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Film Scan from Mexico
Bringing my Contax 645 to Tulum was so magic. These film scans of my babies and Malcolm in Chichen Itza bring tears to my eyes. Makes me know how blessed I am.
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Augie Bering portrait for PaperCity Magazine
Bering’s Hardware CEO, Augie Bering, sits for a portrait for PaperCity magazine. Portraiture by photographer Christa Elyce
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Prop Ideas For Your Branding Photoshoot
You can leave the kitchen sink at home, lady! With precision planning during the discovery of your business, company website, and digital marketing elements we’ll create a prop list for our branding photoshoot! Every industry is different and when it comes to selecting your props we consider your overall brand message, who your target market is, and your brand aesthetics. Every Houston Studio ® Branding Photoshoot has a planning session included [Learn more about your Branding Photoshoot planning session here].
Items that are personal to you or personalized to you always make for great props. Show off your style, show your work process, and show them what you’re all about! We don’t have to use everything, but let’s give ourselves the option to have several variations of images. Here are some prop items that you might consider including in your photos:
- Laptop
- iPad
- Cellphone
- Stationary
- Favorite Pen & Pencils
- Journal
- Favorite Books
- Office Supplies
- Camera
- Podcast Microphone
- Apple Watch
- Favorite Coffee Cup
- Keyboard & Mouse
- Favorite Bouquet of Flowers
- Magazines & Tearsheets
- Purse & Briefcase
- Pantone Swatches
- Candle
- Eyeglasses
- Clipboard or Folders
- Favorite beauty products
- Favorite tools
- Wine & Wine Glass
- Champagne
- Fitness tools
- Products of Your Business
- Pillows in Your Brand Colors
- Fruit
- Elements of Your Trade
- Smudging Sage
- Appointment Book
- Disco Balls & Balloons
- Calendar Board
- Headphones
- Newspaper
- Branded Packaging
- Branded Marketing Kit
- Ingredients used to make your products
- Signage
- Material Swatches
- Favorite Snack
- Broadcasting tools for “behind The Scenes” shots
- Photo Prints
- Paintbrushes & Art Tools
- Meditation Elements
- Plant, Floral, Ribbon for Flatlays
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5 Tips For Your Branding Content Photoshoot
I absolutely love our Branding Content Photoshoots here! Creating unique branded content not only propels your SEO for your website but also gives you plenty of content for marketing. Consistent and on-brand marketing is essential to draw in your target market through engagement and creates a higher conversion rate.
Always do a planning session with your photographer. When I meet with a client for your photoshoot planning session I like to learn as much as I can about your industry. I put myself in your potential client or consumer’s shoes and create a shot list with my subject that sends the message to the viewer about how you serve them, what experience they will receive, and the value of your work. It’s also always best to connect with your photographer so you can set your nerves at ease. If you haven’t done a branding content photoshoot before I always want to make sure that my client understands the process and what to expect, how they can use their imagery in marketing elements and coach them.
Have your brand identity established: During your planning session, we will go over your brand identity. Don’t have one let’s add that to your package and establish a brand strategy and identity. This way we can decide on an appealing aesthetic that suits your brand. Selecting a color palette will also help with clothing selection, prop sourcing, and make your brand easily identifiable. We’ll review your inspiration images or reels ideas, and your service guide, and audit your current website and marketing content. You get a whole lot more than just a photoshoot here!
Beauty and self-care: If you’re a personal brand or the face of your company preparation starts weeks in advance. Appointments like your hair cut and color appointment, your tan (only natural sun tans photograph well), and even your nails should be done weeks or days prior to your photoshoot. We work with some of Houston’s best makeup artists and we’ll schedule your makeup and hair styling appointment in the studio for the day of your photoshoot. We’ll make sure that we have your hair and make-up inspiration reviewed by the MUA before your photoshoot date. Drink plenty of water, come with a fresh face, and clean and dry hair.
Select your outfits: Houston Studio ® Branding Sessions are 2 hours and in that time we can fit about 6 outfits (3 per hour). I recommend a variation of outfits that show off your personality and range from the different things you will do during the work week. I always recommend a CEO business look, a business casual, maybe something playful like “Sex In The City” vibes (you decide which of the ladies you are, I’m totally a Samantha), and sometimes that’s a ‘work from home’ aesthetic.
Location, props, and posing: We can shoot in the content studio or on location. We can shoot at your place of business, a home setting (yours, an Airbnb, a rental kitchen, or even outdoors in the lovely months of October-April). I like to keep settings/backgrounds simple “less is more” so that you and your message comes across clear. This is all about you. When it comes to props, I’ve learned about your business extensively so I will help you create a list of props that are specific to your industry to prepare for. During your photo shoot, I like to create a collection of stock photography flat lays imagery that can be used for your website and marketing materials. These images do not require your participation so I usually do this while you’re in an outfit change. Consider incorporating props that are personal to you or personalized. Lastly, when it comes to posing I’ve got you! I coach each one of my clients to pose. I place you in a lifestyle scenario and give you the mindset attitude that I see for you in the moment. Correcting your posture from the placement of your feet to face to hands. Check out one of my posing courses if you are interested in learning more about posing.I want to create something unique to you, your personality, and sets you apart as a brand. Let’s schedule a consultation call to discuss your brand strategy and business goals soon!
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Help! My Instagram is broken!
You’ve lost access to your Instagram? No one can tag you without the post disappearing? Your account is completely blank? Girl, you’ve got it bad. Your Instagram seems broken! I hear this all the time. This is happening more and more as small businesses and brands are jumping on the social media mega machines like Instagram and Facebook to push their brand awareness. Your following is growing, your engagement is on point, you’re even posting regularly…and then it happens. A hacker, a bot, a possible algorithm shift by the social media Gods that decides today is your day to lose your S-H-H-H-it! We don’t know who it is, why this happens, or what makes this occur but it leaves us scouring the internet for answers, asking friends if they know anyone on the “inside” of Meta (if you find a friend that does, hold on to them. You’ve got a unicorn), crazily creating new emails and accounts to do just about anything we can to recover our well-earned following and account access and all the content put into it. If this sounds like you or your situation (no judgment here if you’ve cried over this ordeal) I hope that this article finds you well. See my 3 ways to get your Instagram working like the marketing charm it is again!
Houston Studio ® CEO, Christa Elyce, in her newly refurbished office. Houston Studio ®, Social Media Director, Carolina Gomez, sees this situation often. “It’s 3-6 months, after you get hacked, your account stays on the hackers system trying to get in again.” Here are her tips to prevent this happening to you! She encourages all account holders to:
1. Setup 2-step verification on all accounts
2. Make your password complicated with numbers, uppercase and lower case lettering, and symbols.
3. Set your notification on your account to notify you if a login attempt is made on other devices and other locations.
After several attempts the hacker will more than likely give up and move on to the next sorry soul.
So, I’ve done the research and sourced the support ticket link for you. This link is coveted by many so use it wisely. Just kidding — it’s their job to help you solve these issues. My source at FB says “Contrary to popular belief those reports do go to real people, but in line with the popular belief the real people aren’t always on top of their game or empowered to do something, and it can take a bit to get a response.” Here is your golden Instagram support ticket: https://help.instagram.com/368191326593075 GOOD LUCK!
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Creating custom stock images
“We’ve exhausted all our stock photography resources!” said Io Chaney of Black Girl Venture. I nodded in agreeance as I see so many non-profits and businesses who can’t find their target market imagery and own the rights to the imagery. It’s important that you create a bank of content that you can use for at least 3-6 months of content. Even more scenarios of your day-to-day services and activities when rebranding your website and marketing strategy. An extensive shot list was planned with every possible event that occurs we could think of, prop list, branded products, 2 set locations over 2 days, what emotions occur, what happens when you win or accomplish something, what tools do you use, who is your target market and what does she do…Told you. I try to think of EVERYTHING!
About Black Girl Ventures
Our mission is to provide Black/Brown woman-identifying founders with access to the community, capital, and capacity building in order to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship.
We fund and scale tech-enabled, revenue-generating businesses (under $1M) founded by people who identify as Black/Brown and woman. We ignite civic engagement and hyperlocal infrastructure at the intersection of business support services, supplier diversity, social and financial capital.
Photography by Houston Studio ® | Photographer Christa Elyce
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Natural Obsession Aesthetics in Kingwood, Texas
Brittany Gast specializes in botox and filler injections.
Planning for a medical-themed photoshoot & video
I absolutely love working with physicians and designing photography around their specialty. From the street view and interior photography for your google my business photos, the team business professional portraits, employees working with the clientele, and showing the experience of working with your office to a client before they ever step foot in your patient room. Showing authenticity, your skill, and helping you place yourself as an industry leader that brings more clients to your business. You’re changing their wellness and how well they experience life, let me help you connect with your target market and keep your marketing up to date. When planning for your photo shoot I think of your business as a consumer and what I’d like to see if I were “shopping” for your services. What would the staff wear, what would the ideal client model look like, what products or services do we need to show, what are you values and mission as a brand — let it show!
About Natural Obsession Aesthetics CEO, Brittany Gast
The medical spa Natural Obsession Aesthetics uses a natural approach to refine and refresh their clients’ look. Under the direction of founder Brittney Gast, RN, BSN, the office prioritizes skin health at their Kingwood, Texas office.
Natural Obsession Aesthetics offers expert application of cosmetic injectables, like Dysport® and dermal fillers, including Sculptra®, to achieve a naturally more youthful, bright appearance by fading creases and lines.
Laser resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling address skin complaints like hyperpigmentation, irregular skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles. Laser hair removal is a nearly pain-free way to say goodbye to unwanted facial and body hair for good.
Brittney’s clinical skin care approach is customized for each person. She provides medical-grade products to achieve a naturally more beautiful look between visits.
Skin care that eases the signs of aging and the environment is available at Natural Obsession Aesthetics. To learn more or schedule a consultation, reach out by phone or online today.
Photos by Houston Studio photographer Christa Elyce.
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Create the perfect Instagram Bio with links?
We’ve all been “newbies” to the ever-evolving social media platforms at some point. We’re here to help! So let’s start with the basics. If you’re a business, creative, or big dreamer with hopes of taking your hobby to another level you’ll want to create an effective Instagram bio (short for ‘biography’. That’s right, even you can have your own mini-biography) that lets viewers know who you are, what they can expect, how you can help them, and even call them to action to where they can get more. Here is our guide to help you.
- HEADLINE – Did you know that the Name field in your bio is completely separate from your username? And you can edit it to include keywords that relate to your business. those keywords are the only searchable keywords on your bio so use them wisely.
- PROFILE PICTURE – Using your logo or a version of your logo is ideal. This will help with brand recognition. Also be sure to use the same profile pic across your other social media profiles for brand consistency which builds trust.
- TITLE – Choose a title that best describes your business.
- VALUE STATEMENT – Use the body of your bio to highlight who you are and what you do. Consider a format that helps visitors quickly understand your business value to them.
- CALL TO ACTION – Since Instagram only gives you one link on your profile, it’s a good idea to use the last line to tell visitors what’s in it for them if they click your link. For example, if you’re offering a new promo, resource or limited time offer, make sure to tell your profile visitor know.
- STORY HIGHLIGHTS – Create a cohesive set of cover arts for your highlights. they can elevate your brand aesthetic and bring together all your content for a clean, crisp look.
Have multiple links you want to share?
You’ll notice that Instagram only gives you 1 link, but you have quite a few links you’d like to share easily. Don’t fret, my friend. Use free services like Linktr.ee to create a menu of links that your visitors can choose to follow and click. Here’s what my bio linktr.ee looks like. I share a bit there and you can even start an great email funnel there by offering a freebie like I have there. Brand DNA & Strategy — Go get it if you haven’t already!
Ask us about our custom Instagram highlight cover icons for your industry complete with your brand color and elements book@houstonstudio.com.
Have more questions about our social media services, digital marketing, or having your business at the top of a Google search don’t hesitate to reach out to us at book@houstonstudio.com or our contact page.
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Houston Studio – Houston Photographer Meet Up
You’re invited to the Houston Photographers meet up hosted by Houston Studio & Sween Shots! Sponsored by Houston Camera Exchange and catering sponsorship by Dolce Mio Houston!
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Hanson Reproductive Law Firm
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