Female business owner, Michelle, gives some coy sass to the camera for a gif to showcase her fun-loving personality during her business branding photoshoot.

Sometimes, the most memorable moments in our business journeys happen when we step out of our usual surroundings and immerse ourselves in new experiences. That's exactly what Michelle Fernandez did when she flew all the way from Texas to Greensboro, North Carolina, for a mastermind event. Naturally, we planned her branding session to coincide with this trip, since we’re only a stone’s throw away in Winston Salem. Her bubbly spirit and infectious laugh filled the space from the moment she arrived.

A dynamic and insightful business strategist, Michelle is known for her expertise in data-driven marketing. Specializing in helping six-figure earners optimize their Facebook ads and marketing funnels, she empowers entrepreneurs to break through plateaus and achieve rapid growth. She transforms complex data into actionable strategies, guiding her clients towards predictable and profitable business expansion in a way that is personalized and approachable - all the while empowering her clients’ success with her vibrant personality.

Michelle is not only an expert in her field but also brings a sharp, insightful approach to everything she does. She has an undeniable presence that immediately draws you in, ready to soak up the next story she’s going to tell! With the ability to weave her expertise into relatable stories with admirable clarity, it was essential we create photography that was magnetic to a clients who were hungry for success, desired one-on-one attention, was more than ready to make the next move - once they know what it was, of course - and enjoyed high energy leadership.

Calling out to all business owners who need a dashboard! Well, that is the intention of this image we created for Michelle during her on location branding photoshoot. This photograph can also be used to celebrate her clients and make announcements. Versatility is key to the longevity of marketing images.

Michelle’s branding session was not just about getting pretty photographs; it was about capturing her essence and the authenticity that drives her success. Even though we were on location, we made sure to incorporate the colors of her brand—blacks, purples, greys, and whites—into every shot. She wore a pair of sparkly black cowboy boots that added a unique, personal flair and stuck to one simple, professional, and well-styled outfit. Upon our recommendation on how to best prepare for her branding photoshoot, she came prepared with her laptop, travel bag, branded notebooks, and branded desk accessories, which allowed us to infuse her personal taste and brand identity into the session. This attention to detail added a layer of intention to her final photographs.

One of the highlights of Michelle’s session was our collaboration with Mallory, owner and founder of The Girlboss Agency. Together, we created authority reels for Michelle to share her expertise on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. These reels are designed to help her grow her audience and further establish her as a thought leader in her field.

Michelle’s excitement about the results of her session was palpable as she had such a hard time choosing her favorite images - and even ended up upgrading to the full gallery. It’s always incredibly fulfilling to see a client so thrilled with their images, knowing they have a gallery full of strategic, marketable photographs that truly represent their brand. In the end, we were thrilled to have provide Michelle with updated images for her social media and website that she loves!

Needless to say, it was an absolute joy to work with someone so passionate and dedicated to her craft. If you're a female business owner looking to elevate your brand with authentic, heartfelt visuals, let’s create something beautiful together. Embrace your unique strengths and let your brand shine.

Michelle, female business owner of The Michelle Fernandez a dashboard service, rocking her sparkly black cowboy boots as part of her on location branding photoshoot styling.

Catching a full smiling, high energy headshot was essential for capturing the brand voice of female business owner, Michelle Fernandez for her on location branding photoshoot.

Wide horizontal photographs are great for all brands! This image we created for Michelle during her branding photoshoot can be used as a branded LinkedIn banner, website header or footer or for any marketing materials which need space for text.

Female business owner, Michelle Fernandez, often uses her phone for consultations, capturing tutorial videos, quick instructions for clients and snapping behind the scenes of her days as an entrepreneur. This photograph, along with the others we created for her during her on location branding photoshoot, will be strategic for Michelle in a variety of ways.

Female business owner, Michelle Fernandez, poses with a smile at the desk we styled for her on location branding photoshoot.

I’ve often rejected the cultural use of the word “photogenic.” Mostly, because this term is used negatively ninety-five percent of the time. I hear, too often, people cutting themselves down for not being photogenic, stating their face will break my camera. While I can appreciate the ease that laughing at this self depricating joke can bring, it also comes with a sensitivity. The reality of the situation is, anyone can have a bad photograph taken of them. Just as equally, everyone can look good in a photograph. The good news is that looking good in a photograph is a simple formula. Of course, I’m chuckling at using the term “simple” because there’s actually quite a bit of personal work that goes into this two step process.

The one element that makes the biggest difference is believing yourself. If you want to appear confident you have to believe in yourself. Body language and your wardrobe will help but, if you are feeling insecure, it will show up in your expression. Whatever your belief about yourself is, it will radiate through the details - be it the corner of your mouth, slight tilt of your brow, your smile not reaching your eyes, a slight falling of your muscle in your temple instead of a lift. These details have the power to transform how we appear in front of the camera. When we feel self-assured, it positively affects our body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanor, resulting in more captivating and authentic photographs.

The second element is vulnerability. In order to show up authentically, you have to be willing to let your mental walls come down. A lack of vulnerability mostly shows through muscle tension, though it can also show up in the same locations a lack of confidence will. Just check out the three photographs of me below. While this session was one of my recent favorites - because I was feeling good about myself and the results showed it - there were still moments in the session that I could see my mentality falter.

The three stages of getting my confidence to show through. The furthest left image of me shows my confidence faltering. The second shows me slightly more confident but a bit stiff because I’m not fully engaged mentally. The last photograph shows my confidence in my expression and body language.

It's essential to remember that comparing ourselves to others can be detrimental to our self-esteem. In a world where culture often showcases only highlights and successes, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling inadequate or "less than." This makes it all the more important to recognize that we rarely know the full story behind someone's seemingly perfect “photogenic” image. Give yourself - and them - grace, remembering that we don't always see each others struggles, insecurities, or challenges we might be facing. We all have our moments of vulnerability. The next time you step in front of the camera, give yourself a pep talk, recall what you are good at and what you like about yourself. Do your best to put yourself in a positive mindset and let your confidence and authenticity shine through. Feel the relief in realizing that your strengths are not only genuine but also inspiring to others. Embrace yourself, for you are truly valuable, and your portraits will reflect the incredible person you are.