Personal Branding and Headshot Phototgraphy

“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.”

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.”

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.”

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!

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.

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.

Deb Wesley Photography business branding socks session

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.

Her Second Skin

November 1, 2019 By Deb Wesley

Her Second Skin

Blue costume by second skin photogrphed by Deb Wesley

Scarlett filled out the application and submitted some of her improv audition tapes.

It could be a long shot...but why not?

“Second Skin” Dancewear was looking for models to feature on their website and social media. The winners would get to fly out to Phoenix, AZ for the company’s official video and photo shoot.

And after all..she really loved to wear their clothes.

dance model photo shoot be Deb Wesley Photography

Scarlett is in the Seventh grade--that “awkward” tween-age time...when changes abound and life gets a little more complicated.

Don’t mention that to Scarlett though...she’s busy in her quest for perfection--in movement and poise. There’s not an awkward bone in her body.

Scarlett S poses for second skin dancewear

Dance photo on white backdrop by Deb Wesley

Following her Dream...

It might be because she’s been dancing since age 4. It was at about age 10 that she got serious about her dancing. Having started taking lessons locally, she’s now training at The Colony (Chicago) www.thehive.dance 15-20 hours per week. She travels the US for conventions and competitions.

Recently she was invited to dance in a music video for the song "White Space" by Ava Morse.

Scarlett says she’s inspired by “watching others perform and choreographers create amazing pieces of art through dance.”

Yes, she was picked to be that “Second Skin” model, and came to me for the photo shoot so she’d have new images to submit for publication on the brand’s Instagram page.

If you check out @secondskincostumes_, you’ll see dancers from all over that are wearing the company’s progressive dance wear on all-white backgrounds.

This perfectly showcases the precise dance moves and colors of their costumes.

Scarlett came into the studio with an armful of cool dance costumes and great ideas on how she would show them off on the all-white set I had prepared.

She amazed me with her repertoire of poses and moves! I quickly learned not to assume a pose was done correctly until she looked at my camera back and said so!

Poetry In Motion

I loved helping Scarlett show off her moves! Can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next and wish her a cool experience in her modeling debut.

Deb Wesley is a photographer located in Downers Grove. She specializes in working with businesses and individuals with their branding and portrait needs.

Dance Pose against white for Second Skin Dance Wear by DWP

How Personal Branding Photography Creates The Personal Connection In Business

September 20, 2019 By Deb Wesley

Lactation Consultant Connects With New Moms In Need

Makana breastfeeding consult by Deb Wesley

Sarah felt ready.

She had prepared well for the upcoming birth of her first child. They had a new home and she and John had prepared a beautiful nursery with everything that would be needed when the time finally came.

She had read the books, and attended the meetings. She progressed through the pregnancy just as expected.

After a normal delivery of a 7# 6’ baby boy, she was excited to get started nursing her son.

At home after just one night in the hospital, Conner didn’t seem to be latching onto correctly to her for his feedings. And feeding time seemed endless. He was crying all the time and she swore he wasn’t ever full.

Her nipples were cracked and sore and she needed sleep badly. She was at her wits end. She needed help, or would just have to give up on nursing and try a bottle.

Time To Find An Expert

Arrival of Help for Makana breastfeeding branding photography

Breast-feeding is undeniably the best way to feed your baby. It would seem that nature would take over, and everyone just instinctively should know what to do next, right?

In fact there’s a whole bunch of things that can prevent a new mom from having success

That’s where Makana Breastfeeding comes in.

Melissa (owner of Makana) helps new moms navigate their struggles with breast-feeding their babies. She’s passionate about breast-feeding and her mission is to help other mothers experience success in feeding their babies naturally.

From Passion to Business Venture

Her journey began, as many business ideas do, with her own experiences. As a new mother who was determined to breast feed her baby despite having challenges and few resources to help her, she reached out for help.

Eventually she decided to become certified (IBCLC) herself and live her passion of breastfeeding by helping other new parents.

Recognizing that her website, etc seemed rather generic, she reached out to me to help her tell that story through images with a personal branding session.

The goal was to help prospective clients connect with Melissa and understand exactly what to expect if they were to reach out for a consultation.

Bringing Her Story To Life

I met with Melissa first for an in-depth meeting to plan out every detail of the session, so we could meet all the goals she had set. We set a plan for finding some new moms with babies to be our models, planned Melissa’s looks, and chose a location that fit.

On session day we were well prepared with a detailed “shot list” and everyone scheduled to come and go at specific times to keep the shoot rolling.

Melissa is truly GOOD at her job. Her compassion and soothing demeanor immediately put our “models” (moms and babies) at ease. They got real advice to use themselves. We were lucky to have both a newborn and an older baby to help tell Melissa’s story.

Introducing bottle by Makana captured by Deb Wesley Photography

The Results

A short time later, Melissa had 40 new images ready to be used on her website and other posts that feature Melissa working directly with her “clients”.

One visit to her website now will make any frazzled new mother feel she would be able to work with and trust Melissa to help. Check her out at https://makanabreastfeeding.com

That’s the goal and the beauty of personal brand photography; to bring the stories that are at the heart of your life and your business--to life.

Deb Wesley offers individual and ongoing branding photography in the Chicago area. She's also available for travel to almost any location.

Go to https://www.debwesley.com for more information about DWP personal branding photography services.

Deb Wesley Photography Personal Branding