New jersey and hudson valley wedding photographer specializing in mountaintop, vineyard, estate, barn and mansion weddings
welcome entrepreneur!
Here you will find all my info about brand sessions-my philosophy, featured galleries, testimonials, publications, my process and investment info. I'm so glad you're here!
At the end of the day, my mission is simple. I want your brand story to shine because I believe that everyone, and every business, has a story to tell. I want you to be confident in the prices you charge and the work you create because you are a fearless creative and your work stands out as it should. You are an artist with big dreams to chase and your work deserves to be showcased beautifully. I believe your business should have images that not only represent what products and services your business provides, but ones that showcase the heart, the behind the scenes, and the passion behind why you do what you do.
As a creative entrepreneur, we hear it everywhere we go. “You need to have a great brand!” And there’s a reason for this. Your brand is essentially the heart of your business, and great brands not only tell great stories, but they attract or repel your dream clients as well. Over the last year, going through the rebranding process myself, I’ve learned that my brand is so much more than my website design or my logo or the colors and font I use. It’s my entire customer experience from the first time they see my website, to the first email I send a potential client all the way down to our last interaction. My brand represents the people I want to work with [fearless creatives and contagiously happy people who want to celebrate the process and lifestyle of the business they are passionate about].
you are fearlessly creative, a big dreamer, and ready to share your passion with the world
Brand Photography that celebrates the process and lifestyle of creatives entrepreneurs and contagiously happy people.
Art by Megan
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Brand Lifestyle Showcase
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Ponderosa and Thyme Floral Design
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Stephanie Williamson
Brand Designer
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Product Showcase
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Murphy's Sweet Dreams Baking
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Red Oak Weddings
Wedding Blog
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Rousseau Studio
Interior Designer
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Miki Foto
Photographer, Educator
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"It's an incredible feeling not having to scrounge the interwebs for images that might look like my brand or having to purchase stock images for everything."
As a brand and website designer, I know how important images and a consistent aesthetic is for a business. As I was planning the launch of my website, I knew I needed images that represented me and my business to a T and while I love using stock images at times, I wanted exclusive images that were solely mine. Laura and I worked together to come up with an overall strategy for my brand shoot - discussing which props would be best, different location ideas and how the day would flow. Having a plan and getting our ducks in a row before the shoot allowed us to hit the ground running and knock it out of the park! I'm SO in love with the images Laura captured because they truly represent who I am and the heart of my business. I use them across all channels and platforms including my website, Instagram, Facebook, content upgrades, ebooks, etc. It's an incredible feeling not having to scrounge the interwebs for images that might look like my brand or having to purchase stock images for everything. To anyone thinking about doing a brand shoot - it's worth the investment 100000% and Laura is the girl to call. So grateful for her expertise and beautiful talent!
stephanie williamson
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"Laura is one of the best investments I have made in my business."
Laura is one of the best investments I have made in my business. As a fellow photographer, I was picky about who I could trust to express my story in visuals. Laura fulfilled all of my expectations from the very start during the strategic process to the very end, managing all the details of a well executed shoot. She was able to capture the different layers of my business including my personality and my passion. Since the shoot, I have proudly shared the images on my website, social media and across all my marketing platforms. I have seen a rise in inquiries, speaking engagements, client bookings and overall, feel so much more confident. I am so glad we worked together. She really has the business side and creative storytelling mastered.
miki foto
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"From the moment we met Laura, we knew that we wanted her to be a part of our day, not just as our photographer, but as a friend."
I interviewed a few different photographers once I was ready to invest in a brand photo shoot. Laura stood out to me right away with her quick responses and personalized approach. I knew she would give this project her all and her excitement made ME excited for something that I was a bit nervous and hesitant for. On the day of the photo shoot Laura went above and beyond. She worked quickly and efficiently to capture all my "looks" for headshots and all the product shots. I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to wrap up so quickly. The process was actually FUN! After I received my photos I knew for certain that I made the right decision to go with Laura and invest in a brand photoshoot. These high quality images of myself and my product gave me confidence and truly elevated my brand. I would highly recommend Laura to any entrepreneur, maker, or business owner.
bridal boost
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"Laura just let me be me and captured it beautifully. She picked up on my natural personality instantly and knew how to bring out the "real me"."
Laura and I met and knew instantly that we had a connection as creatives and friends. She's incredibly talented, passionate, kind, and hilariously fun and goofy, so it was a match made in heaven!
Her style is free, natural and artistic. As an artist, I wasn't intimidated by the experience of doing this session with her nor was I self conscious while "posing". Laura just let me be me and captured it beautifully. She picked up on my natural personality instantly and knew how to bring out the "real me". I do not love having my photo taken in general and am often really picky about how I look when forced to smile, but with Laura we were just chatting and laughing the entire time!
Her talents are many, but what was evident most during out session was that Laura believes in creatives who are following their passion. She seeks to bring our stories to the forefront and show the world how beautiful it is to follow a dream doing something you love. I'm so very happy that I invested in my session with Laura and cannot wait to see where this amazing journey takes her!
art by megan
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"I felt like she really understood my heart and was genuinely interested in my story as an artist."
Shooting with Laura was a delight. We woke up early in the morning and walked through the meadow. While we walked Laura put me at ease as she asked me about my life, snapping photos as we went. We laughed a lot, talked and shared stories and I honestly forgot I was in front of the camera most of the time. At the end of the session we sat under a giant tree and we took in the beauty that is Ireland.
It was a precious time, and although I'd only known Laura briefly she felt like an old friend. I felt like she really understood my heart and was genuinely interested in my story as an artist. Ireland was a place of great growth for me personally and when Laura sent over the photos of our session all of the emotions and memories of my time there came rushing back. She had captured me, in my element wonderfully and I will cherish the photos and the memory of my time with Laura forever.
ponderosa and thyme
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Laura became more than just a photographer. She asked hard questions about my ideal client, what image I wanted my brand to portray, what audience I was targeting... all so she could immerse herself in the brand and see if from my perspective.
Laura was a big part of the dream for my business, long before she ever photographed my brand. What started as an idea that I quickly extinguished in my mind, slowly developed into a dream much bigger than I could tackle on my own. Laura became more than just a photographer. She asked hard questions about my ideal client, what image I wanted my brand to portray, what audience I was targeting... all so she could immerse herself in the brand and see if from my perspective. To say I love our brand photography would be a huge understatement. Laura not only perfectly captured the aesthetic of Red Oak Weddings, but also made the process FUN.
red oak weddings
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"When the time came to revamp our own e-commerce website, it was a no-brainer to collaborate with Laura again!"
I was so thrilled when my bride Kaylin told me she was working with Laura. I had already known of her work and was thrilled to learn that our designs were going to be captured by such a talented photographer. Since then, we have been able to collaborate a few times, and each time, I am more and more impressed with Laura’s talent, devotion to her client and professionalism. When the time came to revamp our own e-commerce website, it was a no-brainer to collaborate with Laura again! If ever a bride or another creative business asks me for a photographer, never hesitate to recommend Laura Lee Creative!
blue jasmine floral design
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1. why it's important
the process
First impressions are critical to small business owners whether it’s in person or on your web presence and that is where brand photography comes in. Studies show that you only have a 7 second window to make a first impression, and if I’m being honest, I think that’s generous. When I go on a website, I determine my impression of the business immediately. The second the homepage loads I make a decision of whether or not they’re someone I might want to work with or refer my clients to work with. Your business needs to look professional. Your website should be clean and easy to navigate and your clients should know right away what you offer. If your pictures (or lack of pictures) don’t represent your products and services well, chances are you’re already losing potential clients and you will not be able to charge a premium for your services.
Next: The Questionnaire
2. the questionnaire
the process
Together, we create branding and marketing images that tell your business’ unique story and connect you to your dream clients. Professional brand images will elevate how your audience perceives your business and connect them in an emotional way to your offerings. We start out with a detailed questionnaire about your brand. What is heart behind your business? What do you want your clients to feel when they come to your website? What sets you apart? What parts of your personality are in your brand? What adjectives would you use to describe your style and aesthetic? Who is your dream client? What makes your brand’s heart set on fire? Do you offer products or just services?
Next: Brand Vibe
3. brand vibe and strategy
the process
After the questionnaire is filled out, the fun begins! From here, we gather a clear direction for your shoot so we represent you and your brand in a way that speaks to your dream clients, sets you apart from competitors, and helps you make more money by showcasing your work in a beautifully authentic and aesthetic way. After a Pinterest deep dive, we design mood boards and shot lists together to ensure we create the images that speak to you and your brand. From there, we'll start developing a strategy for the day of your session - from timelines, to how many looks, to what products we'll shoot and more.
Next: Define Your Process
4. define your process
the process
One of my favorite things about working with brands is documenting the process behind the art. After we figure out the vibe of your shoot, I'll have you walk me through your creative process so we can incorporate this into your session. In a world that focuses so much on the finished product, when we can showcase the work and the passion behind the scenes, we connect with our audience on a much deeper level, and in turn, build brand loyalty and trust with our dream clients. Showcasing your process not only inspires your audience but helps showcase your heart and your brand message in an authentic way allowing you to attract more clients and charge more for your services.
Next: Style and Prep
5. style and prep
the process
Some of the things that really have the ability to pull together an amazing shoot is fashion styling and professional hair and makeup. It's important that what you wear reflects your brand and "it's" style as well, so I'm happy to pair you up with a stylist, or give my opinion on outfit changes before the shoot! You can change your outfit as many times as our contract time allows to get multiple "looks". I also recommend chatting with a hair and make up artist (whom I can also recommend) so you can find a style that reflects you, your brand, and what you're trying to get across to your audience. Tight top bun and blazer? Confident, professional, girl boss. Fish tail braid and a sweater? Welcoming, intimate, girl next door. See what I mean?
Next: The Day of Your Session
6. the day of your session
the process
The day of the session will be SO MUCH fun. This is when all our hard work pulls together, and we make your brand SHINE! I recommend getting professional hair and make up done before your session (which is included in certain brand packages, or can be done on your own) and then we'll get to work! While the packages offer a variety of different services, I love taking headshots, product shots, and process shots of you working through your creative process. Basically, we're trying to tell a STORY.
Next: Gallery Delivery
7. gallery delivery
the process
After your session, when all your edits are complete, you will receive an online gallery of every image that I think makes the cut! It’s my goal to get you your images quickly, so you can start using them online to elevate your brand right away. I deliver approximately 50 photos per hour of coverage for brand sessions. From this gallery, you will be able to share your images with friends and family, download to your computer, share to social media and order prints. You’ll receive a PIN code to download your images and I encourage you to pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy relishing in the beauty of your new brand image!!
Next: Ready to Book?
8. say hello!
the process
I would LOVE to chat with you about your business and your vision for your brand and how we can work together to make you stand out from the crowd with images that truly reflect what's in your heart for your business! Click the contact button below to get the process started!
Contact
You are a creative entrepreneur or small business owner.
You want to reach your ideal clients.
You feel that your current pictures don’t represent you or your business well.
You’re confident in your work but can’t seem to close a sale.
Your business doesn’t have a cohesive image.
Your social media presence and message are lacking good images.
You’re ready to invest in yourself for a change.
Your business has a heart and mission bigger than yourself.
You believe in community over competition.
You have big dreams and are a fearless creative who is confident in their work and can’t wait for the world to see what you have to offer.
You’re ready and willing to stand out.
You create products and services that are high quality that you put heart and soul into.
Your business sets your heart on fire and you love going to “work” every day.
Your business inspires people and improves the lives of your dream clients and makes the world a happier place.
You are slowly leaving a business legacy that you are proud of.
You understand and value good brand photography but aren’t sure how showcase your products and services well.
Your iPhone pictures just aren’t cutting it anymore.
You barely have any pictures of your work on your website and your clients can’t tell what you do.
You are a maker and love supporting other small businesses.
You believe and love the process of art and design and are excited to bring your clients into this aspect of your business.
You are in the lifestyle industry [Artists, Makers, Weddings, Food, Design, Interiors, Travel]
SOMETHING HAD TO CHANGE.
So, in 2016, at the height of stress and desperation I got serious about workflow and systems for my upcoming wedding season. And something incredible happened—
I suddenly had hundreds of hours of my life back to spend with my favorite people and I wasn’t exhausted or anxious anymore. Even more incredibly, my business didn’t suffer at all—in fact, it did the opposite: I doubled my income.
Because of the systems I had designed and implemented, I was able to cut my delivery time for client galleries down by 600%. This resulted in overjoyed clients referring me to all their friends.
From client referrals alone that year, I booked over $60,000 in extra income.
So naturally, I started talking (to anyone who would listen) nonstop about workflow, systems, and productivity (hey, when something works, you want to rave about it,) and soon was known as the expert among my circle of friends and fellow creatives. I would have people over to sit by my firepit and discuss how to implement all of these things that had saved my business (and frankly, my relationships).
This is where Laura Lee Creative was born.
Yes, around my favorite place - my firepit.
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This endeavor exists to empower photographers and creative entrepreneurs with the tools, resources and education they need to build a profitable business and fulfilling life.
So here’s to less work and more life...which turns out to be one of the best adventures of all.
Whether that’s more brunch dates, more trips across the globe, more days off, more spontaneity, more time with your family, or more time for self-care. All of these things do not have to go by the wayside just because you’re chasing a dream. Instead they can be part of the dream.
I want in!
FREEBIES
Yes, please!
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Tell me more!
THE FIREPIT SESSIONS
This endeavor exists to empower photographers and creative entrepreneurs with the tools, resources and education they need to build a profitable business and fulfilling life.
So here’s to less work and more life...which turns out to be one of the best adventures of all.
Whether that’s more brunch dates, more trips across the globe, more days off, more spontaneity, more time with your family, or more time for self-care. All of these things do not have to go by the wayside just because you’re chasing a dream. Instead they can be part of the dream.