Whether you’re building your business’s presence on social media, your website, or even through email campaigns, the images you use matter. Intentional brand photography holds a magnetism that’s essential for your business, especially when it comes to attracting leads that convert. And, while we can understand the importance of these images, cultivating engaging visuals is not always that easy, is it? Not only does it feel like there’s an overwhelming amount of content that could or should be captured, being in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking. I want to help you take steps towards your next brand photoshoot being a success.

We business owners know that intentional brand photography is like putting your best foot forward, every single time, making you look polished and approachable. Think about it – your online presence is your digital handshake that gives your potential clients a first impression of you. As such, the photographs you share should tell your story, help people connect with who you are and leave them excited to engage with you!

So, where do we start?

Well, the key is to just start. Start your search for a brand photographer you resonate with. Start compiling your brand structure - voice, aesthetic, personality, all of it - into one place to share with your photographer when you find them. Start making your own list of photographs you’d love to have of yourself. Start practicing taking selfies and talking on camera, so that when it comes the photoshoot day, you’re ready to go.

Most importantly, start focusing on finding the things you love about yourself and what you love about what you do.

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I want to pause here and talk to the women who wait - myself included.
The women who wait …
- for that ideal weight
- to start liking how your voice sounds
- to get more clients
- to be more tan or more toned
- to be ready for the attention
- to feel successful

I see you. I get it. We are the same in so many ways.

Many of us are hyper aware of how we look in photos or videos. But, here’s the thing … we’re usually our own worst critics.

Honest question here…. If I weighed 20 pounds more, would you decide not to work with me?

It probably doesn’t matter, right?

The same goes for you. Your clients don’t care if you’re not at your ideal weight, muscle tone or have reached your definition of success. They are attracted to you for what you offer and HOW you offer it. They care about your service and what you bring to the table.

Your worth is not attached to what you’re insecure about.

You have a gift. Don’t hide yourself from helping people.

Your clients want to see the real you! Your uniqueness is what sets you apart and helps potential clients decide if you’re the right fit for them.

So, show up. Be yourself. You will build connections with the people who resonate with you!

There's SO much I struggle to love about myself, especially when I'm in front of the camera creating marketing materials I know will be seen by maaaany people.

Just like everyone, I don't like to look ugly or have the pounds I've added over the years be evident, or see myself forever making odd faces. But I still need to show up - and how can I ask my clients to show up if I, myself, can't show up??

There's one thing I do to overcome my camera shyness as a business owner - and I'm sure you, as a fellow entrepreneur, can relate.

I focus on my WHY.

I remind myself that I am showing up FOR people, not just for myself. I remind myself that I want AUTHENTIC relationships and that, in order to have authentic relationships, I need to be authentic and vulnerable myself. I make an effort to remember who I am and recognize my value is not in what I look like, but how I serve others.

I do my best to enable myself to show up for people and for myself in a manner that builds the relationships I want to grow.

It's always important to remember that showing up in your marketing is not about looking perfect, but about making genuine connections. This mindset shift has allowed me to build stronger, more meaningful relationships both personally and professionally. So, next time you find yourself hesitant to step in front of the camera, remember your Why and let it guide you to show up as your true self.

Brand photograph showcasing Patricia’s use of sound therapy. There is negative space on one side, in case she needs to add text for a marketing campaign.

I sunk my feet into the ground, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. Trustingly, I reached out my hand. As it touched the glossy surface of the tumbled stones, one made its way into my palm. As I opened my eyes, I looked first at the person across from me. Her eyes were compassionate, stance confident, and her heart open.

With a soft smile, she asked, "What did you get?"

Facing my palm towards me, I unfurled my fingers to reveal a milky brown stone. In gold, sparkling letters, the word "Inspire" was engraved. A smile grew on my face as Patricia's bright, gleeful giggle filled the room. "This is the perfect stone for you!" she said.

I was grateful she had invited me to partake in part of her practice, honored that she would extend this kindness towards me and moved at her heart for encouraging those around her.

Patricia and I had justbwrapped up her small business branding photoshoot. It was a creative exploration filled with warmth, authenticity, and a grounded air.

Throughout our process working together, I couldn't help but be captivated by Patricia's passion for people and their wellness. From her gentle touch to her thoughtful approach, every aspect of her practice radiated with sincerity and care. It was clear that she didn't just see her clients as customers but as individuals on a journey towards healing and self-discovery.

What struck me most about Patricia was her unwavering authenticity. In a world filled with noise and pretense, she stood out like a beacon of light, shining brightly with her genuine spirit and unwavering dedication.

Every step in our planning was intentional, from selecting props to curating the perfect atmosphere, the stages of her client experience we storyboarded and the location of her session. We made sure that each detail was infused with Patricia's unique charm and personality. It was a collaborative process filled with laughter, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose.

In the end, we created a collection of photographs that told a holistic story of Patricia, as a business owner, practitioner and person - a story of compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of healing. Each image was a testament to her commitment to her clients and her craft, capturing the heart and soul behind her practice.

I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of Patricia's journey. Her warmth, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to her clients are truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to have witnessed it firsthand.

If you're looking for a holistic approach to wellness that is as genuine as it is effective, talk to Patricia. Her unique blend of compassion and expertise is sure to leave you feeling inspired, uplifted.

Brand photograph created for the website of business owner, Patricia, a trauma informed body worker and yoga therapist. This photograph was created to be used specifically as a header, footer or divider image on her website as well as a header footer on her LinkedIn profile. This treatment room was set up in the Jasper & Fern studio and includes Patricia’s mobile massage table and her favorite bodywork tools.

Brand photograph created for Patricia, planned to show the mobility of her yoga therapy practice and showcase her location of Winston Salem. This photograph was created to be used to advertise her classes and talk about the importance of being outside.

Brand photograph created for Patricia, showcasing her location of Winston Salem. This photograph was created to also showcase that she has a mobile practice and was intended to be used in with her marketing message of regulating in the busy-ness of life, taking time for self care.

In today's competitive business landscape, your company's visual identity plays a crucial role in how you're perceived by clients, partners, and even potential employees. It is becoming ever-more important that your company’s professionalism and ethics are portrayed through top-tier corporate headshots that align with your branding and showcase your company culture. In our experience working with companies including BB&T, Truist, The Budd Group, Edward Jones, Freese & Nichols and Omega Construction, we have grown a deeper understanding of the importance of a cohesive, professional and marketable image. Corporate headshots are an efficient and often affordable way to make a significant impact.

Corporate headshot of Lawson, for MGC Law, here in WInston Salem NC.

If ensuring that your team presents a unified and polished appearance that is consistent across your marketing, professional headshots are a fantastic way to instill those brand values. They provide your company with a first impression that conveys not only professionalism and trustworthiness but reliability and your company’s attention to detail. As you well know, these elements are pivotal in attracting and retaining clients.

And that specific, positive company culture you’ve been tirelessly working to build? That’s impacted, as well, when you showcase your team in a respected and professional manner. A company that values its employees enough to have quality headshots provided for them, speaks volumes to potential employees and partners. They highlight your commitment to valuing and representing your employees, which is a magnetic factor to people who also want to make a long-term commitment of their talents and time to a company.

At Jasper & Fern, we go beyond simply taking photographs. We integrate your company's mission, vision, and values into each headshot session, ensuring that every image aligns with your brand's messaging. We provide :

1. Tailored Consultation: We start with a 20 to 30-minute consultation to understand your company's brand, mission and unique needs, as well as aesthetic preferences. This allows us to fine-tune our approach and deliver headshots that perfectly match your brand.

2. On-Location and/or In-Studio Services: Whether you prefer the convenience of having us come to your location or sending your staff to our studio, we offer flexible options to suit your needs. We also travel across the US to cover multiple branches, ensuring consistency in your headshots nationwide.

3. Efficiency and Consistency: We have multiple talented staff photographers on our team so we can scale to meet your needs. From providing a single photographer to a team of photographers, the availability of multiple photographs working for you ensures an efficient process without compromising on quality or consistency.

4. Portrait Guides: For national and international companies with urgent deadlines or rapid growth, we can even create a Portrait Guide to ensure consistent headshots across all branches, even when you’re working with other photographers. This guide outlines everything from styling tips to pose suggestions, specs for the photography and lighting tech to ensure a cohesive look.

For marketing departments and project managers, working with us means having a partner who understands the nuances of branding and marketing and wants to make the process seamless for you. We want to work closely with you - your marketing team, PR reps, and project managers - to ensure that every detail aligns with your brand's goals and messaging, elevating your marketing materials and making your proposals, presentations, and online presence more impactful and engaging. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our process is designed to integrate smoothly into your everyday operations. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of images, we prioritize efficiency and minimal disruption to your workflow, offering flexibility in scheduling and accommodating special requests to meet your needs.

We believe that strong relationships with clients and employees are the foundation of a successful business. By choosing us, you’re not just hiring a photographer; you’re partnering with a team that is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and enhance your company's internal culture and external reputation. Our professionals understand the power of communication through high-quality staff headshots and strive to help your clients and potential employees connect with your team on a more personal level, fostering stronger relationships and trust. Together, we'll create a visual identity that strengthens your brand and builds lasting connections.

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Ready to Elevate Your Brand?

If you’re ready to take your company’s visual identity to the next level with professional, personalized headshots, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discover how we can elevate your company’s visual identity.