Too many businesses have fallen into the trap of settling for uninspired, cookie-cutter imagery. They forget that “business” doesn’t mean “boring.”
That’s why we’ve created a photography experience that puts your brand in the spotlight. From creative editorial and commercial photography, to standout event coverage, our team is dedicated to helping your brand project a professional image you can be proud of – with a touch of creative flaire.
Flaire is a creative studio dedicated to celebrating brands and helping them shine.
Quality product photography is essential for online sellers. And we don’t just mean the standard “white background” shots. Creative lifestyle imagery of your products in use inspire audience purchasing decisions and promote consumer loyalty.
Building a strong brand goes a long way towards establishing trust, authenticity, and connection. In our branding shoots, we prioritize getting to know your brand - and your audience - in order to produce a high volume of unique, strategic, content. Photo + video packages are available!
If you’ve planned an event that celebrates your brand, it’s essential to get quality imagery to show your customers and clients just what you’re up to. These images can also be used to promote all future events you want to hold.
Nothing is more versatile than a good headshot. From speaking engagements, to corporate portal and social media profile pictures, your headshot will often make your first impression for you. We also offer bundled pricing options for full staff sessions.
Videography is an endlessly dynamic medium and one of the best ways to tell your brand story. Our videography services are designed to suit a variety of platforms and showcase all your brand has to offer.
Testimonials
“We recently had the pleasure of working with Abigail from Flaire Studio for a shoot featuring our hot sauce products, and we couldn't be happier with the results! She did an incredible job capturing the essence of our sauces, showcasing their vibrant colors and textures perfectly. Abigail has a keen eye for detail and a talent for bringing out the best in every shot. The final images exceeded our expectations and truly brought our products to life. We highly recommend Abigail and Flaire Studio for any photography needs – professional, creative, and a joy to work with!”
– Drea's Kickin Kitchen
“We had Abigail as a photographer for a 3-day summit in DC with members from across the country. Abigail was friendly, took great photos, and above all very well prepared and professional. Would definitely recommend Flaire Studio and hope to work with them again!”
– UNA USA
“Abigail was an absolute pleasure to work with. I booked her for a branding photoshoot as an up and coming author. Her professionalism and commitment throughout the whole process was admirable and just what was needed for the project. I highly recommend her services!”
– Alexia W.
"Abigail made me feel so confident during our photoshoot; I would highly recommend her to anyone whether you are or are not comfortable in front of the camera! She will make you feel beautiful! I had such a specific vision for the shoot, and I was worried it was a little too ambitious to recreate, and Abby NAILED EXACTLY what I was going for! She is so incredibly talented!"
– Caroline E., Realtor
“Abigail was very professional and worked with my hectic schedule. She was very communicative and had great creativity throughout the entire process. I wanted to work with her to take headshots based on the quality branding photos I had seen of hers. During the shoot Abigail was very creative, bringing a researched approach to blocking, posing, and using the environment. She kept suggesting more and more photo situations which I never would have thought of, and took great care in getting a variety of shots. She did a great job in finding the pictures which represent the best you!”
– Ravi S.
“What an incredible branding photo experience! From the beginning of our interactions, Abby was thoughtful about asking me questions about my brand that got me thinking about what was missing in my visual brand presence, and making sure we prioritized filling those gaps during our photo session. The brand questionnaire, consult call, and pre-shoot resources Abby shared were SO helpful to me in preparing to make the most of my shoot!”
– Kate P., Casi Cielo Cookies
As easy as...
Every shoot is unique, but a majority of commercial photography sessions can be broken down into three steps:
The Inquiry
The Inquiry
You’ve done your research and know we’re a good match. To get the process started, submit an inquiry and we’ll contact you to learn more about your photography needs.
The Deep-Dive
Deep-Dive
From a questionnaire, to a strategy call, we’ll spend the weeks leading up to the shoot getting to know you and your brand better. That way we can tailor the shoot to your values, goals, and audience.
The Shoot
Shoot Day
Whether it’s an in-person shoot, or a virtual product session, we’ll collaborate to make sure you end up with photos you’re proud to display on your website, social media, print ads, and more.
What started as a small venture is growing. Formerly Abigail Lague Photography, Flaire is a collective of creative experts ready to put your brand in the spotlight.
We are storytellers, brand enthusiasts, and lovers of all things unique. Your brand isn't like any other, so why settle for unoriginality? Your visual identity should be a true reflection of your business and its values. We can help with that.
When it comes to photographing your holiday content, you can never start too early! We’ve been working with Dare Gift Boxes all year to ensure a consistent brand image and quality photos, and their holiday shoot actually took place in July! This gives the phrase “Christmas in July” new meaning, right?
This year, we focused not only on photographing their holiday gift boxes, but on miscellaneous holiday content to bring some joy to their printed catalog!
It might feel easier to ignore topical content and proceed as normal, but speaking to your audience about their current concerns pays off in dividends.
The holiday season is one of the most important times of the year for businesses, both large and small. As consumers become more excited for the festive season, they’re also looking for ways to bring the magic of the holidays into their homes, businesses, and lives. This makes commercial holiday photography a critical tool in how brands connect with their audience, create memorable experiences, and drive sales.
Why Commercial Holiday Photography Matters
Holiday photography is about more than just capturing festive moments—it’s a key marketing tool that helps brands connect with their audience emotionally and visually. Here’s why commercial holiday photography is so valuable:
1. Evokes Emotion and Builds Connection
The holidays are a time of emotion—family gatherings, cozy moments by the fire, and the joy of giving. Commercial holiday photography taps into these emotions, allowing brands to create content that resonates deeply with their audience. Consumers are more likely to connect with a brand that speaks to their holiday experiences and values.
Holiday photos that evoke feelings of warmth, joy, and nostalgia can strengthen the emotional bond between a brand and its customers. Whether it’s the glow of twinkling lights, the excitement of unwrapping presents, or the comfort of a holiday meal, great commercial photography can transport the viewer into a world that mirrors their own holiday experiences.
2. Enhances Brand Identity
For businesses, holiday photography helps reinforce their brand identity while still embracing the festive spirit. Whether you’re a luxury brand or a family-friendly business, the way you present your products during the holidays says a lot about your company’s values and tone. Commercial holiday photos give you the opportunity to showcase your products in a holiday context that aligns with your brand’s style.
A clothing brand might feature models wearing stylish winter coats in a snowy, upscale setting, while a toy company may capture children excitedly opening gifts in a cozy living room. Both types of imagery help create a specific emotional connection with the audience while reinforcing each brand’s identity and appeal.
3. Drives Sales and Promotions
During the holiday season, consumers are actively shopping for gifts, decorations, food, and experiences. Commercial holiday photography plays a major role in catching the consumer’s eye and enticing them to make a purchase. Holiday-themed product images help highlight your seasonal offerings and promotions, making them more attractive to potential buyers.
From social media ads to email campaigns and storefront displays, festive photography brings your products to life and shows them in the context of holiday celebrations. Whether you're running a sale, promoting a limited edition product, or launching a new holiday collection, commercial holiday photography can create a sense of urgency and excitement that drives action.
4. Improves Social Media Engagement
The holiday season is one of the most active times on social media. Consumers are not only looking for gift ideas but also for inspiration on how to celebrate, decorate, and enjoy the season. Commercial holiday photography helps brands capture that attention and drive engagement.
Beautiful, festive photos of your products in a holiday context are highly shareable, and consumers are more likely to engage with brands that create visually appealing, holiday-themed content. Whether through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or TikTok, high-quality holiday imagery increases the likelihood of likes, comments, shares, and ultimately, conversions. Plus, the holidays are a time when consumers are more open to giveaways, promotions, and brand collaborations, so commercial photography can play a big role in running successful social media campaigns.
5. Differentiates Your Brand
The holiday market is highly competitive, with almost every brand offering special deals, seasonal products, and festive promotions. Commercial holiday photography can help you stand out in a crowded space by giving your brand a unique visual identity. High-quality, creative holiday photography that reflects your brand’s values and vision will catch the eye of consumers, even amidst the sea of holiday ads and promotions.
For example, a coffee brand might showcase its products with a cozy, winter-themed photo shoot featuring steaming mugs by a fireplace, while a skincare brand might use serene, spa-like settings with frosted glass bottles and natural decor. The visual storytelling in these images makes the product feel more personal and relevant to the consumer’s holiday experience, setting the brand apart from its competitors.
How Commercial Holiday Photography Reaches Consumers
Now that we understand why commercial holiday photography is important, let’s look at how it reaches and engages consumers across different platforms:
1. Website and E-Commerce Stores
The primary place where commercial holiday photography works its magic is on your website and e-commerce store. During the holiday season, customers want to feel the excitement of the holidays when browsing for gifts or special treats. Well-executed holiday photos on product pages, banners, and landing pages enhance the shopping experience and make it easier for consumers to imagine the product as part of their own holiday celebrations.
For example, a holiday-themed product page for a luxury watch brand might feature close-up shots of the watch on a velvet-lined box, paired with soft, golden lighting and decorative holiday elements like pinecones and gift wrap.
2. Social Media
As mentioned earlier, social media is a powerful way for brands to reach consumers during the holidays. The holiday season encourages users to engage more with festive content, which makes social media platforms ideal for commercial holiday photography. Brands can leverage Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and even TikTok to showcase visually appealing photos that tap into the holiday mood.
Creative, holiday-themed posts—whether through organic content or paid ads—reach a wide audience and encourage consumer interaction. Influencer collaborations, behind-the-scenes holiday photo shoots, and user-generated content (UGC) also amplify the reach of commercial photography during this season.
3. Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing is another channel where commercial holiday photography can drive significant engagement. A well-designed email featuring beautiful holiday imagery will catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to take action. Whether it’s an invitation to a holiday sale, a reminder about free shipping deadlines, or a new holiday collection launch, strong photography can make your email stand out in crowded inboxes.
4. Holiday Ads, Catalogs, and Promotions
Whether you’re running print ads, digital ads, or TV commercials, holiday photography plays a key role in making your ad campaigns successful. A compelling holiday ad with beautiful product photography, festive themes, and an emotional appeal is more likely to resonate with consumers and drive action.
By now, you know that quality product photography is an essential part of any e-commerce venture. I don’t need to make the case for that.
But what you may not know is that not all products can be photographed the same way. With some, all you need is a backdrop and a few strobes. But when it comes to reflective product photography, it’s a whole different ballgame.
This month, we worked with Aperçu Eyewear to revamp their storefront. They had been photographing their luxury sunglasses in-house for a while, and were ready for an upgrade. They also wanted to give themselves more time to do what they do best – sell sunglasses!
The thing about sunglasses is that every single surface is reflective. It was taking Aperçu staff days to photograph each new SKU, and I understood why. In order to photograph these products properly, we built a makeshift lightbox that surrounded the glasses with rounded white panels on all sides. We cut a hole into one of the panels to shoot through, and utilized polarizing filters to minimize reflections further.
Here’s a photo of what the first iteration of the light box looked like! In subsequent shoots, we found better ways to support the panels, but it served its purpose and the photos turned out great. (Please excuse the messy apartment, sometimes I like to take my work home with me!).
Even after this, photoshop was required to add that final polish to the images.
Have a reflective product of your own to contend with? Here’s a quick guide we wrote up to set you up for success!
The Challenges of Reflective Product Photography
Photographing reflective surfaces is notoriously tricky. What may look sleek and glossy in person can become a nightmare when captured in a photo. Here’s why reflective product photography presents such unique challenges:
1. Unwanted Reflections
The most obvious challenge in reflective product photography is dealing with unwanted reflections. Shiny surfaces, like glass, metal, or plastic, can mirror light sources, surrounding objects, or even the photographer’s own gear. These reflections can result in distracting spots or ghostly images that take the focus away from the product itself. For example, photographing a polished smartphone might reflect the light stands, the photographer’s camera, or other equipment, creating a cluttered, unprofessional look.
2. Light Control
Lighting is a crucial element of all photography, but it’s even more important in reflective product photography. Light can bounce off reflective surfaces in multiple directions, often creating harsh glares or highlights that obscure important details. For example, capturing the reflective surface of a car part or a watch face might result in glaring spots where the light is too harsh, making it difficult to see the product clearly. Managing this light is key to ensuring that the product looks sharp without those distracting reflections.
3. Focus and Sharpness Issues
Another issue when photographing reflective products is the challenge of maintaining focus. The highly reflective surfaces can cause the light to bounce in unpredictable ways, which in turn can result in uneven focus across the product. Getting the image sharp and crisp on such surfaces requires precise control over the focus point. This becomes particularly tricky with products that have curves, like glassware or jewelry, where reflections can distort the focus.
4. Color Accuracy
Reflections in the product’s surface can also impact color accuracy in the photo. If the photographer or background elements are reflected in the surface, they can influence the color temperature, making the product appear unnaturally warm or cool. For example, photographing a silver necklace could result in a reflection of the photographer’s dark clothing, which could distort the overall hue. Maintaining true-to-life color in reflective product photography requires extra attention to detail to avoid color shifts.
How to Master Reflective Product Photography: Tips and Techniques
While reflective product photography can be difficult, it’s certainly not impossible. With the right techniques, you can minimize reflections, control light, and capture clear, compelling images of your shiny products. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
1. Use Diffused Lighting
One of the most effective ways to control reflections in reflective product photography is by using diffused lighting. Harsh, direct lighting creates intense reflections and bright spots that can overwhelm the product. By diffusing the light with softboxes, umbrellas, or diffusion panels, you scatter the light more evenly across the surface. This reduces harsh reflections and produces a soft, flattering glow that reveals the product’s details without overexposing them.
Additionally, using multiple light sources at different angles helps eliminate shadows and provides more even lighting. For instance, placing one light above and one below the product at a 45-degree angle can minimize unwanted reflections from certain directions.
2. Control the Background and Environment
A clean, controlled environment is essential in reflective product photography. Reflective products tend to pick up not only the light but also the surrounding objects, which can create unwanted distractions in the reflection. To minimize this, use a neutral-colored background (like white, black, or grey) that contrasts with the product without introducing additional reflections. Avoid clutter or shiny items in the background that could reflect on the product's surface.
You can also use black cards or flags around the product to block or shape light, directing it only to the areas that you want to highlight and eliminating reflections from certain angles.
3. Experiment with Angles
The angle from which you shoot is critical in reflective product photography. Since reflective surfaces can easily mirror the surroundings, adjusting your shooting angle helps avoid picking up distracting reflections. Instead of shooting straight on, experiment with shooting from slightly above, below, or to the side. This allows you to capture the product’s key features while avoiding reflections of studio lights, camera gear, or even yourself.
Sometimes shooting through a piece of clear glass or acrylic at a slight angle can help minimize reflections while still offering a sharp, clear shot of the product. This approach also adds a creative touch to your photographs, which can be especially useful for lifestyle shots or product ads.
4. Utilize Polarizing Filters
A polarizing filter is an excellent tool for reflective product photography. These filters reduce reflections on glossy surfaces, like glass or metal, by blocking certain light waves from entering the lens. By attaching a polarizing filter to your camera, you can significantly reduce glare, allowing you to capture the product more clearly and accurately.
Polarizers also help to saturate colors and improve contrast, which can make the product appear more vibrant and true to life. However, be mindful that polarizing filters can affect the entire image, so it’s essential to test and adjust the filter for the best results.
5. Post-Processing
Even with the best techniques, some reflections might still sneak into your images. Fortunately, post-processing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom can be used to remove minor reflections and adjust color and contrast. Tools such as the healing brush or clone stamp can help erase distractions and perfect the image. You can also use adjustment layers to fine-tune exposure and balance the light in post-production.
In some cases, photographers will take multiple images from slightly different angles to capture different reflections and combine them in editing. This technique, known as focus stacking or image blending, ensures a flawless final shot.
At the end of the day, nothing is better than hiring a professional. But we understand that’s not always in the budget! If you ever have any questions about taking your reflective product photography to the next level, the Flaire Studio team is here to answer your questions.
This month we were so excited to partner with Drea’s Kickin Kitchen to get updated photos of their amazing line of hot sauces. We love food photography because it’s a great chance to get creative with your lighting, celebrate color, and utilize props.
To showcase the fresh ingredients and flavors featured in their hot sauces, we used a variety of colorful produce like onions, bell peppers, habaneros, mangoes, and tomatoes. Each sauce boasted a unique flavor profile, and we sought to celebrate each sauce for its individuality and uniqueness. We also highlighted sauce uses by including props like wings and ribs.
Check out the results!
When it comes to food photography, the are 10 things that make all the difference:
1. Lighting
Lighting is arguably the single most critical aspect of food photography. While there is a lot to be said for natural lighting, a studio setup is ideal. It ensures consistency in the photos – not only for that session, but in all future photoshoots. When you know your lighting setup, you can maintain brand and photographic consistency with every shoot. That’s also why it’s important to find a photographer you know and trust. Building a working relationship with a photographer that knows your brand and how to style your shoots is essential.
2. Composition
Composition in food photography involves arranging elements within the frame to create balance, interest, and harmony. The rule of thirds is commonly applied, where key elements like the main dish or garnishes are placed off-center for a more dynamic composition. This is the difference between a compelling image, and one that feels “not quite right.”
3. Props and Background
Choosing the right props and background significantly impacts the mood and story of your food photography. Select props that complement the dish without overwhelming it—a rustic wooden table, neutral plates, or vintage silverware can add character without distracting from the food itself. Consider textures and colors that contrast or harmonize with the dish to create visual interest.
4. Styling
Food styling involves arranging and presenting food in an appealing way for the camera. Pay attention to details such as garnishes, sauces, and condiments—they should be placed thoughtfully to enhance the dish's appearance. For instance, drizzling hot sauce in a deliberate pattern can add a pop of color and indicate spiciness, enticing viewers to imagine the flavors. If you’re photographing a bottle, pay close attention to fingerprints and highlights.
5. Color and Contrast
Colors play a crucial role in food photography, evoking emotions and appetites. Consider the color wheel when selecting dishes and props—complementary colors (opposite on the wheel) can create a vibrant and harmonious composition, while analogous colors (next to each other) offer a more subtle, cohesive look. Contrast, both in colors and textures, helps the main dish stand out and appear more appetizing.
6. Focus and Depth of Field
Controlling focus and depth of field directs the viewer's attention to specific areas of the photograph. A shallow depth of field can isolate the main dish while blurring the background, adding a sense of depth and emphasizing texture. Experiment with different focal points to highlight details like steam rising from a bowl of hot soup or the texture of a hot sauce bottle.
7. Props Scale and Size
Props can be used to let viewers know about the size of a product. Use props that are appropriately sized—a small plate might make a portion look larger, while an oversized fork can add whimsy or drama. You should ensure that props don't overshadow the food but rather complement its presentation.
8. Textures and Details
Macro photography techniques can highlight intricate details like the grains of sea salt sprinkled on a caramel dessert or the glossiness of hot sauce on a crispy taco shell. Close-up shots invite viewers to imagine the taste and feel of the food.
9. Storytelling
Food photography tells a story – whether it's the preparation process, cultural significance, or the enjoyment of a meal. Consider the narrative behind the dish and convey it through composition, props, and styling. Incorporating elements like hands reaching for a slice of pizza or steam rising from a bowl of ramen can add authenticity and engage viewers on a deeper level.
10. Editing and Post-Processing
Post-processing enhances the final look of your food photography. Adjusting white balance, exposure, and contrast can refine colors and tones to match your vision, and showcase the brand.
Last month we were so excited for our owner and founder, Abigail Lague, to be featured in an article for Canvas Rebel! The article explored the reality of starting a business, and what it's like to work as a full-time photographer.
Check out a short snippet below:
"Hi Abigail, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?"
You don’t become a photographer because you want easy money. You do it because it’s your passion, and you can’t imagine doing anything else.
I spent my second year as a full-time business owner with renewed determination, and focused on really putting my business out there. That meant attending as many networking events as possible, fostering strong client relationships, and looking for more new ways to market myself.
I also took a long hard look at my business. Did my messaging resonate with larger brands? Did it look professional? In short, it did not.
That year, I was able to double my revenue. I also spent half the year working with a marketing agency to build a new brand, and a new website.
After months of hard work, I launched Flaire.
By moving away from a personal brand, I separated myself from the many wedding photographers in the area. I also wanted to demonstrate to corporate and commercial clients that this wasn’t just a solo operation anymore. I had a team of photographers I trusted to assist and lead their own shoots.
I started taking myself, and my brand, more seriously. And it paid off.
Within the first three months, we worked with two senators and a governor. We’ve also started regularly booking branding and event shoots with companies bringing in over $20M yearly.
There is still work to do (and an actual brick-and-mortar studio on my wish list), but the business has blossomed. We are on track to double revenue for the third year in a row, and I couldn’t be happier.
It was a long and hard journey, but it was worth it.
Despite what you might be expecting, we’re not here to tell you that “all the time” is a great time for new brand photography. In fact, there are many instances where we’d caution against it.
Brand photography is a worthwhile investment that can improve your brand awareness, engagement, and reputation by leaps and bounds. But, if you don’t know how to plan a shoot with strategy in mind, then it may just leave people confused.
We’re not in the business of leaving our clients pretty, but functionally useless, photos.
Whether you are a small business with limited resources, or a large company with a dedicated marketing team – a brand photoshoot should be approached with clear goals in mind.
That means understanding your audience, your messaging, and your story.
So, when would we recommend you update your brand photography?
Signs it’s time for new brand photography:
1. To accompany a rebrand.
When your business undergoes a rebrand, it's like a fresh canvas. Brand photography plays a crucial role in conveying the new brand identity, values, and messaging. Whether it's updating your logo, changing your color palette, or refining your brand voice, fresh imagery that aligns with these changes helps solidify your rebranding efforts.
2. To support a promotion or campaign
Promotions and campaigns are key moments for businesses to capture attention and drive conversions. High-quality brand photography that resonates with your promotional message can significantly enhance the impact of your marketing efforts. Whether it's a seasonal sale, a special event, or a limited-time offer, tailored visuals can elevate your promotional strategy and attract your target audience.
3. When launching a new website
Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers. Investing in professional brand photography during a website launch ensures that your online presence reflects the quality and professionalism of your brand. From homepage banners to product/service pages, compelling visuals can enhance user experience, increase engagement, and build trust with visitors.
4. To advertise a new product or service offering
Introducing a new product or service is an exciting opportunity to showcase its features, benefits, and unique selling points. Brand photography allows you to create captivating imagery that highlights what sets your offering apart from the competition. Whether it's through product shots, lifestyle images, or visual storytelling, effective photography can drive interest and encourage conversions.
5. If your target audience has changed
Businesses evolve, and so do their target audiences. When your target demographic shifts or expands, it's essential to reassess your brand imagery to ensure it resonates with the new audience. Fresh brand photography that reflects the preferences, values, and aspirations of your target audience can strengthen your connection with them and drive brand loyalty.
6. If you’ve added new team members
Team dynamics play a significant role in shaping a brand's identity. When new team members join or roles change within your organization, updating your brand photography and headshots to include the latest team compositions fosters transparency and authenticity. It also showcases the people behind your brand, humanizing your business and building rapport with customers.
7. To get seasonal content
Seasonal campaigns and content are opportunities to stay relevant and engage with your audience in a timely manner. Whether it's holiday-themed promotions, seasonal collections, or seasonal events, incorporating seasonal elements into your brand photography adds a fresh and relatable touch. It shows that your brand is current, attentive to trends, and actively engaging with customers throughout the year.
8. Your business is growing and Iphone or stock images just doesn’t cut it
As your business expands and evolves, generic or amateurish visuals no longer reflect the professionalism and quality of your brand. Investing in professional brand photography ensures that your visual content maintains a high standard, aligns with your brand aesthetics, and reinforces your brand's credibility and expertise.
9. Your old photos are overused and it’s time for something new
Just as outdated content can be a turn-off for customers, overused brand photography can lead to visual fatigue and reduced impact. Refreshing your imagery periodically keeps your brand image dynamic, prevents stagnation, and maintains audience interest. It's an opportunity to showcase new products, services, team members, or brand initiatives.
Brand photography is not just about capturing visually appealing images; it's about strategically leveraging visuals to convey your brand's identity, values, and offerings. By investing in brand photography at the right moments, you can strengthen brand awareness, engagement, and reputation, driving meaningful connections with your target audience. At Flaire, we specialize in crafting compelling brand stories through imagery that resonates and inspires action.
Are you ready for compelling imagery that converts? Check out our services below!
I think my fellow business owners know what I mean when I say that every once in a while, a job comes around that reminds you why you started your business in the first place.
For me, one of those moments came when we received an event photography inquiry for a “high level order” ceremony taking place on January 16.
The ceremony was for the Order of the Dannebrog, a Danish order of chivalry first instituted in 1671. The ceremony was to be held in honor of Congressman Hoyer of Maryland at the Danish Embassy..
Before her abdication, Her Majesty the Queen, Margrethe the Second decided to bestow the Knight’s Cross of the First Order of Dannebrog upon Congressman Hoyer for his contributions to the warm friendship between Denmark and the United State. Presided over by the Danish Ambassador, Jesper Møller Sørensen, the ceremony was attended by many of Hoyer’s associates and coworkers.
Needless to say, it was an absolute honor to capture this event!
The Danish Ambassador presenting Congressman Hoyer with Knight’s Cross of the First Order of Dannebrog.
For me, event photography is about more than documentation. It’s about preservation.
When I book an event, I endeavor to know everything about it. Who’s going? What’s the occasion? How does it all connect? That’s how you capture the essence of an event and ensure that all imagery is packed with meaning.
If someone is accepting an award, make sure to get photos of their family members clapping. When two VIPs arrive, document the handshake. Watch the expressions of guests when they speak to each other. Capture the smiles (and for god’s sake, don’t photograph people when they’re eating).
Congressman Hoyer's wife after receiving "thanks" in his acceptance speech.
When I arrived at the embassy, the first question I asked my contact was “Who are the event VIPs?” and “Are there any must-have photos I don’t know about yet?”.
And that’s how I learned that Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland was attending and would be giving a speech in honor of Congressman Hoyer.
Did I mention how excited I was to be attending?
Governor Moore greeting the Danish Ambassador
The Governor of Maryland, the First Lady of Maryland, and Congressman Hoyer
Overall, the event was a success. We able to capture key moments with the VIPs, document all the guests, and provide expedited photo processing for next day delivery (it was LONG night).
When Shiksona Beauty approached me about a creative summer-themed shoot for their new colorful line of lipsticks, I was ecstatic. Beauty photography is one of my passions, and a shoot with Shiksona always ends up on my “OMG I can’t believe I actually did this!” list.
So, how did we bring the summer sun to Shiksona’s lipsticks while utilizing indoor studio lighting?
With some creative studio design!
A seamless blue paper backdrop, some turf grass, and beach balls set the scene, while orange gels covering the flash created a warm sunset-like light. We also made sure to use harsher lighting to create stronger shadows to really mimic that summer sun.
And let’s not forget five amazing models to bring it all to life!
So, what is it about beauty photography that is so exciting for me? It’s deceptively hard.
The pictures are meant to be clean, simple, and eye-catching – but between the studio lighting, wardrobe and makeup changes, working with everyone on set, and complicated post-processing, beauty photography has always been one of the harder types of shoots to knock out of the park.
With all that in mind...
What makes a successful beauty shoot?
1. Mastery of Lighting:
The cornerstone of any remarkable beauty photograph lies in the photographer's mastery of lighting. Whether it's the soft glow of natural light or the controlled precision of studio lighting, understanding how light interacts with the subject's features is crucial. Shadows and highlights play a pivotal role in sculpting the face, emphasizing contours, and creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.
2. Expressions and Emotion:
Beyond perfecting the technical aspects, good beauty photography captures emotion and expression. The photographer should know how to evoke genuine feelings from the subject, resulting in images that transcend the superficial. Whether it's a subtle smile, a confident gaze, or a reflective moment, the ability to convey emotion adds depth and authenticity to beauty portraits.
3. Attention to Detail:
The devil is in the details, and this holds true in beauty photography. From meticulous hair styling and makeup application to the careful selection of accessories, every element contributes to the overall aesthetic. Detail-oriented photographers ensure that every aspect of the image, from the texture of the skin to the sparkle in the eyes, is flawlessly captured.
4. Post-Processing Expertise:
Post-processing is the digital darkroom of beauty photography. Skilled photographers use editing techniques to enhance colors, refine skin tones, and polish the overall aesthetic. However, a delicate balance must be maintained – post-processing should enhance the natural beauty of the subject without veering into artificiality.
As I said, beauty photography is deceptively simple.
As a commercial photographer, I've seen the power of personal branding photography first hand. In today's digital landscape, where first impressions happen in the blink of an eye, personal branding photography has emerged as an indispensable tool for anyone looking to make an impact. It's about telling your story, creating connections, and opening doors you never knew existed.
Some of my favorite benefits?
1. Establishing Expertise and Authority
You stumble upon a blog post or social media profile of someone who's got a variety of professional content demonstrating their expertise. Their personal branding photos show them in their element – maybe speaking at a conference, passionately engaging in their craft, or deeply engrossed in solving a problem. Suddenly, you find yourself trusting what they have to say.
"That's the magic of personal branding photography at work. It's like having a visual resume that instantly communicates your skills and know-how."
As a personal branding photographer, my goal is to capture your essence through carefully curated images. When potential clients or partners see you in action, it becomes a powerful way to build trust and credibility, showing them you're not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.
2. Connecting with Your Audience
In a world saturated with information and options, genuine connections matter more than ever. We all want to do business with people we resonate with – individuals we can see ourselves having a coffee or a conversation with. This is where personal branding photography steps in to work its magic.
Imagine scrolling through a website and stumbling upon photos of someone sharing candid moments from their journey. Maybe it's a snapshot of a messy desk amidst creative brainstorming or a candid laugh during a team meeting. These images give you a glimpse of the person behind the brand, breaking down the walls and fostering a real connection. As a personal branding photographer, my aim is to capture these authentic moments that make your audience feel like they're getting to know the real you.
3. Adding a Professional Touch to Your Brand Image
Now, let's talk about the professional makeover your brand deserves. Personal branding photography is like putting on your sharpest outfit before an important meeting – it gives you that extra edge. When your images are high-quality, well-composed, and thoughtfully curated, they radiate professionalism.
Imagine a potential client landing on your website and being greeted by a series of captivating photos that showcase you in various professional scenarios. Whether you're in a boardroom, collaborating with a team, or confidently delivering a presentation, these images instantly communicate that you mean business.
4. Invoking Authenticity
In a world where filters and façades can dominate, authenticity shines like a beacon. People want to connect with real, relatable human beings, not just a glossy image.
"Personal branding photography allows you to showcase the authentic you – the quirks, the imperfections, and the genuine moments that make you, well, you."
Think about the influencer who shares not only picture-perfect moments but also the candid, unfiltered glimpses of their life. It's these vulnerable moments that truly resonate with their audience, forging a bond that goes beyond superficial engagement. As a personal branding photographer, I'm here to capture those unscripted, authentic moments that make your brand uniquely yours.
5. Collaboration Opportunities
Last but not least, let's talk about the doors that personal branding photography can swing wide open. Think of it as your personal invitation to the world of collaboration. When potential partners or collaborators stumble upon your profile and see a collection of images that tell a compelling story, they're more likely to envision the magic that could happen if you joined forces.
Imagine you're an entrepreneur who's passionate about sustainability, and your personal branding photos showcase your involvement in local eco-initiatives and your dedication to making a positive impact. When eco-conscious brands are looking for collaborators, they'll see you as a perfect fit, thanks to the visual story you've woven.
Are you ready to start building your personal brand?
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Headshot Minis MAY 22
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