Talking about brand photo experience with Mist Design Co.
Mist Design Co. by Personal Brand Photographer, Barcelona
A few weeks ago I had a chance to shoot new branding content for Sarah: branding expert, designer and owner of Mist Design Co.
In the last blog post I've been talking about the meaning and many pluses of having a cohesive personal brand and how to prepare for a brand photoshoot. Everything was told from my perspective, as a photographer, so it will help you to get organised and started. If you've missed it check it out, there is a bunch of useful information.
Both of us are creative freaks we couldn't stop talking about all those subjects. We decided to give it a try and transmit her journey. Sarah is not a photo lover; she doesn't feel the need of taking pics of herself and this brand photoshoot was more like a survival for her. Yet she knew she needed unique visuals for her new website and creative business.
So, we talked about her fears, expectations and a whole brand journey.
I found it super interesting and I'm sure it's good for you to know some tricks from her, and if you're not really a fan of photoshoots it will definitely help you get through it with less stress and more pleasure.
Sarah Holmes owner & designer of Mist Design Co., Personal Brand Photographer, Barcelona
Entrepreneur Journey
Sarah Holmes owner & designer of Mist Design Co., by Personal Brand Photographer, Barcelona
Let's start from the beginning.
Sara's story is outstanding and shows a lot of strength and determination. She is fierce and a hard-working female entrepreneur. Before starting her own designing business, she worked in sales and consumer service 9 to 5.
She started to upgrade her education, build a portfolio and she decided to invest in a business coach. Believe it or not her coach was from USA and she had coaching sessions from 2-3 am. So, she was not only working full time, but she was super determined to change her life. It lasted for three months.
Due to the COVID crisis she changed her status from full time employed to unemployed. She decided to take all the control in her hands and instead of searching for another job she dedicated her free time to build a portfolio and start her own company.
Sarah Holmes owner & designer of Mist Design Co., by Personal Brand Photographer, Barcelona
What to Prepare Before a Brand Photoshoot
Sarah had her brand vision very clear, although she didn't have all the branding done before we met. She said that it's crucial to have:
- a brand colour palette organised
- various mood boards prepared
- consistency with fonts.
She also advices to search for five adjectives that describe the character of a brand. Her chosen words were fresh, feminine, modern, vintage and fun. She was conscious she wanted a mix of photos with modern and vintage look.
Sarah had also a specific idea for her e-mail header involving a photo from a distance showing a lot of space around her. Also, she knew that a killer headshot for her newsletter and all the profile photos is a must. So definitely knowing your web design and being precise help prepare a shot list and transmit your vision to your creative team.
Mood Board created by Sarah before the shooting
Mood Board created by Sarah before the shooting
Creative content for Sarah Holmes owner & designer of Mist Design Co., by Personal Brand Photographer, Barcelona
How to search for your location and style for the photoshoot
Sarah put great emphasis on showing her style and reflecting her brand in a realistic way.
She doesn't work in an office nor studio, so she didn’t want this typical studio personal brand pics. She wanted to show herself in the places where she feels happy and can relate to.
Including her branding colours was a priority.
We were choosing places together, very strategically after preparing a mood board. That's why we decided for all those locations the pink wall with a palm tree in the background, the vintage window, the greenhouse and a minimal and modern concrete wall.
Sarah Holmes owner & designer of Mist Design Co., Personal Brand Photographer, Barcelona
Tips for people who don't like pics
My favourite words that Sarah told me are: "Starting a new business means doing everything you don’t feel comfortable with. Everything is new. Every time you're out of your comfort zone." And it's so true!
Although she wasn’t the most at ease on the photoshoot, imagining the finished effect without these pictures, that was even worse than having them taken she told me.
Trust is a key element. Although Sarah didn’t enjoy a being the center of attention of the photoshoot, she had faith in me, as her photographer, that I would provide those photos she needed and liked. She trusted that I would help her with posing and that we would succeed. And we did. After seeing the photographs from our shooting, she became much more confident.
Remember that the atmosphere in the places you choose have a great impact in the photoshoot.
We decided for a sunrise time, not only because of the magical light but also because we knew there won't be so many people around and that she's going to feel more comfortable. Sarah really didn't like to hear the sound of the click, it made her really stressed. If you find yourself in a similar situation ask your photographer to put the camera in silent mode (yes, there are some cameras that have this option).
Sarah Holmes owner & designer of Mist Design Co., Personal Brand Photographer, Barcelona
How to choose a photographer for your personal brand photoshoot
Choosing a photographer might be a bit stressful, there is the money factor, talent and communication. You're choosing someone who you want in your team, that you will not only spend time together but also create your vision.
For Sarah it was a journey. First, she saw my photos of Christina Rovira, a Barcelona based virtual creative assistant. As she is also a creative female entrepreneur, she liked her style and photos, so she could relate to her.
Sarah started to follow my Instagram profile and checked my portfolio where she found my article about How to prepare for a photoshoot.
We also met before she made her mind, and this meeting was, as she says, very important. As she was looking for a photographer not for her own enjoyment but for a necessity, she needed to be sure she wouldn't be intimidated.
Finding a perfect fit is not easy, but it's really worthy. There are many talented photographers, but the human factor always wins. Be sure to check their portfolio and references before making a decision, even an online chat is really worthy to do. That’s how you will feel more comfortable and you will know if there is magic between you and your photographer.
Sarah Holmes owner & designer of Mist Design Co., Personal Brand Photographer, Barcelona
Sarah interviewed me few weeks ago and created a wicked and full of useful information blog post about Brand Photoshoot: Everything You Need To Know. I totally encourage you to read it before booking your photographer.
Let’s talk art and create magic!
If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com
Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska