It’s probably not surprising to see Amanda’s face on my website. If you weren’t aware, we co-own a rental photography studio and event space in downtown Staunton, Virginia Creative Collective. Both of us are mothers, photographers, owners of multiple businesses, and do additional creative and traditional work. It was an honor to plan and execute this vibrant, comprehensive brand session for my favorite unique empowerment photographer, Amanda Shrader, founder of the Skirt Project, a women’s empowerment movement and passion project.
Planning a creative, personal branding session
We wanted to capture several elements of Amanda’s personality, brand, and services in one session. It was truly a challenge to pack so much into one brand session! This session ultimately took close to three hours, covering five looks/settings in the studio. Her love for Taco Bell, her joyful presence and laugh, the mission of the Skirt Project, and then the whole side of her business devoted to weddings and heirlooms. She does a lot, which makes one compact brand story such a challenge!
We worked together to identify some key images needed based on her website wireframe and social media messaging trends. The shot list accounted for changes in outfit, setting, or subject matter every fifteen minutes or so. We had to be strict with ourselves and not get to talking, but we did it!
Making the most of the brand session time
Amanda did a great job preparing and thinking through her messaging, imagery needs, and even outfits and looks she needed to accomplish. Sure, we had the added bonus of being in our home studio and having wardrobe at our disposal. She also took the time to get hair and makeup professionally done, which really adds an elegance and pop to her brand photos, especially the headshots! Overall, we accomplished so much with this set of imagery. We’re both proud, and I’m excited to see her brand photos in action!
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Jo Mahaney is a professional photographer of PhotographyByJo.net based in Staunton, Virginia, specializing in wedding photography. With over eight years of experience, Jo is dedicated to creating effortless, joyful imagery that authentically captures the essence of each couple’s unique love story. She is known for her ability to create meaningful galleries filled with emotion and personal narratives. Jo is not just a photographer; she is an active supporter of her clients, providing resources and guidance to ensure a stress-free experience. From the initial inquiry call to the wedding day, Jo is transparent, open, and ready to get to know her clients to provide the best service possible. Her commitment to her craft and her clients is evident in the glowing testimonials she has received. Jo’s work extends beyond Staunton, covering areas such as Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Lexington, Roanoke, and Richmond. She has also had the privilege of photographing weddings in various locations, including the Outerbanks, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, and even Spain.
