Journal
The Benefits of original Stock photography
The benefits of original stock photography are important because they elevate your marketing materials, strategy, and socials. Stock photography is a collection of images that is usually neutral and generalized. We alwasy recommend having professional stock photography that caters to your specific brand and business needs.
Here at TLC, we are super enthusiastic about original imagery and visuals. This is because we know the benefits of original stock photography, and how it elevates all companies’ marketing materials, strategy, and socials. Stock photography is a collection of images that is usually neutral and generalized. Stock images speak to various themes and can be used to connect to your brand story, brand colours, brand aesthetic, and messaging, but they are rarely specific to your company. While stock photos in general, are a quick and budget-friendly option for websites, marketing materials, and socials, they can be repetitive and don’t reflect a company’s uniqueness.
Original stock photography, on the other hand, speaks directly to your brand because these images are bespoke and cater directly to your brand’s aesthetic and messaging. Original stock photography can also directly cater to specific business themes. For example, if your company is planning a new product launch, your original photos can be directly reflective of the kind of products you are launching. There are three main benefits of original stock photography: uniqueness, consistency, and customization.
Uniqueness
As we chatted about above, stock photography is somewhat generic and can be pretty recognizable, especially if the photos come from bigger stock photo websites. Customized photos, on the other hand, will help avoid the potential for recognition because they are specifically created for your brand. Original stock photography really hones in on what makes your brand unique.
There are several different ways that we make stock photos unique to the brands we work with, these include:
Brand Colours: we specifically use objects and environments that cater to your specific brand colours.
Brand Messaging: the photos always convey your unique brand messaging (no random stuff in these photos!).
Brand Imagery: we work as a team to make sure that the visuals in your photos is always reflective of your brand.
Brand Products/Services: Everything in your brand photos is reflective of your products and/or services (once again, no random stuff ever!).
Consistency
Every business evolves and grows in its own ways, including through consistency in its brand aesthetics, messaging, and marketing. Using original stock photography allows you to incorporate your company message and values into your imagery and ensures that your brand remains consistent. One of the other benefits of original stock photography is that your unique photos can be incorporated into any materials you distribute, and they will be recognizable as your own. Also, because original stock photos are unique to your company, it is easier for people to make associations between your consistent imagery and your brand.
Customization
Your business is a unicorn among horses! You know that, we know that, so let your images reflect that to the world! Customized original stock photos are amazing for creating a great first impression. This is because when your clients first come across your brand, customized and original photography emphasizes your brand’s originality. Also, customization acts as a key component in creating and cultivating trust between your clients and your brand. When you have customized images, your brand messaging remains consistent and therefore recognizable and trustworthy. It also signals to your existing and potential clients that your brand is important and worthy of beautiful, original, and professional photography.
There you have it–the benefits of original stock photography are immense! (You heard it here first!). Custom professional stock photography has a big impact on your branding, marketing materials, socials and website. It is also an amazing way to ensure consistency in your brand development and evolution and a great way to build trust with your existing and potential clientele. If you want to know more about the benefits of original stock photography, get in touch with us here and let us chat your ears off!
Professional Headshots
The beauty of professional headshots is that you can choose the style that best suits your purpose (i.e., where are you going to use it) and your personality (i.e., what tone you want to convey). At TLC, we work with 3 specific categories of headshots in order to provide the best look for our clients. These are: classic, lifestyle, and outdoor. Read on to find out more about what each of these professional headshots entails.
When you think “headshot”, what do you think of? Something classic like head & shoulders against a neutral background. Or maybe something a little more playful, like you in a beautifully designed space or outside surrounded by nature or the cityscape. Fun fact: there are lots of different kinds of headshots, it all depends on what kind of feel or vibe you want.
The beauty of professional headshots is that you can choose the style that best suits your purpose (i.e., where are you going to use it) and your personality (i.e., what tone you want to convey). At TLC, we work with 3 specific categories of headshots in order to provide the best look for our clients. These are: classic, lifestyle, and outdoor. Read on to find out more about what each of these professional headshots entails.
Three different options for professional headshots - all super fun, timeless, and beautiful.
The Classic
The classic headshot is exactly as it sounds: Classic but also classy (see what we did there?) It’s a timeless and more formal headshot that is great for a corporate environment. We use very simple and neutral backdrops for our classic headshots. They are always captured indoors, where we can control the lighting and environment. For the classic headshot, we typically focus on head and shoulders only, but we always give a few options for your photos, so you can choose what works best for you!
So if you are looking for a re-fresh on your corporate photo and you want something for a more formal corporate environment, go Classic!
“Classic but also classy” - the perfect professional headshot for a corporate or business environment!
The Lifestyle
If you are a freelancer, contractor, entrepreneur, or if you work in a less formal setting than the Lifestyle headshot session could be the perfect choice for you! Some key fun features of the lifestyle session include: the use of an indoor setting as a backdrop. Be creative with your location. If you are a shop owner why not do the session in your space! It’s the perfect way to reflect what you do. The lifestyle session is usually great for capturing more relaxed poses, not just the formal head and shoulders that are usually reserved for corporate photos.
There are so many choices, but in the end if you want something for a more formal corporate environment, go Classic! But if you prefer something a little more playful, consider Lifestyle or Outdoors! (See more on that below).
Something a little more fun and playful - the lifestyle session is perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and contractors!
The Outdoor
Similar to the Lifestyle session, the Outdoor headshot is perfect for freelancers, contractors, and entrepreneurs. It’s fresh and fun, and flexible in terms of location and backdrop. Bonus: outdoor sessions use natural light, which is always flattering! For outdoor sessions, we exclusively use an outdoor setting as a backdrop. We try to make sure the settings are still pretty neutral in order to create the most timeless photos, but it’s always fun to get a little creative!
Outdoor sessions are definitely relaxed, informal, and organic - so if that’s your vibe, this is the session for you!
Natural backdrops and settings are the perfect vibe for fun and causal headshots!
There you have it - our 3 different professional headshot sessions. Regardless of which one speaks to you, we guarantee that each of them will leave you with beautiful, timeless, and professional photos. BONUS: it will also be super fun! For more info, give us a shout and let’s chat more about which session is the right fit for you and your business!
Small Business Support Calls
Calling all small business owners feeling frustrated or drained by your marketing content–this offer is for you! We are offering small business support calls to help with all your digital marketing needs!
Hey there! We have some super exciting news for you all! Remember when we chatted about our core services? We are adding a little something exciting to those existing services. We are now offering small business support calls to all you amazing biz owners who need a little help with your digital marketing. What does that mean, you ask? Our small business support call is a 60 minute informative, supportive, and fun Zoom call with us, where we provide you with personalized marketing ideas and recommendations for your small business brand!
We’ll help you (re)establish your marketing goals, and provide you with suggestions that you can implement right away to refocus your marketing messaging. You’ll come away feeling energized and ready to tackle your marketing content! (Plus they are super fun!)
What’s Included?
We cover multiple aspects of your marketing. You can choose a date & time that suits you. It’s an informative, informal, and fun! Check out some more details:
60 minute Zoom Call
Ideas & Recommendations!
Access to the Call Recording
We also have some fun add-ons that include:
Summary Notes of Call Outlining Recommendations
3 bonus ideas/suggestions!
The add-ons are great if you don’t feel like writing everything down during your call or if you want more ideas on top of what we discuss.
Some Fun options for more support!
In addition to a one-time small business call we are also offering post-call monthly subscription-based offers that help you manage your digital marketing. Check out our lovely flyer below to see more info!
FAQ
What happens in the sessions?
We'll ask you some questions about your business goals, and current marketing challenges. Then we'll provide you with personalized marketing ideas and recommendations to address your needs. It's an informative, informal, and fun session, that will leave you feeling energized to tackle your marketing content with confidence!
Will I be able to choose a date and time for the support calls?
Yes, once you've purchased your session (and your add-on summary notes, if desired), you'll receive a link to an online calendar with open day/time slots. You choose the session that works for you! If you don't see one that works, you will be instructed to email us so that we can find another suitable option.
Will I be provided with notes from the session?
Summary notes of the meeting are available as an add-on feature (+ $45), which you can purchase at check-out with your call. The notes will include a detailed list of the recommendations from the call, as well as some additional ideas just for you!
Will we cover multiple aspects of my marketing?
Yes, the more you tell us about your marketing eco-system, the more we can help! While we specialize in social media marketing, we can also offer advice on email marketing, website/blog SEO optimization, and sales funnels.
Will my session be recorded?
Yes! We'll record your session and provide you with access following the call, so that you can re-visit our discussion as needed.
Will I be able to get post-call support?
Yes, we offer a few different levels of support to help you implement the recommendations from the call: the short option (one-month) or the longer option (ongoing monthly support). Check out more information about these options above!
TLC Core Services
We offer a wide variety TLC core services including, social media marketing strategy and management, photography, e-newsletter management, content creation, brand strategy, and blog writing.
Hello there! Another week and another day closer to the warm summer months. We are obviously not counting down or anything (tee hee!). But with spring in the air, we thought it would be a good time for a refresh and a re-introduction of our TLC core services. One of the amazing things about TLC (and there are many!) is that we love to support all of our clients with a variety of services. This means that instead of looking for a number of different companies to do a number of various things, we can accommodate most of your digital marketing needs under one (very efficient) roof! So whether you are looking for a re-brand, social media marketing strategy, a brand kit, or photos for your beloved biz, we are here to help.
Social Media Strategy & Management
One of our core services, which also happens to be one of our most popular, is social media strategy and management. Strategy usually includes assessing a business’s core content pillars, pin-pointing gaps in content, establishing the core audience, determining the most effective social media platform to use, and creating a content schedule that will get the most engagement. This is a team effort with our clients because we work together to establish goals and then implement the best strategy in order to achieve them. For some clients, the journey ends there and they take all the information we gathered and implement it on their own. For others, we stick around and manage their accounts, create content based on their strategy, and provide monthly analytics reports to make sure that everything is working. Whatever the path, we make sure that all of our clients are set-up for success because one of our favourite things is to watch our clients thrive!
Photography
It’s really hard not to get too excited about this one because Kat has been a professional photographer for over 15 years! Yes, she is that…experienced. With a background in lifestyle and documentary photography, you can be sure that all of your photos will always have a combination of professionalism and whimsy. We offer our clients a myriad of different photography sessions, including; branding, head shots, formal corporate photography, lifestyle photos, and flatlays. We are super passionate about visuals because we know the importance of using original and unique images to elevate your brand. BONUS: Photo sessions with us are always fun!
Brand Strategy
Not to be confused with a social media marketing strategy, which is very specific to your social media platforms, a brand strategy is an overall plan for your unique brand. A brand strategy usually includes a brand story and a brand kit. A brand story is the written roadmap for your brand journey. It includes information such as your ideal client, your brand’s vibe, your brand’s purpose and unique value etc. Your brand kit, on the other hand, is the visual guide to your brand. Both help to ensure your brand’s messaging and aesthetic remain consistent and cohesive.
E-Mail Newsletter
We cannot stress enough the importance of having an e-mail newsletter for your biz! Newsletters are important because they directly connect your brand to your most loyal and interested audience. They are an amazing tool for staying in touch with your clients, notifying your audiences of up-coming events, and of course, they are a great way to drive direct sales. At TLC, we help our clients set-up, create, and manage e-newsletters. We work exclusively with Flodesk for the set-up and creation portion, but can also work with other software programs in the management department. If you want to see some examples of our own newsletter, click here to sign up for your monthly dose of TLC!
Blog Writing
Well this one is kind of meta, seeing as you are reading our blog right at this moment. Needles to say, we don’t only write our own blog, but we also help our clients with blog writing, research, and SEO. We don’t mean to brag, but having an academic background in communications has really helped us flex our research and writing muscles. Also, because we consider ourselves a bit on the nerdy side, we actually love doing research, learning about new topics, and then writing about them in an optimized way! Yes, we are that cool!
There you have it - a little refresh on all of our TLC core services we offer! If you want to know more, or have any questions, we would love to hear from you. Just give us a shout and let’s see what we can do for you and your amazing biz!
celebrating International Women’s Day
We are celebrating international women’s day by supporting women-run businesses and paying homage to inspiring women.
This week, in fact this whole month, we are celebrating international women’s day! As women, we feel that celebrating this day (and month) is an important aspect in recognizing the work, talent, struggles, beauty, and challenges that women (and those who identify as women) have on an international scale. Although international in scale, the origins of Women’s Day were solidified in Europe in the early 1900’s. According to Time Magazine Online, “ in 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin suggested to the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen the creation of an international holiday to honour women. Europeans recognized International Women’s Day in 1911, although the U.S. did not follow suit” until 1978.
International Women’s month was first declared in California in 1978 when, “the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women planned the week and timed it with International Women’s Day”. Since then, countries around the world recognize March as the official month of, and for, women. Funnily enough, it is also our birthday month!
How to Celebrate and Support Women this month
Being both women, and women entrepreneurs, we are very partial to celebrating this month and recognizing our fellow women business owners. There are so many different ways to show support and celebrate the amazing women in your lives! That being said, we compiled a little list below on how you can support some amazing women-run businesses this month. Bonus: most of these suggestions do not require any cash - but if you wanna spend some, we highly encourage you!
How TLC Is Celebrating
This year, aside from doing the things mentioned above, we are also giving mad shout-outs to all the women we love, work with, admire, and are inspired by. For this month’s newsletter we will be featuring some of our favourite women small business owners and talking about what makes them so darn special. So if you haven’t signed up yet, you should - it’s chalk-full of some amazing stuff! We hope you all have an amazing time celebrating International Women’s Day and you help to support all the special women in your life!
5 Social Media marketing tips
Creating a marketing strategy for a business can be overwhelming. Social media marketing, is not so much an option as it is a requisite for creating and sustaining a successful brand. Here are 5 social media marketing tips for building a successful brand strategy.
Today, we are shifting gears from photography and talking about our other love: Social Media Marketing! We have been doing social media management and strategy for a while and have seen the industry shift over time. But luckily, some social media marketing elements remain the same. We collected a lot of tips and tricks over the years and short-listed our wisdom into 5 social media marketing tips that make a great foundation for success.
Creating a marketing strategy for a new (or existing) business can be overwhelming. With so many choices of social media marketing tools and platforms, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Marketing, especially social media marketing, is not so much an option as it is a requisite for creating and sustaining a successful brand. While conventional marketing practices are traditionally expensive and exclusive, the realm of social media has democratized marketing tools and made them accessible for even the smallest businesses. If used to it’s full potential, social media marketing tools are great for growing an online presence, engaging with your brand’s audience, selling your service and/ or product and also creating trust with your existing and potential clientele. However, with the ever-changing algorithm, the raise of influencer culture, and other sudden (sometimes seemingly random) shifts, social media marketing can seem daunting. But never fear because here are 5 social media marketing tips to elevate your brand.
Create a Social Media Marketing Strategy
We talk a lot about social media strategy with our clients (like, a lot A LOT!). This is because success in marketing depends on putting in place a roadmap towards accomplishing your goals. In fact, we wrote a whole blog about setting social media goals - you can read it here! There are several questions to ask yourself in order to develop a cohesive social media strategy. These include:
What platform/s should I be focusing on?
Why am I using this platform as opposed to any other?
Who is my target audience?
What is my brand message?
What content works best on this platform?
How can I make my content unique and engaging?
Asking, and answering these questions, will help guide your social media strategy and keep you focused on your ultimate goal. These questions can also be re-visited when your social media strategy needs a shift. Keep in mind that just like your business, your strategy will evolve and change over time.
Some questions to think about when developing your social media strategy.
Create Engaging, Unique, & Interesting Content
Your brand is awesome! You know that and we know that, but now it’s time to tell everyone else that too! When thinking about content creation, it’s important to first establish your ultimate goal for that content. Setting goals will help guide your content, pick the right tools to optimize your content for your target audience, and to select appropriate engagement strategies. There are several goals to be considered when publishing any kind of brand content. These include:
Goals for Raising Brand Awareness
Goals for Managing Brand Reputation
Goals for Raising Engagement
Goals for Raising Conversions and Sales
Goals for Generating Leads
Each goal will have a specific set of parameters that will guide your content.
Some other important questions to consider when creating interesting and engaging content are:
Is your content is visually appealing; consider using less texts and more images if your brand deals with specifically visual products/ services etc.
Is your content newsworthy or relevant?
Is your content reflective of your brand; pro tip: feature your team, this is a great way to build trust with your audience!
Does your content develop your brand voice; storytelling is a great way to convey your brand messaging without sounding too sales-y.
Is your content trendy (We know we don’t love that word either!); in social media marketing it is very important to stay relevant and on trend!
Above all else, remember to have fun with it - your content should be reflective of your brand’s vibe. So whether that means using trending audio, putting yourself in front of the camera, or creating beautiful visuals, always remember to be true to your brand’s style.
There are so many different ways to create engaging and interesting content - have fun with it!
Be Consistent
Consistency is very important for any business because having consistency builds trust between clientele and also makes your brand more memorable and unique. There are several ways to maintain consistency in your social media marketing. These include:
Brand image; overall perception of your brand.
Brand message; how your brand communicates its unique value proposition and personality through its messaging and visuals.
Posting frequency; how often you post content for your brand.
Aesthetics; colours, fonts, visuals.
Hashtags; according to Linked In, “consistency in using the same hashtags and posting at the same day and time every week can significantly impact your visibility on social media platforms and improve your chances of getting into the algorithm.”
Consistency is key to the success!
engagement
Engagement is defined as any kind of visible interaction with your brand/ business on social media. Examples of engagement include: likes, comments, video & story views, saves, taps & clicks, and shares on your posts. Engaging with your audience is pivotal in building trust, creating community relations, and establishing friendly and approachable vibes. A good rule of thumb is to be consistent in your engagement with your audience, so that your messaging always remains true to your brand.
Engage with your audience but remain true to your brand messaging.
Track Your Analytics
Social media can sometimes feel like a trial and error endeavour - some things work and some things just don’t. But there are tools to help with strategy to guide you in the right direction. In fact, tracking your social media analytics is an important element in building your brand online and establishing what works. Thankfully, most social media platforms already have the tools in place to help track your metrics. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest, provide their users with comprehensive analytics to help you track your success. Alternatively, content calendar apps such as Planosly and Later, also provide analytics and stats as part of their social media marketing packages. By keeping track of your social media data and stats, it’s easy to effectively analyze your strategy and pivot into success!
Get in touch with us for more info about how we can help!
We hope that these 5 social media marketing tips help in you in your social media marketing journey. We know that the ever-changing world of social media can be overwhelming, but hopefully these tips can help you to craft your strategy, connect with your ideal clients, and grow your amazing brand.
If you would like more help with your social media marketing, get in touch with us here - we’d love to chat!
Dating Profile Photos
Online dating is on the rise, we are here to help you by capturing beautiful and timeless dating profile photos. Some tips on what to wear, what to bring, and where to go.
We have something a little but different here for you, just in time for Valentine’s day! Today we are going to be talking about dating profile photos! Yes, you heard us correctly: dating profile photos! Why? Because if you’re on a journey to find love, February 14th can be a little daunting and we are here to make it more fun. And yes, we also know that dating websites aren’t for everyone, that’s okay, if it’s not for you you don’t have to read this post (but please tell your friends who might be). Let’s get into it!
Why dating profile photos?
Did you know that dating website usage is on the rise? According to Statista.com, “In Canada, the Online Dating market is forecasted to generate a revenue of US$62.58m by 2024.” What’s more, “it is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 1.64% - resulting in a projected market volume of US$66.80m by 2028.” Those are some huge numbers! And you wanna know what comes with huge numbers? More competition (we know, we hate that for love too). Good news is, we have a great strategy to help your profile stand out: awesome photos!!!
After all, if you invest in great photos for your professional socials (such as Linked In), wouldn’t it also make sense to invest in your personal dating profile? We think so! Bonus, you can usually sneak some professional headshots into your session.
This session is all about you–we’re just here to make you shine in photos!
What does a dating profile photo shoot look like?
Just like all of our photography sessions, we make sure this one is fun, comfortable, and that your photos are timeless and organic. We are not into stuffy, overtly-posed photos–we much prefer a natural candid approach to our sessions. In a dating profile photoshoot, we make sure to include movement, one or two activities, several outfits, and oodles of fun!
We also encourage you to bring a furry friend, if you have one, or a regular friend, of which we are sure you have plenty! This kind of session is meant to be easy-going and enjoyable. Added bonus: we usually select locations that include both an outdoor and indoor space– that way you have a little bit of both, ensuring some variation and versatility.
Bring a furry or human friend to showcase your amazing personality!
What should I wear?
This is the most frequently asked question we get about photoshoots! In fact, we recently wrote a blog about what to wear to a branding session (you can read it here). As with any other session, we always say that comfort is the key. If you’re comfy in real life, it will translate in photos. For a dating profile session, you want to look and feel great–so reach for you favourite outfit, you know the one that always makes you feel like a million bucks. Bring a change of clothes, that way your photos have some versatility. We suggest one super casual outfit and one more formal/dressy outfit to show case how fab you are. Above all else, have fun with it and let your amazing personality shine!
Work it for the camera, show your true fab self, and have FUN!
Did we mention have fun?
This session is 100% for you and about you–so make it fab and fun! We are just along for the ride, capturing your inner dating unicorn. Oh but promise you’ll let us know how it goes…
What to bring to a brand session
Here are some ideas of what to bring to a brand session. Tools of your trade, laptops and phones, branded objects, and something fun will make your photos look and feel more authentic.
Brand photography sessions are our jam! We love getting to know our clients and having fun along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what you should bring to your session, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a shortlist of 5 things you need for your brand shoot. So, sit back, grab your tea, and read on…
Tools of Your Trade
We all work with some sort of tools of that trade that we cannot do our jobs without–whether it be a camera, hammer and nails, stethoscope, your hands, etc.. These tools are really important in whatever career you have so why not show them off in your branding? For example, if you’re a stylist, bring your hairdryer, favourite brush or comb, or even a model to simulate your work. Brand sessions are meant to represent you in your element, and there is no better way to do so than with your everyday tools of trade!
Some examples of how tools of trade can be used in a brand photography session. Be creative and have fun with it!
Laptops, Phones, & Other Technology
We live in a digital world, there is no escaping it. That means that no matter what kind of work you do, you are bound to use some form of technology. Whether it be a phone, laptop, tablet, or walkie-talkie (lol!), we want to see you incorporate it in your brand session! Using objects in your shoot helps in several different ways. First, it helps to take some of the pressure off you as the star attraction (even though you are!). Objects, especially phones and computers, can help as a distraction during your shoot because they occupy your hands. When hands don’t have a specific task, they can sometimes seem awkward in front of the camera. So grab something and put those hands to work! Plus, when you are on your phone actually doing some work (or merely scrolling), it makes for a great candid and authentic photo.
The tech you use in your everyday work can provide a great sense of authenticity to your brand photos!
Branded Objects
Your brand session is supposed to represent you and your business, and you’ve worked hard to create your brand story and all the elements that make it unique. Your logo is part of that story, so show it off! We encourage our clients to include branded content because these photos are great for your website and your socials–especially as stock images. We tend to use branded objects in flat-lays or detail shots, so your branding comes across clearly and at the forefront. PS: this also works with clothes, which are oh so much fun to photograph!
Your logo is part of your brand so incorporate it in your brand shoot. It’s fun and pretty–the perfect combo!
comfort objects
Being in front of the camera and the centre of attention isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and we get that! This is why we always recommend that you bring something comforting to your brand session. Whether it’s a cup of tea, a bottle of champagne, your fave sweater, or your dog (yes, we love pets!), bring whatever makes you feel more at ease and more at home. Some fun objects include: notebooks and a favourite pen, a fancy cup to sip tea or coffee from, sparkly glasses for bubbly, a furry friend, a tutu, and the list goes on! These objects are great to incorporate into your photos but they also make your session more authentic, unique and you. Have fun with what you bring because whatever it is, it’s bound to make your session even more enjoyable!
You can’t go wrong with anything that makes you feel comfy and fabulous!
Something FUN!
Similarly to comfort objects, any other prop that screams your brand and is super fun is highly encouraged! For us personally, that’s disco balls and confetti–we love both and bring them to almost every single session! If glitter isn’t your style, that’s okay–be creative and bold with items that showcase your personality. Making your session fun makes your photos more authentic and relatable, which is our ultimate goal!
Fun objects make your session more fun and your photos more authentic, so go wild–bring a llama (we can only dream…lol!).
Toronto winter Photo sessions
Introducing our Toronto winter photo sessions. Brand photography sessions at a discount for small businesses and business owners in Toronto.
We know that winter can be a drag. The lack of sun, the gloomy skies, the cold, the bitterness…we can go on. But guess what? To add a little brightness and fun into this season’s blahs, we are introducing our Toronto Winter Photo Sessions Promo!
If you've been thinking about investing in original, high quality brand photography for your business, now is the time! Not only does this bring a little sparkle to an otherwise dreary season, it’s a great way to elevate your brand and have some amazing visual content for the rest of the year!
This offer is great for solopreneurs, and small teams up to 5 people. (If your team is larger than 5, contact us for custom pricing). And there are HUGE bonuses for this session:
The studio fee is already included in the promo price!
You get a 20% savings on our regular photography rates!
EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT: b-roll raw video footage for socials! A $250 value for FREE!
The cost of the session is $1200 plus HST, which is a 20% discount from our regular brand sessions (just to make the winter even brighter!) Woo Hoo!
We guarantee that booking a winter photo session with us will set you up with beautiful, on-brand, high quality content for your socials, website, newsletter, etc., for up to a year! But more importantly, it is a guaranteed good time and an amazing opportunity to connect with your brand and/or your team!
To book an inquiry call for more info, click here and let's chat!
But don’t wait too long, we have limited capacity for this offer. Photoshoots will take place in Feb and March!
What to wear to a brand session
Knowing what to wear to a brand session can be tricky. Not everyone is comfortable being in front of the camera and sometimes it can be a little intimidating. Part of our job is to make our clients feel super comfy in front of the lens. So today, we are here to give you our trade secrets about what to wear to your branding session (or any photo session for that matter)! Read on and get fashionable!
Avoid bold patterns & tight stripes
We’ve all heard the old adage that “less is more.” Well for photography, that’s actually very sound advice. Bold patterns are very specific and can make your images look outdated or not as versatile. Bold prints can also take attention away from you and make our outfit the focus of your photos. That’s cool if that’s the ultimate goal, but usually it’s nice to have your fabulous self be the focus of your shoot! Another thing to avoid are tight stripes, as they can often “bleed” in photos causing distortion which can be distracting and unflattering. So, unless there is a pattern that is very on-brand for you, we always suggest wearing simple, solid colours. Reserve the bold patterns and stripes for accessories to add a bit of personality or character to your photos!
These are some great examples of classic outfits, with a little use of patterns that are not overwhelming!
Choose simple & Classic colours
Bold colours such as red, yellow, coral, and turquoise are gorgeous in real life, but they can cast an unflattering glow on the skin in photos. We always suggest gravitating towards neutral colours such as black, white, navy, beige, dark green, or grey, as part of your main colour palette. These colours are flattering and will never look outdated, giving your photos longevity and versatility!
The contrast of dark and light with a pop of colour never goes out of style.
bring a layering piece
For versatility and variation in your photos, bring an extra layer you can quickly throw on to change up an outfit. Great layering pieces include: blazers, jackets, sweaters, scarves, and cardigans. Layers also add texture and depth to your photos, and are great showcases for your personality. Bringing a layering piece is especially awesome if you have a limited amount of time for your session that won't allow for a full outfit change!
Layers include: scarves, cardigans, jackets, blazers, sweatshirts, and accessories.
professional VS casual
The vibe of your photos will determine what you wear. If your photos are meant to depict what you do in your everyday work, it’s a great idea to wear something reflective of that. For example, you probably won’t wear a ballgown to the office if you work in a corporate setting (and if you do, can we please be hired?!). Your photos should be a true reflection of you and your brand, but doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your wardrobe. Just the opposite! A little whimsy is always good for the soul and even better for a photoshoot. So although you may not wear a ballgown everyday, bring it along and we can sneak in a few shots of you in it at the end of your session, after we take photos of you in your timeless and classic outfit!
Depicting how you look in the day-to-day is a great guide to what to wear for your photoshoot, but also bring something whimsical!
COmfort is Key!
No matter what you decide to wear, our number piece of advice to all of our clients is to BE COMFORTABLE! If that means reaching for your power suit, or favourite little black dress, then go for it! Your photos are a reflection of you, and being comfortable in what you wear is a key element to your overall fabulousness. Also, don’t forget that when you feel comfortable in what you wear, that will come through in your photos. After all, you don’t want to be adjusting your outfit all the time, you want to be focused on showcasing you! So when in doubt–just be yourself! You can’t go wrong with that!
Comfort is key!
We love branding sessions for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is that they allow us to connect with a variety of people doing some pretty amazing things. Part of that is seeing what people choose to wear (we are always inspired by wardrobe choices!). If you need some inspiration, check out some of our past clients here. We are so lucky to work with some very fashionable folks!
Remember, wearing what truly reflects you and your brand in a photoshoot will always be in style! And if you are still nervous about what to wear, let us know and we can help!
Types of Brand Photos
What are the different types of brand photos? We outline all the different types of brand photos including headshots, lifestyle photos, and more.
Last time we chatted about what branding photography is. We gave you the low-down on why hiring a professional photographer to capture your brand photos is an important investment for your business. Today, we thought it would be a great idea to introduce you to the different types of brand photos you can expect during your brand session. We must note here that these are the images we always make sure to capture for our clients, because we know the importance of consistency and variety for your brand!
Headshots
Headshots are often the most popular “ask” at a branding session. This is because they showcase you as an individual in a confident way. Headshots are individual portraits, usually taken in front of a neutral background, waist up, at a closer angle. They are meant to exude professionalism, confidence, and trust.
There are many uses for professional headshots, including: marketing materials, socials, websites, LinkedIN, and even email signatures. Headshots are especially important in a corporate environment and are usually required by companies for their main webpage and socials. It’s important, and kind of nice, to have professional headshots captured for an entire team because it ensures consistency in style and aesthetic. Also, having team profile photos done professionally ensures that they will be high-resolution and high-quality!
When you are planning headshots, it’s always a good idea to supply your photographer with a list of all the team members you want captured, that way no one is missed!
At TLC, we always include a few headshots in your branding session. We know how important these are for LinkedIn and Socials!
Lifestyle & day-in-the-life
One of the most important kind of photos to capture during you brand session are lifestyle photos–or what we affectionately call, “A Day-in-the-life” photos. These photos showcase your business/brand and all the amazing work you do! Lifestyle photos are meant to capture you in your element, and are usually very fun and organic. Although, they may be staged and directed, good lifestyle photos always feel authentic and real.
If you are a solopreneur, we encourage you to pick one of your most common or favourite things you do in your business. That way when we are capturing your lifestyle photos, you look naturally relaxed and happy.
Whether you work in an office, from home, or you have a physical storefront, it’s always great to showcase your talents and let your photos showcase the amazing work that you do!
Team, crew, GROUP etc.
If you are a business that relies on on team (who doesn’t, we’re not islands after all!), then we recommend including your crew in your brand session. Whether it’s in headshots or lifestyle photos, showcasing the group behind your brand creates trust with your current and potential clients!
During your brand session, assign each of of your team members a job to perform that can be captured. The assortment of tasks will provide you with lots of variety in your images. Also, plan to take a few different group photos of your team–these should be fun and showcase the great chemistry your crew has together!
Have fun with your team–your energy and authenticity will be captured in your photos!
Workspaces
We know that not everyone has a physical storefront–since the pandemic more and more people work from home or use communal workspaces or cafes. But just because you don’t go into the office every day doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about the perfect backdrop for your brand photography.
If you do own a storefront–AMAZING! We can capture your photos in your place of business. This way your clients get a glimpse into your work space where all the magic happens. This is especially important if you are service-driven business such as a hair stylist, designer, shop-owner, etc.
If you don’t own a store-front, never fear–we are here to help! Commercial and public spaces such as studios, cafes, restaurants, libraries, and outdoors are great places to capture your amazing brand. Whatever place you choose as a backdrop, photos featuring you and your team hard at work is a great asset to your brand photography library!
There are so many great spaces to showcase your talents—ask us for some recommendations!
Product & Details
If you are a business that sells products, your brand photography should also include product and detail shots. For example, if you are a stylist and rely on your phone, measuring tape, and notebook–bring them along! Anything that includes your logo or branding should also be included. Even if you do not sell a product, featuring your tools of trade is a great way to show your prospective clients what you do!
Product and detail photos, featuring tools and props, are great for your website, socials, and marketing materials, and will add authenticity and variation to your overall photo collection. Some fun things to think about when planning which props to use to capture your detail shots:
Is this prop vibing aesthetically with my brand?
Is this something I use often and is therefore recognizably linked to my brand?
Does it showcase my brand, or someone else’s? (Avoid using objects with another brand logo–unless it’s something you use often!).
You don’t have to sell a product to showcase your brand–your business tools are also a great way to demonstrate what you do!
Flatlays
Flatlays are images in which a variety of complimentary objects are arranged on a surface and then photographed from above. They are an effective way to elevate your brand visually because they create a specific visual vibe by showcasing products you sell, or objects/props associated with your brand.
Flatlays are amazing for social media, specially Instagram. They keep your grid looking fresh, maintain consistency, and add some fun. But they are also great for backgrounds for text-based photos used on websites and marketing materials.
Flatlay photos are perfect for both service and product-based businesses, bloggers, and influencers. We love them because they are so pretty, versatile, and fun!
There are so many different ways to approach a brand photography session, but these are the types of brand photos we always make sure to include for our clients. If you have any questions, we are always happy to chat and make recommendations–just get in touch here!
What is Brand Photography?
What is brand photography? Brand photography is a collection of bespoke images used to represent your brand or company. Brand photos are a visual representation of your business.
Did you know that one of the most common questions we get here at TLC is: What is brand photography? Lucky for you, we are kinda experts in this area and have been doing brand photography for years! As a result, we are super happy to share what we know. In the simplest of terms, brand photography is a collection of bespoke photographs used to represent your brand or company. In other words, brand photos are a visual representation of your business. They are also a fun way to showcase what you do, who you are, your team, and some of the amazing things your brand represents.
Lianne Kim is a coach for entrepreneurs and we had a BLAST photographing her at LOVT studios!
Why are brand photos important?
Brand photos are used in a variety of ways, including on your website, socials, marketing materials, paid promotions, and print. They clearly define your brand identity in a visual and (when you work with us) fun and honest way. They are meant to be an authentic representation of your brand and are therefore a very important aspect of your brand image!
There are different ways that you can visually represent your business. Some companies use stock images, which are copyright-free images that anyone has the right to use. While these can be amazing fillers for your marketing, they also tend to be generic and over-used–it can be hard to make a visual impact using photos that others may have seen before! Original and professional brand photos, on the other hand, are completely unique to you and your brand. They are kind of like your own visual signature and are totally original.
Above all else, having original brand photos is important because they set the tone and help build trust between you and your audience/clients. Brand photography is important investment for your brand image.
Some examples of really fun branding sessions we’ve done! Brand photos are fun and useful.
What to Expect from a branding session
Brand photographs are unique to you and your brand, therefore it’s not enough just to rock up to a studio and expect stellar photos. At TLC, we work really closely with all of our clients in order to optimize your time in front of the camera and also to make sure you get the best photos for your unique brand.
Some questions we always ask our clients while planning a branding session:
Q: Where are you planning to use your photos? Are they meant for your website, social media, blog posts, print materials, or all of the above?
Q: What would you like us to focus on? Is it team interactions, solo headshots, behind-the-scenes of your business, product photos, office images, or flat-lays? We usually do a combo of all of these things, but it’s always good to get a sense of what to focus on and the kind of feel you want for your images.
Q: Who is your primary audience/client? Who do you want to attract with these images?
Q: What is the overall vibe you’d like to convey? Is it very formal and professional, or more candid and fun? Keep in mind these photos are unique to your brand, so be as creative as you like!
Once we’ve nailed down these elements, then the fun can begin. With TLC you can expect a lot of laughter, giggles and shenanigans, but most of all, a great gallery of unique and professional images at the end of the process.
Even brand photographers and communications specialists need to have their branding photos taken! We always book at least 2 sessions a year to keep our content unique, professional, and fresh.
For more info, get in touch and we can walk you through the amazing landscape of branding photography! Click here for more info.
Happy Holidays!
Wishing everyone a wonderful, warm, restful, and peaceful holiday season! May your holidays be filled with oodles of love, joy, good food, and even better company. We are celebrating this year’s holidays with loads of rest, gratitude, hygge, and perhaps some mulled wine too. However you celebrate (or not), we are wishing you a very happy holidays!
xoxo
Kat & Em
Setting social Media Goals
One of the most important things to think about for the new year is setting social media goals! We explore several different social media goals and how to optimize them for your brand!
2023 is almost over–the holiday season is upon us and ‘tis the season for reflecting and planning for the new year! For entrepreneurs and small businesses one of the most important things to think about for the new year is setting social media goals. Whether you are an established business re-evaluating your current goals, or a brand new business ready to launch, reviewing your social media goals is critical to your success!
Why is Goal setting for social media important?
Setting social media goals for your business (or even your personal account) gives you focus, and allows you to create a strategy which is measurable and attainable. Without a goal, it’s almost impossible to define a strategy let alone apply one. What’s more, setting social media goals helps you to understand the steps necessary to achieve them and the support you will need to do so. For example, goals will help guide your content, pick the right tools to optimize your content for your target audience, and to select appropriate engagement strategies.
More practically, setting social media goals will help you to manage and assign your budget to areas of need, streamline your workflow, and keep you on track with your businesses’ wider objectives. According to HootSuite, social media goals are important components of a larger business strategy and invaluable to your business’ marketing success!
5 kinds of social media goals
There are a number of social media goals that deserve attention, and we would love to chat about all of them, but these five should get your started (and if you want more, no problem, just get in touch and we will happily help!). They are:
Goals for Raising Brand Awareness
Goals for Managing Brand Reputation
Goals for Raising Engagement
Goals for Raising Conversions and Sales
Goals for Generating Leads
Goals for Raising Brand Awareness
You have a brand and you want people to know all about it, especially after all you worked so hard to make it happen! Setting a social media goal to increase your brand awareness means increasing the number of people who are familiar with your brand. This goal is usually one of the first ones set when launching a new business or when your established brand is introducing a new product/service.
There are several ways to measure brand awareness and they all involve tracking your reach and impressions. Keep in mind that the “Rule of Seven” dictates that it takes (on average) seven interactions with a brand before a purchase is made. Brand awareness can be measured using metrics such as: reach (how many people seen your post); audience growth (the rate at which you grow your followers); shares (how many times your brand is shared by others); and potential reach (the number of people who engage with your brand but don’t yet follow).
Goals for Managing Brand Reputation
There are so many benefits to investing in your social media marketing, but one of the most important is that it helps to build trust in your brand. According to Hoot Suite, “These days, trust drives growth and this social media objective measures public attitudes about your brand”. Setting a goal to manage your brand reputation helps to drive traffic to your brand and it also ensures that others will also invest in your product or service.
Goals for Raising Engagement
Increasing engagement is an important goal for any social media user! This is because your engagement speaks to the algorithm and determines whether or not your audience finds your content valuable. Engagement is defined as any kind of visible interaction with your brand/ business on social media. Examples of engagement include: likes, comments, video & story views, saves, taps & clicks, and shares on your posts.
Setting your engagement goals will help increase your visibility because algorithm metrics reward accounts that have high engagement rates. So set those engagement goals high and let the world know about your wonderful brand!
Goals for Raising Conversions and Sales
Did you know that raising your engagement can also help raise your conversions and sales? A conversion is when an audience member takes action on your post, reel or story. Some common conversions include newsletter sign-up, freebie download, and (the ultimate goal) a sale!
Conversions can be measured in different ways, including: the number of visitors who take action on your posts; the rate at which audiences click on the call-to-action link; the amount of clicks you get to your website from a social media link; and, of course, the number of sales that are generated from your social media accounts. When setting your conversion and sales goals, consider your ultimate objective and focus on the social media path that will lead you to that target.
Goals for generating leads
“Leads” is a term we hear a lot, especially in the social media sphere. According to HubSpot, a lead is defined as “as information someone shares that enables you to identify and follow up with them”. There are several factors that help increase leads in social media (and two of these are included in your goal setting–woot woot!). These include: brand awareness, engagement, and website traffic. In order to increase your leads, your social media platforms have to be optimized. That means your contact information has to be clearly displayed and you should be using clearly articulated call-to-action prompts.
Another factor that can help with potential leads is creating engaging and compelling content. In Instagram, for example, reels are favoured by the algorithm, so if you are setting a leads goal, a good starting point would be to create some engaging and interesting reels for your audience!
Keep in mind that every social media platform has its own “language” and your goals should be specific to that platform. And hey, if you need help, we are here–just give us a shout! Until then, happy goal planning!
How to Plan a Winter Personal Brand Session
Tips and tricks to making a winter photoshoot warm, easy, and comfortable!
Why would we decide to write a post about how to plan for a winter personal brand session, you ask? It just seems so specific! Well, reality is, we live in an arctic climate about 5 months of the year! This is great for all the skiers out there, but not necessarily for those of us who don't adore freezing our little tushies off. But aside from that, planning a winter personal brand session is great because it helps you prep for a busy business season during a slower time of the year. For most of us entrepreneurs, winter tends to be the time when we sit at our desks, put our CEO hats on & do most of our social media/ marketing planning for the year! Why not add a professional photo-session to that roster!?
Although cold, winter is actually a really great time to plan for a personal brand session, and here are some reasons why.
Why Choose to Book in Winter?
If you have been reading our blogs or following us on Instagram then you probably know just how much we LOVE capturing personal brand sessions! We adore getting to know other entrepreneurs and inspiring individuals! While, it is true that we tend to capture most personal brand sessions in the spring, summer, and fall lately, we have been getting a lot of inquiries from clients about winter personal brand sessions. This makes us so happy for several reasons!
First, winter is a wonderful time to stock up on images for your portfolio, social media, and website for later use. Second, winter is less busy for most photographers. This means that our schedules are more flexible and we can usually shoot on weekends. Third, winter is a great time for some cozy Hyggelig locations. These would usually NOT work when the temperatures soar in the high 30's! The cold weather is a great time for photos by the fire, in bed, or in fabulously cozy jackets! (more on that later) Trust us it works!
Alyssa of the sustainable fashion blog and youtube channel, Ms. Beltempo, always comes winter-ready! A gorgeous, thrifted, cozy jacket always looks amazing in photos!
Indoor & Outdoor Locations
Obviously one of the main concerns for a winter personal brand session is the weather. No one wants to be freezing and uncomfortable! This is why it's important to book spaces that both work for your brand but also keep you safe (warm!) We always suggest that our clients book an indoor space as well as an outdoor one. (This is why most of our packages include an hour of studio time.) This combined with a quick 1/2 hour outdoor session is a great compliment to any brand. Plus it's always great to get more variance in your photos. Bonus: you won’t freeze in the arctic Canadian cold!
A lot of our clients work from home. This is actually one of our fave places to take photos. We find that people are always more comfortable in their own space. Also if you work from home, this is where most of the magic happens. Why not capture your inner unicorn in the space where you are most comfortable!
One of our lovely clients photographed in her favourite space to work in the winter - makes for a comfy spot for brilliance to happen and be cozy all at the same time!
When choosing the right space for you and your brand, especially for a winter personal brand session, think about where you will be most comfortable. Choose locations that make sense for your brand and that also speak to you as a business owner! Some suggestions are: coffee shops, a studio that speaks to your brand, a favourite shop (this is cute if you work in design and frequent a particular showroom etc.) A friend's house (some of our friends have super photogenic homes, just saying...) A local business that you use for your own brand/ business. The list is endless and if you feel overwhelmed, never fear! We are here to help you to narrow down the options and make a game-plan. It's always a team effort!
Restaurants and cafes are great spaces for your winter personal brand session! They tend to be bright, beautifully decorated, and warm! Always ask for permission to photograph in any business - it's polite! Ms. Beltempo made a lunch date out of her personal brand session at Oretta - the perfect combo!
Sometimes your own living room is the best place for photos! Michaela Burns from MB Ineriors has one of the most gorgeous spaces and it reflects her talent in design!
Flower shops, or local shops in general are great for winter personal brand sessions. They tend to be bright (flowers and plants need natural light), warm (big bonus), and beautiful. This gorgeous floral shop, Willem & Jools, is owned by a wonderful business woman who let us capture Stephanie Vizi for her videography company!
Beth Yarzab needed a varied photo portfolio for her wellness & fitness business. Although she had a lovely space at home to photograph, we also needed a neutral space for some corporate and fitness photos. This gym was the perfect space for both!
Regardless of the space you choose for your session, always make sure that it compliments your brand and the work you do. Also, make sure you get permission from business owners if you want to use their space. Everyone loves a heads-up and it is the polite thing to do!
What to Wear?
This is probably the most common question for photography sessions in general! Winter, unfortunately, makes this decision making process a little more complicated. Not only do you want to look great (obvi), but you also have to be warm and comfortable. It's just an added layer to the planning process (Pun fully intended!)
Ms Beltempo is always on point with outfit selections - in any season!
Jackets, Coats, & Sweaters, OH MY!
Because sometimes it feels like we live in sub-arctic temperatures, a warm jacket is a must for any winter day! But do you really want to be captured in your everyday parka for your brand session? Sure, if your business requires it - then 100% throw on that parka and let's go! But if your brand is not winter-specific, a winter coat that doesn't scream "winter coat" may be a better option! One of my key pieces of advice for anyone doing an outdoor winter session is to wear a neutral jacket that is easy to throw on and off. This gives you ample opportunity to take quick photos with your coat on, and even quicker photos without.
Wearing a warm sweater underneath also helps - and looks great! Plus the versatility in that one outfit translates into versatility in your photos! We asked Ms. Beltempo, for more expert advice on what to wear for your winter personal brand session!
Ms. Beltempo enjoying. a hot bevy at Oretta during her winter photo-session. Notice the fabulous layers!
Advice From a Sustainable Fashion Influencer
Quick Tip: Even though Kat & Emily's warmth and fun energy keeps me motivated and warm when we're shooting in freezing temps! I like to choose outfits that I can easily layer on top of and change without having to take off any bottom layers. As an example - I'll always wear opaque tights and a thin long sleeve merino top as my base, then add pants, a sweater, and a blazer. You can easily swap into a second look without too much effort by changing into a skirt and taking off the blazer. Or, even more simply, keep the pants and take off the sweater, keep the blazer and long sleeve. These small outfit changes but don't require having to expose too much skin! Especially if you have to quickly change in a bathroom cafe!
Fashion Bloggers, Dominique Baker & Ms. Beltempo, know how to style up any winter session - key elements always include layering!
Don't be afraid to layer down - you can always throw on our jacket if the cold starts to kick in. Keep in mind, we don't ever want you to be uncomfortable so we try to photograph you outside very quickly!
When In Doubt - Tea! Always TEA!
And there you have it! All the insider info you'll ever need for a warm, comfortable, & fun winter personal brand session! And in case you are still on the fence, check out some of the cool cats below who weathered the cold & looked fabulous all at the same time! Oh and when in doubt - Tea! Always TEA!
Last- don't forget to bundle up and have some fun!
top 5 reasons to write a press release
A press release is a powerful tool - very powerful indeed! It is a key component in building your brand’s reputation and getting your brand out there. A press release is a piece of news, usually fairly short, that companies send out to inform audiences, clients, consumers etc. about something noteworthy. But when is a good time to write one? We’ve got the answers right here!
Opening a new business
Yay! You did it! You went for it and opened the business of your dreams! Now what? How do you tell people about it? A press release is the perfect way to get eyes and ears on your new baby. What’s more, it’s the perfect way to connect with the right kind of audience and let them know that you have arrived. Because a press release is key to earning media coverage and growing a presence in your field, it’s super important to have one ready for your grand opening. A hot tip from us: do your research and choose the right publication / platform in order to attract the right audience!
Launching a new product
What if you’ve been in business for a while and you have a solid following and a loyal fan base, but you’re excited about a new product or service and you really want the world to know about it? Wanna know what helps to get the word out there? You guessed it–a press release! When launching any new product or service for your business, it’s important that the right people know about it so they can engage with your brand and buy what you’re selling. Because a press release is an official statement that is released to the media, it’s one of the most powerful ways to get information to your clients, other businesses, and even competitors. It will let everyone know that you’re on top of your game and you’ve got some great new things on the horizon!
Re-Branding
Re-branding is literally one of our favourite activities here at TLC! We love a good re-brand! Why? Because it’s a fresh start! There is nothing better than breathing new life into an already amazing brand. A press release is the perfect way to tell the news of your re-brand and let your wider community know what you’ve been up to. It’s also a great way to let those who may not be in the know…to know. Additionally, a press release will enable you to communicate your re-brand to a wide network of people, businesses, and investors on your own terms.
Receiving an award or announcing an accomplishment
You work hard and you earn all of your accolades, so it stands to reason that your achievements should be celebrated! What’s more, your industry, supporters, clients, and competitors (yes even them) should know about the special things that you accomplished. Press releases are a great way to share your wins. They also help build trust in your brand within your industry–people want to know that they are putting their support and trust into a brand that accomplishes great things, so let them know!
Announcing a new partnership and/ or collaboration
Everyone loves a good collab–it helps bring two (or more) creative geniuses together and the results can be magical! And do you know what’s better than a doing collaboration? Telling everyone about it! Try a press release to announce a new partnership or collaboration. Sharing the limelight is mutually beneficial for both parties (sharing is caring after all).
So that’s it–our top 5 reasons to write a press release! For more fun marketing tips and tricks, check out our Instagram profile and if you need help with crafting a press release, give us a shout. We love to help!
The Benefits of A professional branding session
It’s no secret that having photos that align with your brand and aesthetic vision are a HUGE benefit for any business. But have you ever stopped to think why or how personal brand photos can truly benefit your business? There are several advantages to having professional photos taken and today we are going to talk about the HUGE benefits of a professional branding session!
Tell the story of your business / brand
First, branding photos tell a story about your business, which connects you to your audience! This is huge for both small and large businesses alike. Think about your favourite brand, what comes to mind? We are willing to bet that the first few things you think of are visual! The logo perhaps, some colours associated with the brand, and then the face behind the business and the story it tells.
We are huge proponents of how important it is to showcase the team that makes the magic happen because this allows you to connect with your audience and potential clients. Headshots and branding photos don’t have to be static. In fact, we encourage our clients to move around, bring props that illustrate what they do and how they make their magic happen. For example, laptops, notebooks, or any other tools of your trade are great props that tell your story in a visual and fun way!
elevate your aesthetic and brand image
Professional branding photos also elevate your aesthetic and brand image. Don’t get us wrong, selfies are great and all, but a professional headshot always goes a long way – plus there is less arm straining too. In addition, professional photos will also align with your brand aesthetic! How? Professional photographers are experts in making sure that lighting, angles, and locations are always flattering and consistent with your brand image. (By the way, this is also the case for any other kind of photography you are looking for, whether it be photos for Linked In, personal use, or a dating profile!) Bonus: you end up with fabulous and timeless images you can use for a long time!
High quality images for digital & print
Speaking of beautiful and timeless images…The third, and very important, benefit of booking a branding session is the high-quality images you receive, which can be shared both online and in print. Kat, our fab photographer, delivers (ahem, over-delivers), all branding images at three different resolutions. This means that your photos can be downloaded in 3 different sizes depending on your use of the photos. This is beneficial because not all photos are created equal. Most printers, for example, require higher resolution photos to deliver flawless results. Websites on the other hand, do not require photos to be full resolution in order to look great. This way, you have options for your photos depending on their ultimate usage!
There are countless reasons to book a professional branding session, and if you want more just give us a shout – we are happy to talk your ears off about all the benefits of booking a professional photo session with us!