Art Storefronts’ Post

As a person in a creative field, sometimes it’s hard to know what to post on LinkedIn—where the convo can feel very business-y. I want my “business” to be in images, design, and stories. So here, you’ll get that. Hope you enjoy a little splash of something different. Each week, I’m going to try to post a favorite image from a recent shoot. Starting today: Portrait of the Week, No. 1 - Aparna (ayurvedic guide & small-business owner) #portraitoftheweek #portrait #creativedesign

Dear LinkedIn Family, I'm excited to share a new video that walks you through how to edit your pictures to make them clearer and more beautiful —for free! Whether you're looking to enhance your professional headshot or simply improve your photos, this tutorial will provide easy-to-follow steps using accessible tools. Stay tuned and get ready to take your images to the next level! Ps:let me know if you are going to try this out 👇or you would need help with it

Yesterday I posted a polarizing photo. In posting this image, I knew it would attract and repel but most of all I knew it would evoke EMOTIONS. And the lesson here, for us all (consumers, businesses, Americans and humans) is that VISUALS are powerful! Visuals can tell stories, evoke emotions and bring about memories from individual unique experiences. After posting this photo the conversation that ensued (and continues around the world) is divided. It is divided because each and everyone of us SEES things uniquely. The SAME image can draw numerous perspectives, opinions and beliefs. I’m not here to debate the image (feel free to join in on that post conversation on my personal FB, should you desire to), I’m here to show you the POWER of visuals in your brand. The JOB of your brand media (graphics, photography and videography) is to… TELL a story. To EVOKE an emotion. To CONNECT with others from a perspective that attracts (or repels) your ideal audience and community. To DEEPEN your values and beliefs. Look at the VISUALS you are associating with your brand. Are they telling? Are they evoking? Are they connecting? Are they deepening? Message me and let’s look at your visuals together. 💛💛

I probably shouldn’t say this. In fact, I know I shouldn’t. But, you don’t need to invest in professional photos. It’s true. You can do most of what you need to do without nice polished images. Your competition don't bother. They just use selfies. So you can do the same, right? But, here’s the thing. When you do bother and make the effort, it shows. You instantly stand out. You instantly send a powerful message to your audience. This is what I can help you achieve with my photoshoots. I help you build trust with those that matter, before you even speak. Want to know how? Why not book a free call and have a chat with me? I’d love to learn what you’ve got going on and see how I can help you get noticed by exactly the right people. Link in the comments.

Let's face it, we live in a visual world. The first impression your prospective customers are going to have of your brand is your creative content and how it makes them feel. In the words of Ana Winter, “...photographs are often the most powerful tool to express your creativity, to help define your title, and reflect a moment in time…Because we need that eye and that taste, and that culture, and that study to give meaning”. What does your marketing image say about you? About your company, your products? If you're going to showcase a photo, let it be a lifestyle one. Be relatable. Be interesting. The details that can be captured in an image won't go unnoticed. It is true art from behind the lens causing an emotional connection. That is where the magic lies.

Did you know…… That the biggest misconception about what I do is that I take pretty pictures! I mean, durr, yes I take pretty pictures, but I do sooooo much more: 1, I give you ideas for photos, that you didn't know you needed and helps capture your audience’s attention. 2, I guide you though your shoot to help you feel confident and relaxed. 3, I hold your hand ever step of the way so you get the images that will resonate with your audience and help you to build credibility. Need some of the above? Lets have a cuppa.

The other day on a call with a prospective client, she asked me to describe my photography style in one sentence. Now, I can be quite verbose in my explanations, so one sentence was a toughie. But, after a bit of reflection, I had an answer: Eye candy with heart and purpose. In order to gain the attention of those you serve, and to cut through the massive noise that exists on social media, you need to send them a clear signal through your content. While part of that “signal” involves you sharing teachable moments through storytelling, the other part relates to the visuals that inspire them to stop the scroll and consume the content in the first place. This is where your images - headshots, lifestyle portraits, live event shots, virtual events, book photos and other image content - comes into play. Now, for the “eye candy” part, I’m referring to the artistry of the image - composition, lighting, location and camera angles - that compliments and enhances the emotional sentiment shared though your facial expression and body language in the photo. If you consistently post out of focus and poorly composed images with unflattering lighting, that will negatively reflect on you and detract from the perception that you are the authority in your space of expertise. With regards to “heart,” I’m referring to the honest, genuine and relatable aspects of your personality in these images. After all, there’s no room for bullshit when trying to establish rapport with those you serve through your content, so it’s essential that when you share these images, they truly represent your personality and disposition. WIth “purpose,” I mean that the images hold more value than simply being “eye candy.” They solve immediate and long term needs throughout your entire online presence. Some are best to leverage on your website, others in your online content, and the rest can fill holes in your slide deck, speaker kit and other digital and printed promotional materials. After I went through that lengthy explanation, I checked in with the prospective client to see if my answer resonates with her, she responded with two words: “Sure does!” What is your one sentence value proposition for those you serve? #yeahabsolutely #delivermagic #sharemagicalideas #personalbrandphotos #expert #speaker

Real or fake? Authentic or affected? Yourself or a phony? I'll bet my last Rolo I know what you've answered! You can have such an impact on your business by just being yourself... My Brand Photography is all about the real you. My natural, spontaneous style helps you relax and be yourself, so we get genuine shots that show off your personality, making your images relatable & engaging for your audience. Real photos help build trust with your ideal client, as they see the genuine you, not a polished, unrecognisable & unrealistic version. Do you show the real you in your business or do you put out a different persona?

"If you were words on a page, you'd be fine print." "I'm no photographer, but I can picture us together." "Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?" 🙄 These eye roll worthy pick up lines rarely work IRL, but sometimes I think we let our own marketing voice and messages become just as cringy. So to keep us on track, we need to review our brand messaging and personality with these questions: "If your brand was in a bar, what would you order and what would you be wearing?" or "would you sit down and have a drink or be looking for the nearest exit?" So, if your brand story and message was a pick up line, what would it be? Let's have some fun below! 👇 🤣

Before you start your job search, make sure your profile picture is updated! Abbie Miller, CPP can help!