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Uncorked Copywriting with Kaitlyn Parker

Uncorked Copywriting with Kaitlyn Parker

by | Mar 15, 2021 | Content Creation, Podcast

Uncorked Copywriting with Kaitlyn Parker

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Welcome to the Crystal Clear Podcast where we strive to empower the everyday creative boss to elevate and grow a business that matches your creativity and passion for creating products.

 

Things mentioned in this podcast episode:

 

Kaitlyn Parker of Copy Uncorked joins me on the podcast today to talk about all things copywriting. She chats about the disconnects commonly found in copywriting for a brand and shares with us some tips on writing social media captions. She gives insight into gaining inspiration for your brand and copy and tips on how to stand out from your competitors.

Meet Kaitlyn:

 

Kaitlyn Hiltz Parker is the founder, copywriter, and wine enthusiast behind Copy Uncorked – a copywriting and brand strategy studio pouring up high-converting words for modern brands and creative entrepreneurs.

Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Kaitlyn holds a Master’s in Strategic Communications and has worked with over 100 clients worldwide in her 6+ years of industry experience. Between keyboard strokes, she enjoys spending time alongside her tall, dark & handsome husband and mini Goldendoodle, where there’s usually a body of water, great food, and a glass of Cab involved. Connect with Kaitlyn on Instagram @copyuncorked or explore the current offerings and resources at copyuncorked.com.

Things mentioned in this episode:

 

  • Kaitlyn shares about Copy Uncorked and the story behind her brand
  • The 2 biggest disconnects commonly found in brand copywriting
  • Tips on mastering your social media captions and where to look for brand inspiration in order to help you stand out from the crowd
  • Advice on getting started with connecting brand voice and brand message?

If you’d like to learn more about Kaitlyn, head over to Instagram to follow her and check out all her resources on her website!

Connect with Kaitlyn:

 

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Comment, share on Pinterest, or even snap a screenshot and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you think about props for product photography.

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About Crystal

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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Making the Most of Your Photoshoots

Making the Most of Your Photoshoots

by | Jan 18, 2021 | Business Ownership, Podcast

Making the Most of Your Photoshoots

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Welcome to the Crystal Clear Podcast where we strive to empower the everyday creative boss to elevate and grow a business that matches your creativity and passion for creating products.

 

Things mentioned in this podcast episode:

 

We need more content and we need it NOW!! Did anyone else chant while reading that? Because I can just hear the chanting and applause as businesses are amping up for the year. One way to create more content is through photoshoots. In this episode, I am going to highlight how to make the most out of your photoshoots. Now you may be asking… How do I make the most out of my photoshoot, Crystal? Efficiency, that’s how. Anyone that works with me, clients, models, and associates, will all tell you that I am all about being as efficient as possible during a photoshoot. I am going to share with you my tips & tricks on how I achieve efficiency during my shoots.

Two ways to make the most of your photoshoots this year:

 

  • Plan out your shoot efficiently. Start with getting down to the exact details of the shoot. This allows you to see everything you need for the shoot – props, backdrops, etc. prepared ahead of time so that during the shoot you get all of the shots you desire in an efficient amount of time. 

  • A done in a day approach. I borrowed this idea from my friends in the design space where they offer day long intensives or hire me for a day for a project. This is a fun way to have one whole day focused on your product and your business to get as many assets as possible during that timeframe – photos, models, videos, etc. It is important to set the expectations for the day. 

    When you are planning your shoots efficiently this allows for you to get all of the content you need to be able to market your business and product. It also allows for you to have the time to add extra elements during the shoot that will uplevel your images because you already have a plan and aren’t scrambling to try and remember everything you need to accomplish. 

    If you are a photographer, I hope these tips will help you to plan your shoots more efficiently in the future. If you are a business owner, I hope these tips will help you know how you can get the most bang for your buck when using a photographer to get content for your business.

    If you know your efforts are better spent in other areas of your business and planning out your photoshoots isn’t something you are wanting to do. I recommend reaching out and getting more information about a photography retainer. With my clients, I offer monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly retainers where I help to plan out all of your shoots to ensure that you get the images you desire for your product.

Like this episode?

Comment, share on Pinterest, or even snap a screenshot and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you think about props for product photography.

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About Crystal

Corporate America had me at hello for 10 years. And just when I thought I was where I was supposed to be, God changed the narrative and helped me find more time for my husband and two beautiful girls through my own photography business. Now, I live for all things styled photography and serving the business community exclusively through styled imagery and personal brand photography.

Recent Episodes

How to Create a Year Round Prop Stash

How to Show Up for  a Coaching Membership

My Top Business Apps I Can’t Live Without

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Business Ownership

Content Creation/Marketing

How-To

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My Top Tools for Editing Photos and Creating Graphics

My Top Tools for Editing Photos and Creating Graphics

by | Oct 20, 2020 | How-To, Podcast

The Blog

My Top Tools for Editing Photos and Creating Graphics

top tools for editing and creating graphics

I get a lot of questions and wonderful compliments about the graphics and the branding in the way that I do things.

S

o, I thought I would dive more into how I edit my graphics and photos and share my tips with you. 

 

First Things, First 

When it comes to editing, I have a set of presets that I have tweaked and developed based on how I like editing my photos. They’re bright with loads of contrast. I shoot in a RAW format on my camera, which means I’m allowing the file to absorb as much data on the color and lighting as possible. Then, I cull through my photos and narrow them down to the best ones before bringing them into Lightroom. This is where I’ll apply my presets because I know they already have the tweaks needed to make the photo better most of the time. And then I go through, and I have to make subtle adjustments. 

The Types of Adjustments I Make 

One of the most common adjustments I make to my photos is tweaking the brightness. Every day could be different, as well as the time of the day. So sometimes, I’ll go through and make subtle adjustments if everything wasn’t at the prime time that I tried to shoot that day. I adjust my whites and bring them up about 20 points or so. I like to drop the shadows down to keep the dark contrast and keep things that are dark, dark. Then, I will also adjust my lights and make them lighter.

 

From there, I’ll bring my photos into Photoshop for some final touchups. I’m not a big fan of Photoshop, but I do use it for things like overlays. If there’s a screenshot or blank tablet and I want to put a nice overlay – you get better mobility in Photoshop by manipulating the screenshot. If you have some fuzz on a shirt or lint on the floor of a flat lay and need to edit it off quickly – Photoshop is the best option.

 

If I need to add a screenshot or make any quick edits, I use the “healing tool” to take out little imperfections and things here and there. Then, I export my edited photos into Canva, which I use to create all of my graphics to avoid the rabbit hole that comes along with Photoshop, InDesign, and some of the more advanced programs.

Creating Graphics 

I’d say about 80% of the graphics I create are done in Canva. You can use Photoshop, but I find it time-consuming since the program is more complicated and detailed than what I need. In Canva, I can quickly plug in my photos to pre-made templates, and they still have a high-quality resolution. I can make a quick design, export it fast, and get it out there.

Conclusion 

Having these platforms makes my process for editing, creating photos, and graphics more efficient. I can rapidly produce lots of content and social media posts. So if you want to edit more like me or try to edit your flat lay, and you want better whites and brights, I recommend you check out my Presets Mini-Course.

 

I created a mini-course that includes videos of me pulling up a few photos and showing you how I make specific tweaks and adjustments based on common things that you’ll find wrong. For example, why some images look very gray or the whites aren’t white enough, different color tones based on the time of day the photo was taken, things like that.

 

I give you both Lightroom for mobile and desktop, in case you would rather stick to having the mobile format. If you have any questions about my process or some of the things that I do, send me a message. I answer questions like this all the time. You can also find me on Instagram.

top tips for creating graphics and editing photos

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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Business Ownership

Content Creation/Marketing

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Your Brand Story and the Role Images Play in Storytelling

Your Brand Story and the Role Images Play in Storytelling

by | Oct 13, 2020 | Content Creation

The Blog

Your Brand Story and the Role Images Play in Storytelling

Your Brand Story and the Role Images Play

Every successful business has developed and shared its story in a way that their audience can relate to.

A 

brand story is how you build strong, emotional connections with your ideal audience. Your products are an addition to that. You may create unique products, but what people are really buying into is the story you put out into the world. It’s what your customers resonate with most and why they become loyal to you and your brand over time.

Build the Foundation 

Your brand story is what builds the foundation of your business. It’s what helps your ideal audience understand who you are, what you do, what you stand for, and why they should choose you. Your story is what they care about most and why they, ultimately, buy from you. Share the most authentic pieces of your story that people can relate to and care about.

 

Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. Your brand story is no different. The beginning is where you want to be clear. Who is this story for? The middle is where you address the problems and struggles your audience may have. And, the end is how you can help.

 

Your customers are the main characters of the story. You want to give them a visual example of where they fit into your brand. They need to be able to see themselves and their problems answered with the help of your product.

 

How you want your audience to feel when they come across your brand should be incorporated into your designs, logos, color palettes, and packaging.

Where Your Photos Come In

Using your product images to help tell your brand story is the easiest way to deepen the connection with your audience. Specific elements like models or props are a great way for you to make your brand more relatable.

 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – people relate to people. The types of models you use, how they interact with your products, what they’re wearing – everything goes back to your brand story, and what it represents. When you know your ideal customer and understand their journey, it’s easier for you to create the right images that resonate with them most.

 

If you outsource your product photography, connect with someone who understands your story and how you want to share it. If you struggle to communicate your product photo ideas to your photographer, I cover everything you need to know here.

 

Your images should show how your products solve your customer’s problems. Use your photos as a way to capture how they make people feel, what it can do to help make life easier, etc. There’s a lot of power in visual storytelling. Share yours in a way that captivates your audience.

Conclusion 

Every piece of your brand story (the good and the bad) needs to be told. It’s the not-so-glamorous parts that your audience will most likely relate to. How can you incorporate that into your visuals? Create solutions through your photos. Your brand story should show how you can help others solve their biggest problems and why you are the person who can solve it. Your audience wants to feel understood. Sharing every aspect of your story with them builds trust and stronger relationships.

 

If you want to reevaluate your offer or go back to some of the necessary steps because your company is brand new, then let’s talk. The Creative Boss Society is where I’m teaching other creatives how to use methods that I have applied in my brand and business to grow. I will help you get straight to the strategy that is working for you. Let me know if you have any questions. I’d love to help! You can also find me on Instagram.

Your Brand Story and the Role Images Play in Storytelling

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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Business Ownership

Content Creation/Marketing

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Common Photography Terms You Should Know

Common Photography Terms You Should Know

by | Aug 20, 2020 | Content Creation

The Blog

Common Photography Terms You Should Know

You’ve made the big jump and outsourced your product photography to a professional photographer.

N

ow, it’s time to communicate everything to them – what they need to know about you, your business, and your brand. Afterall you have to know the photography terms so everyone is on the same page.

 

This will help ensure your photographer will capture the perfect shots that fit exactly what you and your business need. So, before your next photoshoot – take a look at these commonly used terms to familiarize yourself with the lingo your photographer may use. You’ll be able to walk into the studio with confidence.

 

Brand Shots

 

Brand shots are what introduces your brand to potential customers. Think of how you want your first impression to be as a business owner – this is what your brand shots need to illustrate. Use these photos to build your know, like, and trust factor with your audience. They should be customized to you and your brand. This is the time where you show your audience what it is that sets you apart from the competition.

 

Product Shots

 

These are the photos of the products you are selling. Explain to your photographer what you want your customers to take away from the photo when they’re looking at it for the first time. What is the story you’re trying to tell and, ultimately, sell to them? 

 

Some examples include strategically placing products in a natural environment, having models use your products, or you placing the products in a way that shows off the little details. Whatever it is, your product shots are a major part of your business and should be planned out accordingly.

 

Catalog Shots

 

These are the images on your storefront. The ones required by Amazon and wholesalers to have that crisp white background that blends flawlessly with the website.

 

Catalog shots are one way to help display your product and all of its features. This type of photography is designed to make it clear what your product looks like, what ingredients it has, and other label warnings and specifications. It’s the guarantee that your customers know what they’re getting, how to use it and what’s in it. It also steps up your product game and gives your brand a professional look!

 

Flat Lay

 

A flat lay is a type of photo taken from an aerial point of view. Many photographers prefer this method to help showcase the product(s) you’re selling in a “natural” state. Your product and props are strategically placed to help convey the story you’re trying to tell. This helps to give your customers a better visual of your product in its entirety. The flat lay theme can be different every time and can range anywhere from a behind-the-scenes set up to a staged environment.

 

DSLR

 

This is the type of camera your photographer will most likely be using during the photoshoot. DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex and can capture high-quality photos. DSLR cameras are usually the cameras of choice for many photographers because of their many features and the ability to switch out the lenses.

 

SD Card

 

This is the camera’s memory where every photo your photographer takes is kept safely. The camera records the image or image file onto the SD card in different formats – RAW, JPG, PNG. RAW files usually contain more information and take up more space on the SD card. However, this also makes them more suitable for editing.

 

Every SD card has its storage capacity. The higher the gigs, the more storage space you have for more images. 

 

Conclusion

 

Knowing the photography terms that could come up in your next photoshoot will give you the little boost of confidence you need for the next time you outsource. If you’re struggling to make the leap and let a professional take over your product photography, check out my top tips to help overcome outsourcing anxiety and fear. If you’d like to learn more about what it’s like to work with a product photographer, let’s connect! I can answer any questions or concerns you may have. You can also connect with me on Instagram!

 

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

Resources

 

Business Ownership

Content Creation/Marketing

How-To

Connect

 

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