But Why?: Short Stories Behind the Shot
There is a story behind every photo. Some are inspirational, some are important, and some are flat out just cute. Today we can dive into a few past sessions and celebrate their WHY. Spoiler alert, these are not life changing stories. They might, however, convince you to get that headshot you were debating on getting.
This gentleman needed a headshot for what he determined was “to be taken seriously for a promotion.” Maybe he was correct. I do know that this headshot session gave him the confidence to go after said promotion.
This headshot was needed because this doctor was choosing her residency. The story does NOT need to be deep to be important.
The last headshot in the blog is the most wholesome. This gentleman wanted a headshot because he was ready to date again. I hope this man struck gold on whatever site he was on.
Don’t let the fact that I photograph mid to larger offices deter you. I still photograph individual headshots. Let that be our starting point to making your business have the visuals it needs to thrive in this economy.
North Jersey Real Estate & Branding
In real estate, your image is your first impression.
Before clients meet you in person, they see your face on listings, websites, and social media. A professional headshot and cohesive branding photos help potential buyers and sellers instantly trust you — and that trust can make all the difference.
If you’re a real estate agent, broker, or office manager in North Jersey or NYC, here’s why investing in professional branding and corporate headshots is one of the best ways to elevate your marketing and attract more clients.
1. Build Instant Trust with Professional Real Estate Headshots
A polished headshot communicates confidence, experience, and approachability. These are all qualities clients look for when choosing a real estate professional.
Unflattering lighting or casual phone photos can unintentionally make you look less professional online.
A professionally captured real estate headshot shows you take your business seriously, and it helps clients feel comfortable reaching out.
2. Create a Consistent Brand for Your Real Estate Team
If you manage a team or brokerage, having consistent office headshots across your website and marketing materials creates a strong, unified brand identity.
Matching backdrops, lighting, and style make your agents look like they belong to the same successful company.
That consistency builds recognition — and recognition builds trust.
3. Stand Out in the North Jersey Real Estate Market
With so many agents competing for attention on platforms like Zillow, Instagram, and Google, your visuals need to stand out.
Custom branding photography for real estate agents — lifestyle portraits, behind-the-scenes shots, and on-location team photos — help you connect with your audience in a genuine way.
Instead of using generic stock images, show your team in action: meeting clients, staging homes, or celebrating a closing. These images tell your story and make your brand memorable.
4. Keep Your Marketing Updated and Relevant
If your headshots are more than a couple of years old, they might not represent how you look or the way you do business today.
Updating your photos gives your brand a modern, current feel, especially important in fast-moving markets like Bergen County, Hudson County, and the NYC metro area.
Fresh branding photos also give you consistent content to use across:
Your real estate website and agent bios
Social media posts
Listing presentations
Email campaigns
Print materials and business cards
5. Save Time with a Professional Image Library
A well-planned branding photography session gives you months’ worth of professional content.
Instead of scrambling for images every time you post or launch a campaign, you’ll have a ready-to-use library that looks cohesive across every platform — from LinkedIn profiles to team postcards.
6. Highlight Your Company Culture
Clients don’t just hire a brokerage — they hire people.
Branding photos of your team collaborating, working with clients, or celebrating milestones show your personality and company values.
These visuals help humanize your brand and build emotional connection, which is key in relationship-driven industries like real estate.
Ready to Elevate Your Real Estate Brand?
If you’re in North Jersey, Bergen County, or the NYC area, and your office headshots or branding photos are due for an update, I can help.
At GR Design & Photography, I specialize in on-location real estate headshots, corporate photography, and branding sessions that bring out your team’s professionalism and authenticity.
Whether you need updated portraits for your agents or a full-day branding session for your brokerage, I’ll help you create images that attract your ideal clients.
Let’s make your first impression unforgettable.
👉 Book Your Real Estate Branding Session Today
PAST SESSIONS
Benefits of Branding for Bars & Restaurants
How Restaurants and Bars Benefit from Branding Photography
In today’s visually driven world, your restaurant or bar’s first impression often happens long before a guest walks through the door. It happens online. Branding photography isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s a strategic tool that can transform how customers perceive and connect with your business.
1. Captures Your Atmosphere and Story
Every restaurant and bar has a personality, from the lighting and décor to the way cocktails are poured and dishes are plated. Professional branding photography helps communicate that unique vibe, giving potential customers a taste of your ambiance before they arrive.
2. Builds Trust and Professionalism
High-quality, consistent images across your website, menus, and social media show that you care about quality. Customers associate polished visuals with a polished experience. That trust can turn casual browsers into loyal guests.
3. Boosts Social Media Engagement
Visual content drives engagement. Posts featuring beautifully styled dishes, inviting interiors, and candid moments of your team can attract more likes, shares, and followers. This translates directly to more foot traffic and reservations.
4. Supports Marketing and PR Efforts
From press releases and digital ads to seasonal campaigns, having a library of professional photos ensures you’re always ready to promote your brand in the best possible light. Consistent imagery helps create a cohesive brand identity across all platforms.
5. Highlights What Makes You Different
Whether it’s your craft cocktails, farm-to-table ingredients, or local live music, professional photography draws attention to what sets you apart and makes customers want to experience it for themselves.
In short, branding photography is an investment that pays off in visibility, credibility, and customer connection. For restaurants and bars looking to stand out in a crowded market, stunning visuals aren’t optional…. they’re essential.
Anatomy of a Photograph: The Force
Anatomy of a Photograph is for those who learn better with visual examples. In 6th installment of Anatomy of a Photograph, I’ll help with newborn photography.
EDITING:I edit out wrinkles and soften the skin using the clone stamp.
PROPS: The prop are what make this image. Any fan of Star Wars immediately falls in love with this image.
WRAPS: Swaddling.a baby a great way to keep them calm. When they are calm, they sleep. When they sleep they can be posed.
Anatomy of a Photograph: & Props
INTRO
This is the 5th installment of Anatomy of a Photograph. It is a number of small things you can do, when combined together, take your images from good to great. This blog combines many of the things I’ve gone over in the previous 4 Anatomy of a Photograph blogs.
ALMOST EVERYTHING… & PROPS
FORE, MID, BACK: Similar to the 3rd installment of Anatomy of Photograph, this shot includes something in the foreground, mid ground, and background. The difference this time is the subject is in the foreground rather than the midground.
PROPS: Themed sessions will keep a family coming back multiple times a year. This shot is fall themed. We have fall foliage, pumpkins, and fall signs.
LEADING LINES: Rather than posting the family square with the plants behind them, I positioned them at a 45 degree angle which forms a leading line to the family.
tri
Anatomy of a Photograph 4
INTRO
Anatomy of a Photograph is a series of blog post with numerous small tips that, when added together, make a huge impact in your photography. Part 4 includes a bit of Photoshop magic for you to use.
STACK, MASK, & TYPE
Getting everything perfect in camera is an AMAZING way to run your photography business. Sometimes the clever use of a tripod & Photoshop will take your images to the next level.
STACK: While having your camera on a tripod photography your subjects. This allows you to move your strobe and light each subject properly and individually. I took several pictures of the couple and several pictures of the child and chose the best of each to stack. To stack, open Photoshop, drag both images into the PS document.
MASK: The layer with the couple should be the top layer. Add a mask to it and brush away everything but the couple.
CROP & LEVEL: I used the pillars in the background to make the image level. I used the log as a center point to crop the image.
TYPE: I love using signs for siblings announcing a pregnancy. Use interesting typefaces and there are a bunch of phrases to chose from: promoted to big bro/sis; only child expiring (month & year), etc.
Clients love great images but they are blown away when something creative is added to their images. Give this a try and let me know how it goes.
Click the gallery below to see close ups of the steps described in this blog.
Anatomy of a Photograph pt3
INTRO
Anatomy of a Photograph is for any photographer, regardless of what camera is being used and skill level. I will focus on the little things that, when you add it all up, makes a good image great. You can read about lighting and rule of thirds all you want but some of us are just visual learners. Hope this helps.
FORE, MID, BACK
If you have an image with landscape, you’re going to want to split it into 3 parts. The foreground is the closest, lowest part of the image. Next is the midground where your subject is. Last is the background. When you combine the 3, you create depth and a more interesting image. Also use rule of 3rds to place your subject in an interesting area of the image. The subject does not always need to be in the midground. Mix it up and have fun.
Click on the gallery below to see close ups of foreground, midground, and background.
Hope this helps!
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Anatomy of a Photograph pt2
INTRO
This is the second installment of Anatomy of a Photograph. Anatomy of a Photograph is for any photographer, regardless of what camera is being used and skill level. I will focus on the little things that, when you add it all up, makes a good image great. You can read about lighting and rule of thirds all you want but some of us are just visual learners. If you like this, check out the last blog as well. Hope this helps.
EDIT, LEAD, & THIRDS
Editing: Editing an image can be done with a simple command in PS or LR’s AI or the clone stamp if WiFi is not available. Remove the eyesores fro an image.
Leading Lines: The diagonal line of the wave and horizontal line of the jetties LEAD your eye to the subject.
Rule of Thirds: Not every image needs to have the subject front and center of your image. Using rule of thirds brings variety to your photoshoot. The weight of the subject is balance out by the negative space on the rest of the image.
Extra points when you add good posing to the mix. Click the gallery for close ups
SWEET 16 BREAKDOWN
Eyesores: Remove eyesores such as cars and lighting equipment.
Lighting: Strobes are my main light source. 45 degree Rembrandt Lighting (the painter, its not a brand). The sun is my rim light, separating her from the background.
Leading lines: The leading lines in this image are from the fence and bench, leading your eyes to the subject.
Unique: Add some personality to your session with props. The subject enjoyed softball, so we added it to the session.
Click the gallery for close ups.
Anatomy of a Photograph
Anatomy of a Photograph
INTRO
Anatomy of a Photograph is for any photographer, regardless of what camera is being used and skill level. I will focus on the little things that, when you add it all up, makes a good image great. You can read about lighting and rule of thirds all you want but some of us are just visual learners. Hope this helps.
SHAPES & LINES
Shapes in photography are your friend. When posing more than one person, triangles are your best friend. Notice the positioning of the subjects’ arms and legs. They make a triangle. If you notice both of their arms, they form parallel lines. Put it all together and it makes a very visually pleasing image. Click the gallery for a close up.
LIGHTING & EDITING
For most of my headshots, I use two lights: a key light (front) at 45 degrees and above the subject with a rim light (back) to separate the subject from the background. I also make sure there’s a catch light in the eyes of the subject. When editing I remove eyesores light the edge of the backdrop and soften the skin. Extra credit for knowing poses that slim your subject’s face like leaning forward. Click gallery for a close up.
Branding with GR Design & Photography
working with
Advantage Outfitters has hired me multiple times for their branding. It started off as headshots and evolved to branding they needed for their marketing team. Here are the benefits of working repeatedly with one photographer for your branding. While some photographers specialize in one type of photography, branding photographers specialize in multiple types of photography to get your brand the voice it needs.
Consistency can be the difference between a cohesive brand and something messy. Having one photographer photograph employees with similar poses, matching the background, and the same editing style will give you the cohesive look to look more professional and stand out from your competition.
Another benefit of a branding photographer is their ability to be your one stop shop. I was able to photograph employees and take photographs of their fleet along with products they wanted to highlight for potential clients. I think this really set them apart from their competition. They knew what they wanted which made the process easier. If you, on the other hand, are not sure what you want then an experienced photographer like myself can lay everything out so you can make a proper decision.
CRMs: A Photographer’s Best Friend
Fellow photographers! Here is your secret weapon that can take your business to the next level. Meet Sprout Studio Photography CRM, the all-in-one solution that's taking the photography world by storm – and for a good reason!
Sprout Studio is like having your own personal assistant that caters to all your photography business needs. No more juggling clients, bookings, payments, and communication all by your lonesome. This powerful platform has got your back, so you can focus on what you do best – capturing stunning moments!
Here's what makes Sprout Studio a total game-changer:
All-in-One Solution: Your life is about to get a whole lot easier. Sprout Studio brings all your essential tools under one roof, from lead capture to client management, bookings to payments.
Automation: Who doesn't love a little magic in their lives? With Sprout Studio's automation features, you'll save time and keep your clients happy. No more forgetting to follow up – it's like having a photographic memory!
Beautiful Client Experience: First impressions count! Sprout Studio lets you add your own branding to emails, online galleries, and invoicing, giving your clients a sleek and personalized journey they won't forget.
Customizable Workflows: Create workflows tailored to your unique photography style, ensuring you stay on top of your game for every shoot.
Seamless Integration: Sprout Studio plays nicely with apps like Gmail, Zapier, QuickBooks, and more. It's a dream team of data syncing and streamlined workflow!
Now, you might be thinking – "What's in it for me?" Here are just a few of the many benefits:
Boost your productivity by eliminating manual tasks, giving you more time to flex those creative muscles.
Impress your clients with a professional and branded experience that keeps them coming back for more.
Stay organized with all your client info, bookings, and payments in one easy-to-access platform.
Grow your business with marketing tools that help you connect with new clients and reach for the stars.
Ready to join the Sprout Studio family and watch your photography business blossom? Grab the opportunity to try Sprout Studio through our affiliate link (https://www.trysproutstudio.com/?via=grdesignphotojune) and start your free trial today. Don't let this chance slip away – sign up now and see the amazing results for yourself! Happy shooting!
An Easy $50
Refer a business to me and when they sign a contract for:
Half Day Corporate Headshots
Full Day Corporate Headshots
or
Branding Session
You will receive $50 for that referral. Some examples for a half or full day session would be… your own job. Half day sessions are 4-15 employees. Full day is 15-40 employees. Examples for branding sessions are if you have a friend with a coffee shop, a catering business (food or deserts), or started a business where they need a website with professional images included.
Once they sign that contract, the money is yours. So think about those North Jersey / NYC area businesses your friends and family have. All you need to do is send them my way.
How to Decide On a Photographer
I’ve been noticing a trend on social media. The average person does not know what they are looking for when they want to hire a photographer. They don’t know what the average photographer charges or what they should be getting. I hope this helps:
BUDGET- Lets start off by understanding that photography is a luxury. If you’re looking for quality, you’re going to have to spend some money. A majority of the time, you get what you pay for. If a wedding photographer costs $10K- $7K, said photographer will know how to pose, settle all your fears, deliver prints and albums. If a wedding photographer costs $500, just know there will be problems. Same goes for family portraits, newborn photographers, and headshot photographer.
These are the average prices in the NYC area:
Wedding- $3,000 - $6,000 (premium photogs- $7,000 - $10,000)
Headshot- $100 - $300 (corporate headshot session- $1,000+)
Newborn- $400 - $800 (experienced $1,000+)
Branding photographers- $3,500 - $6,500
DELIVERABLES- Every type of photographer is going to give you something in return. Wedding photographers can deliver prints, albums, save the dates, thank yous, and digitals. Newborn photographers can deliver, prints, albums, wall art, and newborn announcements. Headshot photographers deliver crisp, edited digitals that are the best version of yourself. Branding photographers deliver digitals along with licensing rights to make your business look its best.
YOU, THE CLIENT- You know what you need. An experienced photographer will let you know everything about that need so you can make an informed decision. Get on a call with a potential photographer (I know… talk? Yes). Ask all the questions you need to in order to make an informed decision. Let the photographer tell you about the things you don't know. There’s a lot to learn in photography. Research pricing in your area. Weight the deliverables and type of photographer with your budget. See if your photographer can customize the session to what you need.
What To Expect -Corporate Headshots
What to Expect During Your Corporate Headshot Session with Me
Hi there! I'm excited to help you create stunning corporate headshots that showcase your professional image. Here's what you can expect during our session:
1. Pre-Session Consultation:
We'll discuss your vision and goals for the headshot session to ensure we're on the same page.
Feel free to share examples of images you like and any specific requirements from your company.
2. Choosing the Right Outfit:
I encourage you to select attire that aligns with your industry and personal brand, such as solid colors and simple patterns.
If you need suggestions, I'm happy to help!
3. Professional Hair and Makeup:
Consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist to ensure a polished look for your headshots.
Share your desired style and any skin concerns with the artist to achieve the best results.
4. Setting Up the Shot:
I'll guide you to my studio or the designated shooting location, and we'll work together to create the perfect setting.
I'll adjust lighting and backdrops based on your preferences and the objectives of our session.
5. Guided Posing and Expressions:
I'll provide direction on poses and facial expressions to capture your personality and professionalism.
Don't be afraid to ask for guidance or clarification during the session—I'm here to help you feel comfortable and look your best.
6. Image Review and Selection:
After our session, I'll edit blemishes and eyesores from each image. I usually have 1 image from each pose to deliver.
7. Final Image Delivery:
You'll receive your high-quality, retouched images in digital format, ready for use on your professional profiles, company website, and marketing materials.
The images will be in low resolution for web use, high resolution for print use. Each will be in black and white as well.
I'm committed to making your corporate headshot session a fun, collaborative, and stress-free experience. Let's work together to create headshots that truly showcase your unique professional image!
Do It Again!
There is always a need to consistently post. Whether it is on a blog like this one or social media, posting content gets harder and harder to post. You made “insert topic” post already. I have a secret… just post it again.
No one, not even your biggest fans, are going through every blog, Tweet, IG, or Threads post. JUST POST YOUR FAVORITE/ MOST VIEWED TOPICS AGAIN! Check your analytics like the image above. What was your best performing blog. Reword it. Post it again. There is always someone new that can benefit from that information you already shared.
Full Transparency
Full transparency: changing my website and adding pricing was super scary. I always wanted potential clients to sit on a call and discuss all of their worries, what they needed, and tell them how I can serve them best. I’ve slowly came to terms with the fact that no one has time for that. After hearing people and photographers alike, I’ve decide to add pricing and here is why you should too. Posting photography pricing on your website offers several benefits:
1. Transparency and Trust: Displaying prices builds trust and credibility with potential clients by being open about costs.
2. Saves Time and Improves Client Selection: Providing pricing information upfront filters out clients who don't match your services and encourages those who do to book.
3. Professionalism and Conversions: Showcasing prices establishes your professionalism, manages client expectations, and can lead to increased bookings.
Branding Before Marketing
In today's competitive business landscape, a common question arises: Should you prioritize branding or marketing? While both are essential for success, this blog post explores why focusing on branding first can create a solid foundation for your marketing efforts.
What is Branding?
Branding goes beyond logos and visual elements. It encompasses your business's values, mission, and unique selling proposition. Your brand reflects who you are, what you stand for, and how you want customers to perceive your business.
Why Branding Comes First
Define Your Identity: Establishing your brand helps you define your business's identity and differentiate yourself from competitors. A strong brand identity attracts customers who share your values and resonates with your target audience.
Build Trust: A consistent and well-defined brand builds trust with customers, encouraging loyalty and fostering long-term relationships.
Improve Marketing Effectiveness: A solid brand foundation ensures your marketing efforts consistently align with your business's core values and messaging, resulting in more cohesive and effective campaigns.
Transitioning from Branding to Marketing
Once your brand is established, you can develop marketing strategies that effectively communicate your brand's message to your target audience. Your brand identity informs the tone, visuals, and messaging used in your marketing campaigns, ensuring a consistent and memorable brand experience across all touchpoints.
In conclusion, prioritizing branding before marketing enables you to create a strong foundation that not only distinguishes your business from competitors but also ensures your marketing efforts resonate with your target audience. By investing in your brand first, you can build a thriving and successful business that stands the test of time.
Entrepreneur or Self Employed?
Are you an Entrepreneur or Self Employed?
Often used interchangeably, there are key differences between being an entrepreneur and being your own boss. Let's explore these nuances:
Self-Employment: Working for yourself, usually within an established industry or profession. Self-employed individuals enjoy the freedom to choose their projects, clients, hours, and rates but their income is tied to the time and effort invested.
Entrepreneurship: Creating something new – a product, service, or business model. Entrepreneurs are innovators who disrupt industries and solve problems. They build and lead teams, develop strategies, and scale businesses. While assuming greater risk, successful entrepreneurs can create transformative companies with lasting legacies.
Both paths require dedication, passion, and resilience, offering freedom and autonomy absent in traditional employment. Understanding these differences can help you choose the path that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Raising Your Prices
Understanding when and how to raise your prices as a photographer is crucial for maintaining a successful and sustainable business. This blog post explores the right time to increase your rates and offers practical strategies for implementation.
When to Raise Your Prices:
High Demand: If you find yourself consistently booked and turning away clients, it's an indication that you can charge more for your services.
Improved Skills and Experience: As you invest in your professional growth, refine your techniques, and deliver higher quality work, your rates should reflect your increased value.
Positive Client Feedback: Satisfied clients who provide glowing testimonials and referrals demonstrate your value in the market, justifying a price increase.
Increased Costs: If the cost of equipment, software, or studio rentals has risen, adjust your prices to maintain profitability.
Strategies for Implementing a Price Increase:
Research Market Rates: Evaluate what other photographers in your niche and geographic area charge for comparable services. Adjust your prices accordingly to remain competitive.
Communicate with Clients: Inform existing clients about the upcoming price increase well in advance, emphasizing your value and the reasons for the change.
Update Your Portfolio: Showcase your best work and highlight your growth and expertise to justify your new rates.
Enhance Client Experience: Improve your client experience by refining your workflow, offering new services, or providing additional resources. This helps clients perceive greater value in your offerings.
Offer Flexible Pricing Options: Consider offering tiered packages or à la carte options to accommodate various budgets and provide clients with choices.
Monitor and Adjust: Track your bookings and client feedback after the price increase and make adjustments as needed to maintain a balance between client satisfaction and profitability.
Raising your photography prices is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration of market factors, client demand, and the value you provide. By following these guidelines and implementing price increases thoughtfully, you can create a thriving, sustainable photography business.
Social Media “Leads” are Holding You Back
While scrolling on the typical socials, I’ve noticed a trend: random people blurting out they need a photographer and a bunch of photographers responding. I look at the original post, nowhere does it say where they’re from. Photographers from all over the US and England are responding. I never respond to these posts and neither should you. It’s traffic bait. The person posting just wants traffic. It’s not worth your time.
I would rather you have the proper tools in place so clients come to you. These tips will have quality leads in your inbox:
Google verify yourself with a Google My Business account. You will pop up in Google searches when clients in your area search for your services.
Website with keywords. A beautiful website is not enough. If I’m looking for a portrait photographer and nowhere do the words portrait photographer come up on your website, you won’t rank high in a Google search.
Create! If you do want to stick to social media create. Show your work and talk about the knowledge you have. Don’t waste your time doom scrolling and responding to random, silly, probably negative posts.
Additional tips for leads are networking at business events, paying for ads on IG, TT, FB, or Google ads, being friendly while editing at a coffee shop. You will be surprised where you might get genuine leads from. I assure you, if someone on Threads is actually looking from a photographer, they’re looking for the sucker of the day. You’re better than that.