by alluremm on April 26, 2026
Professional Branding … Do I need it?
I’m publishing this short entry as a follow up to my previous article entitled ” Professional Branding Portraiture Photography – Ditch the 80’s Real Estate Head Shot “. Let me beginning by giving you some background: A few weeks back the studio receives contact from a brand new company which was in need of a “Look“, a “Brand“, or “Image” to allow their clients to recognize them immediately when seeing their promotional materials.
This strong association between the Company and the Brand is one of the most critical factors when starting a new venture and is so often over looked..
How many of you have been handed a business card that was pure white, with color text, and sporting a logo which was certainly picked out of a book at a local print shop? Come on… How many? Over the years, I’ve seen my fare share of this type of rubbish which negatively reflects on the business no matter how “fantastic they are or say they are”.
Remember, if it appears to a client that you are not taking your company seriously, I assure you, they will not either! As they say: ” Too make money one must spend money “! When starting a new business you can cut corners and save money in many areas but when it come to the face of your establishment, it’s “BRAND” or “IMAGE”, this is something you must pay a professional to get it right.
In this economy mediocrity it no longer acceptable. Be stellar or find another profession!
Anyways, sorry for the rant… As I was saying, the owner & partner of this brand new company approached us and instead of asking for my company to come up with an image concept for them, they described exactly what they wanted conceptually and ask if we could make it into reality.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE A CHALLENGE and this was certainly one! After discussing their business, product line and their target group along with their concept we determined that the majority of the project would have to be completed within the confines of Photoshop. I was instructed to create a corporate brand / logo ” CHARM ” as it was, to be worn on a models necklace. Everything you see, beside the model was composited to create specifically to what the client visualized and articulated to us prior to the session. From the look of the lipstick, virtual nameplate and everything else was produced to achieve a certain look & feel that would hit home with the target demographic being marketed.
As you can see, the fruits of this Corporate Branding Production will now be the backbone of which this new company builds upon. Having a vision and finding the right professional to turn that vision into reality is more than half the battle. It is critical, It is imperative, It is the perception!! … given off by your brand, without words, that can reaches out, grab and hold a client’s intrigue while urging them to take the next step. (No matter what that that step might be to fulfill your marketing plan)
So, the next time your at a social networking gathering and someone asks for your card, don’t pull out something generic and lackluster which will certainly end up in a bin by the end of the evening! Hand to the potential client something you are passionate about, something that will create intrigue without you having to say a single word! This is your Brand! This is your Image! This is You! A brand new professionally produced promotional card which oozes your brand from every inch of it’s area will forever ingrain your company, product or service into the mind of the beholder.
Please, be so kind as to write a short comment below & share your thoughts & ideas and while your at it take a moment to join our Facebook Fan Page or Follow me on Twitter
Thanks again!
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by Dave Warner on April 21, 2026
This is a Quick Hit Podcast short. Today we’re going to talk to Marqueax Price of the LNT3 Group. We became acquainted with the firm as a result of interviewing Gail Nogle, our show that was released on Tuesday, April 13th. Since Gail was successfully using a PR firm, we thought it would make an interesting show for ALL photographers to hear about the value of that relationship from the PR firm’s side.
In this episode, Marqueax talks about her company, how a photographer can benefit from a PR Agency, how they approach strategy and positioning, what she thinks is the biggest challenge for photographers today, how they can strengthen and protect a photographers brand, what things cost, and much more. Listen to the full podcast interview, which is below.
Show Sponsors: ExpoImaging, Inc., Photo Book Press, and Tafota.com.
To listen to the full podcast interview, click on the player’s forward arrow below. You can also play the Podcast in a pop up window, download it OR subscribe to it via iTunes. You can also download a List of Questions (PDF format) that I ask in the interview.
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Podcast: Play in new window
| Download (Duration: 33:01 — 22.7MB)
by alluremm on April 16, 2026
Branding Portraiture Photography
by Joseph Cristina Contributor
Preface: I would like to thank Dave for inviting me to contribute to Lensflare35, it’s truly an honor, and I look forward to your comments, questions and overall interaction. - In Short: I’m Joseph Cristina, Studio Owner, and Full-Time Professional Photographer formally trained at the Art Institute for Commercial Art & Advertising Design; my studio, “Allure Multimedia, LLC“, is involved with Commercial Ad Campaigns, Company Branding, For Profit and Non-Profit Agencies, Models, Actors as well a host of other Photographic & Multimedia projects. We are based in sunny Palm Beach Florida.
.. Now that the formalities are complete … Let’s get this party started!
Over the years I have had the good fortune to work with actors, actresses, celebrities as well as up and coming models, corporate executives and alike. At first, many state they only want a “good looking” representation of themselves in the best light possible … and of course … I can do that!
On the other hand, some require Professional Branding Portraiture Photography which is slightly different.
Before continuing I would like to say: This short article was inspired by a call I received by a potential client yesterday. A very nice lady rang to say that she was searching the web, stumbled across our website and was intrigued by the “Simple Design”, “Color”, “Banner Image” and most importantly the” branding portrait” of myself. In short, the potential client raved about the content but stated she would not have stayed to view it if for not the intriguing, professional portrait which was displayed.
Branding Portraiture in a nutshell requires the client to know who they are or whom or what they wish to be “portrayed” as. Many times I send new client’s away with the task of determining this and ask them to schedule a session once they know and have the ability to articulate it too me. Some call back within a day, some a week and others not at all. This task is not an easy one and requires some sole searching, to say the least.
It is absolutely imperative that a branding portrait screams out, who you are while informing the viewer as to what you do, your personality and/or how they can benefit from doing business with you.
Once again, knowing ones self comes 1st then being able to articulate it to your photographer while allowing him/her to get to know you comes in a distant 2nd. Once complete, then and only then the professional portrait photographer can translate your vision into imagery that truly ”sells” You, Your Product or Service!
Remember: Even with a “Simple Headshot / Portrait”, mediocre is no longer good enough. Today’s clients want to work with someone, they can relate too, trust and feel comfortable in knowing they are in good hands while doing so.
I’ve included a few photographer’s, I grabbed out of the hat, in no specific order, whom I feel have exceptional branding portraits that either say who they are / their style or simply create a want or desire to work with them:
Lindsay Adler of New York; DaveWares of Sough East England; Scott Holstein of Tallahassee, Florida; Frederick Van of Silicon Valley, CA; Drew Gregory of Calgary Canada; Dave Warner of New York; Trevor Current of New Jersey; Rosh Sillars of Detroit, MI; Jack Hollingsworth of Austin, TX; Joseph Cristina of West Palm Beach, FL — I can’t forget myself
Bottom Line: It’s time to ditch the 80’s Real Estate Head Shot and have a true Branding Portrait captured by a professional photographer.
I promise you, more business, connections and opportunities will come your way because of it!
Take a moment to join our Facebook Fan Page or Follow me on Twitter
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