St. Louis Photographer » A Journal by Holly McCaig

If you haven’t noticed the new website, you should go check it out. I’ll wait!

http://hollymccaigdesigns.com

You’ll notice a new splash page, a new photography website, and a link that goes to a BRAND new blog! Yes, new. So, you’ll need to update your RSS feeds with the new one when you head over there. See you on the other side!

It’s taken me five years. Yes, 5 Years!

Five years to find my brand. When I started photography as a business, officially…you know, with real paperwork and filings with the state, etc…I farted around with various logos and names. I had owned Holly McCaig Designs because that was what I called my design business.

It’s stuck. I still use it. I think photography, the kind that I do, is design. It’s about designing a story with pictures.

Branding is a tough thing. I used to try my hand at logo design for people. I hated it. I admit it. I do NOT like doing logo designs for people. It’s like the one thing about design that I would rather poke my eyes out over than do. So there, no, I won’t design your logo for you.

But, over five years, I played and played with ideas, and logos, I even changed my name once and did a D.B.A. as Pink Gnome Foto. But, I learned quickly, that a “cutesy” name will never leave me with a strong reputation as a top, high-end photographer. People want to know who their principal photographer is. They want to build that relationship. They want to associate with the photographer taking their photos.

Let’s face it, they aren’t going to Sears! It’s not about a quick in and out, with cheesy setups and poor lighting. It’s all about me getting to know my client and learning what they want. When a client responds to seeing my photos, one of the many things I hear is, “you captured their personality!” and that’s what I strive to do. Showing people who that person really is, but in pictures.

Branding should be about you, the photographer. It’s been reiterated to me in the past workshops and other media that I’ve been reading about business and branding. Using your name as your business is the best thing that you can do. So, I embrace that. My last name gets murdered when people say it.

Mick-KEG – say it like that.

After five years of changing my logo and my colors, I have found my hearts desire. I designed this logo over the summer. It’s me. No, it’s not pink. But, I have always loved using my signature in some way. The “H” is there. The damask is there. It represents my style – vintage glam…that’s what I love. Give me vintage furniture pieces mixed with bright and fresh modern colors. Give me golden ornate frames mixed with hints of sleek accents.

That’s me. That’s my logo. That’s my brand.

Branding isn’t cheap. Branding is important. It’s the most important thing you will do. Hire a really top professional that can talk to you, learn who you are. Ask the right questions and incorporate everything that you want to show, what you want to represent.

You have to live with it. You have to use it on everything. People will recognize it. People will know who you are as a person when they see it.

Brand yourself strong.

(p.s., this is my opinion and experience from other top photographers…do what you want, just remember, this is how I feel about branding!)

I’ve been really hard at work on these projects and finally they are all coming together! When I made the decision before the summer that is was time to really pick a focus in photography, I knew this would be tough. It would be like starting completely over again. I’ve read it from other photographers…how they focus on certain areas of photography. How they came to the decisions and what it did for them as a business and their sanity. It started to make sense for me.

I felt myself stressing a lot, spreading myself thin. Not really growing as a photography business. I was getting frustrated. Since June of 2005, it just felt like I was maintaining a steady run with a few lows and not many highs. So, I asked myself, “what do you love shooting?” and it just came out of my mouth. I LOVE the teenage years. I love photographing high school seniors. I love making it fun, different and fashion-forward. I want kids to feel good and love their portraits. I also knew that I adored photographing weddings and was doing a lot this summer.

So, I committed myself to rebuilding my business. I started this summer, emphasizing and portfolio building. It really has been like starting over. And, now, I have a new found love and passion for what I do. I can commit my marketing efforts to these areas. Yet, still, I can photograph my friends and family as well as my friends’ families when needed. My past clients still can call on me to do this and I will still photograph my love for dogs. There is no reason not to, and I plan on sharing everything here on the blog.

It feels GOOD to just know what you love doing. So, with that, I have some new websites for you. It felt right to break them down. My wedding site features weddings, engagements, and has a sub-site for boudoir. On the splash page, you’ll find I have an individual link to boudoir as well. They sort of all just fit together. Then, I have a site just for my senior portrait business – my real true passion. Be sure to check out the senior model search for the class of 2011! And, really, even though it’s not on the site, don’t forget about our fun, event photography business, Lollipop Smiles. It has its own site because it’s just so different. I should find a way to put that on the splash page, but not sure how yet.

Side note: Yes, I still design, just not for-hire. I have backed off a lot of design work. I focus pretty much on my designs for Pink Ink Studios which is a design site for professional photographers. I have some digital scrapbooking kits up too at Two Peas in a Bucket. If you’re looking for custom-design work, consider Carrie Bombria or Amy Kant. I also recommend Chris Ford for website work that features Flash design.

I’ve been really really busy with a project and have slacked on some new designs. Plus, I could use the extra sales! So, I’ve got new designs, but also I have 35% off my products at Pink Ink Studios thru Friday evening. It’s all discounted as you add to your cart. Now’s the chance to stock up on my designs, photogs!

Here are my pre-made logos being sold as well. I just don’t have time to do custom logo work, so I will often sell pre-made designs. When you purchase for this low price of $40, you provide me with your company name and color scheme, and I make the quick edits to the existing logo and send you the files. That’s it! It’s all yours and saves us both time and headache of having to hash out ideas and drafts. And, they are included in the sale this week too! Hope your week is going well!

I did it. I did a rebrand – again. I’ve changed my branding a few times, but have lately always been using my signature (literally) “H.” And this time, I’ve moved away from my favorite color of Pink. Oh my! Does that mean I should change my blog name? Naw…it’s still my favorite color, so it’s here to stay.

So, why did I do this? Well, I realized my photography business was growing and I need to simplify. That’s my new motto. Know how some people were picking their “word” for the year. Well, I’m a few months late. It’s my new word. I’m simplifying so many things in life: my business, toxic people in my life, cutting out unncessary things that cost money. It feels pretty good!

The new look is fresh, bright, and clean. I hope you like it!

So, come inside and see the new look for yourself!