The first weekend we moved to Longview I made a bee line for downtown. Having never been, I was curious what it would look like. Midland's downtown had just undergone some big improvements and was a good size. I must have been expecting something similar when I came here. There were dark ominous clouds billowing overhead and the wind was picking up, so my line of sight was sometimes impaired.
I was able to drive to the top of the only usable parking garage by accident. I say that because I intended to go back with the amazing metallic green 1955 Dodge last month, but there was an arm at the entrance that prevented me from driving that way. I contacted the property management about getting a pass for my Personal Branding Session, but the nice lady I spoke with informed me that no one is supposed to go to the top as insurance is not okay with that. Whoops. I was able to take a couple of images that first day, but will probably not ever be able to again.
From the top of the garage I could see a tall office building right across from it. Its image reflected in the water puddles. Adjacent from it was an abandoned office building that has old thick glass block windows in places. The overgrowth makes it ideal for all kinds of images. My website's home screen is a client in front of that building.
As I walked the streets avoiding getting wet initially and then standing out in it to capture the Main Street clock with the dark gray clouds surrounding it, I didn't look around much to realize that downtown needs some attention. Many of the offices sit vacant and several of them need to be renovated completely. There are lots of plaques telling the history of Longview, which I stopped to read most of. Being from Kansas it was interesting to know the Dalton Gang had a stay over here.
One block of Fredonia had an office space for rent. I peeked in and imagined what having that location for my studio might look like. Then I walked to the next space and saw a nicely decorated office. Y'all it was clean, bright, and vintage modern. A dark green couch in the waiting area - it was calling my name. I know because I could hear it over the pelting rain. lol I knew then and there that I would be in touch with whoever ran Sugar Magnolia Properties because I wanted to shoot that space! Oddly enough, I had read almost every magazine or advertisement about the area I could get my hands on staying those first couple of weeks in a hotel. Charm's cover image that month was Melanie Northcutt Crocker, the owner of Sugar Magnolia Properties.
Fast forward two months and I found out that she is over The Young Professionals of Longview. It's an organization that offers community service days along with other networking activities and events. I had spoken to Melanie via social media about finding a non-profit where youth transition out of foster care after a certain age; D.O.R.S. I am a giver and I was hoping to give those youth needing headshots for their LinkedIn profiles, something to use. I will be meeting with them very soon.
Back to Melanie. We met at a YPL event. Just watching her I could see that people like to be around her. She's as kind and genuine as can be. I was comfortable talking with, as if we'd already known one another. When I phoned her later and told her that I was needing to build my portfolio here she was happy to accept my offer.
I need people to know that I'm niche. My specialty is not everything, though I have shot almost every portrait session imaginable, weddings, and business magazine ads. What I specialize in is business photography.
Business photography includes headshots, events, and personal stock photography, but my goal is to transition to Personal Branding Photography 100%. For now, I do enjoy taking items and making personal stock images for businesses and entrepreneurs to use on their websites and social media accounts. Getting to know people along the journey is the best part.
I'll keep talking up Personal Branding Photography as it's the story of YOU. You really are what sets your brand apart. While a headshot shows them your winning smile and personal stock photography shows the special items you have, each of your stories combined with those things makes you relatable. And that's what makes you unique. Essentially, Your Brand is Unique!
Allow me the opportunity to show you that I can help you connect with your ideal clients by showing them who You really are!
To offer my appreciation to you for taking the time to read this blog post, enjoy $50.00 off any session! Take your pick between
- Personal Branding Session
- Headshots
- Personal Stock Photography
- Commercial Work
- An Event
Simply contact me and mention this blog post to receive your gift!
Blessings,
Zoe
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