Happy 2018 and welcome to my new website!

I had been thinking about re-branding my business for a while. I still love the word vitality, and the feedback I received was that the name has enough recognition already that it may not be a good idea to change it. As well, my name is really boring. Chelsea Lee Ann Jones. That is one of the most generic names I have ever heard. Naming a photography business with that is quite forgettable if you ask me!

So the name stays. What about the logo? Well, I think I spent 50 dollars on that logo in 2013. It is a bit juvenile, feminine, and my last name had changed since I got it made. It didn't even have the right name in it anymore! I LOVE the bright yellow and green, but it does not fit with all my imagery. Through my photography journey, I started with babies, families, some weddings, and pets. Lately, I have been branching out into more commercial work and creative portraiture for both men and women as well as sporting events. I definitely wanted something a bit more gender neutral that would work for the direction I was headed in while still working with the clients and genres that allowed me to be where I am today. 

So the old logo is out. What about the website? I have to say I have been with many website hosts in the past, and Zenfolio really meets my needs the best. I am able to sell product, set up large batch ordering after sporting events, provide password protected client accounts, and display my work. I definitely needed some lessons on how to design a website. 

So same platform, but new look. It was very clear I was in over my head. If you want to be a professional, you have to use professionals. I got in touch with Jillian Schecher of Jillian Screecher Studios. It was immediately clear that hiring a professional in branding and marketing was what I needed to do. Jillian is also a professional photographer and graphic designer.

Jillian asked me to make a mood board and reflect on what I wanted to achieve through my business. Photography isn't cheap; I need to make sure my business is viable while still allowing me to be creative and stay inspired. Making a mood board was surprisingly a real challenge; seeing how through photography I communicate through a visual medium, I thought I would be better at it! I found myself on Pinterest saving cute baby animal pictures and dank memes.

I felt like Jillian was tasked with the job of reading someone's mind when the person they are mind-reading doesn't know what to think or what they want. Eventually I was able to put some colour schemes, images, and patterns together that probably looked like a sorry excuse for a mood board. It's all good; Jillian got it and turned it into my amazing new logo and business cards!

I also worked on my Pinterest page, continued to update my Instagram account, and started a new Twitter feed to represent Vitality Images Photography. For information on clothing choices, posing, make-up for your photoshoot, etc. check out my Pinterest!

Through a Skype meeting, we were able to reformat the Zenfolio website and incorporate the new colour schemes and logos. 

Now for updating all my pricing, education and information materials, and other branding items. 

I love how everything is coming together to look like a cohesive brand and vision. I love my beautiful logo, website, and colours.

The moral of the story; professionals need professionals. It is worth the investment. 

Happy New Year!