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22
Nov
2017
Why should I use a professional for my social media photos?
Posted On November 22, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

Why should I use a professional
for my social media photos?

Virtually everyone owns a camera these days. Just grab your smartphone, open up the camera app, click away, and get some pretty high resolution images. Having a camera everywhere you go is great for all kinds of businesses who rely on images for a giant chunk of their marketing efforts, particularly on social media. So if you have a built-in camera right on your mobile device, why would you even bother with hiring a professional photographer again, particularly for social media? In this post, we will take a look at why using a professional photographer for your social media marketing campaign is not only still relevant, it comes with a lot of added benefits.

  1. It’s One Less Job For You: Social media marketing is now a full-time job. As someone who runs a business, you’ll often find yourself asking when you are supposed to find the time to wear multiple hats at once. The reality is you can’t and you shouldn’t. Every successful business owner understands how vital it is to delegate tasks and social media should be a part of that. And clearly, images come with the territory. Instead of spending a couple of hours every day snapping, uploading, editing, and captioning photos with appropriate keywords for SEO on Instagram, Facebook, and similar social media websites, give the task of capturing excellent photos to a professional photographer. This will free up your time immensely, which in turn, ends up saving you money (while allowing you time to make more money).
  2. It Strengthens Your Brand: Social media users want to look at pretty photos; not images that (though it may be relevant to your business) are blurry, drab, or downright uninteresting. When you work with a professional photographer, this will never happen. They will always deliver and provide you (and your social media following) with images that captivate. And when you have a social media account loaded with impressive imagery, it strengthens your brand identity and makes you more ubiquitous online. Don’t hurt your brand by snapping and uploading photos that don’t intrigue people.

    A street sign with multiple places all indicating different social media icons.

    Image from iStockPhoto

  3. You Can Achieve The Best Representation of Your Brand: You as a person are definitely a part of your company’s image, no matter the size of your professional entity. As a business professional, particularly the owner, your face must be a part of the brand. And if your face must be seen by the public, you want the best representation of yourself possible. When it comes to having a photo of yourself uploaded on your personal social media accounts, LinkedIn profile, on your website, or across any other marketing literature, you want a head shot that makes you shine. Invest in a professional head shot that gives off a professional first impression and therefore makes your brand stronger.
  4. Your Products (or Services) Can Have The Best Representation Possible Too: Just as you want a professional head shot that gives off an unforgettable, positive first impression, you want what you are selling to give off a great first impression too. Although social media should be used to connect with your target audience, build relationships with them, and strengthen your brand, rather than blatantly advertise to your following, you can and should include a photo of what you are selling every once in a while. But that photo has to make a lasting impression. If you rely on the services of a professional photographer to shoot your products, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting a top-notch photo that will impress your audience.

Looking for more reasons to hire a professional photographer for you social media marketing? Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more!

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02
Nov
2017
Photos for your clothing line: 4 Reasons to Hire a Pro
Posted On November 2, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

Photos for your clothing line:
4 Reasons to Hire a Pro

Commercial Photography by Miceli Productions, Hartford CT.

Photo by Miceli Productions.

Are you starting a new clothing and accessory company or have a brand new clothing line that you are about to launch? You can’t introduce a flawless new line without award-winning, awe-inspiring photography! And if you aren’t a professional photographer yourself, it’s a wise idea to get a hold of someone else who can provide you with stunning, professionally done imagery. Without it, it’s pretty difficult to really capture the essence of your uniquely branded clothing line and company. In order to really highlight each piece, you need photography that brings out all of its finest qualities. In this post, we will take a look at the top four reasons why hiring a product photography professional is so important for your clothing or jewelry line.

  1. You’ll Get The Most Flattering Setup: A professional photographer will discuss the photography needs and preferences that you have for your clothing line. Do you plan to shoot the clothing line outside and have the garments worn by models? Or would you rather get all of the shots done in a photography studio? Will the clothes be worn by models, mannequins, or displayed in some other format? A professional photographer is equipped with state-of-the-art gear, high end equipment, and the proper facilities to capture the most stunning images. If you choose to have your clothing line shot in a studio, you will have all of the benefits of a fully equipped setting complete with natural lighting, studio lighting, the right backdrop, and of course, the experienced, talented photographer.

    Estate and jewelry photography by Miceli Productions, Hartford, CT.

    Photo by Miceli Productions.

  2. A Better Camera Means Better Images of Your Clothing Line: In general, if you hire a professional photographer to shoot your products rather than try to do it yourself, odds are that the photographer will have an expensive, exceptionally high quality camera. And it goes without saying that the better the camera, the better the images you will receive. If you want to be guaranteed incredible, breathtaking images that not only impress you, but more importantly, your future customers, it’s best to rely on an expert photographer and their state-of-the-art camera.
  3. You Can Compete With The “Big Guns”: If you’re clothing company is relatively small, locally-owned, or operated online, it might feel overwhelming to compete with the bigger players, particularly corporate-owned clothing companies. However, professional photography will give you a serious leg up in this department. You may not be as big as corporate clothing companies, but you can get on an even playing field when you have imagery that is just as good, if not better than their photos. If you hire an amateur photographer or try shooting your clothing line yourself, you are putting yourself at a huge disadvantage since you won’t be getting high quality, professional images that really show off the uniqueness of your clothing.

    Photography for clothing lines, accessories. Commerical Photography by Miceli Productions, Hartford CT

    Photo by Miceli Productions.

  4. You Can Still Work With Your Vision And Have it Enhanced: Because photographers are creative professionals, one of the big prerequisites is having an artistic eye and a knack for knowing what looks good and what doesn’t. A great photographer will have a vested interest in the ultimate vision you have for the photography of your clothing line. You can tell them everything you are looking for and expect to get out of the shoot and they will take that vision and build upon it. They know how to take something great and make it outstanding. Working with a professional getting images that are even better than you imagined them, thus turning your website visitors into people who click on your product and potentially buy it.

Want to learn more of the many benefits that come with using a professional photographer for your clothing line? Don’t hesitate to contact us today!

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11
Oct
2017
5 Signs You Need a New Headshot
Posted On October 11, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

5 Signs You Need a New Head Shot Photo

Darko Tresnjak portrait with Tony Award. Photo by Miceli Productions, photography in Hartford CT. Need a new head shot portrait? Photographer in Southington CT, Miceli Productions take head shot portraits.

Darko Tresnjak with Hector and his Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical, for ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’. Photo by Miceli Productions.

You have undoubtedly come across a handful of stellar, captivating head shots on LinkedIn or other social media presences that make you wonder how those professional got such a perfect photo. In reality, there is no secret to achieving an award-winning head shot. All you need is a professional photographer with an artistic eye and an impeccable track record to help you get a flawless, effective head shot photo. In this post, we will take a look at five signs that it is time for you to invest in a professional head shot.

  1. The Head Shot You Currently Have is Several Years Old: If you have a head shot that hasn’t been updated in the last five years, it is a pretty good sign it is time to invest in a new one. If you are like most people, your look has most likely changed in the last five years, so it is important to get a photo that represents what you look like now.

    Need a new head shot? Photographer Miceli Production sin Southington CT takes head shot photos.

    Photo by Miceli Productions

  2. You Don’t Have a Head Shot: This point seems rather redundant, but it is an important one to bring up considering the number of professionals who don’t have a head shot at all.No matter your profession, whether you are a lawyer, marketing strategist, or head chef, it is advantageous to have a sleek, eye-catching, and professionally done head shot. This shows your network and your potential clients that you are a serious professional who takes pride in what you do and what image you give off to the public. A snap shot just won’t do. A professional portrait is a valuable business asset.
  3. You Aren’t Amazed by The Head Shot You Have: If you don’t feel totally confident about the head shot you currently have, it is a good idea to invest in a new one. Having the perfect head shot that you completely love can give you the motivation to work harder in your field, network with more people, and build your brand. Until you get the head shot you love, it will be difficult to find anyone else who loves your head shots just as much as you do.

    Need a new head shot? Photographer Miceli Productions in Southington CT takes head shot photos.

    Photo by Miceli Productions

  4. The Head Shot You Have Doesn’t Match Your Brand or Job Field: It isn’t uncommon for professionals to switch career fields. Perhaps you were a corporate lawyer a few years ago, but now you are an event planner.As a corporate lawyer, you want a head shot photo that captures your dogmatic, no-nonsense side. But as an event planner, you need a new head shot photo that showcases your personable, helpful, and creative side. If you have recently switched job fields or have a totally new brand strategy, you should invest in new head shots to match said job field or brand.
  5. You Had to Crop Yourself Out of a Family Photo: Basically, if your current head shot has a busy, distracting background or has obviously been cut out of a family photo, you should probably invest in a new head shot.
    Need a new head shot portrait? Photographer in Southington CT, Miceli Productions take head shot portraits.

    Photo by Miceli Productions

    Work with a professional photographer to get a pristine, stunning head shot with either a clear background or a background that doesn’t take away from your face. Also, if your current head shot is blurry or you don’t feel it is a flattering image of you, it is a good idea to invest in something new.

Want to know more about why you should invest in pro head shots? Don’t hesitate to contact us today with any questions you have! Our team is passionate about helping businesses of all kinds get the highest level of visibility through both photography and video. Give us a call today to learn more about our extensive list of services that can help your business perfect its marketing and branding strategy.

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13
Sep
2017
Balance ISO, Aperture and Shutter for Great Product Photos!
Posted On September 13, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

Balance ISO, Aperture and Shutter for Great Product Photos!

A great camera can make a great photo, but there’s no guarantee. A great photographer who knows the camera and how to execute the proper ISO, aperture and shutter techniques is the other side of the equation. Sure, a great camera is important, and it’s always important to have the right tools for the job, but that won’t help if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is one of the reasons you get consistently superior results when hiring a professional. old camera, vintage camera, ISO, aperture and shutter techniques

First and foremost, they need to know good composition and lighting, those will always make a bigger difference than the camera will.  But knowing how to use the tools at their disposal in order to apply their knowledge of the art of photography is equally essential. At Miceli Productions we’re able to do this because we know our camera gear inside and out.

What’s there to know about a camera? Well, for starters there’s ISO, aperture and shutter.

ISO

ISO is equivalent to the measure of the gain of the image. It doesn’t change anything mechanically, it just adjusts the range of sensitivity of the image up or down. ISO works specifically with a camera’s dynamic range.

Dynamic range is the how much your camera can see from shadows to highlights. The larger the ratio of shadows and highlights, the more difficult it is to keep detail in both. Photographers measure the dynamic range in f-stops. Most cameras have a dynamic range of 5-6 f-stops. Really good cameras can get up to 13 stops, but even they are no match for the human eye at roughly 22 stops. This means if you are looking at something with a huge range of light levels from dark to light, it might look fine to you but it won’t to your camera. Once you snap a photo either you’ve blown out the highlights or the shadows are an impenetrable inky black (or both).

old camera, vintage camera, ISO, aperture and shutter techniquesYour ISO is the decision you make in situations like that stated above about where you want to keep detail. Do you want to see the highlights and push your mid-tones into the lower end of the blacks?Or do you want to see your shadows and push your mid-tones closer to pure white? The best answer is, of course, limit the ratio of highlights to shadows so your camera can capture everything. Limit what you take photos of based on the dynamic range you can capture. Keep important elements of the frame within the same limited range of light even if other parts of the frame end up blown out or too dark.

Shutter Speed

The Shutter speed is how long the camera opens up the sensor to light. This influences a number of elements of your image so it’s important that you are aware of how it works. Shutter speed can affect how blurry moving shots or fast-moving subjects are. Shutter speed also influences the exposure level of your image but in a different way than ISO.

Blurry photos are a drag (in most cases) so you want to avoid them. Whenever you snap a photo, the shutter opens and lets light hit the sensor. However long the shutter is open, the sensor is processing the reality in front of the lens. This means if someone jumps in front of your camera and the shutter is open for an entire second than the person will look like a colorful smear from the ground to the maximum height they jumped to. If the shutter is open instead for, say 1/500th of a second, the person in the photo will appear perfectly airborne and sharp. This applies to how steady you hold the camera as well. If the camera is shaking and you have a long exposure, the entire world can feel blurred and smeary.old camera, vintage camera, ISO, aperture and shutter techniques

There is another side to shutter speed and that is how much light you’ve let in. The more light you let in, the “brighter” your image will be. So if the shutter is open for only a tiny fraction of a second, your jumping friend will end up suspended crisply in the air, but they could end up very dark. There is a delicate balance you must walk with shutter and available light. This is why advanced photographers often takes advantage of powerful 500w or 1000w (all the way up to 20,000w) artificial lights. (Your typical household bulb is 40w-100w.) With powerful lights, there’s enough light coming in for the short time the shutter is open that the image will look properly exposed.

Aperture

Also measured in f-stops, the aperture is the third and final tier of the exposure triangle. The aperture is an iris built into the lens. The iris is either contracted or expanded (much like a human eye) to let in less or more light. This may feel redundant to shutter or ISO, but it has very different consequences. The more you open your aperture, the shallower the depth of field becomes. Lenses also perform differently at different aperture settings.

The depth of field is a measure of what slice of depth in front of the camera is reasonably in focus. With longer lenses (telephoto and zoom lenses) the same aperture rating will have much shallower depth of field. Also, the object’s size changes the depth of field inversely. Photographing a mountain will likely result in the entire subject being in focus. If you try to photograph a single ant, you will find the depth of field becomes razor-thin slices of focus. The shallower the depth of field, the more difficult it is to keep a moving subject in focus. If the night is fast approaching and you keep opening up the iris to let in more light, you may find it harder and harder to photograph the same subject and nail the focus.

old camera, vintage camera, ISO, aperture and shutter techniquesIt’s also important to know that manufacturers design lenses to operate best at certain settings (much like your camera). If you have a 50mm prime lens (very common in portrait and product photography) that has a maximum aperture of f/1.2, you might be tempted to work at f/1.2 because you love the blurry background and the ability to use only available light. However, that lens probably functions the best at f/4.0. Functioning best means the lens renders detail well and produces a sharp image with true colors. Whenever you adjust the aperture, you sacrifice a little detail, sharpness, and color.

Professional product photographers must keep these three elements in balance when framing up a shot. Without the right care and respect to each of these essential tools, the image could come out grainy, dark, overexposed, or blurry (or all of the above). ISO, aperture and shutter. We execute these photography techniques everyday to get great shots. And clients that know how we create images can be the best at communicating what images they want for their products.

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30
Aug
2017
5 Things You Want Your Head Shot to Say About You
Posted On August 30, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

Head Shot Portraits

Whether you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a baker who runs a small local cake shop, or a jazz musician, virtually everyone in the professional realm benefits from a killer head shot portrait. When you invest in a head shot portrait, you can use it across multiple social media platforms to boost your brand strength and give viewers a great first impression. If you plan on getting head shots for the first time or replacing old ones with something more current but are stumped and without inspiration, here are five things you will want your professional head shot portrait to say.

  1. Hello My Name is…: The very first priority you want to address in regards to your professional head shot portrait is personality.
    Need a new head shot portrait? Photographer in Southington CT, Miceli Productions take head shot portraits.

    Photo by Miceli Productions

    Above all else, you want your head shot to give first-time viewers a fairly good idea of who you are and what your personality is. If you are a lawyer, you may want something a little less distracting or overly colorful. If you are a yoga instructor, you’ll want to show off a content, zen, and peaceful side. Think about the industry you’re in and your own personality and aim to get a head shot that effectively infuses both elements.

  2. I’m Approachable: Without trying to sound like you should strike a pose or give a huge grin in the attempts to make everyone like you, you should do everything possible to ensure your head shot is one that shows a friendly, approachable nature. Of course you can get a great head shot portrait without smiling in it and still come off as approachable and someone people would want to connect with. The key is just making sure that your head shot resonates warmth and shows the face of someone people know they can trust.
  3. I Know What I’m Doing: This is something you really can’t fake, even in a photo. You want your head shot portrait to be a representation not just of who you are and what your personality is like, but what you can do for potential clients. Show them through your head shot that you are clearly experienced in your field and can confidently, expertly provide people with an outstanding service or product. Capturing a photo that shows off your expert side is a great way to further establish the trust necessary to attract more clientele.

    Portraits by Miceli Productions, photography in Hartford, New Haven, Southington CT

    Photo by Miceli Productions

  4. I Take Pride in My Appearance: If a professional takes pride in their appearance, from what they wear to how well they maintain their personal hygiene, it reflects the kind of pride they take in their work. And people want to hire people who take pride in their work and are passionate about providing the best service or product they can. Obviously you know better than to wear an over-sized sweatshirt and don some wild bedhead. Before the day of your head shot photo shoot, spruce up as much as possible to show a clean cut and flawlessly professional, yet personable side of yourself. If you want to go to the next level, having an appointment with a stylist right before your photo shoot, or having your photographer provide a stylist, can bump your image up even more.
  5. I Love What I do: This is yet another one you just can’t lie about.
    Head Shot Portrait by Miceli Productions, CT Photography, Hartford, New Haven, Southington

    Photo by Miceli Productions

    People can tell when someones really enjoys what they do and when people just do what they do to make a living. Though smiling in a head shot portrait isn’t necessary, you want to make sure you are smiling with your eyes. There should be an undeniable, impossible-to-hide smile in your eyes that proves to viewers and potential customers that you are the man or woman who is passionate about delivering exceptional work.

Need more tips on getting the perfect head shot portrait? Don’t hesitate to contact us today! We’d love to help you get a stunning image to boost your brand identity.

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13
Jul
2017
You Need a Great Head Shot: 3 Solid Reasons to Invest in a Pro
Posted On July 13, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

You Need a Great Head Shot:
3 Solid Reasons to Invest in a Pro

Head Shot Portrait Photo by Miceli Productions.

A fancy head shot is not something reserved for aspiring actors or high-profile business executives. It is a valuable asset that can and should be used by all professionals in order to enhance their overall professional image and more importantly, their brand identity. Yes, even someone who is a freelancer or self-employed business owner should consider investing in an award-winning, eye-catching head shot and in this post, we will explain the top three reasons why doing just that is so important.

  1. Business Portrait 2 by Miceli Productions

    Head Shot Portrait Photo by Miceli Productions.

    A Head Shot Can Be Leveraged on Multiple Platforms: Thanks to the advent of the internet and plentiful use of social media, head shots no longer must be contained to printed marketing literature or business cards. It can be used extensively all over the internet and across multiple platforms. Just one head shot can be used across literally every single social media platform that you use including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google among many others. Your head shot can also be showcased on your portfolio or business website. Additionally, it should be noted that when you use a professional head shot on every social media platform you use, you are successfully building consistency. And consistency is necessary to establish a ubiquitous, recognizable, and powerful brand identity.

  2. “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words”: Beautiful imagery is a great way to tell a story without having to use a single word. Everything from the lighting to the angles to the background and most importantly the focal point of the image (the person), tells a genuinely unique, one-of-a-kind story. Having a strong, flawless head shot is an excellent way to give people who see it for the first time a winning first impression. It’s also a good way for viewers of your head shot to get a more accurate sense of who you are if they haven’t met you yet. Working with a talented, professional photographer will allow you to collaborate on creating a head shot that depicts your professionalism, personality, and personal story. Not only is this giving people who see your head shot a better idea of who you are, you’ll also be boosting your personal brand strength.

    Headshot, portraits and business photography by Miceli Productions. Hartford CT.

    Head Shot Portrait Photo by Miceli Productions.

  3. It’s an Investment in More Ways Than One: Remember looking back through all of your embarrassing baby photos or that awkward school picture from your 8th grade year? Or maybe a photo of you and all of your friends on a trip to St. Peters or your wedding. Every image evokes strong emotions and can remind you of who you are. Investing in a professional head shot and reminding yourself of who you are by looking at it can stir up the inner motivation needed to pursue all of your professional goals with greater empowerment. Aside from the emotional investment, the monetary investment you make in it is also quite powerful. Though getting a high quality head shot can be a bit pricey, it’s well worth paying more for better quality. Having a great head shot for your customers, target audience, future employers, and colleagues to see will increase your potential to develop stronger business relations or job opportunities. Having a stunning head shot could determine whether or not you land that big client or get hired for you dream job. And investing in a professional head shot can also make your networking endeavors more successful, leading you to more promising career growth.

    Headshot Portrait by Miceli Productions Photography Hartford CT for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Agent

    Head Shot Portrait Photo by Miceli Productions.

Need a Great Head Shot? Want to learn about more of the benefits that come from investing in high quality, professional head shots? Don’t hesitate to contact us today! Our team is passionate about helping business professionals of all kinds strengthen their brand, marketing strategies, and overall business operations with the best photos and video content.

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24
May
2017
3 Reasons You Need to Hire a Professional Business Photographer
Posted On May 24, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

Smart business owners know they can hire other experts. Miceli Productions offer video production services in Hartford CT.Why do you need to hire a professional business photographer? Find out.

Visual marketing is the most effective medium for businesses to gain visibility, whether through traditional or digital marketing methods. Photography is the most solid form of this effective marketing medium, and has been used by businesses since cameras were invented. Let’s discuss by examining 3 reasons small businesses should hire a professional business photographer for marketing.

#1. High ROI:

Small businesses may not have the resources or desire to try and keep up with large brands, yet would like to develop a quality brand within their budget. Investing in professional photography keeps them within their marketing budget, while providing them with a high ROI. Photographs are essential to any marketing campaign, including: website optimization, social site postings, blog posts, email marketing campaigns, PTC, and more.

Professional photographs are a long-term investment, which can be used for years or decades within a small business’s marketing portfolio. By having unique photographs professionally made, businesses won’t have to use the same stock photographs other business use. This means the investment keeps on giving as long as the business keeps going.

According to a HubSpot article called: “37 Stats You Should Know About Visual Content Marketing in 2016”, written by Jesse Mawhinney:

“1) Researchers found that colored visuals increase people’s willingness to read a piece of content by 80%…6) Content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without relevant images.”

Indeed, professional photography is a great way to gain brand awareness and attract customers to the content on websites, blogs, social media posts, and more. The product or content is much more likely to gain traction when it’s accompanied with a unique, well-done, photograph.

Woman business owner reviews video metric for her content marketing plan.#2. Expands Marketing Campaign Capabilities:

Small business doesn’t mean small ideas, yet these ideas many times aren’t realized, because of a lack of expertise or resources. By partnering with Miceli Productions for professional photography, small businesses will expand their marketing campaign capabilities. Staying within budget and working remotely or locally (New England area), small businesses will be able to manifest their marketing ideas into reality.

Marketing campaigns could include: website optimization projects, email marketing campaigns, blog pictures, social media postings, slideshow presentations, video thumbnails, product pictures, and more. Instead of balking with a blank space, small businesses can partner with Miceli Productions and manifest their ideas to life, in the form of brilliant photographs.

#3. Establish a Unique and Quality Brand:

There’s no more effective medium for establishing brand awareness than photography, and every business has a brand, even if it’s not optimized and cultivated. With professional photography, small businesses can establish a unique and quality brand for their online and offline presence. The photographs should have a commonality that represents the core values of the business.

This unique brand, portrayed through quality photographs, will begin to imprint an intrinsic and intangible message to the targeted audience, creating interest and customer loyalty with those it resonates with. Photographs are powerful ways to communicate a message, and with consistent efforts this message will gain an esoteric, loyal audience who appreciate the values it portrays.

Photographs can be as simple or complex as businesses desire, yet having them professionally made gives businesses more depth and options. Target audiences will notice and judge a business by the quality of their photographs, which is why this reasons includes both uniqueness and quality.

Summary

Working with a lean methodology, bootstrapping, or just plain staying within the marketing budget, are all good reasons for small businesses to focus on professional photography for its high ROI. Photographs are the most solid marketing medium available, as well as the least expensive; with them small business can create a unique, quality brand and expand their marketing campaign capabilities.

The next step is to find an experienced and quality professional photographer that specializes in working locally or remotely with small businesses. Miceli Productions, LLC is located in Southington, CT and provides commercial photography and video production services to clients across the U.S. and locally in the New England area. If interested in learning more please contact us today.

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17
May
2017
A professional portrait is a valuable business asset
Posted On May 17, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

A professional portrait is a valuable business asset

Headshot, portraits and business photography by Miceli Productions. Hartford CT.

Dan Massucci in his office, photo for his new website. Photo by Miceli Productions.

Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution.” (Ansel Adams)

 

Crazy talented.
Outstanding personality.
Thinker of Big Ideas.
A visionary.

These are the qualities clients are looking for today. You know that you and your company fit the bill. And the first thing a prospective client may see is your portrait photo. Don’t let poor quality photos represent you or your organization. In lieu of face-to-face meetings, prospects glean their impressions about you and your business from social media sites and web pages — places that feature your business portrait.

When you need a business photo, a professional photographer is, hands down, the only way to go. Taking a great portrait is so much more than just having a good camera and getting you to smile. It’s all about your attitude, the angles, how you’re standing and being able to elicit and capture the perfect facial expression — it’s all about light, color and having a great photographer!  A professional photograph is a powerful tool, and a well staged image is an opportunity to tell your story and develop a connection with the folks you do business with. The best photographers get you to present yourself in a way that will captures leads and close sales.

Portrait of Elaine Mobley, participant in Having Their Say, a discussion between young and elder black women from Hartford, CT in partnership with Hartford Stage.

Professional photography is key to the success of a business and crucial in building relationships. Having high quality photographs in corporate directories, marketing materials, and on websites project a positive image and highlight professionalism.

When an image is just right, the picture will be the perfect combination of technology and artistry; the finished photo, a testament to credibility and competence.

Headshot Portrait by Miceli Productions Photography Hartford CT for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Agent

Portrait for real estate agent, Darcy Sledge. Photo by Miceli Productions.

It doesn’t matter if you are climbing the corporate ladder, sitting at the top, or a savvy entrepreneur, career advancement depends on having a pristine professional reputation and appearance.  A single picture can make or break your professional image. To be perceived in a positive light, invest in yourself.

Invest in a business portrait by an experienced photographer, and consider it money well spent.

Publicity photos speak volumes about your professional image. Competition is tough these days. Turn up the volume! Display photos that showcase the professionalism of your company and highlight your personal commitment to excellence.  A professional photographer understands how to make your presence come to life. When you appear approachable, you’re more likely to have people reach out to you, your services, and your company. Don’t trust an amateur with your career.

Professional Portrait, Business Portrait by Miceli Productions Photography. Hartford CT, New Haven CT.

Professional portrait for MyEyeDr.com. Photo by Miceli Productions.

We live in a visual world.

An experienced corporate photographer will produce headshots or portraits that emphasizes your best features, and elude to your character. Your photo appears at the top of online profiles, web sites and publications. See those opportunities as MORE than a chance to make a good impression, make those visuals your personal brand. You know it’s commonplace for prospective colleagues or clients to “check you out” online. Announce that you are a consummate professional. Show them exactly who you are and what you look like. Capture those new business opportunities.

Professional publications and social media platforms used for business are not the place for amateur photography. If you want to be taken seriously, don’t just crop that pic of yourself with your kids at the beach. Revamp your online presence. Update all your social media sites, marketing materials, business cards, bio pages and your resume.

Remember to keep current, too! Ideally, headshots and professional portraits should be updated every few years. Portray an accurate depiction of who you are now (not what you looked like years ago).

What does your current business photo say about you? If you are ready to have it say more, contact us. Serving Southington CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bristol CT, Cheshire CT, Meriden CT, New Britain CT.

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09
Mar
2017
4 Things You Should Expect From Your Commercial Photographer
Posted On March 9, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

4 Things You Should Expect From Your Commercial Photographer

If you run a business, particularly one with products and other material goods to sell, it is inevitable that you will need to recruit the professional services of a commercial photographer. And when it comes time for you to have your products photographed, you naturally want a photographer that knows how to give you everything you need in order to see your business thrive. In this post, we will uncover the four things you should expect for your commercial photography experience and what should come out of that experience.
Lifestyle product photography

A lifestyle product photography image for Apogee and Sennheiser by Miceli Productions PHOTO + VIDEO.

Easier And More Effective Ways to Promote Your Business/Services/Products

Investing in professional commercial photography means adding more to your promotional arsenal. Once you receive professional images of the products or other professional materials you needed photographed, you are free to use those images in countless ways. The photos will enhance your social media marketing strategy, email marketing campaign and newsletter, website, brochures, signage, and other pieces marketing literature.

A Stronger Brand Identity

Impeccable, professional images of your business, staff members, products, or other components of your company will have an immediate and positive effect of your brand. Image is an important aspect of business (especially sales and establishing trust with your target audience) and will be a part of your brand identity. Those images allow you to provide the public with a better sense of what your business is, what it does, and what it has to offer them.

Estate and jewelry photography by Miceli Productions, Hartford, CT.

Photo by Miceli Productions PHOTO + VIDEO.

Better Images Mean Better Sales Potential

Think about the last time you were online shopping as you saw a stunning product that immediately caught your attention and impressed you. What was the image of it like? Was the photo blurry or poorly lit? Did you notice what angles of the product were taken? Commercial photography of any kind is much more effective when done by a professional, specifically when it comes to photography of products. Whether you are a huge corporation, fashion line, or small Etsy shop, if you want to have better sales, you need to have the best images. Humans are visual creatures; they are instantly attracted to thing that look good. Even if you have a great product, if it’s photographed poorly, that will make consumers think the product isn’t good enough.

Brand photography by Miceli Productions PHOTO + VIDEO, serving Hartford CT and New Haven CT.

Photo by Miceli Productions PHOTO + VIDEO.

A Better Presentation of Your Unique Qualities

It goes without saying that even businesses with the same basic qualities are all unique. No matter how similar they may seem, no two businesses are alike. Recognizing your business is unlike any other is an opportunity to draw out all of your unique qualities. A professional photographer will help you identify those unique qualities and capture them through stunning commercial photography.

If you opt for free or cheap stock photos to upload on your website or marketing literature rather than having photos of your actual commercial space or your products photographed, you are robbing yourself of the opportunity to show off your unique qualities. If you are stumped on what ways you can engage your target audience with unique images, there is no need to worry! A talented commercial photographer will come prepared with plenty of ideas on ways to capture the attention of potential customers through your company photos.

Want to learn more about the benefits of commercial photography? Don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team specializes in commercial photography and video production for many different types of clients. Whether your need a commercial space or product line photographed or stunning video content for your branding strategy, we are here to help you achieve your goal.

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08
Feb
2017
Commercial Photography Can Benefit Your Dance Studio
Posted On February 8, 2017  By Jennifer Blessing Miceli  And has No Comment

Commercial Photography Can Benefit Your Dance Studio

Are you a dance studio looking to grow your business? If so, it’s high time you look into professional photography for your studio. Commercial photography is one of the number one ways to increase your visibility and get the word out about your business. Why aren’t you taking advantage of this opportunity?

Judy Dworin Dance Ensemble, Photo by Miceli Productions. Hartford, CT.

Judy Dworin Dance Ensemble, Photo by Miceli Productions

Judy Dworin Dance Ensemble, Photo by Miceli Productions. Hartford, CT.

Judy Dworin Dance Ensemble, Photo by Miceli Productions

Below, we answer some common questions about why and how to get and use some awesome professional images in order to pull more people into your studio. Read on for a good idea of what professional photography has to offer your dance studio, how to get the very best images possible, and how to use those images to your advantage.

Two woman dancers in early American clothes tossing aprons in the air. Judy Dworin Dance Ensemble, Photo by Miceli Productions. Hartford, CT.

Judy Dworin Dance Ensemble, Photo by Miceli Productions

Why should I use professional photography to promote my dance studio?

Images draw the eye. A brochure, website, or billboard with a photo is much more likely to pull in the attention of your desired audience than one without an image. However, using a poorly shot photo for this purpose can put your business in a bad light, causing you to lose potential customers.

Judy Dworin Performance Project Lighthouse in rehearsal, Photo by Miceli Productions. Hartford, CT.

Rehearsal photos for Judy Dworin Dance Ensemble, Photo by Miceli Productions.

Instead of using amateur snapshots, set up a time to have a professional photographer take some photos of your dancers in action. These pictures will draw people into your promotion by showing them exactly what the results of studying at your studio can be.

How should I have my dancers prepare for a professional photo shoot?

To begin with, choose only a few of your very best dancers. The better the dancers are, the more likely you are to get excellent shots that show off the technique your studio strives to instill. Additionally, smaller groups of dancers and solo dancers are more likely to photograph well.

Judy Dworin Performance Project Lighthouse in rehearsal. Photo by Miceli Productions. Hartford, CT

Rehearsal photos for Judy Dworin Dance Ensemble, Photo by Miceli Productions.

Instruct your chosen models to come to the shoot wearing what they would wear in a performance, with hair pulled back nicely and makeup on. Discuss with them the dances, combinations, and movements they will be doing in the shoot and make sure they know to use their very best technique throughout.

What is the ideal location for a dance photo shoot?

This is something you will want to discuss with your photographer. In general, outdoor photo shoots can make use of sunlight to come out looking very crisp and natural. Outdoor shoots are challenging due to weather concerns and scheduling rain dates.

For this reason, it is best to discuss the photo shoot location with your photographer and decide on a solution together. This could mean finding an outdoor location with a nice flat surface, it might mean taking your dancers to the studio of your photographer, or it may even mean the photographer visits your studio or rehearsal space and brings equipment.

How should I use the professional images once I have them?

Professional images of your dancers can be used in a variety of ways. Put them together into a slideshow to be used on your website or in a TV advertisement. Use one on a local billboard, or include one or two awesome images in a magazine ad. Because professional images are of the highest quality, they can be used to advertise in almost any way imaginable and will always leave your studio looking professional and well-presented.

Don’t wait. Book an appointment and get started. Contact us today for more information!

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