I have yet to see an article in the mainstream that addresses an important functional component to branding—photography.
“Wes, why is that?” I’m glad you asked that question Wes…to be honest, I really don’t know. What I can tell you is that I discovered this important aspect of branding while discovering my emerging passion for still photography.
My inspiration for making the dive into still photography took place last year as my childhood friend and business partner Frank Jules of Merazile Entertainment, approached me about helping he and his wife Sally take photos of potential modeling prospects.
The modeling prospect I had the first opportunity to help shoot was my own referral, Aleah Eggleston.
Let me rewind and share with you that I’ve been a videographer-in-training at a local Adventist church in Baltimore [Miracle Temple, 2004-2009]–that experience led me to realize my creative potential which manifested in a skillset that is categorized…
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I have yet to see an article in the mainstream that addresses an important functional component to branding—photography.
“Wes, why is that?” I’m glad you asked that question Wes…to be honest, I really don’t know. What I can tell you is that I discovered this important aspect of branding while discovering my emerging passion for still photography.
My inspiration for making the dive into still photography took place last year as my childhood friend and business partner Frank Jules of Merazile Entertainment, approached me about helping he and his wife Sally take photos of potential modeling prospects.
The modeling prospect I had the first opportunity to help shoot was my own referral, Aleah Eggleston.
Let me rewind and share with you that I’ve been a videographer-in-training at a local Adventist church in Baltimore [Miracle Temple, 2004-2009]–that experience led me to realize my creative potential which manifested in a skillset that is categorized today as photography.
Most photographers start out with still and graduate to video–my experience happened in reverse. My passion for being behind the camera, particularly still-photography, has exploded within the past year.
Photography was my epiphany into understanding the value of visual imagery in branding. The photo shoot with Aleah engaged my creative senses and helped me to realize that there is so much power in an image–and that right image can set the stage for how you or your business is perceived in the marketplace.
The old adage, ” A picture is worth a thousand words” bears merit in that the right image can be the single most important factor in making the RIGHT first impression to a prospective customer.
For example, in the social media business world, there is a network called LinkedIn. One of the most important assets that define and declare an individual’s identity on the LinkedIn platform is the profile picture.
Since LinkedIn is an online business networking forum, one needs to consider and carefully think about the effect he/she or shme will have from a presentation perspective. Race or gender should not be a factor if you are serious about business, therefore own your identity and put your best foot forwad with a professional headshot [a term used in photography that captures your persona from the top of your shoulders to the top of your head].
If you have not yet done so, please give some thought to your collateral, brochures, folders, annual reports, profiles and images that you produce for marketing/promotional purposes. Make sure that the image or visual impression represents your brand.
Whether your business is worth billions or just starting out, the principle remains the same—the visual representations of your brand are triggered by either a photographer who produced marketable positive images acquired by your marketing person or team, or can be carefully crafted with a conversation with a great photographer<hint, wink>— your efforts in that regard may produce results you may never be able to fully quantify or measure…the potential of your future success may rest on this effort.
“And what credentials do you have that qualify you to make such a bold hypothesis on photography and branding Wes?” Wes, I’m glad you asked that question too…you see, my qualifications are unique. I am merely a visible spec from the perspect of the cosmos some of us label as The Universe.
The brain that I’ve been given has an amazing ability to stimulate creative activity that can manifest itself in a number of ways…ideas, products, joy, laughter, fear, hope, love, anger, you name it…my tiny little brain is the source of all the activities, feelings and behaviors that have manifested in real life–in my life.
I must apologize I can’t speak for anyone else, since I have to rely on the brain that I’ve been given to use and engage in human activity. I have an amazing amount of energy and activity that processes through this brain of mine on a daily basis.
I was able to successfully engage in school, overcome my French accent[born of two amazing Haitian immigrants] in the first grade and master English , thanks to my father’s investment in children’s books, visits to the Big Apple and the television. The Electric Company, Sesame Street, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, Charlie Brown, and a host of other creative projects that stimulated my brain’s activity.
While growing up, I was able to engage in many social functions that included church, sports, spelling bees, fashion shows, trade shows, investments, business ventures, musical groups, concerts, parties, sex, travel, exercise etc.
My first branding epiphany was when I successfully pitched a branded concept to Federated Department Stores back in 1999. Upon accepting an invite to my business partners, we were told that they had the perception that we were already in stores…and were ready to buy.
I am uniquely qualified to speak on such creative things because my unique life experiences have triggered and transformed me into a perpetual creative machine. As long as I continue to breathe, my qualifications will remain relevant to whatever I see, experience, perceive and create.
My qualifications can be summed up in really one word—ENERGY.
If one harnesses the energy that they possess—a body, a fully functional brain [psychiatric evaluation may be required], that one individual is literally able to transform their immediate surroundings—the world– at least the way the world is perceived in the eyes of those who are also still breathing. In business, perception is MONUMENTAL. I hope that at this point I have met and exceeded the qualifications of those who have interest in perpetuating the success of their business by reading this unique perspective produced by my brain’s activity.
“Besides branding, why are you so passionate about photography Wes?”
Great question, Wes! For me, photography allows for me to capture the essense of life and energy–in all aspects, shapes and forms. If I take the right image at the right time with the right lighting and circumstances, the image will not only be worth a thousand words…it could literally mean millions of dollars to the company that harnesses the value of photography and incorporates it into it’s brand strategy.
Stock photography has its place, however, the more time and energy you spend into personalizing your brand image could mean the difference between moderate success and significant market penetration—or better yet, disruptive innovation[I got an A in Marketing at Morgan State…I KNOW I’m qualified to exercise my creative skills and produce results].
After all, we are a race of beings that thrive on sight and vision. That sight and vision feeds perception…do I need to repeat myself re: perception in business? Let’s talk about how the creative energy in my little brain can strengthen or enhance your brand’s visibility and success in the marketplace…;-) Happy Thanksgiving!
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Wes Guerrier is the Creative Director for Red River, LLC, a brand marketing, creative services & communications firm based in Maryland. He can be reached via the following online and social media outlets:
Twitter: @redriverllc
Web: http://www.redriverllc.net
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/wesleyguerrier
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/redriverllc
Photography: http://wesguerrier.photoshelter.com
How many times have you tried to make a call, access the internet, or play a song…and realize that your digital device has run out of power…and to make matters worse, you didn’t carry a power chord or charger? Up until recently, your options were limited. If it’s a business call, the pain of power loss is a tad bit difficult to digest.
You’re not alone. Finally, there’s hope… small enough to fit in your pocket.
Ecosol Technologies of Ottawa, Ontario has introduced three tiny but practical tools aptly branded, the PowerStick, PowerShot and PowerTrip. In a nutshell, they’re small portable usb-powered chargers that eliminate the need for bulky wall chargers, replacing them with one convenient power source.These chargers, with an optional custom branded logo imprint, represent the ultimate corporate gift for new hires, key clients, vendors and/or partners. Brand marketers are all clamoring for the first-to-gift position for these hot new gadgets.
PowerStick and PowerShot both work best when your mobile devices need a quick emergency power boost. PowerStick is available with optional 2, 4 or 8GB of memory.
We’re talking portable “juice” for mobile phones, PDAs, iPods, iPads, tablets, cameras, etc., small enough to fit on your keychain or in your pocket or purse. When you’re out of power, simply connect your device with the supplied adapter, press the power button on the charger and you’re back in business!
PowerTrip provides a full charge for all digital devices (per Ecosol, it can charge up to 5 Blackberries).
The folks at Ecosol have also done their homework in making sure they’ve covered the spectrum of adapters to fit most of the popular mobile devices on the market. PowerStick comes with 6 connectors. No worries if you’re an iPad, iPhone, Droid, Google, tablet or Blackberry user – you’re covered!
Ecosol recently grabbed the attention of the tech world and was selected to receive the designation of CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards honoree. This recognition was due to the universal applicability and innovation of the PowerTrip & PowerStick chargers.
The PowerTrip, the largest of the three chargers, is about the size of a container of Ice Breakers (perfectly powerful mints). It powers itself in three ways: solar panel, usb & ac adapter are all packed in this tiny case. Compact, sexy cool and practical – what a combination!
PowerTrip is available with 4, 8 or 16GB of memory. PowerTrip and PowerShot include mini-usb, micro-usb and Apple connectors. What’s in your pocket?
redriverllc 