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  • Capturing Joy: A Guide to Planning the Perfect Children's Lifestyle Photoshoot

    Children's lifestyle photography is a type of photography that aims to capture children in their natural environment or doing everyday activities, with the goal of telling a story about their lives. This type of photography, which is the kind we prefer here at NJP Photography most often includes candid shots of children playing, exploring, and interacting with their environment and with others around them. The emphasis of these sessions is on capturing real-life moments and emotions, rather than creating a posed or staged photo. What we're looking for are the moments of infectious laughter, the mischievous glint in their eyes, and the genuine love they radiate. These real moments are what make your child unique. Lifestyle photography captures their spirit, their quirks, and their genuine expressions, preserving their true selves for eternity. To create successful children's lifestyle photography, it is important for the photographer to understand the child's perspective and interests, and to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for the family. It is also important to let the kid take the lead and allow them to be themselves, rather than forcing them into specific poses or activities. This can help create more natural and spontaneous photos that truly capture the child's personality and energy. In terms of locations, children's lifestyle photography can take place indoors or outdoors, and can incorporate a variety of settings, such as parks, playgrounds, beaches, or even the your own home. The key is to choose a space that reflects your child's interests and allows them to feel comfortable and at ease. Planning for your child's lifestyle portrait session will help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible and that you get beautiful results...even if there is always opportunity for chaos! Trust me, planning will help. Here are a few tips on how to collaborate with your photographer to create a fun and stress-less session for everyone: Decide with your photographer on the right environment(s) that reflects your child's personality and interests. This can be your home, a park, a playground, or any other location that your little one(s) enjoys. Consider the time of day and their bio-rhythm. What matters is what schedule will work best for your child. Younger children may do better in the morning, while older kids may be more comfortable in the afternoon. Choose items of clothing that your child feels comfortable in and that reflects their personality. But do avoid anything with logos or busy patterns, as these can be distracting in photos. Think about activities that your child enjoys and that can be incorporated into the session. This can include playing with toys, reading a book, or doing a favorite hobby. Consider bringing props that can help tell a story about your child's interests or personality. This could be a special toy, sports equipment or a musical instruments. Finally, don't forget to discuss any specific ideas you may have about the results and the products you might want such as wall art or an album. This will help ensure you and your photographer on the same page and they are creating enough variety for your end goals. By following these easy tips and planning ahead, you can help ensure that your child's lifestyle portrait shoot is a success. Like any other portrait session, your photographer should be a willing collaborator and will want to chat with you about your ideas and expectations. If you're interested in learning about our family and children's lifestyle sessions, reach out to Nicolette at nicolette@NJPphotography.com or call 310.622.4580. We're always happy to chat with you to see if we're a good fit. A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • Unveiling Authenticity: A Branding Lifestyle Session with Leadership Coach, Nicole Venner

    Nicole Venner coaches individuals and leaders to broaden their views of self, leadership, and purpose. Her holistic approach addresses the mind, body, heart, career and relationships, allowing clients to show up more authentically and brilliantly in every aspect of their lives. In a recent interview with Nicole, we delved into her experience collaborating with our studio to capture the essence of her work and personality. Let's explore what drew her to this unique photography experience. Q: Why a branding lifestyle shoot? Nicole: "I needed updated photos for the rebrand/relaunch project of my website, but I needed more than just 'professional' photos. I needed them to convey who I am as a woman, as a coach, and as a human." Q: What attracted you to Nicolette's work? Nicole: "Nicolette was referred to me by a dear friend and I knew, immediately, that she was the right partner for me in this endeavor.  Her portfolio easily demonstrates her mad skills as a photographer. But as someone who is not that comfortable in front of the camera, I also needed the right energy, safety and support. She was this, and more. I felt immediately comfortable with her." The Pre-Shoot Process: Easy and Supportive Q: Did you have an idea or concept in mind before you reached out to Nicolette? Nicole: I needed more than just 'professional' photos. My work with clients can be intimate work and I really want people to be able to get a sense of me on my website." Q: What was the pre-shoot process like? Nicole: "So easy and good! Nicolette 'got me' immediately, sent me options for the studio space that were on-point. She organized everything and helped me sort out wardrobe options that supported the brand and style that we had already hatched. She has a designer’s eye and willingly jumped into conversations with my brand design partner, speaking exactly that language. I felt really supported and like we all just 'got it'." Behind the Scenes: The Photoshoot Experience Q: How was the photoshoot experience for you? Nicole: "I was not really feeling like I was 'in the zone' with confidence in how I looked, so there was some stiffness due to discomfort at being in front of the camera. But Nicolette held a really compassionate space to help me work through that and to help me relax. Also, her makeup artist was absolutely lovely and brilliant, so it felt like a girls' day of fun, which is exactly what I needed. Q: Would you recommend this type of session to others? Nicole: "Absolutely. Brand design is intricate, involving numerous technical components. It requires seamless visual integration, respecting every design aspect in a site build, and ensuring their cohesive collaboration. To have the skills and expertise of a photographer who also has that brand design 'eye' is really special and makes everything so much easier. Highly worth the investment." The Impact: Building Professional Authority Q: How did the experience affect you? Nicole: "I was super-stoked to support a woman-owned, woman-led, and LGBTQ+ business. I'm very grateful that I now get to say that I know her." Q: Would you recommend this type of session to other executive coaches? Nicole: "Definitely!" Q: Would you want to do another shoot with Nicolette? Nicole: "Absolutely... even though I still don't love having my picture taken." Final Thoughts Nicole: "Personally, I'm extremely appreciative of the 'team' that is helping me create this new vision for my brand. I got to work with some boss-women, and we are doing boss-things. It's been a ton of fun!" _________ To learn more about Nicole Venner and connect with her directly, you can visit her LinkedIn page - and we'll update this link with her website when it's ready at the end of the month. And for more information about how our Personal Branding Lifestyle sessions can help establish your business, check out our info page here or contact nicolette@NJPphotography.com A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • Rocking 50: A Birthday Photoshoot Experience

    Marcy had a milestone birthday this year, and wanted to do something special for herself. She decided a modern glamour photoshoot would grant her the space to shine and be in the spotlight for once. She felt this was exactly the type of experience that could help her learn how to put herself first. Though inspired by black and white photos of 40s era Hollywood, after our initial consultation, I had this sense that there was also a vibrant, sort of mod-chic aspect to her that we could bring out and play around with. “I had some ideas and concepts, but after meeting with Nicolette, she provided a wider perspective that took those ideas to another level and at times took me out of my element, which was great!” During her wardrobe review, we settled on outfits that ranged from a black, low-cut sleeveless dress with pearls and gloves, to a couple of very sassy, colorful pieces that showcased her personality, skin tones and how she envisioned styling her hair. I structured the session in two parts and left a few minutes at the end to incorporate some portraits of Marcy with her lovely daughter, who accompanied her to the session. She says, “the photoshoot was exciting. I was not nervous at all. I was made to feel comfortable during the entire process. Once the music and make-up were on, I was in my zone and ready to go. The only hard part was learning how to pose but Nicolette gave me a few pointers on how to stand and turn my face, then there was no need to say more, I ran with it. Also, it was nice to have my daughter there to watch.” Over two hours we photographed her in four different outfits, including a white boyfriend shirt, which we paired with elegant fishnet stockings on a simple black background in front of a large bay window, to create some popping contrasts and highlights. All of her looks worked beautifully but one in particular just absolutely hit the mark, which was an orange and black, slightly tighter fitting dress. It curved to her body in all the right places, while giving her enough room to move and use her legs and hips in more natural stances. It translated really well on-camera and accentuated all her best features. You can tell she just felt like herself in it. But frankly, Marcy’s personality is what really shone through during her shoot. She is fun, playful, warmed up easily to the camera and found her groove quickly. Despite of all that, she says, “I never liked taking pictures, my entire life. But after this experience, I can’t wait to smile and know that it's not just the outer part of me that is glowing, it's coming from the inside.” In addition to receiving a collection of stunning portraits, she says this experience has made her feel more confident and how to let go and be herself. No matter where she is or what's in front of her. "All eyes on me? There is nothing wrong with that if I carry myself with grace, inside and out." Marcy's final thoughts on her shoot: "Women may discover a side of themselves they did not know they had until they see it in their photos." To learn more about our modern beauty photoshoot experiences for women, or our ongoing Rock Your Age special offer, please get in touch with me at nicolette@NJPphotography.com or schedule a consultation here. I look forward to making your photo dreams a reality. A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • What Are Some Of The Best Ways To Use Lifestyle Portraits

    Professionally created lifestyle branding portraits will help share your story in beautiful and dynamic ways in order to authentically connect with your ideal audience. Here are some of the best uses of this kind of imagery to establish yourself and stand out from the crowd. Social Media Posts Lifestyle photos are perfect for social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. They can help you connect with your audience by showcasing your personality and creating an emotional connection with viewers. These images should be less posed and staged than traditional portraits. Pro tip: Consider including family members and pets or getting captures of yourself doing activities that you love such as hiking, tennis or painting. These kinds of elements resonate directly with like-minded clients to help build an immediate rapport. Website & Blog Using lifestyle photos on your website can help you create a visual representation of your brand and showcase your business in ways that are unique. They can be used in the header, as background images, or to illustrate blog posts. I suggest creating portraits whereby you are placed within your work environment or exemplifying what you do with behind the scenes moments that can include your customers. These types of photos are perfect for retailers, restaurant owners and health professionals, as well as life coaches or real estate agents. Pro tip: A warm and welcoming portrait on your Contact Us or About page is a must. This portrait should reflect you accurately and at your best. Aim for a simple, de-cluttered background. Bright eyes and great expression are what matter most here. Marketing Materials Lifestyle photos can also be used in marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and business cards. This can help create a consistent visual identity for your brand and a lasting impression with potential clients. Remember that formatting is important to consider BEFORE the shoot. Discuss with your photographer and graphic designer whether you'll need horizontal or vertical imagery, as well as any visual space around the inside of the frame for additional messaging. Pro tip: Consider your wardrobe colors and fashion style. Your portraits should complement your business brand. If you're business branding is very monochromatic, aim for a wardrobe that supports that vibe. Press Materials For business owners, lifestyle portraits can be used in outreach materials such as press releases or media kits. This will help create a strong visual impression with journalists and media outlets. Many of my clients also do podcasts and public speaking engagements, so these images have to sell them as both engaging and as authorities in their field. Pro tip: Again, the focus should be on capturing great, natural expressions that convey your comfort and easy at being in the spotlight. You want booking agents, the media and your audience to buy into you and what you're "selling" so an attractive, forthright portrait will go a long way in doing the heavy lifting. Personal Use Some of my clients haven't been photographed in years and don't believe they are photogenic until we do a portrait session. They then realize they haven't gotten photos of themselves they love since their wedding day, or maybe ever. Lifestyle portraits make great gifts for friends and family, as well as stand out profile photos for online dating and social media connections. Pro Tip: If you love em, print em! Professional photos that sit on your hard drive or in your phone that don't get shared, seen or appreciated are a waste of time and money. Most of my lifestyle clients print their photos to share with loved ones and for display in their own homes. These portraits are beautiful daily reminders that they are worthy, confident individuals embodying their best self. By using your lifestyle branding portraits in these and many other ways, you can create a strong visual identity to grow your business and your personal brand. To learn more about how we can design a lifestyle session that is customized to your vision of success, call 310.622.4580 or contact me here. A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • The Rise Of Self-Celebration: Birthday Glamour Photoshoots for Women

    Birthdays are a special time for celebration, reflection, and appreciating ourselves. And in recent years, there's been an exciting trend amongst my female clientele - they're embracing their age and expressing their unique beauty through birthday photoshoot experiences. These sessions are all about self-love and self-expression. Phenomenal women of all ages and backgrounds are celebrating milestones with style, elegance, and a whole lot of pampered fun. We use modern photography techniques and styling to reframe glamour in a fresh, contemporary way that showcases the natural beauty and unique qualities of each woman. For many of us, entering a new decade can bring mixed emotions, but our birthday photoshoots provide a confidence boost. During our sessions, these women get to unleash their inner divas, donning stylish outfits, indulging in professional makeup, and striking poses that reflect their personalities. Through this experience, they not only feel beautiful and empowered, but they also gain a renewed sense of self-worth and appreciation for their incredible journey. These experiences are designed around each woman's personal ideas on beauty and how she wants to show up in the world. By doing so, they challenge our cultural narrative on what age should look like and proudly stand in their own definition of what it means to be beautiful, sexy and confident. Beyond celebrating a specific age, it is also about capturing a moment in time and preserving it forever. Whether it's a milestone 40th, 50th, or 70th birthday, these resulting portraits become cherished keepsakes. They serve as a visual memoir, encapsulating the essence of a woman's spirit, strength, and beauty at that particular stage of her life. Sharing these photos with loved ones and future generations creates a lasting legacy. And often the impact of this experience reaches far beyond the individuals involved. By sharing their images and stories, our clients inspire others to embrace their own journeys and celebrate their lives, no matter their age. They challenge societal norms and encourage women to feel proud of their accomplishments, beauty, and the wisdom gained over the years. This celebration of self radiates positivity and creates a sense of community among women of all ages. The rise of modern glamour photography has provided a fun way to celebrate a woman's personal journey, and for my clients it brings a refreshing perspective to aging. By embracing their authenticity and rocking their age, these women are redefining beauty standards, inspiring others, and reminding us all that age should never be a barrier to self-expression and celebration. So, here's to the women who choose to shine brightly, showing the world that they are more fabulous than ever. For more information on how we can help you celebrate your birthday this year, whether it’s next week or months away, give us a ring at 310.622.4580 or email nicolette@NJPphotography.com A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. ​ With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • Portraits For Real-Estate Team In Burbank

    This was my second go-around with the wonderful and dynamic realtor, Robin McCary, owner of The McCary Group based in Burbank. We'd photographed Robin one-on-one last year to spruce up her PR and marketing portfolio, and this year we focused on creating a few images of her growing staff and offices. Robin wanted these images to feel very down-to-earth and simple. No highfalutin bells and whistles, no over-the-top production value. She wants clients to feel that they are always welcome to walk into her offices or to connect with her and her team anytime. Sitting down with her should feel like having coffee with a friend. So to keep things more organic, so-to-speak, I showed up for a couple of hours on a Tuesday morning while Robin and her team were doing their thing. The women had decided on a cohesive look in terms of wardrobe and they took care of their own hair and makeup. We kept the lighting simple, just a bit of fill in an otherwise brightly lit office, and I captured a few candids during their sales meeting. Robin's signature brand colors of black, pink and green are peppered throughout. I also set up a seamless backdrop for some more straightforward headshots and we made the most of the new wood wall in the conference room for a group portrait. Another type of client might have wanted or benefited from a different approach, but for Robin, when it comes to her brand image, less is sometimes more. To learn more about booking a company portrait session for your team, contact me at nicolette@NJPphotography.com or call 310.622.4580. You can also use this contact form here. A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • Family Photoshoot Tips For Moms

    There's not denying that family sessions can be stressful, especially for moms who often feel responsible for ensuring that everyone looks and behaves their best. As the head of your household you’re probably tapped out with a million things to do but if you want to make the most of your family’s time in front of the camera, plan as much as possible. This includes coordinating outfits for the session and deciding on the best location for you and the kids. So in honor of Mother’s Day, here are some tips to help moms stay calm and plan a stress-less family portrait session. As with all of my shoots, I first suggest you start with wardrobe. Choose clothes that create a cohesive look but aren’t matchy-matchy. Think about the color scheme and style you want to go for, and put together outfits that can be layered and will complement each other. Just avoid busy patterns or logos, as they can be distracting and draw attention. Speak with your photographer about using a place that is comfortable and familiar to your family. The location you choose can have a big impact on the look and feel of your family portraits. So consider environments that reflect your family's personality and interests. This could be a park, beach, or even your own home. If you have young children, any spot with opportunities for them to run around freely like a playground will help to keep them happy. Then let the kids know what you're up to. Get them involved and excited by sharing some of the photographer’s work and asking them what kinds of family poses they’d like to try. Or chat about what kinds of fun accessories they’d like to bring, like a favorite toy, stuffed animal or maybe balloons. The more engaged the children are, the more energized they’ll be and fun they’ll have. Just know that kids, especially under 5, sort of get to dictate the pulse and rhythm of the shoot. I always tell my parents that when one of their children hits a wall, we stop and take a break. No child can fake being happy and cooperative for the sake of a photo. It doesn’t work. Family photographers have tricks up their sleeve to encourage kids to act as naturally as possible during a shoot. So let us do the work of getting yours to react and participate in authentic ways. Lean in to your photographer’s vision and direction during the session, so that you can allow yourself to relax and enjoy the experience. I know it's hard not to worry about looking perfect but trust me when I tell you that the in-between and silly moments are often where your personalities shine through. By embracing imperfections you’ll get to express those truly beautiful moments that reflect your family at its best. At the end of the day, the goal of these portraits is to capture memories and create lasting keepsakes, not to create a picture perfect image of a cardboard family. You can see more results from my work with families and to get in touch about scheduling your own family portrait session in the LA area, email nicolette@NJPphotography.com or fill out the contact page here. I look forward to helping you capture your own precious memories! A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • How To Create Lifestyle Photos For Instagram

    Though TikTok and videos are all the rage, there are plenty of uses for still imagery and how it helps to grow our audience through personal branding. I believe posting photos that reflect one's interests, personality and daily life can go a long way in building the know, like and trust factors that establish future customer relationships. I always encourage my business and professional clients to showcase themselves on social media in more personal and candid ways. People do business with people they share common ground with and sometimes one's choice between two well-referred and equally competent real estate agents might simply come down to which one happens to share your love of pickleball. So whether you would prefer to work with a photographer over the course of a day or two, or to capture these moments with the help of friends and colleagues over weeks, here are some tips on how to take engaging lifestyle photos for your Instagram. 1. Plan your shoot: Before you start taking photos, think about the type of images and emotions you want to capture and plan your shoot accordingly. Consider the location(s), time of day, lighting, crowds, and any other elements that will help you create the desired mood and atmosphere. 2. Use natural light: Natural light is often the best option for lifestyle photography, as it creates a soft and flattering effect for portraits. Try to shoot during the golden hour, which is the hour before sunset or after sunrise, when the light is warm and diffused. 3. Incorporate props: Props can help add interest and personality to your photos. Choose items that are relevant to your lifestyle, such as books, food, drinks, plants, or specific apparel that you love to wear. Even incorporating pets or family members can make great additions for images that are uniquely you. 4. Experiment with angles and composition: Instagram photos are often more visually interesting when taken from a unique angle or composed in an interesting way. Play around with different angles and compositions to create visually appealing shots. Try to capture close-up shots of objects that are part of your personal brand, such as a item of clothing, sporting gear, a book, or a piece of jewelry. 5. Edit your photos: Once you have taken your photos, edit them to enhance the colors, contrast, and mood of the image. Use apps like Lightroom, VSCO, or Snapseed to adjust the exposure, saturation, and sharpness of the photo, but I would try to avoid using too many filters, or too strong of a filter. Especially for portraits, as these are often fake looking and just distracting. Overall, taking lifestyle photos for social media is about capturing the beauty in everyday moments and sharing them in an authentic and visually appealing way. Bonus points for those who enjoy creating videos as well. I tip my hat off to you. If you would like some help with creating your own professional lifestyle session, contact me at nicolette@NJPphotography.com or call 310.622.4580

  • Corporate headshot Vs business headshot, which one do I need?

    You might be ready to spruce up your professional image but you don't know if you should be getting a corporate headshot or a business headshot. And what are the differences, if any between these types of portraits. So today we're gonna delve into what those differences might be and how to help you decide on the right approach for your personal branding needs. On a basic level, both a corporate headshot and business headshot are portraits used in professional settings. However, a corporate headshot is typically a formal portrait of an individual that is meant for corporate communications, such as a company's website, in marketing materials, or in an annual report. These headshots are often taken in a studio or in a corporate setting, with a neutral background, and the subject is dressed in formal business attire. The subject might be one of many photographed that day on behalf of the organization. Think a board of directors, or the C-Suite management team at a bank, for example. So the goal is to represent the company as a whole, rather than the individual. This is not about branding for the person, it's branding for the company, so-to-speak. On the other, a business headshot is often used in more casual or entrepreneurial settings, such as personal website or social media profile. These are frequently used for marketing materials for a small business or a start-up, as well as for speaking engagement and public relations outreach. Business headshots can - and should - be taken in a variety of settings, including a studio, an office or outdoors. Often the subject can be dressed in more business casual or casual attire. And the types of shots can be varied between close-cropped and lifestyle, full or 3/4 body shots in a variety of poses. The goal is to help the owner convey friendliness, trustworthiness and authenticity. Now we're truly delving into the concept of "personal branding", whereby the subject is the business and the business is the subject. They are one and the same in the eyes of the public, even if there is a team supporting the owner. However, there are blurred lines between these two types of portraits. In Los Angeles, some mid-sized companies are eschewing traditional corporate looks for more dynamic portraits that represent their team in individualized ways. This supports a company that wants a more creative and innovative brand. And it doesn't have to be a tech company. Last year I did headshots for a Burbank based CPA firm that put its team members' personalities front and center, as they are the first touch points for clients. So when it comes to deciding which type of headshot you should be planning with your photographer, ask yourself is this only for me or is it for my organization? Am I trying to showcase my own personal brand or am I seeking to brand the company under a specific look/feeling? And if you're a business owner, with or without a team to support you, then my advice is to start a conversation with a photographer whose work you like and together decide on the best type of professional headshots for your needs. As always, I'm happy to consult with you further to share more about how I help my business clients build their personal and corporate brand imagery. Email nicolette@NJPphotography.com or call 310.622.4580. Or go here and fill out the contact form. A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • Queer-Owned Business Branding

    Last summer I was contacted by queer founder and small business systems and strategy expert, Alexander Agent, about doing a rebrand for his digital organization consultancy, Pain In the Assistant. Alexander is a savvy, dynamic and talented entrepreneur whom I'd met during one of our Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber events. His business is growing quickly and he knew it was time to implement strong, personalized imagery into his online presence and marketing efforts. Besides Nicolette’s fun yet professional energy, I liked how versatile her portfolio is. I was inspired about what was creatively possible from seeing so many other success stories, and the sheer volume of other happy clients opened my eyes to the different avenues that I could use these photos for. I knew the feel of my brand—casual, warm, fun, thoughtful … I had a vision to showcase the limitlessness of remote work by incorporating the outdoors and a picnic-in-the-park setting. Everything else was collaborative. In designing his session, we mapped out the locations and what outfits as well as styling and shot lists would integrate into his chosen environments. Alexander says of his pre-session planning, I came to the zoom call with several outfits prepared; what I really liked was how quickly Nicolette was able to discern between which looks embodied my new brand as opposed to those which were simply “playing at” the brand. Interestingly, he continues, even though this session was for my business, in a lot of ways I felt like it was a personal rebrand and self-exclamation as well. As in, “This is who I am.” The resulting photos do a great job of showing off what my business represents and, just as importantly, who I am—to my clients, colleagues, friends, family, and the world. I would recommend to other LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs that they experience a brand and lifestyle shoot to proudly show off exactly who they are. Working with Nicolette was so much fun and the final products are so usable for such a variety of purposes. I’m excited to continue incorporating the photos from our shoot into my social media and advertising. To learn more about how we can design your very own photoshoot experience, schedule a consultation or call 310.622.4580 A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • 8 Tips To Rock Your Photoshoot Experience

    It doesn't matter whether you're gearing up for a personal branding session or prepping for an afternoon of glamorous fun, getting ready for your photoshoot demands some time and a modicum of effort. Here are a few easy tips on how you can quell your nerves and get the most out of your experience. Two days before your session make sure you get plenty of rest and plenty of fluids into your system to help clear your skin. But don't freak out if you break out. Makeup artists have tricks up their sleeves for helping with redness, rashes, bloodshot eyes and a smattering of pimples. And if all else fails, usually a little photoshop will do the trick. Wash your hair and treat it as you normally would except for gels and hair sprays. Don't apply those unless you'll be doing your own hair. If you wear any kind of hair piece (weave, wig, toupé, extension), you should definitely book the services of a hair artists to ensure that your look stays flawless throughout the shoot. Clean and press the clothes you will be wearing, including your back ups. Sounds obvious, but I've had a number of clients show up with wrinkled or stained items. Consider hanging your items in a garment bag. If you can fold your clothes without risk of creasing than a duffel bag or rolling luggage bag should do fine. There are often steamer on hand in a studio but not for on-location shoots. You don't want to ruin your shot by looking unkempt. Keep your jewelry and accessories in separate containers. I had a client who showed up with her shoes in one large plastic box, her jewelry in another and all manners of accessories in a third. Sure, it required some prep, but it made everyone's job easier and offered up new wardrobe options we hadn't considered. Mani-pedis. It's worth coming prepared from head to toe, especially for glam/editorial sessions. Photos usually show your hands and some shots might even get a glimpse of your feet; during boudoir sessions, in particular. If you like painting your nails then do so, but keep the color in mind vis-a-vis your wardrobe and what kind of look you are going for. Neutral pink and clear varnishes are a great default but you can consult with the photographer or wardrobe stylist about which color will work best. Don't starve yourself! Though it might seem reasonable to want to shed a final pound or two before your session, what you end up doing is shedding water weight and losing the energy you need to be fresh and glowing. There is not enough makeup or guided posing techniques that can make this a fun experience with great results if you're too tired and too hungry to be fully engaged. Consider bringing a bottle of water and snacks for longer shoots, you’ll need to keep your energy up. If you're the kind of person who eats every couple of hours, you should prepare for that. Finally, a photoshoot should be a fun, pampered experience that makes you feel and look beautiful every step of the way. Your only task is to bask in the attention and relish the experience of creating the best photos you've ever seen of yourself. So relax and enjoy the ride! To learn more about designing your very own photoshoot experience, schedule a consultation with me at nicolette@NJPphotography.com or call 310.622.4580 A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

  • Personal Branding Headshots For Attorneys

    I had the great pleasure of spending a couple of hours photographing personal injury attorney, Jon Howell. He possesses a kind, gentle and dare I say, un-lawyer-like demeanor, that was immediately apparent during our consultation and later, infused our session with a relaxed and lighthearted energy. He mentioned he wanted a warm, approachable vibe to his photos that would complement the serious nature of his business. He also loves classic buildings and architecture, so we settled on a quiet Saturday afternoon in downtown LA for the shoot. We had a zoom wardrobe review a couple of weeks prior to his session so that I had a good idea of his professional and personal style and to ensure his wardrobe felt contemporary and complementary to his brand. I also wanted to make sure his looks would pair well with the architecture and the colors of the buildings we'd be using as backdrops for his portraits. As small business owner, Jon understand the value of a strong and authentic brand image. He is a professional in a highly competitive marketplace, so his portraits had to accurately reflect his personality while helping convey authority and trustworthiness. While his portraits stuck closely to a more corporate feel, we aimed to play up his authentic energy without negating his professionalism. We spent a couple of hours together, shooting around Spring Street and then heading up to California Plaza for some more casual, lifestyle images for his personal and social media use. Thereby maximizing his energy and time in front of the camera. When you consider investing in your business, consider the importance of brand imagery as an essential component of entrepreneurship. It sets you apart from the competition, builds trust and credibility with your best fit customers, and helps you to attract and retain the right customers. As a lawyer, by investing in your image, you can set yourself up for success and build a thriving and sustainable business. Click here learn more about my headshot sessions or schedule a consultation with me to discuss your professional business image needs in greater detail. To learn more about how we can design a personal branding photoshoot that is right for your needs, email nicolette@NJPphotography.com or call 310.622.4580. You can also learn more about our process here. A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness. You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself. With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself. Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.

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