Elizabeth, Co Brand Development Photoshoot | Meredith Schindler of Elizabeth Salon
The other day, I heard a saying about hair stylists also doubling as therapists because, for whatever reason, people feel comfortable opening up to them about anything and everything. And, after working with Meredith, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a saying more accurate.
Meredith is a hair dresser in the quiet, rural town of Elizabeth, Colorado and is everything one could want in a hair stylist — relatable, kind, a good listener, and an even better advice giver. During our consultation for her branding shoot, she mentioned that she’d like to keep the style as natural as possible. Posing was not on the agenda, instead we’d go for a candid lifestyle approach that reflected her fun-loving, free spirit, and love for the Lord that clients experience when they come in for a cut or color.
After an hour of gallivanting around parks in the area, playing on the front steps of her salon, and strolling in the middle of Mainstreet Elizabeth, I think we were right on the money of capturing just that. It was confirmed when I showed the gallery to a friend of mine right after delivery and her response was, “WOW. First, she is such a natural beauty. Second, these images say, ‘Please, come inside, have a seat in my chair, and let’s have a girl chat.’ She’s so warm and inviting! I’m going to go book an appointment with her right now!” If that doesn’t scream brand shoot success, I don’t know what does.
Downtown Denver, CO Senior Portrait Photography Session
I’ve known Jade my whole life, so when I was asked to capture her Senior photos, I was nothing short of thrilled. But, we’d completely lost touch since she was barely 10 years old and we all know a lot changes between then and high school. What’s she into these days? What’s her style? What’s her personality like? I couldn’t answer any of these questions. And, honestly, during her consultation… neither could she.
It’s one challenge to recreate a clear vision a client brings to your table, but it’s a different challenge to create an entirely new vision the client doesn’t even know exists yet.
Good thing I’m always up for a challenge.
Variety was the key to figuring out what she was going for. A little bit of urban, a dash of nature, some classy, and a smidge edgy. I will say, it’s fun having complete creative control when tackling the task of creating a vision for someone. We meandered around downtown Denver for a couple of hours looking for spots that caught our eyes. Our favorites ended up being Union Station and walls we found in the Arts District.
On the drive home, I was giddy with the thought of heading straight into my office to look through the magic we’d created and get to editing. Not to my surprise, Jade’s posing experience matched with our incredibly diverse backdrops made for hundreds of drool-worthy images. Upon their gallery delivery, they had the same feeling. And boy is that a good one.
Erin L Malcolm Creative 