What do you think of when you hear “photographer?” My guess is you thought of a wedding photographer.
Yes, wedding photography is a HUGE part of the industry but there are so many different types of photography. It took me a long time to learn this and explore other genres of photography before settling on branding. I would love to share more about what branding photography means to my story and what it could mean for you.
If being a photographer meant only having wedding clients, I would not be one! And for a while, I thought I wouldn’t be a photographer more than as a hobby. When I started out I assisted a friend in photographing a couple of weddings and it was amazing to get to do that but at the same time, I struggled to feel passionate about weddings. I really believe someone getting married deserves a photographer that is just as excited as they are and if I’m at a wedding, I’m super happy for the couple but also probably judging all the cheesiness at the same time, haha. It just wouldn’t be a good fit for me or for the client.
So I decided not to be a photographer. Taking photos would just a hobby for me so I could create what I wanted. But even after that decision, I could not stop thinking about it.
Finally one day I saw a quote that I couldn’t ignore. It said
“People who are less skilled than you are succeeding at your dream simply because they started first.”
That quote made me realize that I needed to make photography official and just start even though it seemed impossible. I officially started my business on December 1st, 2018. I spent about the next year trying all different types of photography and working on my creative project which you can read all about HERE.
After that year of trying senior portraits, fashion shoots, family photos, engagement portraits, and headshots and branding photos, I realized branding was my favorite. So in September of 2019 I announced that I was choosing to be a branding photographer.
Why did I like it the best?
I like that the projects are one-on-one with the client. I like that the project is focused on making them shine and succeed. I like that I can bring my creative ideas and style to someone else as a valuable contribution to their very important work. I like making the projects my own way, not boring and commercial and stuffy. But I get to show the world some beautiful people who are doing amazing work who are also real and have real obstacles to overcome.
I like making and breaking my own rules. Some branding photography, especially commercial photography, can seem stuffy and formal. I considered this when I was choosing brand photography. Would I have to wear a pantsuit? Would I be allowed to crack jokes and be my laid back self? Ultimately I realized that it’s my business and I can make it the way I want it.
My mission is to lift up small creative businesses by providing the photos they need to show the world their important work. Because of the process of planning that goes into a branding shoot, a branding photographer doesn’t just push the shutter button and call it a day. A branding photographer is an artist, a mentor, a synthesizer, a cheerleader, a broadcaster. It’s such a beautiful job and I don’t take it lightly.
