branding photographer Archives - New Jersey, Philadelphia, NYC Personal Branding, Commercial and Editorial Photographer

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October 5, 2021/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Deirdre Ryan

What Happens When Social Media Goes Down

Do you rely on social media platforms only for your business?

Yesterday was a day for many to take a break from social media. Unless you have a Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn or whatever else you use to communicate.

I get messages via FB Messenger and I have explained time and time again to please use my website contact page instead.

Many have used built in Messenger services for a long time now, not realizing that for us business owners, emails offer us a better archive and timeline of communication between us and our clients. And for my many clients who have my cellphone number, using that to call or text me is another more reliable way to get in touch as well.

Sure it’s easier to just click Share and choosing to use Messengers or tagging. But if yesterday was any indication of what could happen again….well there’s your answer.

Which brings me to this: if you’re a business who uses Facebook or Instagram as your only way of getting the word out about your business, may this be a lesson to you.

For years, I’ve said over and over to not rely on these social media platforms but instead use a dedicated website. Social media platforms are just one of the many tools to show the world what you do and offer. Many people do not have a Facebook or Instagram account. Therefore if that’s the only thing you use, then they cannot access your information or anything that you may be offering. I see this all the time still!

Before the pandemic, I attended networking events, and have been a guest speaker regarding the importance of good quality branding photos and having a dedicated website for businesses. I think the time has come to do a live video of this presentation.

Yes I’m a little awkward here, I’m working on my video presence LOL!

Branding Photography For A New Law Firm-SSDI Lawyers of NJ

April 4, 2019/0 Comments/in Branding Photography, Commercial Photography, Headshots, personal branding photography, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

I met Douglas Greene this past summer over lunch with my client Douglas Herring. We were “fueling up” for Doug Herring’s branding photography for his law firm. A couple of months or so later, Douglas Greene calls and says that he had just moved into his new office and needed professional images taken for the website SSDI Lawyers of NJ and social media.

Doug is a lawyer who specializes in Social Security, Disability and Landlord/Tenement cases. He’s very personal and cares for his clients. We wanted to show that anyone, no matter what age could be a client of his.

Many people who come to him, need help going through the process of filing for SSDI, and or need their cases to be appealed and reconsidered. Doug is a very understanding person because these clients need their benefits, and while they want to work, they are unable to. Doug helps them throughout the process and is excellent at it.

We first started off with headshots of himself, then we moved on to the other shots that we had pre-discussed earlier. Showing off the new office, pictures of him in his office, then interacting with a client.

The key here is to make Doug look friendly, and relatable so that the many who need his help, will feel comfortable and know that he is the lawyer to represent them.

Scroll all the way down to see a behind the scenes video and pictures!

I have found that throughout my career, what makes me stand out is getting everyone comfortable with me with my gift of conversation, empathy, being understanding and taking care of my clients. It’s not easy to be in front of a camera, with lights, and having someone give you some directions to make sure that you look your best. By listening, being observant and paying attention to the details and your surroundings, I have always found by doing these simple things, makes the pictures I create relatable to the people who view them.

Thank you, Doug, for everything that you’ve done. I look forward to seeing what happens next!

New Lighting Gear!

May 29, 2018/0 Comments/in Editorial, Headshots, personal, Photo Gear /by Deirdre Ryan

If any of you have been following me on my blog or Instagram, you may have heard me rant about lighting. It was not an easy decision as I was holding out for Hensel to come out with their Foris light, which would be both AC and battery powered. My situation just couldn’t wait any longer, and renting was not an option that I wanted to keep doing. I did a lot of research, stalked forums, looked at articles and the comments, ratings, etc. Checked out videos, did a lot of Elinchrom vs Hensel, Hensel vs Dynalite, Proto vs Broncolor, Profoto vs Godox Pro 600, etc., I mean I was going a little crazy over here.

The main issue I had going against the Good system was their customer service. Good never returns their phone calls, emails, Facebook or Instagram Messages. It’s ridiculous, if I ran my business like that I wouldn’t have a business. Someone suggested I check out Adorama’s Flashpoint which is the Godox but re-named for them. They offered an additional 3 year warranty and Adorama services and repairs the units. So with credit card in hand, I purchased four Flashpoint Xplor 600 Pro TTL R2 strobe heads. I also had to add quite a few other things because since I’m switching to a Bowens mount from a Dynalite mount, my speedings need to change. I also picked up a Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 Speedlight for Canon.

Since my husband loves to get in front of the camera, he immediately signed up to help me test the lights. He works in tv as an Editor, so I thought it was be cool to mimic him being on location on set. Now, these are just test shots, nothing fancy, far from perfect, with a quick edit in Capture Pro One. Looking back I can see where I should’ve used my flags. But overall, it was fun just seeing how to set them up, figuring out the R2 Trigger, it was actually more fun that I thought it would be.

We went down the street from where we live, because of the weight of these lights, we took the car. I rearranged my Think Tank Photo Logistics Manager 30 Rolling Case to fit everything in it. I grabbed 4 light stands, my Westcott 7′ Parabolic Soft White Umbrella and a Glow 40″ Folding Beauty Dish. Now, I did get extra batteries for these heads, and this does add to the weight in my gear case. Once we put them on the stands, it was clear to me, that you cannot use these on cheap, flimsy light stands. Each one is around 6 pounds, without a modifier to tip them over. Compared to my Dynalites, this will be a bit of getting used to, because those heads were super lightweight, but with a cable connecting each one to a power box.

If you’re interested in seeing my long videos about the Lighting Gear, CLICK HERE.

Right before starting I spotted a turtle, and I at first thought that it was a Snapping Turtle. But it was just a cute little Box Turtle, we left him alone, and he didn’t seem all that into us anyway.

And there you go, my behind the scenes view from yesterday. I’m just happy to be able to work without having to worry about the lights like I used to before.

Are You Ready For A Change? Branding Photography For Your Business

December 1, 2017/0 Comments/in personal branding photography, Photography Business /by Deirdre Ryan

Is your business growing and going places? Your clients know that you’re amazing and there is so much about you that sets you apart from others. It’s time to make that commitment for yourself and your business. Are you ready to step up your marketing? Rise above and get more of your targeted clients.

Tell me if any of these apply to you or someone that you know:

Look at what you’ve been using to capture images. Is it your iPhone or another type of mobile device? Are those images truly sharp and print ready?
Are you still using selfies or having a friend take a “quick pic” with your phone?
Did you get a “fancy camera” and try to use it?
Did you crop yourself from that group shot taken while with your family and friends on vacation? (I love the way I look in some of those too! LOL)
Or are you still using that headshot from 2-5 years ago?

Do you truly believe in yourself and the business that you work so hard at to build up? Wouldn’t you just love to have a stunning library of professional photos that truly represent who you are and what your passion is about? Because we wouldn’t own a business if we didn’t love it, right?

Imagine, talking about not having the standard headshot, but you and I having fun, at your business location or a place that we feel works for your vision and branding. We also go through some questions to get a some ideas about what you want and if they work or not. There’s a hair and makeup artist, beforehand we already had discussed and picked out what you’re going to wear. It’s almost like dress up for adults. Remember playing that as kids? Even guys can do this!

As a branding and storyteller photographer, I work on achieving the best of what makes you tick. In the end, the images you’ll receive you can use in print, on social media, or your website will be powerful, strong and most of all, they will be about your personality, your drive, passion, and the message that you want to convey to others.

Your potential clients will trust you more when you have professional photographs taken, to tell the story and show them with imagery will win them over.

As a professional branding photographer, my business is your business. I put you in the best possible light so that you can present your brand to your customers and partners with confidence.

Contact me to start the New Year in the right direction by booking your session early. There’s a little red button to the right of your screen and it says Get Started. See? Easy as that!

I can’t wait to make you reach your full potential!

A Financial Advisor, Boats and A Summer Day for An Editorial Magazine Article and Cover

November 15, 2017/0 Comments/in Editorial, Headshots /by Deirdre Ryan

I was called over the summer to photograph Douglas Bauerband in Toms River, NJ for a financial magazine called Proactive Advisor Magazine. I had never heard of them, however they had found me through Google and thought that I would be a good fit since I lived fairly close by. Going on location for an environmental editorial portrait photoshoot is what I’m known for so they gave me the specs that they needed for the article, how many images they needed and how they were planning on using them for the magazine and online. They were very detailed and organized, and I scheduled the shoot with Doug and took it from there.

We discussed what they were looking for, and I suggested some clothing options. I wasn’t sure what to expect so I went with a few ideas in mind. I knew getting some photos inside was one, but I really wanted to go outside too. And of course it was a hot, muggy day by the shore.

Once I got there for the time scheduled, there wasn’t too much outside. However across the street was a harbor with boats docked. Doug was super nice and so was his assistant. He came prepared with some options that we discussed. I setup my wireless Canon 600RT EX flashes with the Westcott Rapid Boxes and we got started quickly.

I understand that with layout and design, they needed a few options with vertical and horizontal options. I also intentionally did not crop these because I knew that the designers already had an idea of what they wanted and would need room for the fonts and other design elements.

I had him try a few things, with and without the tie, with and without smiling. But he’s the kind of person that is a naturally happy person, so I prefer the ones of him smiling.

Afterwards, Doug was completely up for going outside for more shots. The only spot of green that we found in the parking lot that had ok lighting was underneath this tree. The sun was by now right above us. I didn’t have an assistant to hold anything to diffuse the harsh light.

So then I suggested the marina across the street and he was like sure! So we hopped into my car, braved some traffic and asked the guys there if it was okay that we took some pictures there for a magazine editorial, they said sure. I set up one Canon 600EX RT flash wirelessly and we started. I decided to have the light work with me and made him pretend that the boats were his.

The last shot Doug wanted, so I said sure and that was it for the session.

Afterwards, we took a quick fun selfie and we went back to his office where I packed up the rest of my gear and headed back to my office, edited the files and sent them to my client as full sized Tifs for them to download from my Photoshelter account.

Doug’s interview was published in early October, below is the cover and right underneath is the link the the article.

Helping clients achieve three key principles for retirement success by David Wismer | Oct 11, 2017 | Advisor Interviews

Thank you Doug for totally ROCKING your photoshoot with me! We had a lot of fun together and thank you Proactive Advisor Magazine!

I really loved how these images represented Doug for his business and branding.

The Successful Failures Album Ichor of Nettle Cover Art Photoshoot

November 13, 2017/0 Comments/in Branding Photography, Editorial, Music Photography, personal branding photography, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

Now that their album has launched, I can post some photos from our shoot.

In case you didn’t hear, it all started one night, I was at the show to watch Men Without Hats and The Successful Failures opened for them. Quite honestly, I was amazed, I was like holy shit, these guys are awesome! Then I posted that blog link, and Mick, the lead singer of the band contacted me. They really loved the photos that I shot. We went back and forth and next thing I knew, we were trying to get a date to photograph everyone for their next upcoming album. Even saw the band perform at the Chesterfield Inn, chatted with Mick’s dad along with our friends. That was a really good night.
Then this past January of 2017, we finally did and it was a cold day. I mean it wasn’t just cold, it was REALLY bitter cold, like it was about to snow with ice mixed in. And I had a gig at the NJPAC up in Newark that night too and the weather on the NJ Turnpike was horrible. But we got it done and I made it to that gig safely.

They wanted pictures of them at their recording studio and then I wanted to get some shots at a location in Bordentown, and we did, bitter cold or not, it got done! LOL

Inside while they were playing, I used one wireless Canon 600EX RT flash with a Westcott Rapid Box on a lightstand. When I’m shooting, my goal is to not be there, or just be a part of the environment. And since I had to use the flash, I decided to be a part of the environment, we chatted, joked around, but I mainly listened and looked for cues. Being in an intimate session like this was great, getting to know the guys better in their studio surrounded by items that enable them to create was helpful for me. And for the most part, I just let them do what they do best, be themselves and play.
(Behind the Scenes Photo by David Ryan)
After they finished playing, we took some shots of them all together inside the studio. At first some were sitting down, so then I had them stand up, then I said, ok, grab an instrument.
These are what they picked up. Then I saw the couch behind Rob’s drum kit, so I had them get cozy with each other on that.
And I was like, these are okay, but I still want to take you guys to another location. So we had some time and we did. I was thinking back to what Mick was saying what he originally wanted and there was this alleyway/street in Bordentown that has these fire escapes. So we get in the cars and head over to the location. I get there first, setup my wireless Canon 600EX RT Flash and a Photek Softlighter on a stand and use my husband as a stand in and I’m ready once the guys show up.

It’s bitter cold and the temperatures dropping. These guys, I tell ya, I really love them. They take their warm coats and hats off and endure the temps and me telling them what to do for these shots. I love that they trusted me and what I wanted to do for them.

(Behind the Scenes Photo by David Ryan)

So there’s a shot before this one, we’re all trying to get Ron to smile and he’s doing his best, and then Pete does his “thing” and that’s how this shot came to be. LOL

Then we went across the street to my friend’s house because these row of colonial homes fit what I was looking for. So with her permission, we used her front porch.

Back in May they performed at Randy’s Man Cave and used one of the images I shot for the promotional poster and the single online. And of course I took pictures. The space is tiny and they had someone take video, and if you click on the link for Randy’s Man Cave, you’ll see it all there.

The album launch happened on October 20th, 2017 at The Record Collector. The Paper Jets opened for them and I am now a fan of them. The two bands compliment each other really well.

Working with the guys, collaborating, staying true to who they are, their brand, what they wanted for their new album was just awesome. I let them tell me what they wanted, listening to their ideas, and it went from there.

The Successful Failures gave me a copy of their CD, Ichor Of Nettle and I bought the LP, Into The Battle. Here’s what it looks like(I just used my iPhone SE):

At first I wasn’t sure about the cover art, and Mick was like, she’s going to KILL US. But honestly I thought well there has to be a reason behind it all. This is their vision to go with their music.

And then he showed me what happens when you pull out the insert:

Now that’s cool! These are the details you miss when you buy on iTunes or a digital download from Amazon. I recommend going to your local music store and buying the physical CD and ripping it to play on your iPod or phone. I also love seeing my name and work in physical print again 🙂

Below are two music videos to market their new album and in my next post, I’ll show images from their album launch with video from a guy who seems to be at every local band event. He’s super cool and I’m so glad that he’s there to document these.

Thanks to Mick, Pete, Ron and Rob for having me to photograph you and having a great time. I’m forever thankful to you guys! To see the album launch party at The Record Collector, CLICK HERE.

If you’re interested in having me as your photographer, please contact me and let’s get together to chat about your project. Thanks!

UPDATE:

Here’s more of my images, but this time in print for New Jersey Stage Magazine, thanks for the photo credit!

Photographing An Image For A Book

September 9, 2016/0 Comments/in Branding Photography, Business Portraits, Editorial, Lifestyle Photography, personal branding photography, Portraits /by Deirdre Ryan

Sometimes my clients are friends or my clients most often become dear friends and this is the case here. Dolores and I met while networking during a W.I.N.(Women Interested in Networking) meetings. These were monthly meetings held at Villa Mannino’s in Bordentown, NJ on Route 130. A huge group of women would gather to meet, network, and eat lunch. It was started by Teri Petry and it was my first real introduction to getting up and explaining who I was, and what I was about in front of sometimes 80-100 people. I was very nervous, and scared. No judgement, we helped each other out, I had to have a 20 second elevator pitch and Teri had a question that was fun like, what is your favorite dessert or if you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go and you had to answer it with one thing or place.

This is where Dolores and I met and we hit it off from there, she was one of my first headshot, business clients and we fast became friends 😀

As time moved on, she met Francine Parham, introduced me, and we hit it off as well. I photographed them both and for their projects and events. They have both written and completed their book titled: The Ultimate Career Pocket Guide.

What this book is about is to help those who need to get through networking, your goals, and not just for the workplace. I see this for many in their personal and career goals, their own businesses, their current job and within the job market. I highly recommend this book!

Francine is from the corporate world and has vast experience and knowledge and Dolores is a consultant and development coach. The two have put their heads together and come up with this amazing book to help many people.

I photographed the image for their book at Jester’s Cafe, right here in Bordentown, NJ. Natural light, no assistants, no bounces or fill. I’m literally just standing in one of their large windows, using my Canon Mark 5D III and the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 lens and the Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L lens. I know the owners, the food is great and it was the perfect time of the day to do this.

I call these, “The World’s Worst Spy.”

Afterwards, we ordered lunch, did some formal headshots at my house.

We laughed and had a great time, but most importantly, I understood and wanted to make sure that the focus was about what they wanted with a twist. I helped to come up with a location and suggested some ideas, and went from there. I have ideas to go further with them with hair, makeup, and more.

What I did for Dolores and Francine is help them with their branding, how they wanted to be seen on the cover for their target clients. Professional woman, talking over lunch, being casual, but serious about what it is that they’re doing. This is how they talk to other professionals. It could be anything that they are chatting about. As you can see on their websites, the images of themselves, I have photographed, is what they have envisioned and I have more ideas for them.

Here are questions to ask for yourself:

Where are you headed? Who needs to see you? What is it that you are doing? What’s next on the horizon for your business or company? Do you have a team of experts to help you visually? Can they insure that your images and presence are of the caliber that agencies and publications can expect of you? Can your images be printed for high end marketing and packaging?

If you’re ready for this step for your business, company or corporation, contact me. This is what I do, listen, make suggestions, help present my clients to their clients in the best light possible. Make sure that you and your brand look cohesive and flawless.

Click on the red Chat Now Button that pops up and let’s get started!

Click here to see an event I photographed at Jimmy Choos in SoHo, NYC with Francine and Dolores.

Posts

Branding Photography For A New Law Firm-SSDI Lawyers of NJ

New Lighting Gear!

Are You Ready For A Change? Branding Photography For Your Business

A Financial Advisor, Boats and A Summer Day for An Editorial Magazine Article and Cover

The Successful Failures Album Ichor of Nettle Cover Art Photoshoot

Photographing An Image For A Book

Rotary Club Member

Branding Photography

Copyright

Mailchimp

Yelp

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