shadow and highlights to lift the dark areas. Try decreasing the highlights and increasing the shadows. 

troubleshooting-tips-adjust-lightroom-presets

My pictures are coming out green?
Push the tint slider to the pinks/magentas.
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Tint
Lightroom Mobile > Colour > Tint

Skin tones are pink-tinted in my photos.
Push the tint slider to the greens.
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Tint
Lightroom Mobile > Colour > Tint

Skin tones are green-tinted in my photos.
Push the tint slider to the pinks/magentas. 
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Tint
Lightroom Mobile > Colour > Tint


My image is too contrasty or looks too heavily edited.
Reduce the contrast. If that’s not enough, light the shadows and the blacks. 
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Contrast
Lightroom Mobile > Light > Contrast

troubleshooting-tips-tweak-lightroom-presets

Why does my skin look orange in pictures?
Your white balance is slightly off. Reduce the orange saturation. 
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > HSL/Colour Settings > Orange > Saturation
Lightroom Mobile > Colour > Mix > Orange > Saturation 

How can I make my skin looker darker or more tanned in Lightroom?
Decrease the luminance in the oranges. 
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > HSL/Colour Settings > Orange > Luminance
Lightroom Mobile > Colour > Mix > Orange > Luminance
*You may also want to decrease the luminance on the reds if the lips/cheeks look too pale. 

How do I reduce the neon green in grass or trees? 
Desaturate the greens and yellows.
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > HSL/Colour Settings > Green > Saturation
Lightroom Mobile > Colour > Mix > Green > Saturation
*If it’s still bright, reduce the saturation of the yellows too, but be careful not to desaturate too much, especially if you have blonde hair! 

My image is too hazy because of sun flare (shooting into the sun).
Increase the dehaze slider.
Lightroom Desktop > Develop Mode > Basic Settings > Dehaze
Lightroom Mobile > Effects > Dehaze

Check out my post on how to edit and adjust your Lightroom presets for more advanced tips.

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I have created my very own library of preset packs to help you build a beautiful and consistent brand. If you would like to try before you buy, feel free to send me 6-9 images to make sure the preset will suit your brand style. 

Lightroom mobile is completely free and is available on both android and Apple phones or if you have an Adobe Lightroom subscription you can install on your desktop. 

SHOP PRESETS
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Jun
12

How to modify or adjust your Lightroom preset

You’ve applied your preset, but it’s not quite perfect. Here is a beginners guide to help you edit and adjust your Lightroom preset like a pro.

The overall look is good, but the skin may be a little too orange, or the tone may be just a tad too green.

Don’t worry, this is entirely normal. Within a few clicks, you can adjust and edit your image like a pro, so it looks consistent with the rest of your pictures.

Depending on how/where you have taken your photo, the light and colour may differ from one to another.

For quick tips, click on the link below to take you to my FAQs and troubleshooting tips.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR LIGHTROOM PRESETS
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How to adjust your Lightroom Preset

Let’s go right back and start from the very beginning. For those already familiar with exposure, temperature and tint then feel free to move onto the next section.

If you’re thinking, what the heck is temperature then stick around, and I will walk you through each setting so you understand what each slider does and how to adjust your Lightroom Preset like a pro.

Light

Exposure

In my workflow, exposure is the first setting I adjust as it has the most significant impact on my images. The exposure determines how light or dark you want your images to look.

I love bright, light and airy photos, so I always boost my exposure by +0.5 to +1.5. I especially need to use this is if I have taken an image on my phone as they quite often come out a little underexposed (darker) for my style. 

If the image is overexposed (too bright) or you prefer a dark, moodier look to your pictures, you may want to pull down the exposure until the image looks right to you.

Remember there is no right or wrong – stylising your images is entirely personal so go with what looks good to you.

Contrast

Contrast defines areas of lightness or darkness. You will notice if you pull it to the left, the darker areas become lighter and the picture looks flatter. Pull the slider to the right, and you’ll see that the shadows become darker and it makes your image pop. 

Shadows and highlight

Highlights will only concentrate on the lighter areas of your image. Push the highlights up, and it will brighten them, push it down, and it will darken them. 

Shadows do the opposite. Push it up, and it will lighten the darker areas of the image and push it down to darken them. 


To make your image stand out, pull down your highlights and lift your shadows. 

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Colour

To white balance your images, you will want to use temperature and tint. This simply means removing an unrealistic colour, for example, if your image looks too green, red, yellow or blue. 

You may notice that when you take a photo indoors, the image may look more yellow than if you had taken it outside.

This happens when your camera can’t differentiate between white light (sunlight), cooler blue light (cloudy day) and warmer yellow light (lightbulb). 

If your taking images in different light conditions, It’s very difficult to use one preset to make every photo look the same.

Therefore, by adjusting your Lightroom presets using the sliders, it can go a long way in helping you create consistency within your images. 

Temperature 

Temperature helps to control how cool (blue) or warm (yellow) your photo is.

If your image is too warm, push the slider towards the blues and if it’s too cool, move it towards the yellows.

You only need to make the slight adjustment to have a significant impact on your image, so use this slider lightly. 

Tint

Tint, on the other hand, regulates how green or magenta (pink) your image is.

If your image looks green, push the slider towards the magenta and conversely, if your photo is too magenta, move the slider towards the greens. 

Vibrance & Saturation

Vibrance and saturation do a very similar job by either increasing and decreasing the intensity of the colours in your image.

There is, however, a very subtle distinction between the two, in that vibrance increases the intensity of muted colours more than the already saturated colours while working to protect skin tones.

As a portrait photographer – this is a really important distinction!

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HSL (desktop) / Colour Mix (mobile)

If you apply a Lightroom preset and everything is perfect except one colour is too intense, for example, the skin tone is too orange; you can use colour mix to control each colour individually. 

Hue 

The hue slider allows you to adjust the shade within the same base range of a colour. For example, you can adjust the oranges to either red or yellow or change blue to either a cyan/turquoise or purple hue. 

Saturation

Similar to the saturation slider in the colour settings, the saturation makes the colour more or less intense.

The beauty of this slider is that it allows you to control one colour so that if the skin looks too orange you can decrease the saturation/intensity of the colour.

Luminance

Luminance adjusts the brightness of the colour. If you wanted to 


Bonus tip: To make skin look more tanned, push the luminance slider on the oranges to the left or to lighten, slide to the right. 

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Lightroom Presets

I have created my very own library of preset packs to help you build a beautiful and consistent brand. If you would like to try before you buy, feel free to send me 6-9 images to make sure the preset will suit your brand style. 

Lightroom mobile is completely free and is available on both android and Apple phones or if you have an Adobe Lightroom subscription you can install on your desktop. 

SHOP PRESETS
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