The Best Photo from That Gala Wasn't the One With the Mayor

I photographed a gala for a client last week. The mayor spoke. The program ran on clock, and everyone knew exactly where the “real” photo op was supposed to happen- podium, mic, handshakes done.

I actually love photographing the people with our mayor but that wasn’t my favorite shot from the night.

My favorite shot is a group of women mid-laugh at a table of 8. Catching a funny moment from the speaker. Nobody posed for it. And it’s doing more work than the podium shot ever will.

Here’s the thing about galas. Everyone hires a photographer to document the event. What they really need is proof the people showed up, connected and had a reason to come back next year. That proof doesn’t live in a speech it lives in the room.

A candid slightly messy real laugh tells people “this event was worth being at.” And that matters more than it used to. Step and repeat photography, everyone facing the camera, sure, that used to be the standard. Now, documentary style event coverage- the stuff that looks like it wasn’t supposed to be a photo is actually what stops the scroll. Seeing and capturing those moments are the one’s I’m always on the hunt for.

The Table Nobody Told You to Notice

Here’s a scene: a boat cutting through the harbor, the Queen Mary sitting in the background like she owns the place, an American flag snapping in the wind. Nice photo, right?

Now look again. A canvas tote with a logo on it. A hat sitting next to it like it was placed there on purpose (it was). A half-full champagne glass. That’s not decoration — that’s a sponsor’s whole reason for writing a check, sitting quietly in frame.

This is the part of my job nobody puts in the brief. Clients hire me to cover “the event.” What they actually need is proof their sponsorship worked. Those are two different assignments wearing the same outfit.

So while everyone else on a boat like this is watching the sailing races, I’m watching the table. Is the logo readable? Is it lit? Is it sitting in a moment that feels lived-in instead of staged, so it reads as real life and not a product shot with a lanyard on it? A tote bag tossed on a table next to a hat and a drink tells a better story than any posed “check presentation” photo ever will because it looks like something a person actually did, not something a photographer arranged.

That’s the eye you’re paying for. Not just “did we get good pictures of the day,” but “did we get the shot that makes the sponsor’s marketing team text their boss.” Branding at events isn’t just the banner behind the podium. It’s the stuff sitting on the table when nobody’s performing for the camera — and catching that takes someone who’s spent years thinking about what a brand actually needs to see itself doing, not just what it looks like.

That’s the whole job, really. A photographer’s eye, sure. But also a brain that’s still counting logos in the background even when it’s technically on a boat.

The Queen Mary Trick

Here’s a shot from a US Sailing race: a windfoiler mid-turn, with the Queen Mary sitting quietly in the Long Beach harbor background.

Crop the photo to the Windfoiler and it’s a decent shot. Keep the Queen Mary in, and it’s not just someone windsurfing anymore. It’s the city with a hundred years of history parked right behind the action. It also happens to showcase the very city hosting many water sport venues for the LA28 Olympics. That is the job in one frame: the background telling half the story without saying a word.

I was in awe of the US Sailing team’s photographer out in the water getting some of the coolest up-close shots I’ve ever seen. But my job was event story for US Sailing and their corporate sponsor shooting from a yacht. Good background doesn't just show what happened. It shows where- and makes you wish you’d been there. That’s the part I care about: the experience, the branding, the full story. I also got to stay nice and dry in the process.

The Photos You Don't Know You Need... Until You Need Them

It happens all the time. Everything is moving along just fine until someone asks, “Do we have a photo for that?” Sometimes the answer is yes. More often, it’s a scramble through old folders or images that no longer reflect who your organization is today.

The truth is, many of the most valuable photos aren’t planned months in advance. They’re the everyday moments that become important later. Marketing needs photo for tomorrow’s newsletter. Your website is getting a refresh. HR is recruiting new employees. Development is launching a new donor campaign, A leader is being recognized with an award.

Suddenly everyone is asking the same question. “Do we have a photo for that?” The strongest photo libraries aren’t built during a last minute rush. They grow overtime. That’s why I encourage organizations to think beyond a single event or one annual headshot session. Every community event, employee milestone, leadership meeting or behind the scenes moments in the office adds another chapter to your visual story.

Over time, those moments become one your most valuable marketing assets because they’re ready when you need them. When the next request comes in, you won’t be searching through old folders hoping something might work. You’ll already have the story waiting.

The Longer You Work With Someone, The Better You See Them

One of the most rewarding parts of my job isn’t just making photographs. It’s building relationships.

When you work with people over time, an unspoken trust develops. You learn their habits, expressions, and how they move through a room. They become comfortable with you, and you learn to anticipate moments before they happen.

At a recent City event, I positioned myself on one side of the podium because I wanted a very specific background that helped tell the story of the event. From that angle, however, the speaker’s hair was falling across part of her face. Not ideal when you are photographing a leader addressing a crowd, especially with media surrounding the stage. In that moment, I had to make a decision. The background helped provide context, but it wouldn’t matter if the photograph didn't clearly show the person of the story.

I trusted my instincts and hustled to the opposite side. Within moments, she naturally moved her hair back, opening her face to the audience. Suddenly everything came together. The expression, the flags, the composition and moment.

I could have stayed put and accepted the angle. Instead, experience told me to trust my instincts.

This was preparation, familiarity, and being ready to pivot when the opportunity appeared.

Getting a good and useable shot isn’t just about what is happening now. It’s about anticipating what’s about to happen, knowing your subject, and being in the right place at the right time.

What Thirty Years in Fashion Taught Me About a Great Photo

I spent three decades in the clothing industry knowing, within seconds, if something would sell. Not guessing. Knowing.

I learned by watching. Retailers, buyers, what moved off the floor and what didn’t. What sell-throughs were telling us. What mixed well together on a rack, a lookbook, in a line. Buyers talked and I listened. Then I’d go back to work with design and production. Edit. Add. Pull.

Turns out that’s exactly what makes a great brand photo. Nothing changed when I picked up a camera. I’m still looking for the same thing. Does this feel real? Does it sell without trying too hard? Is there something here that will connect to the audience?

The clothing industry is brutal and fast and deeply visual. So is brand photography. I just swapped the garment rack for the lens.

My clients don’t always know why their visuals aren’t working. I usually do, in about thirty seconds. That’s not a camera skill. That’s thirty plus years of knowing what sells.

I Hate Having My Picture Taken. Me Too.

Yes. You read that right. I’m a brand photographer. I’ve shot a gazillion people. I know every trick, every angle, every good pose and the moment someone points a camera at me - I forget all of it instantly.

I bring my neck forward like a turtle to reduce my double chin- a trick I know works then immediately panic I’ll forget to do it when it counts. So I overthink everything I know. Which is somehow worse than knowing nothing.

I tell you this because I want you to know I completely get it. You’re not alone.

So here’s what actually happens when you walk in. I see something real to compliment. Not fake but something I genuinely notice. “I love that jacket” “Your eyes are incredible, I can’t wait to capture those” Then I say I’m going to do a few test shots to check my light. Reader- they are not test shots. :)

You’re already being photographed. Already relaxed because nobody performs for a test. That’s exactly the version of you I want. By the time you realize what happened we already got the shot. You don’t need to be photogenic or love cameras. Just show up and I will handle the rest.

Two Sets of Eyes Beat One, Every Time

Here’s something I don’t think photographers talk about enough - your input during a shoot actually makes my job better.

I know what you’re thinking. You are the photographer. Isn’t it your job?

Yes. And also you know your brand better than anyone on the planet. You know what might feel off. You know what represents you and what doesn’t. As an example as it relates to the picture I am showing here, you may notice a specific light on the device isn’t on. That instinct is valuable and I genuinely want it in the room.

When a client steps in, speaks up, points something out and says “can we also try it this way?”- magic happens. Some of the best images have come from these moments. This isn’t just photography. It’s collaboration. Your voice and vision, my eye and my light. Together makes a powerful combo.

Your Brand Deserves More Than a Prompt

There’s a shortcut making the rounds. Type a few words, hit generate and boom, a photo of a smiling professional in a bright office looking very successful appears. Except it’s not you. And the coffee cup has six fingers wrapped around it and the hair is super unnatural.

AI images are everywhere now and they are starting to look exactly like what they are… a generic, something is off here in a weird way kind of picture. Your audience feels it when they can’t name it.

Your brand actually exists somewhere Real people. Real spaces. Real work being done. A culture no text prompt can capture. That’s precisely what brand photography does. It doesn’t simulate your business. It documents your real one.

Authenticity is a competitive edge right now. Real images build real trust. People buy from people they know. Does this actually look like us? If the answer is no- it’s time to show up for real.

Context Is the New Backdrop

Headshots are loosening up. The clean studio seamless backdrops still works for consistency and teams, but what’s trending this year now leans into more portrait than “corporate.” People want to see context. Not just who they are, but where they are and what they do.

Offices, job sites, hallways, clinics and window lit corners with subtle environment in the background brings in a bit more story and also relaxed poses can show a relatable friendly side of you. A dentist in the exam room or a vet in a surgery room. These details communicate personality, credibility and purpose.

Modern headshots is not just about the face. It’s about place, profession, and presence.

Why Wardrobe Colors Matter

Why I am a little picky about wardrobe colors for brand shoots. I’ll admit it. I am a stickler about wardrobe colors for brand shoots, headshots and teams. Not because I want to control someone else’s style, but because I want you to be remembered, not your outfit.

Have you heard of the quote from Coco Chanel about wanting to be remembered not for the dress, but for the woman. Whether she said it word for word or not, this applies and fits perfectly when it comes to photography.

The camera notices colors that love to steal the spotlight. Neon, super bright reds or loud patterns. They can take over and suddenly the photo becomes about the look not the person. When I guide my clients it is not about rules. It’s about results and images that feel timeless and on brand. So yes, I am picky about prints and colors. Because great brand photos should make your audience remember you and not your shirt.

Color Tips: Soft Neutrals, Blue's and Grey’s, Soft Greens and Off White.

Company Spirit is a Brand Asset- Are You Capturing It?

Holiday parties, volunteer days, team awards and acknowledgments, year end gatherings. These moments deserve the spotlight. They are really some of your strongest brand content to showcase across your website and socials.

People see the human side of your business or organization. Company spirit events show real faces, real connections and the culture that makes your business what it is. These photos do more live in a folder. One well documented event can support your brand for months.

Your company spirit is part of your story. If you are bringing your team together, make sure those moments are captured and put to work for your brand.

Real Moments on the Mic

I love capturing corporate events like this- two leaders in action real, unscripted conversation. No staging or big production… just genuine insight being shared.

This frame shows exactly what makes these events special: engagement, connection and ideas moving in real time.

These are the types of images organizations use again and again, because they show leaders in action not just in a posed headshot.

Image stories like this can often get overlooked by companies but they are really important to share on your website and socials. Keep connecting to your audiences in real ways.

The Photos Every Website Homepage Should Have

Your homepage has one job: Make it clear who you are and why someone should trust you-quickly. And that happens through images, not long paragraphs. Here are the four photos every homepage needs to feel current, trustworthy and human.

1. The Hero Image: This is the first thing someone sees. It should instantly communicate what you do and who you do it for. No stock photos, no awkward posing. Just real moments that reflect your brand’s personality,

2. The Action Shot: This shows the experience working with you. Think: A real interaction, hands doing the work, a moment of connection. People want to see what it feels like to be your client or customer.

3. The Faces Behind the Brand: Humans connect with humans- not logos. Show the people who make the work happen, The goal isn’t perfection. It’s confidence, approachability, and presence.

4. The Product or Service in Use: Your offering doesn’t exist- it actually does something. Show interaction. This helps people see the value in an instant and how it can fit into their lives.

Your audience understands you faster- and feels more connected right away. Your brand story is already happening in real life. The right photography just helps your audiences see it.

Everyone Needs a Current Headshot- Yes, Even You

If you work, network or have any kind of public presence (hi, LinkedIn), this one is for you. A current professionally done headshot and portrait isn’t just nice to have. It is your visual handshake. It is the first impression before you even speak. Whether you lead meetings, run your own business, apply for job positions or show up as a speaker, your photo tells the world who’s showing up today- not five years ago.

It matters for trust and connection. Consistency across your platforms. Energy shift, a new strong headshot and portrait captures your current looks, confidence, experience and brand personality. Cell phone selfies do not cut it and devalues your personal brand and self.

Signs it’s time to update: Personal style change, your last photo session before you changed jobs or new business. You have been using that cropped photo from your friends wedding (you know who you are).

Your headshot is about clarity, authenticity and connection. Pro Tip: Add some cool portraits for a subtle mix across media platforms. Sitting at your desk or leaning against a door. This shows more of your personality and work space vibes.

Why Every Brand Needs a Splash Moment

There’s something magnetic about this image- the instant the head toss turns into a wave, frozen in time. It’s playful, bold and impossible to scroll past. And honestly, that is what great brand photography should do.

Most companies know they need a polished headshot and team photo. But what about those splash moments- the shot that wakes people up and reminds them your brand has personality, energy and movement.

Here is the truth: Energy translates to credibility. Dynamic visuals suggest growth and adaptability. Unexpected sells. A water flip in Palm Springs might not look “corporate,” but lifestyle imagery like this shows the human side of a business- super vital for connecting to modern audiences. Refreshing doesn’t mean rebranding. You don’t need new colors or logos to stand out. Sometimes, it’s just about swapping out stale photos for something new and that feels alive.

If your marketing feels flat, maybe it’s time for a splash moment.

The Power of Candid Corporate Moments

Headshots are essential- they build polish and credibility. But candid moments take it a step further.

Think genuine office laughs during a meeting, a chat over coffee or a handshake with a client. They aren’t posed, but intentional. They capture culture, environment, energy and connection. It is the human side of your business.

When paired with strong portraits, candid images create a great balance of professional and relatable. Next time planning your brand shoot, don’t just schedule headshots - there is much more happening to showcase the work-life that brings your culture to life.

The 3- Shot Bio Every Team Needs

Stop using a single headshot. I always speak to my clients about going beyond the single headshot for their website. Potential clients or employer’s see more than what is just on your company website. I always recommend 3 types.

1. A Strong Headshot: Professional and polished for LinkedIn and Co. website. Using a clean backdrop.

2. A Friendly Candid Moment: Great for newsletters, socials, about pages.

3. A Work-Life Portrait: So clients or partners can see how you work. Leaning against a wall or sitting at a desk. Always add in some branded props.

It really is a mini brand story showcasing you even if in the same environment it shows different sides of you and looks.

Anchoring Brand Colors in Photography

When people think of brand colors, they picture logos and websites. But using those same colors in your photography can be just as powerful.

It matters because colors trigger recognition. Think Tiffany box blue or Coca- Cola red- you know the brand instantly. By weaving your company brands palette into photos, you are reinforcing our identity without the logo.

How to do it? Incorporating brand colors in the models wardrobe is my big go to. Props like everyday items placed in the scenes on tables or shelving. Post editing with color tweaks.

The impact - photos feel intentional and unified, Your audience instantly links the image back to your brand- on your site, socials and other media. Also in my opinion it ties the scene together and is aesthetically appealing.

Behind the Lens: The Real Story

Perfect brand photos? Sure they do happen. But more often, it is me balancing on an apple box telling the model to get ready here comes the water spray “sweat” bottle. Sometimes the real magic is the laughter and unscripted moments between takes. I feel that’s when everyone is most relaxed and light on their feet and just having fun.

Behind every polished shot is a perfectly imperfect process… and honestly that’s where the magic and emotion lives.