Crafting Your Brand Story: Essential Steps for a Successful Photoshoot

A brand session typically involves capturing images that represent a brand's identity and values.

To prepare for the shoot, clients should:

1. Define Brand Identity: Clearly outline the brand's message, values, and the image they want to convey.

2. Storyboard or Shot List: Plan specific shots or scenarios that align with the brand's narrative.

3. Select Wardrobe and Props: Choose outfits and props that reflect the brand's style and story.

4. Location Scouting: Determine suitable locations that complement the brand's image.

5. Coordinate with Photographer: Communicate preferences, expectations, and any specific elements to focus on during the shoot.

During the photoshoot:

1. Setup: The photographer will set up lighting, backdrops, and ensure the overall scene aligns with the brand's aesthetic.

2. Posing and Direction: Clients may be directed for natural and authentic poses that align with the brand's personality.

3. Variety of Shots: Expect a mix of close-ups, full-body shots, and possibly candid moments to capture the essence of the brand.

4. Reviewing Shots: Periodically review images to ensure they align with the brand's vision.

5. Flexibility: Be open to improvisation and creative input from the photographer to capture unique and engaging visuals.

After the shoot:

1. Image Selection: Collaborate with the photographer to select the best images that represent the brand effectively.

2. Editing and Retouching: Depending on the agreement, the photographer may edit and retouch selected images to enhance their visual appeal.

3. Delivery: Once finalized, the edited images will be delivered to the client for use in various marketing materials.

Save this post so you can look back at it for your next brand shoot.

Choosing the Perfect Portrait Lens: A Guide to Features and Specifications for Stunning Portraiture

The best lenses for portrait photography depend on various factors, including your camera system, personal preferences, and the specific type of portraits you want to capture. Here are some popular choices that are often recommended for portrait photography and are my favorites to use with brand photoshoots.

• 50mm f/1.8 (f/1.4 or f1.2): A 50mm prime lens is a versatile choice for portraits. The wide aperture (f/1.8 or wider) allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and works well in low-light conditions. It's also a relatively affordable option.

• 85mm f/1.4 (or f/1.8): An 85mm lens is a classic portrait choice. The longer focal length provides a flattering perspective, compressing facial features and creating a pleasing background blur. The wide aperture is excellent for isolating subjects.

These are the two lenses I use when photographing any type of portrait.

Other popular options are:

• 24-70mm f/2.8: A zoom lens like the 24-70mm f/2.8 is versatile for various types of portraits. It offers flexibility in framing and can be used for both wider environmental portraits and closer headshots.

• 70-200mm f/2.8: This telephoto zoom lens is great for capturing portraits with a more compressed background. It's particularly useful for outdoor portraits or situations where you can't get physically close to your subject.

• 35mm f/1.8 (f1.4 or f1.2): A 35mm lens is another excellent choice for portrait photography, especially if you prefer a wider perspective or if you're shooting in confined spaces. The wider field of view allows you to tell more of a story in your portraits. It's suitable for lifestyle and candid shots where the context of the surroundings is essential.

Remember that the best lens for you depends on your shooting style, the type of portraits you want to capture, and your budget. If possible, try out different lenses to see which one suits your preferences and needs the best.

5 Benefits of A Brand Photoshoot

Brand photos are crucial as they visually communicate your brand identity, evoke emotions, and create a memorable impression. Consistent and high-quality images help establish brand recognition, build trust, and differentiate your business in a visually saturated market.

5 Benefits of A Brand Photoshoot:

1. **Professional Image:** A brand shoot helps create high-quality, professional images that convey a polished and consistent image for your brand.

2. **Brand Recognition:** Consistent visuals across your marketing materials enhance brand recognition, making it easier for customers to identify and remember your brand.

3. **Storytelling:** Through carefully curated images, a brand shoot allows you to tell a visual story about your brand, its values, and its unique identity.

4. **Social Media Engagement:** Engaging visuals from a brand shoot can significantly boost your social media presence, attracting and retaining the attention of your target audience.

5. **Versatility:** The images captured during a brand shoot can be used across various platforms and marketing materials, providing versatility in your branding efforts.

How often should you do brand photos?
2-4 times a year. New photos with each season or when launching a new service or product.

Interested in booking a brand shoot?
Message me, and let’s talk.

Crafting Organic Poses: Strategies for Achieving Natural and Effortless Looks

Prior to your shoot, we will schedule a consultation so that we can get to know more of what you want for your business. And in doing this, it helps me get to know you better as a person.

My approach to achieving natural-looking poses often involves creating a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Here is what I aim for during your brand shoot:

1. Building rapport:
Establishing a connection with the subject to ease any tension and encourage a more natural expression.

2. Candid moments:
Encouraging spontaneous interactions and capturing genuine moments rather than overly posed shots.

3. Guided prompts:
Offering subtle directions or prompts to guide subjects into poses that feel authentic and in line with their natural movements.

4. Observation:
Paying attention to the subject’s body language and adjusting poses accordingly to maintain a sense of comfort.

5. Flexibility:
Being open to trying different poses and allowing for adjustments based on the subject’s preferences and comfort level.

6. Engagement:
Keeping the subject engaged in the process, encouraging conversation, and ensuring a collaborative atmosphere.

Ultimately, the goal is to capture images that reflect your individual or brand aesthetics.

So don’t worry. I will direct you and before you know it, we will create beautiful photos together.

6 Brand Session Pose Ideas + Outfits

Ladies, what in the world do you wear for a brand shoot and how should you pose?

Take a look at these options and scroll through the photos to see pose ideas for your next shoot.

Outfits to look for:
•dressy-a dress or slacks with blazer
•casual dressy option one-graphic tee with blazer, jeans and converse
•casual dressy option two-blouse with jacket and jeans
•blouse with jeans and heels

Don’t forget to bring props too!
Keep it simple with a laptop, coffee mug or planner.

Do you have any outfit questions? Leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them for you.

Story Time with Cristy Cross

How did you get started in your business?

It’s always a fun story to tell, and in July, I had the opportunity to share my story.

I started my business with not know exactly how I was going to do it, but I was determined to make it happen.

One thing I forgot to mention is, a several years back, I almost gave up my photography business. It was a scary moment when we realized my business needed to make more money to pay bills and it wasn’t.

I think that scare lit a fire under me and rebooted my business and thankfully here we are 15 yrs and going strong.

Are you starting a business, interested in starting a business or have questions about what I do?

Listen to the end of the video for the Q and A part, but also feel free to leave any questions in the comments here and I’ll get back with you.

What Color Will You Wear For Your Next Photoshoot?

Planning your outfit for your next photoshoot?

I remember in my college photography classes learning about how certain colors look better on a person depending on your hair, eye and skin color.

This guide will help you think through the colors you will wear at your next photoshoot. All of these tips are of course a suggestion, but try it out and see if you agree :)

Brand Photography

CURRENTLY BOOKING BRAND SESSIONS
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Please hear this with magnificent passion.
⭐️I LOVE MY JOB⭐️
I can’t stress it enough.
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Every time I photograph entrepreneurs we talk about their dreams, my dreams, and then we encourage each other to keep going and taking steps towards those dreams.
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Let me help you get started on your dream. First step is writing them out.
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Write one of your dreams in the comments below. Once you put it out there, you are one step closer to reaching that dream.