This week’s Brand Photography Series: Collaborations. As photographers, we often think of small business collaborations happening mostly in the wedding industry with various vendors. The Brand Photography genre is very similar in small business owners collaborating. When small businesses work together, we grow together. That’s one of the things I love MOST about the branding part of my business.

For this shoot, Tara Powell, who is the broker for her Remax team of agents brought in a stylist, Abby Young, and her Cabi closet. Then I brought in Sarah Simpson of Essential Beauty for lashes. And we shot at a gorgeous venue, Carolina Home and Garden. Sooo many fabulous business owners took part in making this shoot happen. We all so enjoyed working together…and as the photographer, it’s a joy to be the connector.

As we begin to plan out our clients’ sessions, begin thinking of ways to build in those connections between local businesses. I’ve found that once we all collaborate, new relationships are forged. And when I say collaborate…I don’t mean like a styled shoot. We are all paying one another because we value the services and products we are all bringing to the table. In supporting one another, we all not only stay in business…but we can grow together!!

There are so many ways that we can be the connectors for these small businesses that we work with.

Let’s take a look at ways that we can be the connectors for other small business owners:

-florists: pick up a bouquet or several arrangements from a local flower shop

-hair and makeup artists: so many of my clients have gone on to build relationships and become lasting clients of the ladies I work with on shoots

-local airbnbs: if a client doesn’t have a home that is ideal to shoot in, connect with a local airbnb. Rent it for just the day or offer up images from the shoot as payment

-local venues or coffee shops: ask for an hour or two hours of shooting time at local venues or coffee shops. Make sure you tag them when possible to spread the word about their location.

-boutiques and clothing stores: if a client is wearing something specific, make sure you remind them to tag the owners. We all appreciate the shout outs! And if they need help styling, send them to your fave boutique or store or ask if there are any stylists in your area that you could connect with.

-products or services that are made locally that you could use in your shoots that are on brand for your client. Shop owners would probably be more than willing to assist in getting you what you needed for a shoot.

-if you have a full day shoot and you want to order lunch in…utilize your favorite local restaurant and give them a thank you in your instagram stories for a lovely lunch for you and your client

-as we are creating the brand visuals for clients, they begin to think about their content and social media…you could connect them with a social media manager or coach that you know could help them.

-if you have a client that could really use some coaching or business education in a certain area, share your favorite educators with them that have been helpful to you.

Now you’ve just gone from a photographer they’ve hired to a valuable resource that cheers on others and supports so many other small businesses!! Be a connector in your local and online spaces. Share the talents of those you love to work with, with those you are working so hard to serve!!!