How Do You Know
When Your Branding
Needs work?
Here's a few questions to ask yourself in order to figure that out:
If you can confidently answer yes to all of those questions, you can rest assured you have some very solid branding backing you up.
If you aren't confident about your answers, working through these fundamentals of your brand with an objective third party would be beneficial for your business' growth.
If you want more, take the full branding self-assessment quiz here
(please ignore how ugly it is, we're working on it)
Looking for a mini session?
If you're in Toronto, the next ones will be happening in the next few months.
Get on the waitlist here:
If you're in Ottawa, the next ones are October 14th at Skye Studio. Booking is NOW LIVE.
What does a Strategic Branding Session look like?
These sessions are designed to capture and communicate the uniqueness of your business. The sessions take place in two parts. The first is a 1-2hr zoom call where we distill what is different about your brand when compared to your competition. The second is the photoshoot where we capture that in your new visuals. In between is where I create a creative shoot plan and we begin pulling together all the details.
your story work
photoshoot day
1-2hr zoom call
creative shoot plan
But I feel awkward in front of the camera.
I’ve got you, I’ve been told time and time again by past clients — who also said they usually feel awkward in front of the camera — that I made them feel extremely comfortable and they had a really good time shooting. I know what it’s like to get the photos back and realize you look as stiff in them as you felt taking them, so I work hard to make sure a comfortable environment and we’re loosening up those nerves.
I'm not sure it's the right time to get my business in front of the camera.
Okay, maybe it’s not. Can I challenge you to think why you feel it's maybe not the right time? Are you nervous about the exposure it will bring you or about being seen? Are you nervous to put yourself out there in such a vulnerable way? Do you feel like everything has to be just perfect or you have to lose 10 pounds before you’re allowed to or worthy of getting in front of the camera?
Let me assure you that these shoots will always be beneficial to your brand. Studies have shown that consumers have more trust in businesses who display photos of the business owner than those who display stock photos or no photos. No one will notice that 10 pounds; and if you’re self-conscious about anything in particular, we’ll talk through it beforehand and I’ll make sure to highlight the areas you’re most confident about so you love every photo.
Your audience wants to see your face!
If you get yourself in front of the camera, you can be sure your business will thank you.
BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTMENT STARTING AT $650. STUDIO AND/OR TRAVEL NOT INCLUDED
Portfolio
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Testimonials
She created images I had wanted and never achieved in the last 5 years of having brand shoots 3 times a year.
I reached out to Sonia because I had a look at her Instagram profile and was blown away by her talent. I honestly thought, "this artist is too good for me, but there's no harm in asking her," and she was so warm in her response. I sometimes find it really hard to communicate with words the feeling I see for a project but I trusted Sonia and she nailed it!
She created images I had wanted and never achieved in the last 5 years of having brand shoots 3 times a year.
Sonia kept checking in on me before our session on the feeling and look we were going for. It helped me feel safe that this was going to work out! She sent me an intake form with beautiful questions to distill the vision so it could be achieved. When we were on shoot Sonia never made me feel rushed or like time was running out which I so much appreciated. She was focused on trying different things to get the shots we wanted, which helped me because sometimes I have a hard time speaking up for myself.
The best thing about working with Sonia was that she is kind. She is inquisitive and smart. She understood things that I didn't have to say and, drumroll... she created the images I had wanted and never achieved in the last 5 years of having brand shoots (3 times a year). So there's that!
When Sonia shared first pictures of the session with me, it was the first time in my life that I wasn't scared to look at myself.
It just clicked right away. Since the very first conversation, Sonia knew exactly my vision. We both wanted to capture the process of my candle production at home in my tiny kitchen and we wanted to show the behind the scenes with movement and creative "mess". What I appreciate the most is that Sonia knew that I don't feel comfortable in front of the camera and she let me be natural and do my thing while she was capturing me at work. She created a very comfortable atmosphere for me.
I started my small business 6 months ago and I have been learning as I go. I was dreaming about booking a professional photo session at some point, but I didn't know if I was ready yet or if my brand was good enough for such exposure. I'm so happy that Sonia explained everything to me and convinced me that "this is the time" to show off my cozy, creative and friendly brand to my audience.
When Sonia shared first pictures of the session with me, it was the first time in my life that I wasn't scared to look at myself.
Sonia shared so many aspects of the formal side of business that she developed as a business owner herself of which I didn't realize the importance. I have to admit that my branding session also had a marketing and PR course included that showed me broader a perspective of being a business owner!
I am so grateful that Sonia helped me to realize that showing candle making process behind the scenes to the audience is very important to show all the work and heart put into it. When Sonia shared first pictures of the session with me, it was the first time in my life that I wasn't scared to look at myself. Sonia and her photography approach definitely gave me a self confidence boost.This branding session was much needed for my business as well as for myself.
After my brand session with Sonia, I now feel proud of my business and the quality of work I produce.
I felt that going with Sonia was a great match because in our first virtual meeting she really seemed to understand my business and the aesthetic I was trying to go for. I felt that a true representation of my business was missing from the in-house photos I was using, and Sonia helped shape the look and feel I was trying to get across to my customers.
Sonia brought a well thought out mood board and photo examples to my brand session that really helped. I was able to see how I should prepare my products, open up to camera, and present my ice cream for the process and the photos. Sonia brought enthusiasm and great experience to my shoot that helped me feel at ease in front of the camera. Before my brand session with Sonia, I was unable to properly articulate my process and hands-on approach to making ice cream to customers. I felt that it was tough to explain to people the work that goes into making it, and Sonia wrapped it all together in a well thought out series of images that are both stunning and informative.
After my brand session with Sonia, I now feel proud of my business and the quality of work I produce.
After my brand session with Sonia, I now feel proud of my business and the quality of work I produce. I'm able to show prospective customers how the process works and the care that goes into their custom ice cream batches or cakes. I really felt comfortable and at ease through the whole process with Sonia. I'm rarely in front of the camera and find it tough to feel natural having my photo taken, but Sonia made the process relaxing and professional. She was great with her direction for me in the photos and video to ensure the final product would live up to the highest standards.
I loved my whole experience with Sonia and really looking forward to hiring her for more photos and brand sessions in the future.
PREV.
NEXT.
What do these sessions cost?
Investing into your business is vital to its growth. It wasn't until I starting making serious financial investments in my own business that I really started thriving, getting the clients that I love working with and who love hiring me. And I want this for you! I want you to experience the magic that happens when your dream customers see your work, fall in love with it, and get excited to give you their money.
Are you ready to make it happen? Get my pricing guide sent straight to your email by filling in the form at this link.
Branding minis
20 min shoot
Sonia V Photo hosts mini branding sessions a few times a year. These are a great entrance into using professional photography for your business if you're not quite ready yet to invest in a full branding re-haul.
Strategy Session
2 hr shoot
This session takes a deep dive into your business goals, what inspires your work, and uses these to inspire the aesthetics of your brand photos so we can communicate your business' unique value.
Fully Aligned Brand Package
Brand strategy, design + photoshoot
This is a 1 week intensive program that will up-level your business with a new visual identity, including a new brand and professional photo shoot.
Created in collaboration with Tasha Designs. See more below.
Fully Aligned 1 wk Brand Package Intensive
The purpose: to help soulful entrepreneurs capture their passion and showcase their business’ value.
The Fully Aligned Brand Package dives deep into why you do what you do and helps translate that into a cohesive brand look and feel. Solid marketing and branding are meant not just to attract your dream clients, but also to create a memorable experience and showcase what makes your business unique.