Exactly a year ago, my dear friend opened a fine arts studio and I rented a photography studio space from her.  I have shared more details about that here— it was truly something I didn’t know I ever wanted but have fallen completely in love with over the last year.  I love it partly because it has added so much variety to what I do with my camera, and it is fun to shoot in such a controlled environment…but I also love it because it has given me such an exciting way to serve and become a part of the community.  This type of work really splits into 2 areas that are closely related: Small Business Product Photos, and Branding Photography.

The part that I have loved the most though was beginning to work with other local small businesses to help them with their marketing photos and plans.  Some small businesses have some experience with taking great photos, but most don’t have experience with professionally staged and photographed images to really help their business convert for their audiences!  Professional images can help your customers really see and understand what you offer from your online presence.  Whether you have a website or not, your social media use as a small business is so important (especially these days!) and professional photos can take the guess work out.  No more wondering what to post, questioning if it will look good (and sometimes just deciding it’s easier not to post)– it’s all taken care of for you.  Taking care of this for a few local small businesses the last 6 months and becoming a tiny part of what they are doing has been SUCH a joy for me, and I know has taken a lot off of their plates too!

I have shot a lot of traditional headshots and branding sessions over the last 5 years, but never dove into it as a main part of my business because I felt like I needed a studio space of some sort.  I have learned that that isn’t necessary (but now have it if needed)! Branding sessions focus on people more than products and show personality and the overall vibe of a business (but can also show products and what you really do!).  If you want to learn more about branding sessions, what they are all about, and if they could be for you, click HERE!  These are great for small business owners who’s business is really about them– or them and their customers, and really need beautiful imagery to show that to other prospective customers.

For businesses with products as well (or businesses that have a big combo of both), small business photography sessions where I work with them throughout the year (monthly, or more or less often!) work so well to get you regular new photos of your updated products and new launches!  If you are looking for more info about this, just email me at jill@jillgum.com and we can talk about what your business could use to thrive on social media with beautiful updated photos!