Paper preoccupation

January 2010 was most definitely a turning point for me.

The minute I returned home from Jasmine Star’s workshop in Sydney, I knew that the next focus for my business was an investment in the process of branding. Not just creating a new logo or ordering new business cards but really researching who I am and therefore what my business and my photography is trying to say and who it is for. I got in contact with the lovely ladies of Studio Bomba who I discovered through their sister company Mitchell and Dent, and let them know what I was looking for in my new brand and I am sure they thought I was a little crazy when I came into their office with a box loaded with my favourite things right down to my new bed linen.

I began to learn that I am my business and my business is a reflection of who I am . . . sensitive, dreamy and sometimes a little indulgent. I looked at other companies I respected and admired and in retrospect I was surprised that alot of them weren’t photography businesses but fashion or lifestyle companies that are aiming to enhance the consumers life. Companies like Laura Mercier, Martha Stewart Living, Apple, Witchery and Stella McCartney – these companies that create an experience for their consumers, not just a product.

Since re-branding I have begun to see the couples who are booking me are my ideal couples that are looking for uncluttered, simple and beautiful images that have a discerning eye for quality along with an experience that is just as important as their images. I know this isn’t just because I have a new logo, but because I am more sure of myself and what my point of difference is.

The icing on the cake were my glorious 600gsm letterpressed business and note cards that I collected last week. I’m not sure if I squealed a little but I am sure I was clapping my hands with glee at receiving these little goodies that continue to speak about the service I offer my clients. I have had a love affair for letterpress for as long as I can remember and I knew from the beginning this was what I wanted to invest in for my marketing tools. I love giving handwritten cards perhaps only more than I love receiving them – I even have a special little noticeboard in my studio for personal notes from my clients and friends.

When I brought these babies home, I showed each one to Grant for his oohs and aahs and then promptly put them in my business card holder. I then discovered I could only fit in 4 cards at one time because they are so thick – oh well, them’s the breaks!

I can’t thank Leah, Angela and Michelle at Studio Bomba enough for their patience and delivering such beautiful paper goods that I can’t wait to begin to share with my clients. They are so thick and luxurious! I have to admit, I think I have been fondling them almost hourly. I promise you, if you are one of the lucky few who receive one, you will be too.