tips – Northern VA Photographer | Branding & Portrait Art

5 Ways to Refresh Your Brand

5 Ways to Refresh your Brand

YOUR BRAND

It is your voice without saying a word.

It is the perception that others have about your business.

It is your reputation.

There are times in the life of your business when you feel like a rebrand or at least a refresh of your brand is necessary. We should be re-evaluating our brand message at least yearly.

That doesn’t necessarily mean making major changes each year, though. Small tweaks can be all that’s needed to better align with your business’ voice and vision.

Here are 5 ways to bring new life into your brand.

1. Consider using new avenues

There’s a reason you’re wanting to refresh your brand. Are you wanting to reach a new audience, a different sector? You might need to speak to them differently than your original clientele. Do you need to start using more video content? Heaven forbid, but do you need to memorize tiktok dances in order to get in front of your ideal client? Is it time to start using text marketing? Using new avenues to reach your clients is a great way to grow your brand voice and stretch yourself in the process.

2. Update your Website, LinkedIn, social media profiles

I don’t just mean the posts you’re uploading. Each social media platform gives you the ability to build your profile. Perhaps your LinkedIn profile still mention that you’re with a former employer? Does your Instagram bio contain links to your other content? Do Facebook and Google have your most current work hours? Set a tasker at least twice a year to check yourself on all the platforms you’re using. This is an easy brand refres

3. update your Elevator pitch

Always be ready to talk about your business. If you’ve been using the same pitch for months on end, you may come across as stale or stagnant. Having a key phrase you always use, that people automatically know you by is great. But if they can recite your pitch verbatim,it might be time to shake things up a bit.

4.update your visuals

All of these avenues will most likely need to be updated with a refresh — or if you haven’t had them updated in several years. This is where I come in! I can help you update your headshot, branding images, product photos, print and digital media, etc. Set up a consultation with me so we can discuss if new visuals are needed.

5. update your logo, fonts, and colors

This is the biggest and most drastic change. Updating these shouldn’t happen often, otherwise you risk confusing current and potential clients. Tread lightly here. I would recommend talking with a professional like Brand Mirror or C Liston Communications to make sure you’re on the right track with what you’re wanting to change. This tends to lead to more than a brand refresh but a brand rebirth.

March 4, 2024

Pets at Your Branding Session

8 tips for adding your pet to your branding photos

Adding your best friend to your branding images can say so much about your personal story or your business’s. Staci here wanted her dog in a couple of her images because her business is called Black Dog Financial. And these images help tell her brand’s story perfectly.

Here are 8 tips to know before bringing your pet to your session.

1. get permission

We need to have approval from the session location. It’s important that your photographer knows you want to include your pet so we can plan our shot list and so that we can get permission from anyone involved.

2. groom your pet

Make sure your pet is clean and neat. Schedule any grooming a couple days before the session.

3. Consider accessories

Would Fido look cute in a bowtie (see above, YES!)? Is he used to wearing one? Consider accessories your pet is comfortable in. You don’t want the day of your session to be the first time you’re trying out something new for him to wear. If you go with accessories, make sure they’re on brand.

4. Have a handler

Your photographer needs you to be focused on the camera. Your photographer needs to be focused on taking the shots. A handler who knows your pet and help keep him or her comfortable is great to get and keep your pet’s attention and to help keep your pet in line at the location.

5. bring treats

Today’s the day to reward your pet for any and all cooperation!

6. Bring Fido for only part of the session

Your pet doesn’t need to be at your session for the whole time. It can get pretty boring for them, or it could be pretty stressful. Minimizing their time at the session is key to their comfort. We’ll plan out the shot list to know if he should be there at the beginning, in the middle, or near the end. This is also where the handler is so important!

7. Your pet might be freaked out

Your pet probably isn’t used to seeing someone standing in front of them with a big black box (camera) covering up their face, staring at them, talking to their human, lights potentially flashing, etc. This can be stressful and scary to them. Realize that this is most likely the first time you’re asking them to do this. They don’t know what’s going on. Have patience and a soothing voice.

8. Have patience

Again, have patience. If you’ve been to any amusement park with an animal show, you’ve heard the animal handlers say that they don’t force their performers to do anything. They guide the animals and if the animals want to participate that day, then they do. If not, they don’t. If we aren’t able to get the shots you were imagining it’s ok. We can either try again another day or at another location, or you can rethink having your pet be a part of your brand imaging. Most likely we’ll get the perfect image!

March 9, 2022

Headshots Indoor Or Outdoor

Indoors or Outdoors for headshots?

Is it time to update your headshots? If you choose a photographer like me to do a custom session that will cater to your brand, your needs, and your vision you’ll have the option of photographing indoors or out. Which should you choose? (Or can you choose both?)

OUTSIDE

PROS:

~ Utilizing nature or urban landscaping to shape your story.

~ Stand out from the crowd by having headshots that are different.

CONS:

~ The weather dictates when you can shoot outside.

~ The sun can be a friend or foe.

INSIDE

PROS:

~ Complete control of surroundings

~ No worry about weather.

CONS:

~ You might lose some creative feel (but not likely, see below)

The great news is that you can choose both! If your branding allows for a little more of a relaxed feel then consider adding a bit of time outdoors.

Once you decide you’d like some images taken outside, you now need to think about what type of background would be appropriate or desirable. Country or city? Park-like or urban? You most likely live in an area that could give you both.

These images were taken at the same session in Downtown Dayton. My client brought tops and jackets to switch out.

It’s really up to you where you end up having your images taken. That will be something you discuss with your photographer when they have a planning session with you. Click below if you want to have a planning session with me!

March 9, 2022

Different Headshot styles

Different Headshot Styles

Having a current headshot is vital to maintaining your image and your brand. You need to look like you to increase your know, like, and trust factor.

That means several different things when it comes to headshots:

1 – You want to have a current image of yourself. I think we all prefer how we looked when we were younger, slimmer, not as grey, etc. But your clients are doing business with CURRENT YOU. Not the you of yester-year.

2 – The style of your headshot also makes a difference. Look at the three images above. The image on the left is a more traditional headshot. It’s great for executives in corporate positions or for people in more traditional or conservative industries (banking, law, etc).

The image in the middle is a little more relaxed but still presents a more tailored impression. She could be in a career any number of businesses.

The image on the right is every bit as professional but has a casual vibe. This style of headshot is great for those in more artistic fields or where you are encouraged to allow your personality to be part of your business or brand.

When it’s time to update your headshot, take a minute to consider your profession, your brand voice, and your personality. I can help you pinpoint exactly the style you’ll need to put your best face forward.

March 2, 2022

Tag: tips