Mark your calendars! I’m excited to announce Headshot Mini Sessions on Thursday, Jan 31st
This event, co-hosted with Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry, is designed to give you some quick and fun studio headshots with makeup by Val.
Why Your Business Needs Branding Photography (And Not Just Headshots) | Silver Spring, MD
Branding photography allows you to highlight your unique personality, whether that’s through candid moments, creative setups, or shots that reflect your brand’s vibe. Are you approachable and casual, or polished and professional? Branding photos can capture that essence and make your audience feel like they already know you.
Read more5 Ways Branding Photography Can Elevate Your Business
But branding photography isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about creating a cohesive, strategic visual story that connects with your audience and drives results. Here are five powerful ways that professional branding photography can elevate your business and set you apart from the competition.
Read moreBehind the Scenes of a Badass Branding Session with Johanna Wolf of Hungry Wolf Consulting
I had so much fun working with Johanna Wolf of Hungry Wolf Consulting for her branding session. Johanna is an expert in leadership development and consulting psychology, and brings a personality that’s both fierce and approachable. So how do we capture a brand that’s equally bold, smart, and authentic?
Read moreGood Vets on the Wharf | Branding Photography
There’s something incredibly rewarding about partnering with businesses that have a genuine passion for what they do, and my recent branding session with GoodVets on the Wharf in Washington, DC, was no exception. This new veterinary clinic is not just another pet care facility—it’s a place where pets are treated like family.
Read moreVivian | Portrait Experience
It was a pleasure to meet Vivian and get the chance to take her headshots in my studio! She looked amazing (with the help of Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry) and we captured some great headshots for personal and professional use!
Read moreHeadshots for Mia Sosa | USA Today Best Selling Author
Artist Spotlight: Diann Hammer of Neon Tomatoes | Silver Spring, MD
I recently had the joy of photographing Diann Hammer, a talented songwriter who creates children’s music through Neon Tomatoes. Diann's music is full of joy, wonder, and imagination—designed to inspire kids with positive messages about the world around them. We decided to take her portrait session outdoors to reflect the natural, lighthearted energy that shines through her work, and it couldn’t have been a better fit.
Read moreLauren Adesnik | Portrait Experience, Silver Spring, MD
recently had the most incredible session with Lauren Adesnik - so. much. fun. We played around with a few different looks (after hair and makeup by Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry, part of the Portrait Experience) and one was a stunning, fabulous dress, where she also sang opera during the shoot!
Read moreKristie | Portrait Experience, Silver Spring, MD
I recently had the absolute best time photographing Kristie, the owner of Need a New Nanny Yesterday, at my studio in Silver Spring, MD! Not only did she get glammed up with Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry (part of our “Portrait Experience”), but she also brought her infectious energy, making the session so fun and easygoing.
Read moreUrban Brokers | Real Estate Portraits, Silver Spring, MD
I had the pleasure of photographing my the Meyerdirk family of Urban Brokers, the best real estate team! (in my unbiased opinion!)
Read moreBranding Pro Tip: A Typical Brand Session Timeline | Branding Photography, Silver Spring, MD
Planning is everything when it comes to a successful branding photoshoot. A well-organized timeline ensures you make the most of your session and achieve high-quality, impactful images. Here is a general outline of what a typical branding session timeline looks like.
Read moreHeadshot Minis | Silver Spring, MD
We had such a great time doing headshot minis in my Silver Spring studio! We started with mini makeup with Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry so everyone was looking their best and feeling all the confidence to get in front of the camera!
Read moreBranding Pro Tip: Choose Outfits that Reflect Your Brand’s Personality | Branding Photography, Silver Spring MD
One of the most crucial elements of a successful branding session is what you wear! Finding outfits that align with your brand’s personality and color palette can make a significant impact on the final images. It’s never as easy as it feels like it should be!
Read moreMeet Courtney | Studio Headshots, Silver Spring MD
Courtney just exudes warmth, charisma and a genuine heart. I loved getting to know her last week in my studio as she got her hair and makeup done by Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry (@mizchynuhdoll) . Courtney runs the IG account @dcmoms
Read moreThe lovely Maria | Studio Headshot Session, Silver Spring MD
I had the pleasure of welcome Maria to my studio! Maria runs the IG account @mksfavoritethings where she explores local food and fun with quite the following!
Read moreWhy Brand Photography is Essential for Your Business | Brand Photography, Silver Spring MD
In today’s fast-paced, visually-driven market, high-quality images can make all the difference in how your business is perceived.
Read moreEmily | Professional Headshots, Silver Spring, MD
It’s always a pleasure meeting lovely professionals in my studio and capturing their headshots! Thank you Emily for entrusting me with your headshots that we needed super quick for an upcoming conference!
Read moreChild Model Headshots! | Sophie and Maks
Check out the magic of child headshots with Max and Sophie. The studio captures the true expressions and vibrant personalities of young models, creating lasting memories through fun and professional photography.
Read moreThe Hidden Secret of Branding Photography | Silver Spring, MD
So, maybe you've been thinking about getting some photos taken, right? Maybe you've had family photos done before, and now you're wondering if there's any difference when it comes to branding photography for your business. Well, let me tell you, it's a whole different ball game—and it can seriously boost your business.
What’s the Big Deal with Branding Photography?
First off, branding photography is all about your business. It’s not just about getting pretty pictures; it’s about creating a visual story that represents your brand. Think of it as your business’s personality shining through in photos. These images can be used on your website, social media, marketing materials, and anywhere else you’re showing off what you do.
Commercial Photo Release: What’s That?
Here’s a key difference: when you hire a professional for branding photography, you usually get a commercial photo release. Sounds fancy, but all it means is that you have the legal right to use these photos for your business purposes. You can post them online, print them on flyers, use them in ads—whatever you need. With family photos, it typically doesn’t include this kind of release, meaning you can't legally use those images to promote your business….
Why This Matters: Real ROI
Now, you might be wondering, "Why should I spend money on professional branding photos when I can just snap a few pics myself?" Here’s why: professional branding photography is an investment that pays off. High-quality, cohesive images make your business look polished and trustworthy. It attracts your ideal customers, sets you apart from competitors, and can even lead to more sales. This is what we call ROI (Return on Investment). You're putting money in, but you're getting even more value back.
Tax Deductible? Yes, Please!
Here's the cherry on top: branding photography is a deductible business expense. That means you can write off the cost on your taxes. It's like the government is giving you a little reward for investing in your business. Family photo sessions, on the other hand, are personal expenses and not deductible. So, not only do branding photos help grow your business, but they also give you a bit of a tax break. Win-win!
Making Your Business Shine
Imagine your website with professional photos of you, your team, your products, or your workspace. Everything looks cohesive and professional, right? This isn’t just about vanity; it’s about building trust and connection with your audience. People are more likely to do business with you if they feel they know you—and great photos help make that connection.
The Bottom Line
So, if you’re on the fence about whether to invest in branding photography, think of it this way: it’s not just an expense; it’s a strategic move to grow your business. You get the legal freedom to use your photos however you need, you can deduct the cost come tax time, and you create a strong, professional image that attracts customers.
Branding photography is like giving your business a facelift. It makes everything look and feel better, and it’s totally worth the investment. So go ahead, book that branding photo session and watch your business shine!