Recently I have been challenged hell of a lot in meetings
That's what happens when you hold a different point of view from the media about what THEY perceive YOUR business is.
I have decided I am no longer a Branding photographer.
I am an 'Analytical branding photographer'.
It is different.. The skill set and services are different.. The time investment per client is different.
The price is difference.
It seems to have upset a few people who don't/can't understand. I get it. They simply don’t want to re-think it or simply cannot be bothered to.
'I would never pay THAT for photographs!', one female business leader told me.
I smiled because I knew she gave no value to photography anyway. Someone then jumped into the conversation and paraphrased my business beautifully, before I had time to breathe.
'Are you a client?' , the woman then eyed her suspiciously and asked?
'No' my defender replied, ' I just understand her business'.
This gave me a hugely warm feeling inside. Someone had bothered to defend me! But most importantly this business leader, who I knew just a little, she totally understood my business so brilliantly!
You see when you are different, people struggle to understand you. Some just don't want to challenge their beliefs. And for others, it can be just time. Time to bother. (So, thank you, J).
So here's my difference and why I call myself an analytical branding photographer :-
I don't commission mini shoots, I can't make enough impactful photos for you in just an hour. You wont relax/connect enough to show your true fluid self.
I research every client thoroughly, not a chat, investigation, taking me 4-5 hours on your business. I then can better understand you commercially.
To know your business, but more importantly , to be able to visualise it.
How can I possibly photograph you accurately without knowing?
Who you are you and what you do?
Who you serve and why?
Who are your competitors?
What does your business LOOK like?
What are your final photo desired outcomes (what do you want to use photos for?)
4 hours work on the above. Feed back and discussion, an hour.
Then together we agree a visual plan, locations and outfit overview. I always offer a stylist for you to connect with; Suzanne Suthers, who understands how to make women look charismatic and powerful, via body shape analysis and colour intepretation. (This is an outsourced service, recommended on results and a separate fee).
Enhanced communication, up to 2 hours of zoom chats (pre shoot)
Ongoing WhatsApp or DM discussion.
A Pintrest board of shoot ideas.
A shoot agenda, upfront.
Around 8 hours of work BEFORE I consider picking up a camera.. That's a huge investment into you.. A great investment into your visual interpretation.
Symbolism in photos and semiotics.
Ever been on a shoot, viewed the photos afterwards and asked yourself, 'WHY'?
Why that background was ever considered, because it simply didn't suit you or your brand? And more importantly, you don’t know how to use it?
This NEVER happens with me because I can READ your backgrounds and I KNOW when they don't suit or serve your business. ( because of the research I have undertaken and my knowledge of decoding/coding images).
Body language - I understand it. I correct it. I set the power straight in meetings (so the right people look strong).
An hours tutorial on using your photos afterwards. We look at your folio and we talk through expression.
You receive my phone number and can WhatsApp me any time you get stuck.
