Here is a big statistic, over 80% of people research a company on line - including visiting a website before making a commitment. Capturing and creating real-life connections by showing your products and services in action keeps your story moving and brings your brand’s narrative to life. Often I will suggest to incorporate actual staff or customers because they know the products best and can really contribute to the stories being told. It is vital to keep your visual imagery up to date and used across all your media platforms.
Why Authentic Headshots Matter
In a world full of AI images, a real headshot stands out. It captures your true personality, energy, and presence- something AI can’t fake. Clients and employers want to connect with YOU, not a digital made up version. A genuine professionally done photo builds trust and shows you're the real deal. Show your fabulous self when walking into a room not a strange doll with unnatural looks.
Example of a real vs AI enhanced headshot I took of my client
How Visual Stories Help Drive Brand Results
If I can give one piece of advice, do not neglect your brand storytelling. Professional & authentic images matter greatly in media use. It resonates a closer connection to your audience. The image I am showing here is an example of the healthcare clinic’s dentist and my intentional use to incorporate the clinic name and branding to be shown.
Dentist and Patient in Exam Room at a Healthcare Clinic
Lowe's Making a Difference
I was contacted by Lowe’s stores to capture a horse feed and bucket brigade giveaway they were having in our LA community during our wildfires. This was a genuine donation of thousands of pounds of horse feed and products. My goals were emotion and branding. The staff and horses made for great content.
Lowe’s Home Improvement Corporation Helping Victims of the LA Wildfires
Behind the Scenes
I love behind the scenes pictures. I recently was on a photo walk during the king tide in Santa Monica. It occurs twice a year where amazing reflections from lights cast down on the wet sand and the water below.
While I did capture quite a bit of the ferris wheel and deep orange glowy sunset. I wanted something different. I captured the photographers standing in line and one accidentally by himself. Technically these are not great but I had fun exploring new techniques.
Keeping it Fun on a Shoot
Will my client be using this image; not a chance! This is me having fun on a shoot. As a photographer on any set it is important to keep it light for those in the shot. It helps with energy, good vibes and especially matters in capturing the authentic looks I am aiming for.
Minimal Punch of Street Chic
When I am asked what I love to photograph; I typically can’t answer. It's probably wildlife but I don’t capture that for a living. I began as a Street Photographer and to this day I love it when my clients need street chic shoots.
I feel I am in my element and I also love the post-edit process. For this image, I felt it needed something so I added a palm tree in the left corner behind the building! Paul Smith is an iconic store in the Melrose District in LA and I love the minimalistic vibe of the building.
Love it when Collaborator's are on Set
I absolutely believe in team! My eye is strong but I don’t have 8 of them. I love the big girl jobs when the entire team from the Company is on the shoot and present being involved. I love the energy, insight and team work. The most important thing is making the team go home as heroes! In the end I am fortunate they booked with me and care to deliver epic results.
Brand Photography Showcasing a Medical Provider using a Medical Device
Street Style Background Pops
I was super stoked for this recent shoot. We decided on a vibrant and colorful area in the Arts District in DTLA. The Handbag Designer and I scoped out the locations to tie in awesome building backgrounds so the bags would play nicely and pop against them. We had a ton of amazing walls and art murals to work with. It’s so important to merchandise and style your shoot layouts in the areas you want to photograph in and have fun with it!
No Sunlight- No Problem
Recently I had a complex business shoot that was broken out in two days. There was a ton of concern with the marketing team that we would be facing no sunlight and also a major storm that was expected to blow through. I did have to make a call to shift day 2 outdoor shoot to the day before because of the storm but ensured the team that shooting in outdoor natural light ( no sun ) is actually a good thing too.
For this particular project it was actually a benefit not dealing with the sun. At times especially in So Cal our sun is bright and can be harsh. We had success everywhere on the grounds not having to worry about shadows or harsh lines. So no sunlight, no problem!
Corporate Team Members Walking on Company Grounds
Angles x Backgrounds
3 most important things to me when in a shoot: Light, Background and my Subject. Fair to add a 4th which is my angle or perspective. In fact for headshots the lower you go all the better. Especially company shots. If you are standing up while the subject is sitting down the result can be too much over towering them. Being eye level or even lower results in a stronger and more real connection the viewer see’s in the person. Additionally, it helps with better composition so that the background isn’t drowning out the person.
The background is always as important. In this case the Company manufactures textiles and sells fabrics. I felt it was a good idea to utilize their fabric swatches in their conference room which nicely ties into who they are what they do.
The goal in these types of shots is to have the viewer feel they want to know that person, trust that person and ultimately want to do business with them.
The Little Extras
I was asked to photograph the corporate team at the end of our shoot. Since their new building is still under a remodel I offered to place their company logo onto the wall behind the glass in post. They were so excited since their temporary space did not have any signage or branding anywhere. Sometimes it’s the little extra things I can do for a client which helps them and makes that lasting impression.
The Great Rebranding
I’ve seen a ton of changes in the business photography world over the years but none have been more relevant and most important than now. The pandemic brought on a lot of stuff for folks and the requests I am getting for headshot updates and commercial lifestyle branding updates has been at an all time high.
The digital landscapes are always changing and it’s been out with the old and in with the new in so many ways. I believe the clients I work with have a sixth sense and want to up their image game and need the best representation of themselves or their product and service they sell. Showcasing that story is more important than ever and I am loving capturing this new found spirit and positive change!
Bucket List of a Job
I was happily blown away when I was asked to photograph a few Olympic athletes for the company who is the ball, cap, and suit sponsor. I have always dreamed of capturing Olympic athletes. I got the call and ran with my camera. Ya just never know what’s around that corner. Just say yes.
In-Between Takes
We were not quite ready to roll during this set as the product to be featured wasn’t arranged yet. I overheard the Director of Photography tell the actors to “chill for a minute”. To my surprise Francisco takes a cannonball leap into the pool It was a super hot day and I was lucky to capture the moment. It’s those in-between moments that end up being my personal favorite surprises.
Medical Miracle Workers
I feel super honored to have had the opportunity to photograph the vaccination sites at BACH in Northern California recently. I was beyond impressed to witness the hard working medical staff conduct these vaccinations. I was also blown away at the amount of logistics that go into this process for us! Tirelessly working around the clock with precision and care. Truly heroes among us.
Creators in a Pandemic
It always amazes me to see shining stars rise to the occasion in a global crisis. I have seen astonishing risk-taking photography, masks being produced at lightning speed and a designer I know who came up with a necessity. A simple necklace holder for our masks so we don't lose them while being in style. Simple and effective. I was honored to photograph her product. Stay creative friends.
Living a Green Life
I love & admire companies, like EarthyPup, who believe in pets living a green lifestyle. This marketing event I shot epitomizes that concept. Eco-friendly living for all!
Collaborating with Commercial Clients
Collaborating with extraordinary creative minds at the table can really add just the right ingredients to enhance the projects flavorful purpose and messaging.
Epic Athletes
I won’t ever miss the chance to see the pro surfers, skaters and bmxers at the Vans US Open in Huntington Beach, CA. I am in awe over their athletic gifts and it reminds me how amazing the human body is and what it is capable of. The best part for me is always no matter what capturing their outrageous maneuvers and when I do I am one lucky gal to be there when it happens.