the Blog
Team Talk
Like most people, I don’t always like going out of my comfort zone. When I was approached recently to do something I haven’t done before my husband reminded me that “if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”
Those following me on Instagram may have spotted in my stories a few weeks back I posted a brief ‘guess where I am…’ video from a sports field, where I was setting up ready to take team photographs for local Wauchope Netball Club.
With 19 individual teams in total across the day it certainly put my skills to work and I had such a great time. Meeting everyone and watching them interact (of course I couldn’t resist taking a few candid shots too!) was a joy.
Of course, with team photos the work begins once you start editing, and I had a lot of fun designing a border for the images to allow the player’s names to be incorporated.
Here’s a look at one of the images, alongside the border, which I am sharing with permission.
A huge thank you to Kylie & the whole Wauchope Netball Club team, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you all.
If you’d like more information, or to book your own team photo’s please get in touch! You can email me at lucy@lucyhumphriesphotography.com
Milkshakes, Strawberries & Photographs
…and not forgetting friendship!
I was so honoured when Lisa (the creative mind behind beautiful Little Henrio) reached out to me the first time, back in July. We hit it off straight away, Lisa is really fun to be around, and even better - our kids got along!
So when Lisa got in touch to say she would like me to capture some more of her gorgeous makes I jumped at the chance.
Naturally, there was coffee and cake involved when we met at Ricardoes Tomatoes. The children enjoyed a cake in their gorgeous matching outfits. The fun sweet treats print was actually designed by Lisa’s nephew and is super cute! The detail on the sleeve of Ruby’s dress was just so pretty.
After our refreshments, which were absolutely delicious, we ventured out for some strawberry picking. The kids absolutely loved finding and choosing which strawberries to pick and I had so much fun photographing them.
Ricardoes makes a gorgeous location, filtering the light beautifully. The dress worn by Ruby has a real ‘dorothy’ vibe, so pretty with it’s cute print.
It’s so funny to think when I first picked up my camera I was adamant that I didn’t want to take photo’s of people, and now I absolutely love it! Oh, and the strawberries we picked didn’t even make it home, just too delicious!
Planning for your Personal Branding Shoot
So you’ve decided it’s time to show off the face behind your business, amazing! You’re already well on your way to allowing your customers and clients to connect with you.
Now you’re wondering what kind of images you need? Don’t worry, here’s my quick guide to ensuring you obtain photos which will make you shine.
Where?
Think about where you are going to use the photos. Websites and blogs usually need some landscape images, for your social media you’ll need portrait. Plan for the next 6-12 months, do you have a new launch approaching? Will you want to use some over Christmas with a few festive props?
Location
Depending what your brand is all about will help determine your location. If you’re a landscaper you don’t really want 20 photos of you sitting at a desk.
Equally, if your home office is fairly dark it may be worthwhile looking for a shared office space (I love CoLab at Sovereign Hills).
Outfits
Here it’s wise to link with your branding. If you have pinks in your branding try and involve them in your outfit. It’s also worth considering what suits you. Canary yellow might be your logo colour but if it washes you out then avoid a large amount of it.
Pinterest It!
Build a mood board of brand shoot photos you adore. When my clients book in, I create one for us to share if they don’t already have one. That way I can see exactly the style they’re looking to obtain.
Personality
Let it shine through! Love coffee? Include a few photos of you drinking a cup. Crazy about cats? Add them in somehow, perhaps a cat scarf! Your branding shoot should provide images which give your clients a glimpse into who they’re working with.
Image taken at CoLab for Zoe of The Numbers Hub
There you have it, my tips for planning your branding shoot. When did you last update your images? If you’d like any further information please fill in the form & I’ll get back to you.
Lucy
Country scenery and my daughter makes her debut!
Last weekend I was invited along to a stunning property near Wauchope to take some photographs for Lisa of Little Henrio.
Lisa makes the most beautiful bespoke children’s clothes with a vintage inspired look and she kindly asked whether my daughter would like to wear one of her dresses for the shoot.
My daughter is three, and like most three year olds she knows her own mind and is quite determined, so it could have gone either way to be honest.
Luckily, our other gorgeous model for the day, Henrique, is an absolute pro. Just look at them together - adorable!
We planned the shoot late afternoon to take advantage of the beautiful golden hour light and we weren’t disappointed. Surrounded by horses, chickens and rolling fields with natural light spilling into every frame, it was absolutely beautiful.
I had such an amazing afternoon, as did Ruby! A huge thank you to Lisa for asking us to be a part of it. If you’d like to learn more about Lisa and her absolutely beautifully made clothes please check out her instagram here.
The Wonderfully Diverse World Of Product Photography
What would you think are the main type of products I am fortunate to be asked to photograph?
It’s a rapidly changing environment in my studio, from beautiful jewellery to cloth nappies, candles and skincare, all in the space of a week. Not to mention the amazing on-location work I’m lucky enough to be involved in.
Check out these images from a shoot for Jaam Co Grazing Boxes. This delicious company makes the most amazing grazing boxes and they were looking to update their images to include shots of their fantastic creations in our local area.
I love finding new and interesting ways to capture things, altering the lighting and surroundings depending on the products - and of course what my clients are looking for. Some products require outdoor fun, I often use the pool, beach and sea to really make those lifestyle photos stand out.
I’m often asked if I have a favourite kind of product to work with, and I genuinely don’t. It’s a pleasure to bring to life business owner’s visions for their products and I’m very lucky to be a part of the process.
Did you see my top tips for taking product photos on your phone? Find out more here.
As always, if you have any questions please pop me an email to lucy@lucyhumphriesphotography.com or get in touch via the contact form here.
Lucy
The Best Of June
My busy month of June & a look at the results!
Wow! What a busy month, so busy that we’re already a week into July and this is the first moment I have had to sit and reflect.
June saw me working with an amazing variety of businesses to update their product images. From handmade bath products to skincare and jewellery - with some food photography thrown in too!
Here’s a brief (very brief) peek at some of my work:
““I only have good things to say about Lucy and her photography! I would highly recommend her, she was so heplful, professinal and the photos turned out amazing!””
One of the things I love about product photography is the challenge. Whilst some business owners are looking for a variety of images, some lifestyle, some website-ready on white background, others have in mind something entirely unique and I love chatting about the shoot and what they’re looking for.
It’s such an incredible feeling when I see the images I took in use, whether it be on websites, brochures, or social media - it’s such a buzz!
What’s your favourite thing in your business? I’d love to know.
4 Reasons To Outsource
I get it, sometimes it’s difficult to let someone else play a part in your business. There’s a lot wrapped up in it, and you want to make sure your hopes and dreams, and the way you envision your brand, shines through when someone else is involved.
So why do it? Here’s why I think it can be vital to get some external help.
Time.
We all have so much going on in our lives, and trying to wear all of the hats all of the time can be exhausting. Lighten the load and pass some aspects to someone else, instead of trying to set up, take and edit product photos at all hours of the night, or work out how to submit your tax info - find someone you’re comfortable with to help.
Knowledge.
No-one is an expert in everything. Handing a business task to someone else with more expertise in that field means they’ll not only complete the task more efficiently but it also takes that stress away from you.
A fresh pair of eyes.
Isn’t it nice when someone sees something you make in a fresh new way, they give you a fresh look at something too and that extra spring in your step. I love photographing products which have been around for some time and showing off a different aspect.
Equipment.
In my business I have invested a lot into owning and using the best equipment. From various lenses, to stands and lighting, backdrops, props…the list goes on. I want to provide the best service for my clients. Not everyone has a wide variety of equipment, or even the space to take beautiful product images and that’s where I come in.
Seems like a win-win! Remember to look at the reviews of the person you are hiring - check their website and external reviews too. Look at their previous work and decide whether it’s the right fit for your business and have a chat with them, you’ll soon know whether they’re a good fit for your business.
Remember you can grab 10% off your first booking when you join my mailing list below.
Enjoy the extra time on your hands!
Lucy x
Why bother with a branding photoshoot?
Why bother with a branding photo shoot? Here’s why I think it’s imperative for you and your business.
Is it really necessary to show my face? Don’t my products/services speak for themselves? I HATE having my photo taken! No one wants to see me!
All responses I have heard, and let’s be honest we probably all have had those thoughts at some point in growing our businesses. But the thing is, people ‘buy’ people, they want to make a connection, learn more about you.
Showing your face on your website and socials helps to build that connection with your audience. On a side note - this can also apply to your product photos, often photos with a ‘body part’ in them, for example, arms holding flowers, will gain a better traction on your socials. Why? Because they’re relatable and they show your product in use.
Personally I love capturing the relaxed and informal side of you, giving your potential clients a peek into your personality and making it easier to grow that bond between you. We all have seen those standard corporate headshots, and yes, they’re absolutely beneficial to have, but show off your personality too!
On my most recent branding shoot, with the gorgeous Zoe of The Numbers Hub, we took advantage of the wet weather to shelter in a beautiful bar and indulge in a coffee. We chatted, laughed, shared stories and I took Zoe’s picture.
Of course, from my point of view there’s a little more to it than that, but from Zoe’s point of view she was relaxed - and that shows. The result? Zoe’s clients, and potential clients, can see more of who she is and put a face - and personality - to the business.
So when the World finds its rhythm once more make sure you invest in your business and show off that face! We want to see you.
Lucy
See more from Zoe’ session in my portfolio: here and grab a 10% off your first booking when you join my mailing list below.