Howdy. I’m Love’s Apprentice, photographer and brand strategist. With consumers doing more and more business online, the competition is stiffer now more than ever if you want to stand out in this crowd. Image is everything! I help you develop the image and strategy to really engage the people you want to do business with. I’ve grown to enjoy sharing my experiences and resources I’ve gathered, hence the blog as well as amazing resources like
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The Get Down: Brand Strategy Explained
Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small, retail or B2B. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Branding is sometimes considered to be merely an advertising function, but it is so much more than that. What trends can your brand leverage to modernize + monetize in 2020? Discover how to create and manage a brand that helps your business become known, loved, and preferred in this brand strategy break-down we call "The Get Down."
Brand Strategy: What you need to know in 2019
Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small, retail or B2B. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Branding is sometimes considered to be merely an advertising function, but it is so much more than that. What trends can your brand leverage to modernize + monetize in 2020? Discover how to create and manage a brand that helps your business become known, loved, and preferred in this brand strategy break-down we call "The Get Down."
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What's in the Mirror: A Night of Love
I had such an amazing time photographing What’s in the Mirror’s A Night of Love! Here are the photos and highlights from the evening. Download, share, and enjoy!
I had such an amazing time photographing What’s in the Mirror’s A Night of Love! Here are the photos and highlights from the evening. Download, share, and enjoy!
IF YOU aRE BLOWN AWAY BY THE PICTURES YOU SEE HERE, FEEL FREE TO LEAVE ME A DONATION!
Resources for Creatives in Austin
If you’re a creative in Austin, bookmark this blog. It’s filled with tons of resources that creative people can use to sustain and grow their businesses. If you have any resources to add to the list, sound off in the comment section.
If you’re a creative in Austin, bookmark this blog. It’s filled with tons of resources that creative people can use to sustain and grow their businesses. If you have any resources to add to the list, sound off in the comment section.
Business Resources for Austin Creatives
Compiled by Love’s Apprentice
City of Austin Resources
The Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department provides leadership and management for the City's Cultural arts program and for the economic development of arts and cultural industries
Capital Investment & Cultural Training
The Alliance of Artists Communities is an international association of artists' residencies - a diverse field of more than 1,500 programs worldwide that support artists of any discipline in the development of new creative work
Art in Public Places Program commissions artworks, ranging from murals and sculptures to functional architectural elements, for new and remodeled public facilities.
Arts Commission advises city council in all arts-related matters
Artist in Residence Program embeds artists within City departments to develop imaginative approaches for community engagement and creative expression
Austin Emerging Arts Leaders is a chapter of Americans for the Arts Emerging Leaders Network for early-career arts professionals looking for networking and professional development opportunitie
Emerging Teaching Artists Program is a s job training program that introduces practicing artists to the art of teaching
LaunchPAD Program pairs established public artists with visual artists moving into the field of public art to gain expertise while providing services benefitting a public art project for the City
Music Commission advises city council on music development issues
TEMPO allows artists to propose and create temporary public artworks in a range of themes suitable for the outdoor environment
Women in Jazz Association, Inc. provides Concert Series and Vocal Performance Workshops for performance opportunities and experiences of local professional and amateur jazz vocalists.
Creative Industry Programs
Business Expansion Incentive Program provides up to 3% wages reimbursement per job / per year (max $1,800) and up to 50% property tax reimbursement
Creative Content Initiative Program offers incentives to qualifying film, television, video game, & visual effects projects equal to 0.50% of wages paid to local workers. Projects produced by an Austin-based company or which significantly promote Austin may be eligible for an additional 0.25% incentive for a total incentive of 0.75%.
The Media Production and Development Zone 2 year sales/use tax exemption on a media production facility
Austin's UNESCO designation as City of Media Arts strengthens opportunities for development with UNESCO network
Cultural Funding Programs
Art Space Assistance Program grants to support non-profits facing permanent displacement
Art in Sacred Places Program spaces to work, rehearse, and perform in unused sacred spaces
Capacity Building Program provides funding for individual artists and arts organizations with a budget less than $200,000 to provide professional development opportunities (i.e. conferences, workshops, classes, and memberships) to enhance and strengthen the infrastructure and workforce of Austin’s creative sector
Community Initiatives Program offers funding to support the marketing, production, and presentation of public performances and exhibitions by nonprofits arts and culture organizations, as well as qualifying individual artists and organizations
Core Funding Program offers organizational and project support to local 501c3 arts and culture organizations, as well as qualifying individual artists and organizations
Cultural Expansion Program $ for marketing of arts organizations serving underserved audiences
Cultural Heritage Festivals Program provides funding to local 501c3 nonprofit organizations, individual artists, and other organizations to strengthen the marketing, production, presentation, and funding of a culturally-specific festival.
Neighborhood Partnering Program provides opportunities for community and neighborhood organizations to affect public improvements by sharing in the costs of those efforts with the City of Austin government. Public improvements could include such things as works of public art, beautification and enhancement projects, community gardens, and more
Public Programs & Outreach
People's Gallery is a free exhibition of the work of Austin-area artists within the City of Austin’s City Hall
Artist Access Program provides access to cultural center space for rehearsals and performances
Art After Six free community arts events
Art Space Assistance Program will provide grants to support non-profits facing permanent displacement, those previously displace, or those facing lease renewals at substantially higher rates amidst a volatile real estate market
Austin's New Year annual free event on Vic Mathias Shores
City of Austin Artwork Donation and Loan Policy community can propose artworks to buy
City of Austin Small Business Program provides business training, educational events, and coaching to empower entrepreneurs
The Dougherty Arts Center regularly displays work by local Austin artists and accepts Exhibit Proposals annually
The DAC Artist Resource Center is a place for emerging and established artists of all mediums to engage and collaborate.
Artist Inc entrepreneurship program
The Hispanic Alliance provides access to high-quality resources, arts education and business mentorship for Austin's underserved populations
The Julia C. Butridge Gallery supports emerging through professional artists by providing exhibition space by application
The Latino Arts Residency Program fosters the development of Austin-area Latino arts organizations and artists in all disciplines in an effort to build and enhance quality, sustainable community arts and cultural programming
Old Bakery and Emporium Art Gallery is a consignment shop featuring a rotating schedule of exhibitions including artworks of all media and subject matter
Six Square is a visionary leader and powerful partner for major projects that preserve, promote, and sustain black arts, history and culture
Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) advances our state economically and culturally by investing in a creative Texas
Other Resources
The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program is intended to provide interim financial assistance to qualified artists whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation
ALL ATX is Austin's musician advocate, dedicated to their promotion, success and overall well-being
Art Alliance Austin works collaboratively with artists, museums, independent curators, and galleries to create a diverse and powerful series of programming which highlights Austin as an emerging contemporary arts capital
Asian American Resource Center Community Art Exhibit Program displays artworks that celebrate the diverse and dynamic cultural heritage, history, identity and creativity of Asians and Asian Americans
Austin Creative Alliance advance, connect, advocate for Austin's arts, cultural, creative communities
Austin Emerging Art Leaders chapter of Americans for the Arts Emerging Leaders Network
Austin Federation of Musicians assists local musicians with wages, work conditions, employment
Austin Film Society empowers community to make, watch and love film and creative media
Austin Jazz Alliance helps jazz musicians in Austin and Central Texas promote their music
Austin Music Foundation helps artists navigate opportunities in the music industry
Austin Songwriters Group provides opportunities through workshops, events, annual symposium
Big Medium is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting contemporary art in Texas
Capitol View Arts supports the arts community through arts education, collaborative opportunities, and the preservation of venues for performances and public use
Dart Music International assists global artists obtain work visas, appearances
Faces of Austin is a short film program showcasing works by Austin filmmakers which reflect the many diverse faces, voices and experiences of Austin.
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians provides access to affordable health care for Austin’s low-income working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness.
I Respect Music supports a musician's rights to pay for radio airplay
Live Music Tutor online music platform that connects instructors, students, and enthusiasts
Mike Tolleson & Associates free legal clinic Wednesdays
MusiCares covers financial, medical, personal emergencies for music professionals
The Recording Academy Texas Chapter is dedicated to providing educational programming and networking opportunities to artists and industry professionals of all trades throughout the state enriching the music community through outreach and advocacy
SIMS Foundation financial support for mental health and addiction services
Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts provides individualized volunteer legal and accounting services to financially qualified artists and arts nonprofits, hosts educational seminars and clinics, and produces educational materials to increase business knowledge in the arts
The Texas Music Office promotes the development of the music in the state by informing members of that industry and the public about resources available in the state for music for music production, and serves as liaison between the industry and state government
The Writer's League of Texas provides a forum for information, support, and sharing among writers; to help writers improve on their craft and market their skills; to promote the interest of writers and the writing community at large; and to elevate the art and enterprise of writing
TuneCore helps artists sell music online, keep 100% of their rights/sales revenue, collect royalties
State & Federal
Texas Wide Open for Business
Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Other Public and Non-Profit Resources
This nonprofit provides free small business counseling and resources, low cost business workshops and special customized services. Their certified mentors are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve success.
Texas State Small Business Development Center
The Texas State University SBDC works with existing and startup small businesses to help them grow and compete in today’s global economy. SBDCs are available to provide assistance during every phase of the business life cycle. The improvements that result from their direct support of their client's activities lead to job creation, investments, and economic growth for communities throughout central Texas.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Skills for Small Business program, offers up to $2 million from the Skills Development Fund for training. Small businesses can apply to TWC for training offered by their local community or technical college, or the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). The program pays up to $1,450 for each new employee being trained and $725 for existing employees per 12-month period.
TexHealth Central Texas offers innovative health plans specifically designed to help small businesses attract and retain employees by offering them the most affordable benefits coverage to stay healthy and on the job.
Why Your Brand Colors Matter
Colors have the power to impact moods, feelings, and behaviors.
The psychology of color as it pertains to influencing people is one of the most interesting — and most disputed — aspects of branding and marketing.
Learn what matters, and what doesn't, in this intro guide to color psychology.
When It Comes to Branding, It's All About Color
For sighted people, colors are important, Top brands know this. That's why they invest so much money into researching consumer preferences. They understand that the more they understand about their audiences, the greater their ability to develop messaging and branding that actually works to effect the behaviors of the organisms that can perceive them.
In nature, colors started as a means for survival. Some flowers are grown to have vivid colors to attract pollinators, and there are reptiles whose color changes to protect them from predators in their ecosystems. So if on a lower tier, color plays such an important role to smaller organisms and life, you better believe that it has a significant effect on people. Humans respond to color behaviorally, mentally, and emotionally. Although we are still learning all the ways that color effects us chemically, we've learned enough to know how important colors are to inform, persuade, and influence people on a psychological level.
If you're doing your marketing and branding, consider what your colors are saying about you and your brand and if you're still in the building stages and haven't quite got all your marketing collateral worked out, consider your color theory ahead of time so you can really craft messaging that speaks to the audience that you want to bring in.
There are also commonly reported psychological effects of color as it relates to two main categories: warm and cool. Warm colors – such as red, yellow and orange – can spark a variety of emotions ranging from comfort and warmth to hostility and anger while cooler colors like purple, green, and blue can often spark feelings from calmness to sadness.
Let's dig into a few of the most popular colors to see what how they're being perceived. The following are some common reactions to colors here in the U.S. You can also review a more comprehensive list of color meanings and symbolism on this chart created for download or embed on your site.
Just remember, certain shades or tones may result in very different meanings. Also, the context around the color, and even surrounding colors, can have an effect. Think of this as a more "beginner's look" into color psychology:
RED - Red is the color of passion. It can also be the color of aggression. It is attention grabbing. Interestingly enough, red is appetite stimulating. A lot of fast food restaurants use red because it stimulates your digestion.
GREY - Grey is sort of like the opposite of red. It is a very neutral color. It is a little bit more passive. Speakers might wear grey because they want you to concentrate on what they're saying and not so much what they are wearing.
BLUE - Blue is the color of the sky and the ocean. It's loyal, dependable, honest, trustworthy, and very wise. When you wear blue, it's a great color to show that you are an expert, that you are calm, that you know what you're doing and that you're very loyal and dependable. There have been many really fascinating studies done, one of which had workers work in an all white office and workers working in an all blue office. The workers in the all blue office had 20% less errors, so blue can make you feel more wise, or feel more productive, so it would be a great color to have around you where you work.
PURPLE - Purple is the color of royalty. It's the color of luxury, so if you want someone to thing your gift is expensive, wrap it in purple wrapping paper! LOL! But seriously, there’s a reason why purple doesn't appear in nature very much. That’s why purple dye is so expensive. We attribute the color to being expensive and unique.
ORANGE - Success and high energy. Orange is a great color to wear to the gym. Look around at your next sporting event and see how much orange you find.
BRAND STRATEGY 101 AND WHY YOU NEED ONE (FOR CREATIVES & ENTREPRENEURS)
Bringing your brand to life is not about how it looks; it’s about how it makes others feel. It’s all about what your customers say and how they feel when you leave the room. That’s why having a great strategy for your brand is so important. Your brand strategy is what cements people’s perceptions of your brand. What might you perceive of a brand with no clear strategy?
Let’s dig a little bit deeper into this whole “branding” thing though.
HOW TO DEVELOP A STRATEGY THAT LEADS TO MEASURABLY POSITIVE RESULTS
Bringing your brand to life is not about how it looks; it’s about how it makes others feel. It’s all about what your customers say and how they feel when you leave the room. That’s why having a great strategy for your brand is so important. Your brand strategy is what cements people’s perceptions of your brand. What might you perceive of a brand with no clear strategy?
Let’s dig a little bit deeper into this whole “branding” thing though.
Branding, according to Entrepreneur.com is “your promise to your customer. It tells them what they can expect from your products and services, and it differentiates your offering from that of your competitors. Your brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be.”
That’s a decent definition, but I’ve cleaned it up a bit. Branding, to me, is actively shaping people’s perceptions about your business. Strategy implies that there is a methodical system that one can implement to attain measurably positive results.
That’s all brand strategy is in the big scheme of things. It’s a system that you implement in your business to shape people’s thoughts about your brand.
Now that we’ve defined Brand Strategy, let’s talk about how we can start to build one for your brand.
I’ve broken it down into a nice little acronym that I hope you remember when you’re developing your brand strategy. Let’s get right into it.
1. C = Customer
Your branding should be geared towards your customer so you have to know who they are. If you’ve got a make-up line, think about the kinds of people you think will be interested in your make-up and direct your messages to them.
2. O = Objective
I believe that knowing from the start what you expect to get out of your branding efforts will help determine whether your branding efforts actually worked. It’s important to start with measurable goals. If your goal is to get 100 new subscribers to your mailing list, your branding efforts should direct your customers to get you to that goal. If you started with 0 followers, then after the release of your new promotional material and a certain amount of time, you should have 100 new subscribers if your branding efforts worked.
3. V = Values
This part needs time for serious self reflection, but being able to convey your values through your marketing and branding is crucial part of signaling customers and clients. Having well conceived core values for your business and brand helps set you apart in the competitive space because your values are unique to you. Your values act as the emotional attitude of your brand.
4. E = Express
As a creative, this is the fun part. Express is communicating those values and beliefs about your brand to your audience. How will your marketing collateral express the vision of your brand? How will your audience receive your messaging? Have you made a branding style guide? Do you need a photoshoot? The sky is the limit, so to narrow things down, refer back to the previous tips and ask yourself if these new creative assets fit your brand, match your values, and support your objective.
5. T = Tweak
As your business grows and your brand evolves, you’ll be able to see the results of your branding and marketing collateral. If you’re not getting the results you need, it’s OK to tweak what you’ve got to create something better.
When I discuss tweaking with my clients, I ask things like…
Is your logo a png?
Is the text written from your point of view?
Are you photos really old?
Does a different motto, slogan, hashtag resonate more significantly with your audience?
These are all critical things to consider when devising your brand strategy.
CAN NOT HAVING A BRAND STRATEGY HURT MY BUSINESS?
It absolutely could. Let’s say that you are an online retailer of custom made goods. You have a beautiful and responsive website, but you’re checkout page is difficult to navigate. If that’s the case, the chances are, you’re not getting the sales you deserve. This is what I call “brand incongruence;” The experience doesn’t match the brand, thus turning off your customers.
By implementing a strategy for your brand to convert interested buyers into returning buyers, this is the type of thing that you can address before it results in financial loss. Sure, you might have been able to save a few coins going with the default checkout theme, but how many customers have you lost in the process.
Being strategic about your branding efforts will allow you the ability to track whether your efforts worked and to recalculate so you can succeed. You’ll have the power to make smarter business decisions because a certain amount of your success has already been pre-determined.
FINAL WORDS
Denzel Washington is quoted as saying “Dreams without goals remain dreams and fuel disappointment.” The same is kinda true for your branding. If you don’t set a goal for your branding, and if you’re not being strategic about accomplishing that goal, then get ready to be disappointed.
Sure, having an awesome name, great brand colors, and beautiful photos taken by Love’s Apprentice are all important and will help make your brand stand out, but if you care about growth, then you need to make sure these resources help to get you there.
If you would like to discuss how to develop a brand strategy for your own business, please get in touch for a low cost brand development session. We’ll get you squared away on all the steps you can take to refine your brand to get the results you want.
Common Ground (Photo Essay)
This photo essay is called “Common Ground: Shot from the Hip” because I wanted to take a neutral perspective which was the lens of my 85mm and explore the common ground that is Downtown Austin, TX. This is my attempt at putting Downtown ATX in a fishbowl. Enjoy!
This photo essay is titled “Common Ground” because I want to draw attention to the “diversity” of Austin and what that really looks like.
Many of these photos were literally taken from the HIP - from my hip which symbolizes me capturing these photos from an even playing field, without judgment, without wanting to make any political statement and to just be lead by the spirit and energy of the day within these few blocks.
Enjoy!
Sights of SXSW 2019
SXSW is an incredible 10-day festival celebrating the latest trends and innovations in film and music and has tons of events and interactive shows which takes place every March in ATX. The conference is attended by media and tech businesses, artists and party-goers who are looking to discover new talent, often for free.
My hubby Sani and I decided to go for a walk and capture some street photography of the busy-ness! Here’s a look at some of the sights we found at this year’s SXSW!
SXSW is an incredible 10-day festival celebrating the latest trends and innovations in film and music and has tons of events and interactive shows which takes place every March in ATX. The conference is attended by media and tech businesses, artists and party-goers who are looking to discover new talent, often for free.
My hubby Sani and I decided to go for a walk and capture some street photography of the busy-ness! Here’s a look at some of the sights we found at this year’s SXSW!
Why Your Brand Photography Matters
SIMPLE QUESTION: When you’re scrolling down your endless Facebook and Instagram timelines, which makes you stop scrolling first - the text or the images?
If you answered with “the images,” then congratulations! You’re part off the majority!! So much for individuality. LOL! But on a serious note, the reason why you’re more compelled to stop on the photos is actually backed up by science. According to researched complied by 3M, the corporation behind Post-it Notes, images are processed 60,000 times faster than written words, which means you can show off your brand to your followers much quicker with pictures.
Branding + Design
SIMPLE QUESTION: When you’re scrolling down your endless Facebook and Instagram timelines, which makes you stop scrolling first - the text or the images?
If you answered with “the images,” then congratulations! You’re part off the majority!! So much for individuality. LOL! But on a serious note, the reason why you’re more compelled to stop on the photos is actually backed up by science. According to researched complied by 3M, the corporation behind Post-it Notes, images are processed 60,000 times faster than written words, which means you can show off your brand to your followers much quicker with pictures.
So I guess it’s safe to say that your brand photography is probably going to be your most advantageous tool when it comes to your branding.
Photography provides PROOF! It helps your audience to visually perceive you as an expert in your field, which hopefully is good for your bottom line.
Let’s take a shallow dive two similar BLACK-OWNED businesses and the choices they have made to build their brands using photography.
(image credit: XOXO Sugar)
XOXO Sugar and The Crayon Case have both gained notoriety (#1) because of the strong desire of black people to support black business, but mainly because of (#2) the superior quality of their products. However, it is worth noting how they each approach swaggering their brands. Both pages tell a story about what their products are like, what their brands are about and the kinds of customers they want to attract.
(image credit: The Crayon Case)
(image credit: The Crayon Case)
XOXO Sugar is giving off a sweet/affordability sensibility that’s probably catered to 18 - 35 year old female demographic, whereas The Crayon Case is going for a back-to-school vibe which could appeal to both school aged audiences and trendy, fashion-forward adults craving a sense of nostalgia. One can assume that not too many men or women over 50 will be buying, but they’ve totally got the attention of their intended audiences. So as you can see, although these brands are quite similar, they’re harnessing the power of great brand photography to tell 2 totally different stories to potentially the same audience and to differentiate their brands from one another in such a competitive marketplace.
We’re going to be taking a closer look into how photography can be used to help develop an increased awareness of your brand and the steps that you can take to make a better showing to your followers. Remember - Your visual presentation will make or break your brand, so don’t risk turning potential customers off by using unflattering photos cause it’ll instantly devalue your brand.
Using Photography in Your Branding
In the above examples, both brands themed their images in eye-catching ways to convey different messages to their audiences. This is how you should be thinking when developing your brand. Know your audience and tell them your story.
1. The 3 P’s: Perspective, Portrayal & Purpose
You’ll need all of these in order to start visualizing and actualizing your branding.
Perspective - What’s your perspective? What is the message that you are trying to send to your audience?
Portrayal - How do you want to portray that message? Do you have a particular concept that could help send the message?
Purpose - What’s the purpose? What do you want your customers to do? How do you want your clients to feel? What’s your desired end result?
2. Create a mood board
Having a clear overview of these 3 things will definitely help you when it’s time to start pinning. Back in the day, we used to have to make moodboards from old magazine cut-outs, but now-a-days, all you need is Pinterest. Create a board and collect all of the inspiration that you need until you see your brand materialize.
Save photos from everywhere you can find that looks like the photography that you want to featured your brand. Take a look at your closest competitors and take note of the techniques they employ to engage their following. Let your Pinterest Board reflect the feeling of what you want your audience to receive from you. It should have personality. It should convey a mood. It should look like it comes from you as opposed to someone else. Every pin should work together to tell the story of your brand.
3. Edit, Edit, Edit!!!
Now that you’ve got a pretty good inspo’ board, you’re going to have to pare it down. Look through your collection and get organized. Recognizing patterns in your preferences is going to help you assemble your style guide and to remove duplicate pins or ones that tell the same story, either visually or emotionally. Be selective about what you keep, making sure only to save the items that most closely reflect your brand’s point of view.
A great way to make this easier on yourself is to have a client-first attitude. Consider their needs because after all, you’re choosing these images for them. Having a clear set of guidelines makes the blueprint easy to replicate so consider the following:
What is the subject of the photos? Are you selling a product? Are you the subject because you provide the service? Are you a landscape photographer who needs to feature landscape photography?
Telling a story means CONTENT so plan shoots that tell a story so you can get a series of images to use that suit your brand instead of just the one or two desired images at a time.
How will you customer feel after seeing the images? More confident in your service? Like they have to buy your product now? Like they need their next portrait session shot by YOU?
Editing photos with a consistent style brings a level of polish to your brand that you don’t know is missing unless it’s missing. This is all to say - bookmark your filters. This helpful tip also helps to give a vibe. Your photo editing can tell the audience if your brand is sweet, edgy, artistic, natural, raw, etc… you get the picture.
Remember what you hate! When researching, you’re going to see plenty of images and branding that you don’t like or that doesn’t speak to you. Remember that and make sure not to repeat it in your branding. You know how you would feel as a potential customer looking for a photographer but only seeing stock photography on their website - or when you’re looking for the perfect foundation, but the lighting is bad in the photos. Would that CONVERT you?
The below example is my simple style guide which is a a great way to collect and organize ideas that you have for your brand. Since I’m a photographer, finding photos wasn’t too hard, but I still had to edit to make sure that my brand has a unique perspective that yo’ll only get from me.
4. Story Telling is KEY!
Be selective in your choice of visuals. I suggest you start with your PURPOSE and ask your self if the image fits that.
I created these 2 examples to illustrate my point. This is the difference between good photography and better photography for your branding. The flyer on the left is OK. It matches the theme of the ad. It shows a pool and we’re talking about a pool party, but there’s something missing that picture 2 clearly is not. What the difference between the two? The answer - The people and the vibe! Now ask yourself.. which party would you most likely want to attend?
5. Get Great Photos
There are many different ways that you can get really good photos for your brand. The first, and most obvious way would be to hire a professional. Once you have a style guide ready, its as easy as sharing that with a professional photographer who could easily capture similarly styled images for your brand.
Another great resource for great photography is stock photos. If budget and time are your challenges, I’m linking a few of my favorites for getting stunning stock photography.
PIXABAY - Over 1.6 million royalty free stock photos and videos
BURST - Free stock photos for websites and commercial use
And if you’re the type who is not afraid to get their hands dirty, Pinterest is full of DIY Photography Ideas that you could try out for your brand.
Wrapping up
Photography at its core is a method way to tell stories and we all, if we can, respond to visual images. Understanding why might just be the difference between attracting more clients or turning them away. So again, take special care in selecting your brand images. They’re just as, if not more important as your logo, brand voice, content, etc. If I’m attracted to intriguing and consistent images from your brand on Insta or FB , that pulls me in so I want to learn more, and as a result I hit the follow button.
Is a picture worth a thousand words? Some would argue they’re worth a whole lot more. That’s why killer brand photography is so crucial to the success of your business.
Don't Box Her In.. Gender Fluid Model Franki Phoenix On Defining Life (Or Not)
Franki Phoenix has all the makings of a classic blossoming fashion model: with wide almond shaped eyes similar to Beyoncé, the instinctive cool factor, a slender agile frame, the short coily tapered coif that complements the cheekbones so perfectly, and the kind of “here to slay” energy that makes every moment worth snapping. But there is something less obvious that I learned from this rising star, a reality that is now finally being questioned and challenged.
Gender Fluid Model Franki Phoenix On Defining Life (Or Not)
“I’m leaving the door cracked so that somebody else can go through.”
by Love’s Apprentice
Photographs by Love’s Apprentice
Jewelry provided by Blue Velvet Vintage
Makeup by Marley Bell
Fashion by Luke 1532
Although androgyny in fashion is nothing new, 2018 marked genderless fashion as a trend that is definitely here to stay. That shift which pulsed through the veins of the entire spring/summer 2019 season in Paris has resulted in a major increase in the demand for androgynous, trans, & gender non-conforming models. One of the greatest things about this revolution in fashion is that designers are increasingly exercising the creative freedom that having two models in one offer. It wasn’t until recently that, the need for androgynous models was greater in Europe than in the U.S. But now we’re experiencing a worldwide paradigm shift where more brands like Luke 1532, designers, and agencies are demanding a more diverse pool of talent.
There are so many of these androgynous beauties out there who are ready to grace the covers of your magazines, runways, and streaming devices. One of such beauties is Franki Phoenix.
Kimono: Courtesy Luke 1532
“My life purpose is to create, heal, protect, and nurture a vision that is bigger than me. Take what you need, but do NOT box me in.” Franki Phoenix told me, speaking on being a gender fluid model. “You’re entitled to think whatever you want, intellectually, about the art that I create, but I’m not going to allow people’s personal decisions to define my life or where I’m going .”
Franki Phoenix has all the makings of a classic blossoming fashion model: with wide almond shaped eyes similar to Beyoncé, the instinctive cool factor, a slender agile frame, the short coily tapered coif that complements the cheekbones so perfectly, and the kind of “here to slay” energy that makes every moment worth snapping. But there is something less obvious that I learned from this rising star, a reality that is now finally being questioned and challenged.
As a gender fluid model, Franki comes to set with a real appreciation for the opportunity to shoot and that passion that she exudes translates into really mesmerizing photos, but unbeknownst to most who have seen Franki’s work in campaigns and online, she’s not transgender, but considers herself gender fluid and prefers feminine gender pronouns.
When discussing with Franki the challenges that she faces being a gender fluid model in Central Texas, she referenced experiences of “all-inclusive / open casting calls.”
Many up and coming gender fluid models have expressed their frustration with being invited to “open calls - all inclusive” only to not get booked because they weren’t what the casting agent was looking for. “I’m either not soft enough or not muscular or masculine enough. Do you see how that can constantly be an issue for someone?” Franki posed regarding her own experiences. Since she can present herself to be either sex, she’s often forced to choose a gender when working with designers whose products appeal to more specific audiences.
“This year is really all about pushing through and working with people who were not even open to working with trans, gender fluid, androgynous {people}.. Whatever.. I’m literally breaking that stereotype and am leaving the door cracked so somebody else {like me} can go through.” Franki says.
As a society, we’ve already begun to have these conversations. We just saw where Victoria’s Secret (allegedly) said somewhere to not want to work with transgender models. The tides are changing and larger companies are seeing their patrons demand greater representation and responsibility from these brands. But while the tides do change, a key takeaway for the fashion industry as a whole: Do NOT advertise a casting as “open or all-inclusive” when not everyone is going to have the same odds.
“For me, its not just about me being a gender fluid model and wanting to get more female jobs. There are so many people, other than myself who are super qualified who never get the chance.” Franki says regarding the need for casting agents disclosing more specificity when warranted.
Maybe FASHION will lead us FORWARD in terms of reconciling the absence of representation of gender non-binary people, but present day, gender fluid people are still carving a path to share the spotlight. Franki Phoenix represents a new generation that rejects the idea of conforming to societal standards about gender and gender expression.
What message would you have to your younger ‘aspiring model’ self?
“Everything is temporary! Even though you may feel like ‘this is not you,’ you have time, so keep drifting. Fall into your beat and God is going to take care of the rest.” Franki answered.
With genderless fashion in full swing and a high demand for models who transcend the boundaries of traditional gender roles, Franki Pheonix is hopeful that more people learn to respect others and the way they choose to live their lives. And when it comes to leading by example, she adds wistfully, “Follow your wave so you can wake up and rise chile! That’s it. That’s the end goal. I want the children who grow up in the world to know who they are and not have questions.“
That said, the freedom to explore her own identity without limitations came with its own set of challenges. Finding the way to express and, more important, to understand her own identity wasn’t always easy. “I had so many reservations in my mind about what people were going to think and the opportunities that were going to be blocked from me because I’m not completely feminine.” Franki shared that she had not learned of androgyny until she was in the army. “I want these kids to know this while they are young.. that it’s ok for them to be who they want to be, even if their parents and friends don’t understand (because they will). I want them to continue to walk in their truth, be loud and colorful, and live.”
And that’s the love being a teacher and me being an apprentice part.. where I learn to love a little bit more with each passing day.. through this art. I agree with Franki. By living in your truth, you’re inspiring people that you may never even meet or touch or see. People need someone to look up to, and usually look to those who are following their dreams. Who’s looking up to you?
At-home sessions: 5 reasons these make for amazing family portraits
This Holiday Season, I had the pleasure of photographing The Overton Family. They were a ton of fun and totally open to just letting the morning unfold, naturally. I arrived to their home at about 10 AM, the highlight - being greeted by one of the most charismatic kiddos in the whole state of Texas, and his big sister- well, as teenagers go - wouldn’t have minded a few extra minutes to text. Anyway, we didn’t worry about wrangling the family together too much to get the “perfect” shot, and as a result, we have a huge gallery that details the day in a candid, “merry” way. The best thing about these photos is how they will tell the story of how family was at their beautiful home, on this lovely, December day in 2018.
"Love’s Apprentice at your service and my super power is photographing loving and memorable moments in an imaginative way. “ A way that paints the full picture, from the subtle kiss on the forehead to pinky fingers interlocking to your family positioned perfectly in front of the Christmas Tree. It’s as close to putting love in a bottle as one can get, but its also pure , truthful, and authentic at the same time.
This Holiday Season, I had the pleasure of photographing The Overton Family. They were a ton of fun and totally open to just letting the morning unfold, naturally. I arrived to their home at about 10 AM, the highlight - being greeted by one of the most charismatic kiddos in the whole state of Texas, and his big sister- well, as teenagers go - wouldn’t have minded a few extra minutes to text. Anyway, we didn’t worry about wrangling the family together too much to get the “perfect” shot, and as a result, we have a huge gallery that details the day in a candid, “merry” way. The best thing about these photos is how they will tell the story of how this family was at their beautiful home, on this lovely, December day.
“Mama” Overton contacted me after searching for photographers on Instagram. See.. hashtags do work! More on that later. She wanted a family shoot at her Central Texas home and was hesitant about hiring an in home photographer because their family had only ever had department store photo session experiences. This brings me to the meat and potatoes of this post.
When considering photoshoot locations, look no further than:
Your Home
I’ve done family sessions in a variety of locations and review those locations with my clients once we are in contact. Today, I want to share a few reasons to pick your own house as a family photo session location. Newborn photo shoots aren’t the only reason to decide to shoot at home. Here are five more:
Five Reasons to Have Your Family Session At Home
1.
Making the kiddos comfortable :
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell that c-stands, lights on poles, cameras on tripods, cords on floors, and CHILDREN don’t mix very well. Some children have a much easier time being engaged with their family and photographer while in the comfort of their own homes. I mean.. c’mon.. you know how good it feels to come home after a long day of work, or when you’ve been away on vacation? Walking back into your home, especially after you’ve been away for a while, has a way of putting you at ease and it will do the same for your children. Kids also tend to warm up quicker when they’re already in a familiar environment. For me, it helps with capturing real moments. I don’t mean “Stepford Wives” happy moments, but moments where the family is really connecting. I love snapping parents getting the children ready just before they think the photo will be snapped, when the dad is so focused on the hairs on his sons head that you can’t help but want to capture that moment. Plus, your family is less likely to tense up from being overwhelmed by the shear amount of equipment that most studios have. You’ll most likely feel way more relaxed on your own playing ground. This, in turn, will equate to amazingly sincere portraits.
2.
Archiving the Family Legacy for Posterity:
Your home is the center of your story. Family photos at home can show where you fellowship as a family or maybe even something you love to do together like playing board games or tinkering around on that “out of tune” piano. What better place to document the love of a growing family than somewhere that truly defines you?! It’s most likely already decorated just the way you like. It has paintings hanging that your husband might have spent months to create and pictures framed from 5th grade graduations to vacations in various nations. Even if you’re renting, you might someday move out and want to have photos that depict your life as you once knew it. The added bonus - since your dog “SPOT" will already be there, she could easily join in on the fun. A home shoot is a great way to archive your “real” life!
3.
Did I mention it’s easy?
Too easy! You won’t have to get gas or find directions. All you have to do is wait for me to get there. You won’t have to worry about the weather or even clean up if you don’t want to. You’ve already got access to a dressing room. And I’m excited to see the “prop shop” that has been building in your garage. Your home is perfect the way it is. We can push the furniture to the side if its in the way:) Doing a session at your home equates to less stress for you, and when you’re less stressed, your’re happier, and when you’re happy, better photos. You see where this is going.
4.
Beautiful light is right at your doorstep - LITERALLY!
Have you ever walked through your home at just the right time of day when the sun rays are leaking through the blinds and plays a light show across the room? That’s the light I’m talking about. I call it “WINDOW LIGHT!” Its God’s gift to photographers and its totally free. And if you’re worried your home doesn’t have enough light, no worries! That’s what the flash is for.
5.
Your photos will be ONE-OF-A-KIND.
No two houses are equal and even if they were created equally, it’s the inhabitants who bring the life to the domicile. The photos that you take in your home will be unique to YOU! In my shoot with The Overtons, their Chrismtas decorations represent them. But most importantly, the chemistry that we create will be unique to us.. to that specific day.. to those specific moments frozen in time. If you are wanting photos that show a real connection, the love, and the eccentricity in your family relationships, having a session in the place where you would naturally be open is an easy call.
BONUS LOCATION:
* Your home actually extends beyond your house. We can always go for a neighborhood walk or pop into the backyard for more variety or to round out the experience and photo session.
Enjoy these images of The Overtons, a morning in their lives, in the environment that shapes them.
XO,
Love’s Apprentice
Franco Washington
