Problem 1: your business Instagram doesn't have a business account
What?! Why? This unlocks your ability to display more info about your business as well as view analytics.

Problem 2: you aren't giving users easy ways to contact you
Like I said, switch to a business account so that you can create quick links for user to call, email, or get directions to your business. (How to switch? Google it. Details are everywhere.)

Problem 3: (this one drives me crazy) your brick and mortar's address isn't listed
I came to your Instagram, loved your brand, saw the great photos, and want to visit your physical location to eat/buy/do/see all the things...why isn't your address listed? I don't want to have to now go to another webpage or app to Google your business name and try to find your address. MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR WANNABE CLIENTS. You do want their money, right?

Problem 4: your bio doesn't talk about what you do or who you are
One time I went to a really cool instagram with gorgeous images of people inside homes - I couldn't tell if it was a travel magazine, a clothing retailer, or a lifestyle blogger. Since I didn't want to spend the time doing my research, I kept scrolling. If you want people to connect and engage with you on social media, be clear about who you are and what you do.

Problem 5: you want to link to your website but also share another link (for an ad, a special product, an event ticket link, etc.) but don't want to replace your website link
Try something like linktr.ee to post several links from your profile page.

As always, I hope this is helpful!

Happy Friday!
Autumn

But seriously...why?

​Events are sometimes hard to shoot. This event was the perfect example of how a client's needs and my needs don't always overlap. (And who is right? The client, of course. I just have to educate them about what will happen if we go with their choice.)

I've written about the exposure triangle before. There are lots of things I can do to take a photo in a dark situation. However, the more I use those techniques (without flash), the grainier the photo will be come. (Because my camera is basically trying to suck the light into the photo, but can only do so much if the room is dark.)

So why wouldn't I use flash? Well here's the difficult part about some events I shoot: the client wants a dark room because, hello, ambiance! I don't disagree. However, I need light, and there are only two ways I can get it: turn up the lights (clearly can't happen based on the preferred ambiance), or use flash - which is sometimes even MORE obtrusive than having lights turned up higher. So what does a photographer do? We do the best we can - but sometimes that means pretty grainy photos.

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

For example, the photo above is from spring commencement at The Ohio State University. The color, contrast, motion, and candid nature are are all what I was seeing with my eyes - so I captured it in that style. 

Sometimes you know your own style and are looking for a photographer to fit it, which can be difficult for both parties. The dream photographer/client relationship is when everyone is looking for the same thing - which makes it easy to create and deliver!

​If you're ever looking for a different style than mine, I might refer you to another photographer! It wouldn't hurt me at all - I just like to help match people with options that would give them exactly what they need!

Leave a comment about  what types of photography styles you like! I'd love to know.

Happy Friday!
Autumn

Ever wonder what the difference is between a speedlight and a strobe? Each is a type of flash that could be used for various purposes. A tiny intro is featured on today's PhotoVlog!

​As always, if you have any questions, feel free to comment below or shoot me an email!

Happy Friday!
​Autumn