Imgcr8tive Photography

Amazon E-Commerce Watch Rolls

Sharon — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:43:55 +0000

Amazon E-Commerce Photography is near and dear to my heart because I am also an online E-Commerce Entrepreneur. I sell online, Amazon and Etsy. Each platform has its pros and cons. Not only are all platforms unique, apps that can help you analyze data on those platforms are equally unique (I recommend Helium 10 for Amazon and E-Rank for Etsy).

What does all this have to do with photography? …A lot. Within the last 2 years of me participating in the space of E-Commerce, there has been so much opportunity that each platform (especially Amazon) has created to get your brand in front of the customer. To take advantage of all that customer interface, being brand registered on Amazon is definitely a must.

Being brand registered offers the benefit of uploading videos, creating pages with A+ content (that extra stuff on a listing page when you scroll down like comparisons, benefit photos etc.) and ability to post on the Inspire pages (like IG) in the Amazon App. Images that are needed on Amazon is a white backdrop pic as your first image. All other images after that face image can be anything. Amazon greatly favors lifestyle images for all branding posts (it will not accept white or plain backdrop images). Compared to the majority of the products on Amazon, the benefit of unique quality content, especially video, easily sets a brand apart. And it’s not that hard to stand out using quality professional content!! Most content from the competition is often low quality images provided by the manufacturer.

These are some images I did for a watch roll product on Amazon. The brand is brand new and needed the standard white backdrop images to replace the boring ones provided by the manufacturer. They also wanted images of watches inside the watch rolls. We also created some images for lifestyle shots that depicted the watch rolls used during travel and to speak to clients that collect watches.

Aesthetician and Skincare Photography

Sharon — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 01:11:18 +0000

small business Portrait and Product photoshoot spotlight on aesthetician and aesthetics clinic

Two sisters from Greeley Colorado decided to take the leap and start their own aesthetician practice. They needed a new business package where they were looking for images for their website, social media posts and shots of their products. Since there was no furniture at their clinic by the time we scheduled the shoot, we decided to do the shoot at one of their homes. This was a challenge for me because I did not know what the location looked like ahead of time. However, I’m used to being on location, especially at homes, because of my work with Reframe Photoshoot Retreats. The client and I discussed the general look of their website and agreed on a neutral color palette. I knew I was also going to be working on product so I brought some props and backdrops (24 x 24 board: white, dark grey and light grey). I also brought my lights. I had 2 hours to shoot both their portraits and product. I used strobe for the portraits but decided to set up the product on a table near a window and shot that with natural light. I think the result of the branding shoot turned out great. I was able to get these gals started with their website images so that their new business would be up and running, at least online, as soon as possible.

Karen Personal Branding

Sharon — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 03:52:40 +0000

Karen is a personal trainer based in Virginia Beach. We’ve created a lot of images through the years and now she has a variety of content in her brand photography gallery to choose from. This is a sampling of the types of shots she wanted. The mix of fitness shots in the gym, in her studio, and outdoors illustrates how she incorporates her workouts anywhere. She also shows her style and personality through other images that are not always fitness related.

Amazon E-commerce Photography for Soula Beauty

Sharon — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 02:12:42 +0000

Amazone E-commerce photography for soula beauty

Ebony is an entrepreneur who makes the most amazing line of scented products. She makes candles, soaps, and other luxury bath goods. I had the pleasure of creating a variety of images that she could use for her amazon site as well as her website.

During some of my trips for Reframe Retreats, she sent products so that I can shoot them in various locations giving her a variety of imagery. One way that some brands can save money is to send their products on vacation with photographers. I’ve already planned to be at a scenic location and can often spend some time shooting some product work.

I also have a brand on Amazon so I am aware of the branding options that are available to sellers. If a seller is brand registered, they can create their own landing page or “shop” on Amazon where potential buyers are able to see the complete line or offering. Amazon also has an area where the brand can post about their product similar to a post on social media. The only thing that Amazon requires is a registered trademark of the brand. There are a lot of tools on seller platforms and social media that can be used to advertise and really show off products. For an online business, having images are essential to take advantage of all these often low cost or no cost tools.

Hair Product Shoot in Tulum

Sharon — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 02:19:24 +0000

Product photoshoot in tulum

One of the best ways to get authentic shots for product photography is on location. This particular hair care brand was opening in the South American market so being in Tulum was a great way to get shots that have the real look and feel of a place. The intensity of the sun is challenging at the beach but lots of diffusion and an ND filter really helps.

How do I figure out where to place products? Sometimes I start with color. On the color wheel I chose a triad of yellow, purple and green. I also used the adjacent color of orange. I utilize the free online color wheel called palleton to configure my color grading. You can find that site here: https://paletton.com/ . So check it out and play with some color grading.

Photoshoot for Jewelry Look Book

Sharon — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 03:21:38 +0000

product Photography for bullet inspired jewelry look book

Repurposing spent shells to create a line that inspires fearlessness is very much in line with the earth conscious wild west nature of Colorado. This project for a jewelry line was very comprehensive. I had been given the jewelry pieces to shoot on white back drop for cataloguing. I was also given free rein to create a flat lay theme that highlighted the product in an aesthetically pleasing way.

I mostly played off of the leather bracelets. Leather on the bracelets and the rustic tones of the shells inspired the leather accents. The rope and other elements gave the image some texture. A lifestyle photoshoot was also requested. The mountains of Colorado provided the most obvious and beautiful backdrop. I rented a private home from peerspace so that there was privacy for bringing the various rifles. Since the orange was a major color element, I incorporated blue into the highlights for balance.

Brand Photoshoot Retreat Experience

Sharon — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 17:46:35 +0000

Brand Photoshoot retreat experience

I am one of photographers for a brand content creation and strategy company called Reframe. A big part of Reframe’s offering is not only ongoing social media and brand strategy education, but also content creation in the form of photoshoot retreats. What is a brand photoshoot retreat? It is a dedicated time and space where participants go to, well, create lots of content!

Location is important because there needs to be a draw for the client to come and experience something fun while creating very unique content. It helps to have a place unique enough so that you’re not thinking, “why do I need to go all the way there if I can just do it here at my house?” The images I provide here are from the Tulum retreat. The house was incredible and the outdoor area was just spectacular.

The amount of participants will dictate the amount of creatives needed. For about 10 people you will need at least 3 photographers and 1 videographer. Each photographer is set up at an area like, kitchen, living, bath indoors. Outdoors we were spread out by the pool, beach, and front of house. Each person moves through the different areas as well as spending time with the videographer.

The benefits of photoshoot retreats are numerous. First you don’t have to think about a thing! There is help from a lot of people to assist you during the shoot, making sure you have hair and makeup and to help you plan for the shoot (what wardrobe, which props etc.). You can simply show up and not worry about a thing. Second, there are other people also getting their pictures taken which helps alleviate some of stress you may feel by observing everyone else. Third, group shots are so difficult to get when just having a solo portrait session with a photographer so people that need images of them counseling, training or lifestyle shots for themselves or their products can have them. BONUS is you have a group of people to also hang out with after the photoshoot! BONUS #2 let’s not forget all the images and content created will last for many many posts to come!

So if you are one of those people that need content, don’t like creating it yourself, are sick of creating it yourself all the time, find it a chore to take pictures, or just want to get your images done all at once while having fun doing it, check into photoshoot retreats. I hope to see you in the next one! https://www.reframeyourbiz.com

Unique Photoshoot Location: Red Rock Amphitheater

Sharon — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 20:23:37 +0000

Unique photoshoot location: Red rocks amphitheater

The Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison Colorado is always a great place to do a photoshoot especially when you want to portray that mountain lifestyle. There are a lot of beautiful spots with mountain ranges in the background, the steps at the amphitheater and, of course, the red rocks. I often prefer to start at the upper most lot called the plains view lot because it is mostly private compared to other lots. There is also a covered picnic area where clients can change and put their things. The covered area works really well for multiple outfit changes that often happen with branding photoshoots. The nearby outhouse is also convenient when you really need to go. The steps at the amphitheater are great for getting fitness photos. Best of all is that there are no fees to pay do a photoshoot here.

I can’t help it, I love to take my off camera flash. I like to shoot natural light as well as light assisted. If there is too much wind then I would have to have someone come help hold lights. It can get really windy up here. Golden hour never disappoints but just keep in mind where the sun will be. I like to use a sun tracker app called Sun Seeker. I will also bring a pop up tent in case anyone needs to change outside of their car. I would start off by parking at any of their designated lots and see where you can explore from there.

All the areas are easily accessible. I like to show up on days when there are no concerts scheduled (check that ahead of time!), but keep in mind that there are often hikers and families that like to sight see so it might not be as private as you’d like. More people means that parking in smaller lots might be an issue. However, larger lots have plenty of parking and sometimes meeting there then taking one car to another location also works.

There are a lot of Rangers doing security at this location so staying compliant to all the rules posted is a good idea. On quieter days I’ve been able to pull my car over to the side and shoot in certain spots I liked. On busier days and weekends it’s harder to do, so it helps to be quick. Do not park too long in areas where you are not allowed because the rangers will kick you out. I hope my images on this short blog will show you the type of shots you can get at this near Denver location. I’ve been sharing more of my locations because, as a photographer, it’s often hard to get out and scout places all the time and having recommendations of where to start looking would have helped me when starting out.

Unique Photoshoot Location : Warehouse

Sharon — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 20:00:53 +0000

warehouse photoshoot For branding, fitness, and art

I try to do a special shoot where I pick a location and offer my clients something unique that they can participate in. I rented time at this warehouse through peerspace which had a really cool old industrial look I was going for. I always try to be professional so I will not risk trespassing where I’m not allowed, especially with clients. Many property owners are pretty open to allowing use of their space and never hurts to ask. Since I shoot art, fitness and branding photography, I used this same warehouse space for all those kinds of shots.

In this blog I will give you just an overview of my thoughts about working in a space like this so you can simply have them as considerations when you plan or participate in a similar photoshoot situation.

1) Warehouse locations are often not heated or air-conditioned so keep in mind the temperature. I shot in the spring and the fall. You can perhaps get away with shooting in the summer because the space was made of concrete and stayed very cool.

2) It’s dark so bring lights just in case. The gorgeous windows definitely added some incredible light and drama but sometimes it was too dark and having a light helped a lot.

3) The room is grand so having my 24mm-70mm lens was very helpful. I sometimes don’t get it when photographers spend all this time and money on a location then shoot the subjects with a very blurry background or cropped tight in the frame.

4) The floor is so dirty! It is hard to get any images where the person can sit or lay on the floor. Be careful of your model touching a surface then touching their face or clothing! There will be hand and finger prints everywhere. I brought a lot of wet wipes to this shoot. We had some shots using a chair but you will not get any shots of lying on the floor unless you bring something to put on the ground.

5) The light moves throughout the day. The very large window light was only available to me in the morning. So I had to plan on the kind of client that I needed to get that shot with and schedule appropriately. I had to get really creative at the end of the day when there was barely any light. We had fun chasing the light and mostly worked within the rooms that had great light. It’s all part of the fun and sporadic surprises of shooting in different spaces.

Brand Photoshoot For Intangible Product or Service

Sharon — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 21:04:09 +0000

tips for branding photoshoot with intangible product or service

I’ve worked with my friend Kristina for a long time. Her business involves being a life coach and has honed in on helping people with their mental health. She takes a wholistic approach in that she stresses taking care of both the physical well being as well as the mental thoughts because it is all connected. Body and mind, mind and body. Many of her images addressing physical well being have been fairly straight forward. We create shots of her working out, meal prepping, and sleep. We have her in the kitchen cooking, bedroom sleeping, outside running, hiking, stretching. But what if the subject is something intangible? For people that have brands that sell or offer customers “a way of being”, “a way of taking charge of their lives”, “a way of battling depression” there is no straight forward “before and after” shot. Kristina wanted to have images that addressed about past trauma, healing, self discovery, self care. Here are 5 tips that you may want to consider which helped me create these types of images for her.

1) Focus on emotion: In a lot of my branding work I aspire to create emotion. Images of someone shown running up a flight of stairs or doing pushups on the ground can say many things. It can say this person is fit or into fitness. It can also allow for stories of perseverance and determination. A lot of that communication will be through the subjects facial expressions so have them do them all! Happy, sad, thoughtful, excited, frustrated etc. It is fun to play around with this and the best way to get genuine responses are to help them think of a time they felt that way.

Keep in mind body language, facial expressions, and lighting. How can you light the scenario to support the mood? Light and bright can show happy. The creation of shadows can make the environment more moody. However, a light and bright scene can have an unhappy subject which can add to the feel of intended disconnection.

2) Windows: Windows are awesome. The light is beautiful and gives you so much contrast. You can work with light and shadow to make the mood feel bright and light or contrasted and dark. Putting the subjects away from or facing the window gives you so many options for drama. In my shoot we used the window to make her look trapped, afraid, sad. I wanted it to look like someone locked into the fear of their own mind looking out to find courage.

3) Reflections: The reflection play of the window was a perfect representation of someone looking either out at the world or at themselves and their inner thoughts. I loved it so much I decided to bring a mirror to our shoot. We played around with this concept of reflection. Mirrors and reflections are a great symbol of who we are, how we see ourselves, how the world sees us and the dualities in life.

4) Hands: When I am trying to make a connection of something intangible come across as, well, tangible, I find the use of hands can help make that happen. Hands out or open can make the connection of being open to or receiving an idea. I think about receiving intentions from the universe as well as sending out my intentions to the universe or even the viewer. Hands folded can say peace or calm. Hands writing can depict understanding or self discovery. Hands touching grass or rock can also evoke ideas of discovery. Hands physically touching a person or nature can symbolize our connection to them.

5) Sun Flares: I love a cool sun flare for any type of photography. It creates all types of crazy haze, shadow and desaturation but I absolutely love it! Incorporating the sun reminds us of time passing. Sunrise and sunset can often represent the ending of one thing and beginning something new. It is renewal, forgiveness, new beginnings, a new day. The passing of time which is necessary for healing.

Bonus Tip: Location Location Location! Location adds to the narrative and can really bring home the idea or feeling. A gritty street full of trash and concrete can convey the cold loneliness of abandonment. The warm sunshine on a face in a nicely manicured park can portray joy or content. For Kristina we took advantage of the beautiful mountains that surround us in Colorado to give the feeling of grandeur. That greatness gives one the feeling of humility. We are just one small part of a larger whole that is this world, this life. What a blessing it is to exist in this moment, at this time, in this state of mindfulness and gratitude.