Personal Branding and Headshot Phototgraphy

How Will AI Affect the Business Of Headshot Photography?

August 27, 2025 By Deb Wesley

Will AI replace Human-created headshots?

After ten years behind the camera, I’ve watched a lot change in the portrait world — but this question keeps popping up lately.

The short answer? Maybe… but only for the kinds of images that don’t really matter.

There are industries where a visual presence is--well--an afterthought so to speak. This is a business where a quick, AI-generated headshot might be “good enough.”

Think placeholders. Generic bios. No connection required.

But the work I do? The people I work with? Not for them. But let's explore the difference in these two groups.

female executive at desk working on laptop

When There's Too Much At Syake

These entrepreneurs really are their brand. It’s too important to leave it up to an “artificial” photographer that will create a "fake".

I’m talking about realtors, doctors, coaches, attorneys, financial professionals, and other types of entrepreneurs — the kind of businesses where trust is everything and where the decision to work with someone is based just as much on who they are as what they do.

In those cases, a headshot isn’t just a picture, or even just a “first impression” (as important as that is). It’s the spark of connection. And it has to feel real.

AI can’t do that.

Here's An Example...

Let’s say you’re searching for a therapist for your teenager.

You start to search online. The profiles you see are not only flat and without personality…some are blurry or badly lit — clearly snapped in a hurry or on a phone. Others—maybe AI—they just look too perfect. Too polished. Like a stock photo trying too hard!

None of them make you feel good about reaching out.

You’re looking for a warm, welcoming face—a human who is grounded and looks like she can help you and you can talk to about a pretty serious need.

That’s what intentional, skillful photography delivers. It's the power of a well-crafted , authentic headshot or personal branding portrait in an AI-saturated (already!) world.

Male client in studio with black background

2/3 boby brsnding male wioth black backgound

When You Need More Than A Headshot

You might step into a BRANDING photo session. It's taking the "know-you", "trust-you" and "like you" to a bigger level.

It's about capturing the many facets of YOU and your business. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Lifestyle Shots: What do you love to do? Where do you hang out? You might opt to incorporate your hobbies and interests into your photos to give your audience a glimpse into your world outside of work and business.You might sprinkle in shots of your pet, your spouse, your kids, depending on what you want to show to the world.
At Work/Behind the Scenes: Show your clients what it's like to work with you. Capture you in action, whether it's leading a workshop, creating your products, or brainstorming ideas. This can incorporate other people (models) to act as clients in our storyteller session option.
Tools of the Trade: Showcase the tools and equipment that help you do what you do best. These add a visual element that tells a story about your expertise.
Flatlays & Vignettes: These styled shots are perfect for social media and marketing materials. They're a creative way to showcase your products or services and add a touch of visual interest.

Remember, the goal is to create a collection of images that reflect your brand's unique personality and connect with your ideal clients. At our studio, we guide you through this sometimes-scary undertaking so you can finally have photos to use everywhere…on your website, in your social posts, on your profiles, and so much more.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PERSONAL BRANDING SESSIONS WITH DEB WESLEY

Get your free copy of “BRAND-YOU”

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How Will AI Affect the Business Of Headshot Photography?

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Beyond the Headshot: Capturing the Real You with a Personal Branding Photo Shoot

August 20, 2024 By Deb Wesley

Walking in a Client's Shoes

Your personal brand is like your professional fingerprint. it's what sets you apart and makes you memorable. It's a mix of your skills, your experience, and that unique spark that makes you YOU. It's not bragging! It IS about sharing your story and showcasing your strengths. Think of it as your chance to shine online,

Ready for a Branding Photo Shoot? Let’s Make it less Intimidating

Let’s face it, most of us aren’t exactly jumping for joy at the thought of a photoshoot. But in today’s business world, great photos are essential. They help you connect with your audience, show off your personality, and let your brand shine.

So, how do we turn a potentially awkward experience into something fun and fruitful? It all starts with YOU.

More than Just Business

Before I even pick up the camera, I’ll be looking for information from you. My questionnaire will have you thinking about this in more detail beyond “I need some new pictures” Then we’ll meet to create the session plan.

We'll talk about your business, of course, but also about YOU – what makes you tick, what lights you up, even your hobbies and quirks. This helps me understand how to capture the essence of your brand visually.

Location, Location, Location!

Where we shoot your photos sets the scene and tells a story about your business. The studio or your office MIGHT work… or maybe once we get into the nitty gritty, we’ll decide on a spot that better reflects your brand and ideal client. The point is to use a location that supports and enhances your story.

Wardrobe: Express Yourself

What you wear in your photos speaks volumes. We'll work together to choose outfits that not only represent your brand personality, but also your off-work personality. I don’t mean sweatpants…but a more casual look that flatters you.

A mix of formal and casual looks, along with a few accessories, can create a versatile image collection that feels natural and authentic.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PERSONAL BRANDING SESSIONS WITH DEB WESLEY

Variety is the Spice of...

A branding photoshoot is so much more than just a headshot. It's about capturing the many facets of YOU and your business. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Modern Headshots: These are essential, but they don't have to be boring! Let's capture your personality in a fun, engaging way with both traditional and more “unexpected” poses.
Lifestyle Shots: What do you love to do? Where do you hang out? You might opt to incorporate your hobbies and interests into your photos to give your audience a glimpse into your world outside of work and business.You might sprinkle in shots of your pet, your spouse, your kids, depending on what you want to show to the world.
At Work/Behind the Scenes: Show your clients what it's like to work with you. Capture you in action, whether it's leading a workshop, creating your products, or brainstorming ideas. This can incorporate other people (models) to act as clients in our storyteller session option.
Tools of the Trade: Showcase the tools and equipment that help you do what you do best. These add a visual element that tells a story about your expertise.
Flatlays & Vignettes: These styled shots are perfect for social media and marketing materials. They're a creative way to showcase your products or services and add a touch of visual interest.

Get your free copy of “BRAND-YOU”

Read Other Recent Articles

How Will AI Affect the Business Of Headshot Photography?

How To Choose Your Senior Photographer

5 Location Ideas For Your Spring Or Summer Photo Session

Behind the Scenes: A Personal Branding Photographer’s Experience

July 16, 2024 By Deb Wesley

street location personal branding photo of deb wesley

Walking in a Client's Shoes

As a personal branding photographer, I'm used to being the one behind the camera, coaching clients through their sessions. I confidently guide them through location selection, wardrobe planning, posing, and image selection. You might think with all this expertise, getting my own branding photos would be a breeze, right? Wrong!

Why, Who, Where

To truly understand my clients' experience, I decided to step in front of the lens myself. This shoot served two purposes:to get my own branding photos and to gain a new perspective on the client journey.

The fun (and sometimes frustrating!) process began with photographer selection. I could consider trade collaborations, but for this project, I wanted the full client experience. So, I chose a photographer whose style resonated with me, someone new, to avoid um...micromanaging (putting it nicely)

Next came the location. I wanted to showcase the variety of environments I work in – my studio, an office setting, maybe even outdoors? Ultimately, I opted for an urban setting alongside the studio space.

Wardrobe "Woes"

Now, wardrobe selection is usually not my forte exactly, but I can help my clients in their closets to a large extent AND I know what photographs well.

Yet, somehow, I managed to pick a few pieces my photographer gently nixed. "Stylist, anyone?" I thought.

I went through my closet multiple times, shopped, returned, and shopped more. Did I want to dress super-professionally? Casually like I look on photo shoots? Of course, I should go with my body type guidelines, and avoid patterns, and not look too old, or try too hard to look young….well you get the idea.

Confidence Can't be Overstated

One decision I felt confident about was Carla, my trusted hair and makeup artist. She always makes my clients feel beautiful, and I knew she wouldn't disappoint. And let me tell you, she worked her magic! If you're debating professional hair and makeup, don't hesitate! Feeling your best goes a long way in front of the camera.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

With my car packed and my hair and make up ready, it was time to meet Ashley, my photographer, for the session itself. An hour of posing, walking, and feeling a awkward ensued.

My posing knowledge seemed to vanish, and knew I wouldn't like any of the shots. Ashley's coaching style felt familiar – encouraging, informative, with a dash of playful instruction. "Trust the process" she said!

The Results and Reflection

The good news? I absolutely loved them! This experience was more than just getting photos; it gave me the kind of empathy that only the actual experience can give...for what my clients experience when the roles are reversed and I am the one in my comfort zone while my client is really NOT.

So, if you're in need of new headshots and branding photos, I'm that much more sympathetic with how you feel when I'm making your comfortable and creating images YOU will love-even if you don't think you will. I'll be channeling MY inner client (and all the emotions that come with it!) Just trust the process.

Deb Wesley Photography is a portrait studio in Downers Grove, Illinois, outside Chicago.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PERSONAL BRANDING SESSIONS WITH DEB WESLEY

Read Other Recent Articles

How Will AI Affect the Business Of Headshot Photography?

How To Choose Your Senior Photographer

5 Location Ideas For Your Spring Or Summer Photo Session

The 50+ Photo Experience Launch Client

April 4, 2024 By Deb Wesley

An Empowering Photography Experience for Women

Let's be honest, turning 50 can be a daunting milestone for many women. But it doesn't have to be! I'm a photographer on a mission to showcase the beauty, wisdom, and power of women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Age is really only a number

The "50+ and Fabulous" project was born out of my desire to help women in my own age group feel amazing about themselves, and to honor the place they are NOW in their life journey.

I kicked the project off with a contest for 3 free photo sessions for deserving women over 50. This drew incredible stories from women doing incredible things in life! The responses to all my questionnaire questions were truly inspiring.

Now, I'm thrilled to be photographing these women, and more who have stepped up to be a little vulnerable and be photographed any way they want.

50+-studio-photo-session-woman-green-jacket

Meet Lowey: Author, Entrepreneur, and Golf Phenom

Lowey just turned 50 and is living her best life! A children's author and entrepreneur, she is actually excited to have just turned 50. She gets to compete on a more senior level for competitive golf game.

She's all in...working with a trainer and taking her golf game to the next level, partly inspired by her competitive college athlete daughters.

Feeling fit and healthy, and enjoying the support of her family. Age is just a number to her.

For Lowey's photoshoot, we channeled her sporty-meets-edgy vibe, and the results were fresh and clean images that showed off her casual simple style, and toned body.

Could you be next?

I will be continuing to accept bookings for "50+ & fabulous" sessions until I have completed 25 women. To find out more about the “50+ and fabulous” project contact Deb at 630-337-1276.

Deb Wesley Photography portrait studio is located in Downers Grove, IL.

Personal Branding Photography Experience

April 15, 2022 By Deb Wesley

A Personal Branding Photo Experience For Women

What do a business coach, floral designer, travel agent, and divorce counselor have in common?

They’re entrepreneurs who need to attract their ideal clientele.

Today, more than ever before, we’re going for it. Changing our priorities and even our career path. We need branding photos for that.

The events of the past two years have changed us, or at the very least, helped us to focus on the most important things in our lives. We’ve come to realize that our time should be spent on doing what we love.

What exactly is a “personal brand”?

It’s not as elusive and abstract as you think!

It's an ongoing pursuit that begins with figuring out what you're passionate about and then aligning everything around that.

It’s showing up visibly, consistently, and in ways that highlight your uniqueness. It’s your stories-- the things you say, do, what others say about you, and your visual resume.

Pictures are a good place to start

I’ve noticed among my recent female clients and people I’ve spoken with, that there’s both the knowing that good photos of themselves is essential, and the fear of actually doing it!

So I decided to create a low-risk opportunity...a day of “branding mini-sessions” just for women. They could dip their toe in the water. No big commitment or big expense. They could try it out and hopefully get some fresh new photos they loved.

The event was held at a cool newer coffee shop/event venue in downtown Aurora (www.society57.com). The women had a choice of three simple “sets" that best fit them and their clothing.

Preparing my clients is super-important to success of this and all photo shoots. I know that they feel uncertain and even vulnerable.

For this event the women received emails and calls with lots of information to help. I encouraged them to reduce stress of getting themselves ready by taking advantage of my hair and make up artist who would be on site.. A few were happy to take me up that offer and enjoyed their time with the amazingly talented Carla G

These women decided to just do this

SUSAN

She’s a marketing professional who admits to being over-critical of herself. I couldn’t believe how gorgeous her RED hair was! I knew I had to emphasize that natural beauty by contrasting it against the background.

The colorful wall hanging was the perfect compliment to her colors and helped everything to pop.

After seeing her photos later, Susan told me she truly felt she looked gorgeous in her new photos! I'm so happy for that sentiment!

redhead young woman in black dress on leather couch with laptop

DEE

Dee is in the process of pivoting from her career as a pharmacist to back in the classroom with the goal of becoming a functional medicine professional. Her passion lies in patient advocacy and acting as a health consultant/coach.She needs to develop this new brand and has been thinking about doing this (photo session) “for awhile”. She loved that she could try it out with me!

MARCELA

She recently had her second child, a baby brother for her teenage daughter. Marcela loves everything about travel. She’s a flight attendant, and also growing her travel agency business venture. A Disney expert, she dressed the part for her session which include her Mouse ears and her suitcase (matching her logo). Her photos showed her enthusiasm and fit into the brand so well.

Travel expert with orange suitcase and Minnie Mouse apparel walking

BETH

Flowers are her passion! Like many of the women I know she does two jobs. This session was focused on her Floral Workshop business. When asked to describe herself her words were “sociable, self-confident, and warm-hearted”. I especially loved her smile and warmth that just flowed from her. The self-described qualities are most-definitely reflected in her final photos.

Blond floral designer sitting casually against window

CATHERINE

She’s an established attorney out of Naperville who I know and have used services. She just needed updated headshots for her professional profiles and business website. As always, Catherine dressed beautifully and professionally with a bit of color. I have never seen her look anything but polished. I loved that she allowed me to do a couple more casual poses with her.

KAREN

Karen describes herself as a “recovering attorney” whose role is to help women navigate divorce as a counselor. She describes herself as confident, compassionate, and trustworthy. She made no bones about telling me how much she normally hates herself in pictures, lol. (I love the challenge). In the end she was happy with how they turned out!

LISA

Like nearly all the women I asked before this day, her biggest concerns were in deciding what to wear and also that she would not like the photos. It would definitely be hard to not love HER! I immediately was taken by her personality and warmth.

She's transitioning to be a business coach, and saw this photo shoot as an opportunity to increase her visibility with pictures she liked! They would be used on her new website. She came ready to kill it and really did.

I loved how she brought a friend with a discerning eye to help choose her favorites. It IS hard to be objective about yourself.

ELISE

I liked this gorgeous woman immediately! She's a mom, career-oriented, and smart! Her job in education is that of school consultant in behavioral support.

She wanted a few fresh photos that weren’t stuffy or corporate-looking. She feels good about her appearance and also was concerned about what she should wear. I thought her choice reflected her laid back qualities well!

blonde woman in white blazer on white stool

And they loved their new photos

The day was fun and fast-paced for myself and the participants. Everyone was positive about their photos! Given the pre-session feedback I got from them, few of the women expected to be pleased with photos of themselves. I knew they would be surprised and pleased though.

My hope is that all of them realize they ARE amazing women with beautiful qualities that deserve to be celebrated. And maybe they even felt a little better about themselves after this experience.

Deb Wesley is a business/branding and portrait photographer based in the western suburbs of Chicago. You can hire her for business and personal branding photography.

“I am strong” campaign: Part II

December 23, 2020 By Deb Wesley

2020 has been “unprecedented” to be sure, but also at the same time inspiring!

This is the second post in the “I AM STRONG” photography project featuring several local women and their 2020 stories.

Each woman selected for this project was free to choose how they wanted to be photographed. They each shared stories about what they had been doing to deal with all of it.

As expected, the women are rising to this occasion to somehow make everything “work”. A common thread I noticed was the desire not just to make it through, but to grow and improve in some way personally.

"Working Mom" Takes On New Meaning

SONIA

She's a wife and mother of two preschoolers and a dog, and describes her biggest strength in one word; “resilience”

Her biggest challenge? “Working full time from home, and having my children home with me during quarantine...I had to continue to keep up with my demanding job at Amazon regardless of my home life.”

But when asked about how she was “stepping up”, Sonia admitted that it was sometimes more like just surviving...putting on a brave face for the kids’ sake. When your life is turned upside down, it’s hard not to show that stress and sadness.

Plans get cancelled and disappointment comes with it.

Well now that’s the real strength--admitting that it is HARD.

Gratitude is key. “My family is healthy... I have a career to be proud of, and can show my kids that one can persevere through many unexpected challenges in life.

I'm sure at one point when they are older, they will ask me "Mom, how did you do it? Was it hard?" She wants them to know that indeed life can sometimes challenge you.

I asked Sonia why she wanted to take part in the project. She said “I wanted to take time and feel like a woman, and not just all the other titles I hold”.

So we had hair and make up artists come to her home and headed to a nearby downtown area to photograph her in a variety of spots. “People were stopping, staring, sometimes honking or shouting positive things...So much of the world is negative and I am not one to like the spotlight, but you know what, I felt good, I looked good, and hell yeah I will take it all if only for a couple hours!"

MIMI

"They say, the only constant in life is change, but the pandemic this year brought with it to an unexpected change that has transformed our lives forever. Besides balancing a marriage, raising children (6 and 7 y/o daughters and 13 y/o stepson), working full time, running a non-profit, and maintaining relationships, there’s the added push for self-improvement to learn new things and become a better version of myself.

"The changes this year have further emphasized the need for having defined contingency plans to secure a better future.” (umm yes..)

Mimi credits African heritage and upbringing to contributing greatly to creating the woman she is today. I loved how she honored that heritage with her choice of traditional handmade clothing from Africa for her photo experience in the project.

Just as important is what she considers a personal relationship with Christ that gives her strength, tenacity, resilience, never failing hope, faith, and courage.

We photographed Mimi in a variety of locations after she treated herself to professional make-up application. She looked absolutely stunning! And her strength was so obvious.

GINNY

2020 has brought many challenges to Ginny’s life. She’s a teacher, which helped her have a leg-up on home learning for her 5 year-old son.

But it was the challenge of losing ground fast when it came to suspension of therapy for her three-year-old daughter who suffers from cerebral palsy that distressed her the most. “I had to be an advocate for her....watching all her progress with her strength and muscle tightness reverse from years of hard work was devastating”.

And it wasn’t easy to suddenly have to learn how to do her own high school teaching job remotely--or move during a pandemic.

Another comment Ginny made-- and seemed to be a consistent theme of most the women I interviewed-- was not to waste time complaining, but instead dig in and solve the problems. You’re capable of anything really.

To answer my question about what she considers her biggest impact in the world to be?

“I find helping others to be impactful...from helping my students or helping other women gain confidence, to inspiring other special needs families to advocate for what is best. I would advise others to listen! Stop and listen to what other people have to say and need. This simple act will have a huge impact on others.”

That’s great advice.

Of the photo shoot done in a rural location Ginny commented “I love pictures! I love to take them & be in them. All pictures are special memories of specific times. Having professional pictures is so special to me. Deb’s talent in her shooting will shine through the pictures and I’ll enjoy them for a long time. I was honored to be chosen by Deb as a woman for her campaign. It was lovely to be recognized for my hard work as a mom, wife, educator and business owner.”

colorful summer business portrait by deb wesley photo

I appreciated all these women and loved giving them the luxury of doing something just for them! Not just that but also to spotlight their stories and of course, their strength.

Deb Wesley is a business/branding and portrait photographer based in the western suburbs of Chicago. You can hire her for business and personal branding photography.

“I am strong” campaign

October 16, 2020 By Deb Wesley

Women who are keeping it all together in 2020 part 1

2020 has humbled and changed us.. .

We've pivoted, quarantined, re-established new priorities, and more.

I'm a visual storyteller and there was definitely lots of stories embedded in this crazy year. In particular, I wondered about how everyday women, already juggling so many things, were able to cope and still make it all work.

The “I am strong” campaign was born.

I offered 8 women an opportunity to be photographed in any way they wanted. To qualify, they had to answer a detailed questionnaire about their 2020 experiences.

As it turns out, it wasn't hard at all to find stories worth telling and women who wanted to be heard.

Re-invention and Re-working

LaTia

On the questionnaire I asked why the women felt compelled to answer my somewhat personal questions and be a bit vulnerable.

A single mom of two kids (13 and 5)--now at home e-learning--she was laid off in July from her IT job. She saw friends lose close relatives to COVID-19.

But Latia believes and that women have the ability to find strength out of places they did not know existed.

“My super-power as a woman is resilience. As women we are thrown a lot of curve balls and we are our own worst enemy. So whatever the speed of the ball thrown my way, when I strike out it will --because it will happen eventually--I step back up to the plate and get ready for my next pitch!”

Loss isn't always bad and sometimes allows something new and better in it’s place..

Prior to Covid she had begun working on her own Tea Brand. A few weeks before the job loss, she launched “Spoonful of Sugar". The brand currently has 14 Teas with more to launch seasonally.

She says she’d always been a big tea drinker, believing in it’s healthy attributes. Her goal is “not only to gain the fan base of the everyday tea drinker, but to also convert those who are not” with her unique blends.

The photo session took place in a city after a makeover with one of our pros. For her session day, she arrived dressed in a beautiful coral colored dress. Latia commented “i’m a jeans-and-tshirt girl.I forgot how heels felt. I enjoyed my make-up artist she was personable and thorough. I loved every part of the photo shoot.”

woman in coral dress walking near green bridge

Ashley

Ashley C is a business woman, mom, and also in the midst of planning her own upcoming wedding.

Her view of personal challenges in 2020 was about the quick decisions that had to be made on the front of doing business differently.

“I am the regional president of a counselor education association (11 states). We had a conference planned in Omaha and I had to make a decision whether or not to cancel and what to provide members. As the conference planner it has been difficult ensuring all the different pieces fit together and meet all criteria”

Ashley says that one of her passions is to “reduce mom guilt stigma” and this project in particular intrigued her because it fit with her idea of showing how great women really are.

She enjoyed our photo shoot, and knew exactly what she wanted. She chose to go with a very professional look in line with her personal brand. She was the only woman in the project who wanted to be photographed in the studio where the first half of her session happened. Then we moved to an outdoor cafe for more looks.

Making others their priority

"Cynthia

Cynthis P is a married mother of 3 little girls under the age of 5.

Fortunately, in her therapy career, she was able to move to tele-health for her clients. Dealing with her clients’ new stresses along with her own, was made easier with lots of support from her parents and spouse.

But being a mom is hard at times. Being a working mom during the pandemic, I wanted other moms working or staying at home know that we are worthy of time for ourselves to be strong and feel beautiful. The pandemic has slowed us down and as we find the new norms in our life, I hope that women can feel that they are special and that they are amazing."

“It was like I put my face mask on and got ready for battle... As a therapist, I needed to make sure I had time for family, time for work, and time for me. I remember being so tired initially and so I realized that in order for me to provide the best care I needed to give myself some self care.”

Her photo session took place in a downtown setting and she dressed in a floral long dress for the occasion.

When asked about how she felt being photographed; “I could be me... and those pictures captured that.

I could let go of all the to-do tasks at home and at work for that hour...and just focus on celebrating my life journey as a working mom, mother and wife.”

Woman overlooking river leaning on stone railing

Annette

Like most of the women I worked with, Annetyte O wears many hats! These include mom, coach, teacher, and night-shift tech in a trauma 1 pediatric ER. She herself has had to overcome Covid-19.

Her mantra is "If you want something done right, do it yourself." and has put it into action! She’s painted her entire house herself, learned how to install light fixtures, and recently re-learned math, “so that I can teach my four kids”.

Of course she must also be her best as a wife, friend, and caretaker of other people's sick children while smiling.

Annette believes a person does not have to be perfect, but in order to make an impact, must be present.” You must show those who need you and that you care about, that you are a presence in their lives, a witness to the good and bad...I definitely falter...have meltdowns, but then I put on my "big girl" panties and move on.”

Annette’s photo session took place in a unique setting! Her next door neighbor is an artist and her yard is a work of art in itself and made an interesting backdrop to her photo session. While it wasn’t quite a getaway for Annette, she said “The shoot was way more relaxed than I was anticipating. I appreciated the direction and feedback so that we could get the best shot and the type of photo I was looking for. It was amazing and fun to be pampered with hair and makeup. I had not had my makeup done since my wedding!

woman doing pull up for I am strong campaign

These ladies represent half of my project. Be sure to read about part II coming soon!

Deb Wesley is a business/branding and portrait photographer based in the western suburbs of Chicago. You can hire her for business and personal branding photography.

“Solving A Hole-y Problem”

July 22, 2020 By Deb Wesley

Solving a Hole-y Problem One Sock At A Time

Andrea had her ah-ha moment one day while tidying up around her Chicago home..

On the upside, her husband had cleaned out his sock drawer. That was awesome.

What wasn’t so awesome was the pile of hole-y ones that were being tossed out in the trash.

As a conscience city-dweller, she’s always tried to be mindful of doing things in a way that would have the least impact on the environment.

So she thought there MUST be something better to do with these old socks than pitch them into a landfill.

This is how the idea for her business, “MY BASIC REVOLUTION” was born. And how she became my client.

So Is There Really A Problem?

Yes, and it’s BIG.

According to Green American Magazine “Unraveling the Fashion Industry”:

“Even though many Americans donate clothing, textiles still make up a shocking amount of the US waste stream. The EPA reports that Americans generate 16 million tons of textile waste a year, equaling just over six percent of total municipal waste (for context, plastics make up 13 percent of our waste stream)...Recycling textiles can keep materials out of landfills and incinerators as well as reduce need for virgin fibers by extending the life of existing ones. In the processing, the reworked “new” product is then re-spun into yards of threads and ready to be used for weaving or knitting into new products.”

Becoming Part Of The Solution

To be a part of the solution to a growing problem, Andrea created a company that helped people do something small that--when multiplied--would create a much bigger impact.

“My Basic Revolution” is a subscription service with the simple goal of decreasing what ends up in landfills. It gives folks a simple way to recycle their old, unusable clothing while also replacing your old socks it with new sustainable pairs.

You get the new socks shipped in a box with pre-paid postage to send your old stuff (in that same box-no waste) to a responsible recycler.

According to Andrea, the company’s founder, “You’d be surprised what your old clothing can be turned into. An old t-shirt might be sent off and turned into wipe rags. Other items might go to a fabric recycler to be broken down and turned into insulation, stuffing for automotive seats, or new textiles.”

So Andrea became a client who needed to show off her socks! That’s where I came in to do a personal branding photography session for her.

woman with hat sitting on blanket in park

tennis players legs with white socks, tennis ball, and raquet

Socks Really Are Important

They may not seem exciting, but they sure are important to foot comfort and health. And you definitely notice them when thy don't fit well, become stretched out, or get a hole!

Whether the feet they were on were relaxing, running, or just staying warm, there's plenty of good stuff to highlight.

And how nice to have new ones show up at your door followed by a responsible plan to get rid of old ones!

One win for the planet!

We did the photo shoot outdoors, because Andrea's goal was to show all the outside stuff that feet get into, and therefore depend on a comfortable sock to feel good doing. Yes we did put socks on Dee the dog. She just wanted to help.

couple with white socks looking down at black dog wearing white socks

Like "My Basic Revolution" (https://www.mybasicrevolution.com/), every small business story is unique! That is exactly why the stories behind the business are important to tell in an authentic way.

Whether you are trying to save the earth or help entrepreneurs thrive, your personal brand is yours alone.

Deb Wesley is a business/branding and portrait photographer based in the western suburbs of Chicago. You can hire her for business and personal branding photography.