When it rains

…it pours.  

The last two weeks have been blessedly busy. I was able to work with two new clients, both of whom I met at Field & Supply Market this past summer, and I couldn’t be happier with the fruits of our labors.  Meeting these two brands was both a dream and the result of hard work for a little introvert like me.  When we moved to the Hudson Valley from Saratoga Springs, I had to make all new connections, and while that sounds like business drivel, it’s just a fact of life for freelancers like me.  But I didn’t want to be a soulless connection online; I wanted to shake some hands, make some eye contact, and meet like-minded creatives who’d potentially want to work together.

The first was a glass-blowing artisan named Kathleen Andersen, a local to the Hudson Valley who I noticed right away at the market due to her stunningly colorful glassware.  We hit it off right away and she confessed she was actually in the market for new photography! We had a lovely day full of bright and happy shots that showcased the pieces, playfully propped with flowers and fruit, and of course bright colors!

The next shoot was for Ash Hopper Botanicals, a skincare brand I had been admiring online for sometime, not only for their products but for their commitment to ethically sourced ingredients and their love of bath time rituals.  This business is the love child of Matt and Thena, who live and breathe their business and supply soaps and other amenities to some of the swankiest hotels in the Hudson Valley and East Coast including Wildflower Auberge, the Vanderbilt, and Blue Hill.

The tone couldn’t have been more different as we crafted the story of their artisanal bath teas, oils, and of course–luxurious soaps.  The lighting was moody, the props were rustic, the vibes were perfect. 

Storytelling is the essence of what a good branding photoshoot should do.  The right lighting, props, and creative direction can either enhance and elevate your business, or deflate it in your potential customer’s view.  Find a photographer who gets what you’re doing (waves from online) and can lead you to the finish line.

I can’t wait to see these photos out in the wild, but for now here is just a small taste. If you want to keep in touch, I’ll be sharing more on my instagram: @callmeannemarie

till next time,

Anne-Marie