The Story Of Mary And Michael

When it comes to professional branding photography, the final images are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind each portrait lies a careful process of understanding, planning, and creative execution. I recently had the pleasure of working with Mary Gerard and her business partner—and life partner—Michael to create a series of portraits that truly represent their brand. Their journey from nervousness to confidence, and from uncertainty to clarity, reflects the essence of what a professional branding photoshoot can accomplish.

The Initial Meeting: Getting to Know Mary and Michael

When Mary and Michael first reached out to me, it had been several years since they’d had professional photos taken, and they admitted to feeling a bit nervous about the process. They own a wonderful business together, Better By Design, and they wanted portraits that could represent not just themselves as individuals but also the dynamic synergy of their partnership. We all knew these portraits would serve multiple purposes: their website, LinkedIn profiles, and various other marketing materials. They wanted to project a professional image but still showcase their unique personalities and the genuine connection they share.

The first step in any successful branding photoshoot is a thorough consultation. We scheduled a time to sit down and chat about how we could bring their vision to life. For me, this initial meeting is more than just understanding what a client is looking for—it's about uncovering the deeper story behind the brand. So, we dove into a conversation that helped me get to know not only their business but also the people behind it.

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Understanding Their Brand: Discovering the Story

During our meeting, I asked Mary and Michael to share their story. What motivated them to start their business? What values do they uphold? How do they want to be perceived by their clients? These questions were not just about gathering information; they were about understanding the heart of their brand.

As we talked, I noticed the way they spoke about their work with passion and dedication. It was clear that their partnership in business was an extension of their relationship in life—built on trust, respect, and a shared vision. They wanted to be seen as approachable yet professional, warm yet competent. Their goal was to have portraits that conveyed these qualities, showing not only the faces behind the business but also the spirit of their collaboration.

This conversation was illuminating not only for me but also for Mary and Michael. As we discussed the different ways their brand could be represented visually, they began to see their story in a new light. I shared some suggestions on how to emphasize different aspects of their brand identity through the portraits. These were just ideas, but Mary and Michael embraced them wholeheartedly. It was rewarding to see how a little guidance helped them gain clarity on how they would present themselves not just for this photoshoot but across their entire marketing strategy.

Planning the Shoot: Wardrobe and Styling

With a clearer understanding of their brand, we moved on to planning the logistics of the shoot. The goal was to create a variety of images that would serve multiple purposes. We needed some shots that would work well as professional headshots for LinkedIn, as well as more relaxed and collaborative images for their website.

To achieve this, we discussed the wardrobe at length. I advised them to choose outfits that would reflect the different aspects of their character and also gave them guidelines on what works in photography and what to avoid. It’s a delicate balance. The wardrobe has to complement the portrait without taking away from it. The combination of outfits gave us the flexibility to represent them in a variety of contexts.

Mary and Michael took these suggestions to heart, and when they arrived at the studio, they were not only well-prepared but also excited. They showed up with a range of wardrobe options, ready to make the most of their photoshoot.

The Day of the Shoot: Turning Nervousness into Confidence

On the day of the shoot, the atmosphere in the studio was lively but relaxed. Mary and Michael had expressed some nervousness beforehand, but as soon as they stepped in, the energy started to shift. I could see their excitement overcoming any lingering apprehension. It’s a natural part of the process—most people feel a bit nervous in front of the camera, but the magic happens when they start to settle in and enjoy the experience.

We began with some individual shots to help them get comfortable. I guided them through different poses, keeping the mood light and fun. As we moved from formal portraits to more relaxed shots, I could see Mary and Michael growing more at ease. I encouraged them to interact with each other, to bring out the natural chemistry and warmth they share. The laughter, the stolen glances, the subtle gestures—these were the moments that made the portraits come alive.

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Capturing the Essence: Multiple Looks, One Story

The variety of portraits we captured allowed Mary and Michael to tell their story from different angles.

Each portrait had a distinct role, yet together, they formed a cohesive narrative. Whether used on a website, a social media profile, or in a company brochure, these images would communicate the same underlying message: here are two individuals who bring their passion and expertise into every aspect of their work. During the selection process I also outlined how to best use the portraits together with tools like Canva.

The Impact: More Than Just Photos

After the shoot, I sat down with Mary and Michael to review the images. Their reactions were priceless. As we went through the portraits, I could see the emotions in their eyes—the recognition of themselves not just as business partners, but as a team. They were thrilled with how the portraits turned out, and even more so with how they felt represented in the images.

Why a Professional Branding Photoshoot Matters

Mary and Michael’s experience is a great example of why a professional branding photoshoot is more than just taking pictures. It’s about crafting an experience that allows clients to see themselves—and their business—in a new light. It’s about turning nervousness into confidence and transforming ideas into visual stories. When done right, a branding photoshoot offers more than just beautiful images; it provides a deeper understanding of how to communicate who you are and what you stand for.

For business owners like Mary and Michael, these portraits became essential tools for their brand. They now have versatile, professional images that can be used across all their marketing channels, from website banners to social media profiles, helping to create a consistent and compelling brand identity.

The Journey Behind the Portraits

Creating branding portraits for Mary and Michael was a collaborative journey that went beyond the camera.

As a photographer, my goal is always to capture more than just a likeness. I aim to reveal the essence of a person or a partnership, and to create portraits that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. With Mary and Michael, we achieved exactly that—a collection of portraits that will not only serve their business but also remind them of the connection and dedication that drive their work every day.

If you’re considering a professional branding photoshoot, think of it as an investment in your story. It’s an opportunity to present the best version of yourself and your brand, in a way that’s authentic and impactful. And as Mary and Michael’s experience shows, the journey behind the portraits can be just as transformative as the images themselves.