In this episode we are wrapping up unpopular opinions for the month. The topic is all about photos. More specifically, that you should use your own branded photos instead of stock photos. I am going to be joined with a special guest to help me get the point across. Casey Jade owner and badass photographer of Casey Jade photography. She is my first ever guest on this podcast. Casey Jade is the talent behind my amazing branded photos that I use on my website and social media pages. She makes me look great and I am so thankful to have her as part of my team when it comes to my business.

Stock photos are great and they have a purpose but they will never be able to compete with a branded photo of you. Stock photos are to be used as a placeholder until you can go get professional photos done. Stock photos won’t allow you to infuse any of your personality or your brand colors. Using stock photos can cause your clients to lose trust in you and your business. There can even be legal ramifications if you are not paying for the licensing. When doing a photoshoot for your business, think of it as an investment. Come listen to all the tips and tricks that Casey is giving out for you to do your own branding photos as well as what to expect if you were to hire her, or another professional to take your branding photos. 

What I share with you in this episode:

• Introducing Casey Jade
• Casey’s background and how she got started in this field
• Stock photos are to be placeholders
• Stock photos devalue you as a business owner
• Stock photos don’t allow you to infuse any of your personality or your specific brand palette into your photos
• If you take your own photos, there's no chance for legal ramifications 
• Photography, and even branding can be considered an investment in business
• Lighting is everything in photography
• You don't want to have flat light
• Flat light & what it is 
• If you can make the viewer look at your photo a little bit longer, it will benefit you in the long run
• Making yourself the brightest thing in the image
• What settings to use
• Use of negative space 
• Utilizing blank surfaces