Personal branding photos topped my list in 2019. These type of photos are so fun!

What worked in 2019

Like many people at this time of the year, I’ve been doing a bit of a yearly review…sorting through what worked in my life & business in 2019 & what didn’t.

I’ve been thinking about what I want to do differently for 2020 and dreaming about what I want to do more of.

What topped my photo session list for 2019, you ask? What do I want to do more of in 2020? Personal branding sessions! They are so fun!

I mean, what’s not to love about 3-4 wardrobe changes (this woman has style!) – especially when they are done in the woods, lol! (Certainly it gave a couple random bikers/hikers a smile!)

Personal Branding Photos – Showcasing the real you

Quite honestly, creating images that are a true reflection of someone’s brand can be a bit intimidating. I want to be sure that the photos are not only solid images, but that they represent both the individual and their brand/business in a meaningful way.

True, I’ve always had a knack for capturing images that show a person’s true personality. But with personal branding photos, I like to take things one step further.

I really try understand what lights a person up, what makes them tick, what inspires them…and what their “why” is. I like to not only know what they do, but why they do what they do.

The person behind the image – You’re so inspiring!

When I think about it, I realize that Personal Branding Photo Sessions are such a perfect combination of so many of my  loves.

I love watching people who are good at what they do. I love seeing people follow their passion.

I love being a witness to those who live inspired lives; those who recognize their gifts and share them so freely with the world.

And, of course, I love photography. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise, really, that these type of photo sessions would appeal to me.

Enough about me! Let’s meet the stunning, Lorelei!

Personal branding photo sessions include a pre-consultation so that I can learn as much as possible about each individual before I capture the images.

After sessions, I always ask people if they would like to say a few words; I find it so rewarding when clients reflect on their own experience of the process.

Lorelei was so gracious in providing such thoughtful answers. Thank you Lorelei!

Have a look at her personal branding photos, then be sure to read her photo session reflections below…showcasing her beauty, inside and out.

Photo Session Reflections

Why did you want to have photos done?

I wanted to capture who I am today, which is a beautifully messy mosaic of the experiences, people and places that have impacted me at the soul level. They all live within me, animating who I am.

What do you want to remember about this phase of your life?

So many seeds are blossoming right now! The connections between the people and work that was early on in my life are showing up in a big way in this part of my life. As I weave through this intricate web of connectedness, I am filled with awe and gratitude of the abundance life has to offer.

What did you like about your photo session?

Kate encouraged me to be me! She went with all the crazy notions that came to mind and we just played! Not only did Kate help with all of the crazy wardrobe changes I wanted to do en route to the different photo locations, she made me laugh a lot and even had me skipping through the woods. It was such luck when we got stopped at some train tracks for a very long time. You can imagine the photo fun we had while the train chugged on by!

Did you have any hesitations beforehand?

Showing up fully as who I am is always one of those raw moments where a big breath is required. After a moment of stomach-turning panic, I then I just let myself jump into the photoshoot – skydiving into ME and who I am.

Dreams & Aspirations – Who am I, What I Do and What Ignites Me?

I am a Métis, Canadian woman dedicated to cultivating pathways to international understanding and peace through peacebuilding. I like to work locally, globally, across cultures, within cultures, among big groups, small groups and individually. What is peacebuilding? Irene Santiago, an inspirational peacebuilding leader, says in its most simple terms, peacebuilding is about increasing connectors and decreasing dividers. That is what I focus on in my work.

I have worked on community-based peace and conflict resolution projects locally and internationally with both the federal government and the non-profit sector in South America, Asia, Europe and North America. These projects have been focused on increasing peace building within the local context, with a focus on advancing Indigenous human rights and leadership development.

I also facilitate community development sessions, locally and internationally, utilizing an Indigenous appreciative inquiry lens and strength-based analyses. These types of sessions focus intentionally on what a community has, not on what is lacking, and on what a community values so that increased conflict resolution and greater peace can be built. I work with a wide cross sector of organizations and with all sizes of groups.

In my current role as an Indigenous Relations Strategist, I work with local government to implement the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada Calls to Action.

What matters most?

Collaboration! The majority of my life has been focused on collaborative social change as I work across cultures, classes, borders and sectors to seek the common ground that unites human beings. Whether I am working remotely in a field location or within government offices, I try to never lose sight of the importance of collaboration in creating lasting social change.

Have there been pivotal experiences in your career that have led you to where you are today?

Being a part of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC) network and the development of Canada’s leadership for collaborative social change efforts has been a tremendous experience. I have grown so much and have been exposed to such a diversity of thinking. I have also been able to better define what it is I want to spend my time on. When I first met the Right Honourable David Johnston, he asked me what I was doing to contribute to truth and reconciliation efforts. This question spurred me to think about the social change I wanted to bring about in terms of peacebuilding locally and made me put more intention around the work I do today. I immediately jumped at the opportunity to work locally to implement the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada Calls to Action when the opportunity arose thanks to this thought-provoking and action-inspiring question.

Kate Daniel is a top brand & lifestyle photographer in Calgary, AB. Serving ambitious and creative, women entrepreneurs in YYC, Central Alberta and beyond.

Together, we’ll create authentic & scroll-stopping website and social media photos so you can save time, grow your business & get back to living the life you love!

Let’s connect! Sign up for the NEWSLETTER or book a FREE Clarity Call to chat about your photo needs.

Creative headshots are my jam. There are so many cool spots to take pictures at in Calgary these days.

And it’s even more fun when you’ve got creative friends that love to play around with creativity too!

We had a blast goofing around at the CHROMA installation at South Centre a few months ago.

The artists (Peaseblossoms, Michelle Hoogveld, Tyler Lemermeyer, Maria Dina Galura, Rei Duncan, Rhys Farrell, Rachael Meckling and Caine Chow) did an amazing job with their installations. I kinda wish they weren’t temporary!

I love capturing creative headshots because sometimes I find that the typically, corporate headshot can be a bit stuffy – they lack personality. Of course, there’s a time and a place for serious headshots, but it’s so great to add a pop of colour and show a playful side, too.

Kate Daniel is a top brand & lifestyle photographer in Calgary, AB. Serving ambitious and creative, women entrepreneurs in YYC, Central Alberta and beyond.

Together, we’ll create authentic & scroll-stopping website and social media photos so you can save time, grow your business & get back to living the life you love!

Let’s connect! Sign up for the NEWSLETTER or book a FREE Clarity Call to chat about your photo needs.

Professional pictures for your website are a must in today’s online world! And it’s great to have updated headshots.

“I needed professional pictures for my private practice and was referred to Kate. After a quick description of what I was looking for, she understood my vision and chose a convenient location. Our session was very warm, comfortable and felt natural. It really showed that she cared as she took the extra time choosing different backgrounds to get the pictures we wanted. After the photo shoot, Kate sent me various options to choose from and use. I am very pleased with the result.”

It always so nice to get feedback like this! And it’s always fun to do head shots because I get to know so many amazing women in different professions! Here’s a bit more about what Christine does as a counselling psychologist:

We all struggle with life’s challenges at times, whether it be a reoccurring difficulty, one we suddenly face and for which we were not prepared, or an overwhelming accumulation of stress. We sometimes need caring support and understanding to achieve insight and growth. It is my privilege to help and be part of your journey towards building the kind of healthy life and relationships you aspire to. As a counselling psychologist, I provide adult services to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

In therapy, I help clients develop new ways of responding to their obstacles to well-being, learn new skills, and discover how to use existing strengths in an effective manner. I strive to provide a structure in which each person feels safe, accepted, and supported.

I have experience with a broad range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, eating behaviours and body image issues, trauma and stress management. I use a combination of therapeutic approaches in order to best meet each person’s needs. My services are offered in both English and French.

Kate Daniel is a top brand & lifestyle photographer in Calgary, AB. Serving ambitious and creative, women entrepreneurs in YYC, Central Alberta and beyond.

Together, we’ll create authentic & scroll-stopping website and social media photos so you can save time, grow your business & get back to living the life you love!

Let’s connect! Sign up for the NEWSLETTER or book a FREE Clarity Call to chat about your photo needs.

There’s something about the first day of school that just tugs at a parent’s heart. A day to remember, for sure.

New beginnings. New adventures. Oh the excitement!

But it can also be a little stressful. Jumbled with nerves.

It’s an effort just to get out the door on time…as we try not to get into any arguments…or forget anything!

So when you throw First Day of School photos into the mix, it can often put things over the edge!

But with a little forethought & planning you can be sure to get what you want as a parent (documenting that important milestone!) while ensuring that it doesn’t stress your child out at the same time.

Here are my 5 tips for capturing the start of a new school year…in a simple & stress-free way. And to prove that it doesn’t have to be complicated, I took all of these photos with my iPhone.

1. Plan ahead

A lot of the stress can be removed if you do a bit of pre-planning. This is not typically my strong suit – haha! – but I’m also not one to pass up a stress-free morning…you know?!

Set out the clothes out the day before. Pack the lunch the night before. Get the backpack ready. Those are the obvious ones.

But you can also pre-plan your photos too!

I know this might seem like overkill. But if photos are important to you, it doesn’t hurt to write yourself  a note about the types of shots you want to be sure to get.

That way, when you get caught up in the morning chaos, you won’t forget.

2. The details

Take shots of all the things that don’t seem like a big deal right now but will help to tell the story later down the road.

These can include shoes, backpacks, lunch kits, hairdos…clothes.

If your son/daughter is into Paw Patrol or L.O.L. dolls right now I can pretty much guarantee that they won’t be when they are going into grade 12.

3. The front door

There’s something classic about school-aged children standing in front of the front door.

Nowadays, we don’t always live in the same house for our entire childhood.

Capturing a photo in front of the front door helps tell the story. Maybe next year it will be a different door.

If you end up living in the same house for your child’s entire childhood then it’s fun to see how they have changed over time. Which brings me to my next point.

4. Same pose, same place

If you can, think about a place that you could use every year to show the changes.

It could be the front door or it could be a special spot in the yard…or even someplace at school (like this brick wall).

It’s fun to see the changes over the years or even from day 1 of this school year to the last day of this school year.

I can’t wait to do a similar picture for the first day of Grade 1!

5. Take the focus off of them

If your child is anything like mine, they have been photographed a lot! We are constantly grabbing our phones and making them say, “cheeeese!”

So rather than creating those eye rolls or the awkward “Are you done yet, Mom?” looks, take the focus off of them.

Tell them that you’d like to take a picture of their necklace…or their shirt…or their lunch kit.

In this case, I told my daughter I wanted to take a picture of her fuzzy lunch kit keychain. This keychain has special meaning for us.

She’s a little nervous to start Grade 1 (and to eat lunch in the big gym) so I told her if she’s feeling lonely or scared then give the keychain a squeeze and we can pretend I’m giving her a hug.

I hope I’ve given you a couple things to think about when taking your Back to School pics!

We all know that things don’t always go as planned. So do your best, but don’t stress over it.

And don’t forget to have fun!

Kate Daniel is a Calgary, Alberta based natural light, lifestyle photographer focusing on family, children and baby photos.

Simple, real, natural – your life, my lens.

Contact me to book a session or sign up for the newsletter for special offers!