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.

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.

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.

Showcase Your Business in Action

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.

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.