Develop Your Creative Eye. How?

A few months ago I was asked: “What do you think is the most important thing to have as a photographer- equipment, skills, or editing?” In reference to what they should invest in as a new photographer.

My response? None of those things. You can have the best equipment, the skill to take a technically sound photo, know how to edit it, and still be a meh photographer. The “glue” that pulls all of those things together is your creative eye. That’s what’s most important to develop! So I thought this would be a great topic to tackle on the blog.

One thing before I dive in- just as our literal eyes are unique, each of our creative eyes are as well! There’s no one size fits all approach to developing it, but there are certain elements that you can incorporate if you feel like you don’t know where to begin OR if you feel like you’ve lost inspiration with your work.

Here are a few things I’ve personally found helpful to develop creatively:

Pay attention to what attracts your eye in every day life

Is it an interesting print on a dress, the way the light shines through leaves, the bright green of freshly cut grass, the contrast of a bright door against a neutral wall, the texture of a wood panel, the symmetry of a stairway between two buildings, the unexpected color harmony of a food truck and the patrons in line...

Each of those very different things have one thing in common- you’ll notice them if they catch your eye. But WHY they catch your eye is important.

If you aren't already in the habit of doing so, take a mental (or literal) note each time your attention is drawn to something. This will help you identify what inspires you! You may find that you’re consistently drawn to certain things, and this will help give you direction when it’s time for you to pick up your camera!

Are you consistently drawn to symmetry? You may want to look for locations that will allow you to incorporate symmetrical framing into your photos. Love natural textures? You may find your preference is for more green and rustic locations as opposed to the city. Love colorful prints? You may want to encourage your clients not to be afraid of wearing prints and/or find colorful murals to incorporate into your photos!

Seems simple enough, right? 

In writing, yes. In practice, not always lol. That's why the next step is so important:

Practice regularly

When you practice, you have a chance to see if you’re moved by those same elements you observed elsewhere, in your photos! That can help you to either build on or get rid of them.

What do I mean by that? I’ll use a personal example this time.

I loveee evening light. The way the sun shines through everything and creates a beautiful glow… it’s just so yummy! But after shooting in the evening light for some time, I realized that it’s something I enjoy more IRL, and not always in my photography. That helped me see that it’s not something I need to incorporate in my work!

Once you get in the habit of practicing regularly, you’ll see what truly moves you and what you’ll want to do more of vs what you may not want to do at all.

Pretty cool right? This blog post was actually last week’s email to the Photographers List! And this week I’ll be sharing Part 2 of this series because I have a bit more to share on the topic. Interested in receiving it? Join the list!

Let me know what you thought of today's post and if there's anything specific you're interested in learning more about- I'm all ears! I have a list of topics that I'm happy to add to :)

-Danni

5 Tips: Planning For a Brand Session When You Don't Like Being Photographed

A few weeks ago I was asked a great question on instagram:

“I do NOT like being photographed, but I’m the face of my brand. How do I deal?”

And man. My mind went in TONS of different directions on how to respond because I can relate to this from being on both sides of the camera! I shared a partial response on my stories, but definitely wanted to go a bit more in depth on this topic because I’m sure it’s something a lot of us have struggled with in the past or are currently dealing with now.

So…

How do you manage being photographed when you don’t enjoy it?

My first suggestion? Consider if it’s really necessary for you to be the face of your brand. In some cases, it may not be. There are successful “faceless” brands. However, a brand that you can put a face to, does tend to connect better. If you want that to be the case for yours, here are a few suggestions that may make being photographed a little less daunting:

1. Remind yourself of why you’re choosing to be the face of your brand.

Who does your product or service help? Why is it important that you show up for them despite your discomfort?

This one is a bit more mindset related because when you focus on the fact that you DON’T like being photographed, you will find every reason not to be. But when you think about how not being photographed relates to not being able to connect with the people you want to serve, that may feel a little different. If needed, take some time and weigh out the pros and cons so that when you decide to move forward you’ll be fully convinced it’s the right decision for you!

2. Have a clear goal with your photos.

Going into a shoot with no direction can often cause even more anxiety. When you’re clear on what the photos are for, it will help the experience feel more purposeful.

Here’s where having a plan comes into play. And what should that be? Your plan depends on the product or service you offer and your end goal re: the photos. Are you looking to update your website? Have a more engaging social media presence? Or maybe you simply need a great headshot. Once you know how your photos will be used, you can create a plan. Need help coming up with a plan? Check out my Brand Guide for a few suggestions.

3. Choose a photographer you will be comfortable with.

This is super important. You can be good with the first 2 items but a photographer that makes you feel uncomfortable or one that can’t help you relax will likely make you hate the experience, and then the photos.

So how do you know if a potential photographer will be someone you feel comfortable with? Fortunately in the age of social media, service providers have a unique opportunity to share more about themselves than they may have previously. Here are a few questions you can consider when deciding on a photographer: How do you feel when you see or interact with them online? What feedback have they shared from other clients re: what it’s like working with them? How does their brand messaging resonate with you? Do you know someone personally who has worked with them? Those are just a few questions you can consider, but in all honesty, a lot of our decisions are emotional ones, so if you don’t have the best feeling about that person from their online presence (no matter how much you like their work), you should probably choose another photographer.

4. Share your feelings with your photographer.

You’re not in this alone! Let them know that you’re nervous/anxious about/not looking forward to being photographed.

Likely you are not the first client to share those feelings with them. And if they are a kind and considerate photographer, that knowledge will help them approach your session with even more care, making sure that you are comfortable and helping guide you along the pathway to great images :)

5. Try your best to relax.

You have a plan. You’ve chosen a photographer whose work you enjoy and who will help you feel comfortable, you’ve got your wardrobe all set, hair and makeup are done (those last items weren’t mentioned here, but they are in the Brand Guide :) You’ve decided to show up despite your discomfort!

Given all that it took to get here, you should be super proud of yourself! Try your best to relax and let the photo session unfold as it should. What does that look like for you? I’m not sure. Maybe it means having a shot just before you begin, listening to soothing music, drinking some tea… whatever helps you calm down- do it! Lol. Let yourself be open to the direction of your photographer who is there to help you look and feel your best!

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Now… I’ve answered this question from my perspective so I can’t speak for how another photographer would approach this. But I can tell you that I’ve worked with a number of clients who have expressed anxiety and apprehension about being photographed, and by the end of their session, unanimously they share how much they enjoyed it and how the experience wasn’t as bad as they thought it was going to be!

I can’t tell you how much that feedback means to me! It really brings me joy that my clients allow me to bring them out of (but in most cases INTO) their comfort zone.

So what’s next? Depending on where you are, it could be one of 3 things:

1. Do you need to consider whether or not it’s important that you show up as the face of your brand? Set a few minutes aside this week and brainstorm!

2. Have you decided that you are ready to move forward? If it’s with me, shoot me an email and let’s make it happen! With another photographer? Reach out to them this week!

3. Have a question for me? Ask away!

That’s it for today! It’s been a while since I’ve shared a really long post. Hopefully you hung in there to the end :) Let me know if you found today’s post helpful and if there are any more topics that come to mind you’d like me to chat about!

-Danni

2020 Mini Headshot Special

UPDATE 2/7: There was a cancellation so one last minute spot is available for 12p! Grab it here!

UPDATE 1/17: All of the spots have been booked!

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Since discontinuing my seasonal Mini Sessions (and making them available year round- so don't think you're missing out on anything lol), the Mini Headshot Special is now the only annual special I offer, aaand today is the day booking for the 2020 Mini Headshot Special is officially open!*

*to everyone. The mailing list actually got first dibs on Monday so if this is your first time hearing of this, then you mayyy want to join the mailing list so that you can stay in the know! ⠀

This special is $450 and includes the following:

• Professional makeup application for 1 
• 20 minute headshot session for 1 
• One outfit 
• Your choice of 3 retouched high-resolution images 
(w/ option to purchase additional images)

 Note: Full body photos will be included, for a diverse final gallery!

Note: The photos pictured have been taken at the same location where we will be shooting!

I’m really excited about this year’s special because we’ll be at the same location it was held last year and it was PERFECT! It’s such a beautiful space that works well for just about everyone!

We can do a clean headshot and “working” photos in a number of different places. If you’re a fitness professional, we can grab some photos in the gym. Need some chill photos in the kitchen, on the couch, or on a nice bed? We got that too 😉⠀

This is the perfect option when you just want a few updated photos and don't need a full session. 

Past mini headshot clients have used their photos for podcasts, social media, websites, pamphlets, speaker announcements, email, linkedin- everything! It's a great option that will serve you well, long after your investment!

But I don't want you just taking my word for it:

How cool is that?! I LOVE seeing the varied ways my clients use their photos, and even more so, learning that the photos are helping them achieve their desired outcomes 💛 So if you’re looking for a great headshot and a few other lifestyle images to jumpstart your 2020 marketing, this just might be for you.

Here's the fine print:

To take advantage of this offer, you must be located in (or willing to travel to) Washington, DC. Your session is secured with 50% of the session fee and your balance will be due no later than February 1, 2020. 

There are (were) 6 spots available- 3 remain. All headshot sessions will be photographed at an awesome indoor location in DC, so we'll be good to go no matter the weather.

Note: If you think you may need a little more than the Mini Headshot Special provides, check out my regular business sessions to see if one of those would be a better fit for you.

I look forward to connecting with you soon!

3 Reasons You Should Take Photos This Winter

Before the winter season officially begins this weekend, I want to show you something cool:

By the look of each photo, can you tell what season it was?

Some were taken in the spring & summer, a few the fall, and the rest? Winter! That’s the magic of *waves hands* indoor locations! A favorite of mine in the winter because I don’t like being cold lol

Although it’s not a season most associate with photo taking (spring and fall have that on lock), here are 3 reasons why you shouldn’t overlook taking photos this winter:

1. Winter photos ≠ cold photos

Take a look at the photos above. You couldn’t tell what season it was because no one looked cold! Unless my client specifies otherwise, I tend to gravitate to indoor locations during the winter months because nothing kills the picture taking mood faster than being cold.

This is often what keeps folks from even thinking about a winter session because the automatic thought is- I don’t want to take photos in the cold!

Fortunately living here in the DC area, even if you don’t want to take photos at your home, we have soo many beautiful indoor locations we can use for photos, and I make full use of them when the weather calls for extreme cold, precipitation, or high winds. I’m all about client comfort :)

Let’s dive into our second point- this is a big one.

2. There is never a wrong time of year for family photos

Fall is typically a very busy season. Between family responsibilities, work, spending time with friends, shopping, get togethers, wrapping things up for the year, planning for the next, and trying to find a few moments for yourself… the time slips by quickly, and you realize that you didn’t get a chance to take fall family photos!

But who said that fall is the only season you can take family photos?

I know folks like to send (and receive) cards from their loved ones this time of year, but think about it… when the month changes from December to January, does that mean that family photos don’t matter anymore? That no one wants to receive a card from you? Of course they still do!

That’s my point.

Sometimes we can limit ourselves thinking that if something doesn’t happen at a specific time, then it can’t happen anymore. I know I’m guilty of it, but when it comes down to it- there is never a wrong time of year for family photos, never a wrong time of year to send and receive greeting cards, and never a wrong time to let your people know how much you love them.

What’s the third reason? This one is geared a bit more towards business owners and professionals:

3. Start the year off with fresh photos

When was the last time you updated your headshots? Do you still look like the person in your LinkedIn photo? If not, what better time than the start of a new year as inspiration to update the photos you use to represent yourself?

Even if you have updated your photos semi-recently, I don’t know about you but I love how a fresh look can often inspire a fresh start!

This third reason is actually why I started offering the Mini Headshot Special a couple years ago and this February I’ll be offering it again for year 3! Details to come on that in the next week or so, but if you’re interested, save the date of February 22!

Still not sure? I actually just created a resource that can help reduce a bit of the anxiety associated with taking winter photos:

You can click the image or click here to download the lookbook!

I’m really excited to share this because so often there’s a very linear view when it comes to winter photos, but I created this resource to help you SEE the beauty that can be captured indoors.

Well that’s it for today! I hope this has helped to spark a new thought when it comes to winter photos, and I do hope to work with you this coming season!

2019 Wrap-Up | Fall Recap & Winter Preview

Happy first week of December!

2019 is drawing to a close, but before we get too deep in the month of December, I want to take a look back at some of the gems we captured this fall season and look ahead to what we can expect for winter!

Autumn tends to be a quick season in general, but it felt particularly short this year! Overall, it seemed like the fall colors were a bit more muted than they have been in years prior and we only had a few nice weather days before we got hit with winter temps! I actually just saw an article that said November was the first colder than average month we had all year!

Despite the less than stellar weather, thankfully my clients and I were still able to create some magic, and I even stepped in front of the lens a time or two :)

On the days it was really cold, we headed inside and honestly, I wasn’t mad about that. It reminded me of what I tend to do during the winter months anyway- shoot indoors! lol

These look great, right! I’m actually really looking forward to doing more indoor shooting during the winter season, it’s always a nice change of pace :)

Well, that’s it for today! Next week, booking for early 2020 will open and I'll be sharing a pretty cool resource to help you with planning if you’re thinking about booking a winter session.

Have a wonderful week!