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We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of the remarkable talents at The Spin Style Agency – Stacy Suvino, a seasoned prop stylist with a passion for storytelling in the advertising and film/TV industry. Defining Moments and Authentic Stories Stacy's journey in prop styling was ignited by a viewing of "Water for Elephants," a film that moved her profoundly. The experience inspired a career shift, setting the stage for Stacy's commitment to authentic storytelling. Her work on "Minari" and a serendipitous encounter with production designer Jack Fisk solidified her conviction that she was on the right path. "Reservation Dogs” S3 final night of filming Rewarding Collaboration in the Art Department For Stacy, the most rewarding aspect of working in the Art Department is the collaborative effort that goes into bringing creative visions to life. Despite the fast-paced nature of the industry, Stacy emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and the shared sense of pride that follows the completion of a project. “Reservation Dogs” S2 on location at homeless encampment Influence of The Spin Style Agency Stacy credits her experience with The Spin Style Agency for honing her organizational skills and ability to create distinct creative narratives quickly. In the fast-paced world of television, where multiple episodes are juggled simultaneously, she learned to compile creative boards efficiently, ensuring both organization and a compelling visual narrative. Overcoming Challenges with Resilience Stacy faced a significant challenge during Season 3 of "Reservation Dogs" when a set dec warehouse caught fire, resulting in the loss of curated items for a crucial 1950s boarding school set. Despite the emotional setback, the team rallied together, hired extra hands, and overcame the adversity to produce a powerful episode honoring a dark chapter in American history. “Reservation Dogs” S3 1950 boarding school classroom “Reservation Dogs” S3 1950 boarding school dining hall Advice for Aspiring Prop Stylists Stacy's advice for aspiring prop stylists is grounded in discipline, education, teamwork, persistence, and continuous learning. She emphasizes the importance of self-care in an industry known for its demanding hours, highlighting the priority of personal and mental health. Memorable Projects: "Minari" and "Reservation Dogs" Reflecting on her career, Stacy holds two projects close to her heart – "Minari" and "Reservation Dogs." Both have not only been critical successes but also catalysts for positive representation. "Reservation Dogs," in particular, stands out as a groundbreaking show featuring a predominantly Native American cast and crew, making television history. “Minari” 1980’s trailer location living room “Reservation Dogs” S2 1970’s boarding school dorm "For the first time, Native Americans could tell their stories from their perspective in the most authentic and beautiful way. The show has not only been a critical success but one that has changed television history. There’s nothing like it, and I don’t think there will ever be anything quite like it." Stacy's involvement in 'Reservation Dogs' goes beyond professional accomplishment. "Each day coming to work on it felt special to all of us. It was magic. On a personal level, I made friends who are now like family, worked on a set decoration team that was a dream, and reconnected with my Native American roots in ways I never expected. I feel like I was brought 'home.' It was a remarkable and life-changing experience." “Reservation Dogs” S3 1950 boarding school classroom Explore Stacy's Portfolio and Discover The Spin Style Agency If you're curious to dive deeper into Stacy's impressive portfolio, we invite you to explore more of her work on The Spin Style Agency website, where you'll find a showcase of her incredible work and the diverse talents that make up our agency. Witness the artistry and dedication that go into creating captivating narratives through the lens of prop styling. “True Detective” S3 picture cars Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights from our talented team!

A Bite-Sized Journey: An Interview with Naomi B. Smith Join us as we delve into the journey and inspiration of Naomi B. Smith, a dedicated food stylist and recipe developer. With over a decade of experience in film, TV, and commercials, her expertise has evolved through mentorship from industry luminaries like Charlene Perry, Nate Dorn, and the creative minds at Fratelli Studios. Her commitment to growth and learning is unwavering. Beyond her professional work in crafting visually appealing dishes, Naomi enjoys experimenting with new recipes and expanding her culinary knowledge. Crafting Culinary Art: A Chat with Naomi B. Smith What is your Specialty/Craft? Naomi B. Smith: Food and beverage styling, cooking, and props. Please share three facts about your personal life: Naomi B. Smith: I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I am biracial Asian American, raised by my mother. I do Google reviews of restaurants I have visited, and it has over 35 million views on Google Maps. What made you decide to get into your craft? Naomi B. Smith: My inspiration began at home, being raised in an Asian American household, where I was introduced to the world of flavors, textures, and sauces. Where were you educated/trained, and how have you learned your skills? Naomi B. Smith: I received my BFA in photograpy at the Art Institute and started learning about styling in college. I was reading articles and learning techniques from chefs online and from magazines. I studied under five food stylists around the Greater Atlanta area while doing my food and event photography. I also now take various cooking classes locally and when I travel to other countries. Please describe your aesthetic and creative perspective. Naomi B. Smith: My inspiration comes from my Asian heritage and utilizing techniques from my mom and grandmother. My creative food styling stems from my love of cooking at home and experimenting. My understanding of ingredients in their raw form, spices, and flavors is knowing how they all work together by taste but also by how they look—using colors, textures, and shapes to highlight the best parts of the foods I make. Could you share what your favorite aspects of being a food stylist are? Naomi B. Smith: What I love most about my job is being hands-on and working in creative environments where I can learn and apply my craft. Every project is unique, and I enjoy the challenge of making each dish visually appealing. The satisfaction of seeing the final product in a photograph or on-screen, knowing that I had a significant role in creating that image, is incredibly rewarding. You've had a remarkable journey, Naomi. Could you share some of your career milestones or highlights? Earning a bachelor's degree in photography Leading styling for a major global brand Joining Union 479 and working on feature films Styling family recipes of the King Family Naomi B. Smith: These experiences have not only shaped my skills but also enriched my journey as a food stylist. Who inspires your creativity in the culinary world? Naomi B. Smith: My creative inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including creative personalities like Ree Drummond (the Pioneer Woman), the family recipe blog 'The Wok of Life,' Bon Appétit magazine, and Bonnie Tsang, a talented photographer and food stylist. These creators provide a continuous wellspring of ideas and approaches that keep my creativity flowing. Conclusion: Within the realm of food styling, Naomi B. Smith's journey is a stirring testament to her passion and dedication. Her career milestones and creative inspirations have all played a part in molding her into an authentic expert. She personifies the artistry that defines her field, making her an inspiring figure for aspirants and connoisseurs alike. Join us for more insights from the world of innovative styling at The Spin Style Agency as we continue to uncover the art behind the scenes that makes every image come to life. Stay creative, stay inspired!

In a world filled with divisions and preconceived notions, it's easy to find ourselves confined within the comfortable boundaries of our existing social circles. We tend to gravitate toward people who share similar backgrounds, beliefs, and interests, inadvertently limiting our opportunities for personal growth and exploration. But what if we took a different approach? What if, instead of focusing on why we shouldn't befriend certain individuals, we shifted our perspective to seek out why we should? Intellectual Stimulation: Engaging in thought-provoking conversations is like exercising our minds, keeping them agile and adaptable. When we actively seek out individuals who can challenge our perspectives, we invite intellectual growth into our lives. These unconventional friendships become valuable platforms for exchanging ideas, debating different viewpoints, and learning from each other's experiences. Such conversations stimulate our intellectual curiosity and encourage us to constantly question and refine our own beliefs. "The people you spend time with shape who you become. Choose wisely." ~Melissa Ambrosini and Nick Broadhurst Breaking Stereotypes and Expanding Our Horizons: By transcending traditional boundaries in our friendships, we contribute to breaking down stereotypes and prejudices that exist within society. When we approach people with an open mind, we recognize that superficial differences often fade away when we discover shared values, passions, and aspirations. These genuine connections become powerful antidotes to prejudice, fostering empathy and understanding among diverse groups of people. Moreover, by deliberately seeking friendships beyond the conventional boundaries, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and broaden our horizons. Connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives exposes us to new ideas, traditions, and ways of thinking that challenge our preconceived notions. These interactions serve as catalysts for personal growth, helping us develop empathy, understanding, and an expanded worldview. "We are all walking stories, and the beauty of human connection lies in sharing our narratives." ~Yung Pueblo Befriending Perceived Competition: Embracing Collaboration over Comparison: In our pursuit of meaningful connections, we often encounter individuals who excel in areas where we also strive to succeed. While it may be instinctive to view them as competition, reframing our perspective can lead to surprising opportunities for personal and professional growth. By embracing the idea of befriending those we perceive as competition, we shift our focus from comparison to collaboration, fostering an environment of shared learning, mutual support, and collective advancement. These friendships not only enrich our lives but also empower us to reach new heights together. I vividly recall a conversation around competition and what I refer to as "tricky people" with a new photographer friend, whom I fondly nicknamed Big D (I'm little d). Big D remarked, "Hell, Gucci isn't worried about what Louie is doing, and they are in the same mall." Those words both amuse and resonate, reminding us that success is not a limited resource—it's abundant, and we can all thrive. "Collaboration trumps competition when it comes to creating a better world for all." ~Joe Dispenza "Instead of seeing competition as a threat, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow together." ~BJ Fogg Gaining Perspective Beyond Our Industry: A Fresh Lens for Growth In our pursuit of meaningful connections, we should venture beyond our industry or professional circles to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Engaging with people who offer fresh perspectives and experiences breathes new life into our work and expands our understanding of the world. These friendships can serve as gateways to unconventional wisdom, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving. I recently befriended a scientist who generously shared his method for creating a personal operating manual. Inspired by his scientific approach, I've learned how I can systematically document my values, strengths, and preferred working styles. This manual will serve as a guide to better understand myself, make informed decisions, and navigate various aspects of my life and business. By adopting this practice, I anticipate gaining clarity, enhancing self-awareness, and optimizing my workflows. By cross-pollinating ideas across different domains, we create fertile ground for inspiration and knowledge exchange. Interacting with individuals who see the world differently challenges our assumptions and broadens our perspectives, leading to transformative breakthroughs. Let's embrace the idea of expanding our worldview by forging friendships beyond our industry's boundaries. "When you allow yourself to explore new perspectives, you give yourself the chance to expand and evolve." ~Yung Pueblo "The greatest opportunities for growth and innovation often lie at the intersections of different fields and disciplines." ~James Clear Nourishing the Soul: Meaningful connections lie at the core of human fulfillment. By investing time in individuals who nourish our souls, we cultivate relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions. These friendships provide a nurturing environment where we can be authentic, vulnerable, and genuinely ourselves. Surrounding ourselves with people who uplift and inspire us allows us to tap into our full potential and encourages us to pursue our passions and dreams. "Surround yourself with people who want the best for you and the people you want to become." ~James Clear As we navigate life, it's easy to gravitate towards familiarity and resist the unknown. But true growth and enrichment lie in embracing new connections and broadening our horizons. By reaching out to individuals from diverse backgrounds, engaging in genuine conversations, and challenging our preconceived notions, we can open up a new and enriched life for ourselves and our new friends. Photographer - Tory Rust Stylist - Stacy Suvino

How do I quiet the sirens; where do we go from here with so many unknowns? When uncertainty strikes, it's easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed. Whether it's global crises, personal struggles, or the fact that the world is constantly changing, it can be overwhelming to feel like we are at the mercy of forces beyond our control. But in those moments, taking focused action can be a powerful way to gain a sense of control and cultivate resilience. Here are some strategies that can help. Cultivate mindfulness One of the most powerful tools for managing uncertainty is mindfulness. By training ourselves to be present in the moment and observe our thoughts without judgment, we can quiet the sirens of anxiety and find a sense of calm. Mindfulness could look like early morning journaling, downloading your worry and fear on the page before the day begins, allowing room to start the day fresh. I like to conclude my daily entry with positive emotions and clear intentions, so I begin again. Meditation is one of the best ways to quiet the racing thoughts and settle the nervous system. Try incorporating a daily mindfulness practice into your routine, whether it's meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe deeply and tune out distractions. Get Clear on Your Priorities When you're feeling uneasy or unsure about what's to come, it can be helpful to get clear on your priorities. What matters to you? What are your values and goals? By reflecting on these questions, you can create a sense of purpose and direction that can guide you through even the most uncertain times. Preparing for the Pivot In uncertain times, it's essential to be prepared to pivot if necessary. While getting clear on where to pivot is one part of the equation, the other is preparation. Where can you spend your energy to prepare for the pivot? Curiosity, experimentation, and exploration can all serve as motivation. What classes could you be taking? Which software or apps should you experiment and play with? Remember, a pivot could look like an entirely new industry, or it could simply be adding new skills to your existing tool kit. Embrace Adaptability In a world that is constantly changing, adaptability is key. Rather than resisting change or holding on to the past, try cultivating a growth mindset and experimenting with new ideas and approaches. Remember that pivoting isn't a failure; it's simply a natural part of the process of growth and learning. It's not uncommon to fear the change and, once on the other side, revel in it. Build a Support Network Finally, don't underestimate the importance of a strong support network. Seek out mentors, allies, and friends who can offer guidance and support when you need it most. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and remember that you are not alone in your struggles. We need community for our own growth and survival. In times of uncertainty, it's easy to feel helpless and stuck. But by taking focused action, clarifying your priorities, and preparing for change, you can regain control and build resilience. Remember to stay adaptable and flexible in your approach, and surround yourself with a strong support network that can help guide you through challenges that come your way. These strategies can empower you to approach even the most difficult uncertainties with grace and determination, ready to overcome any obstacle. Photographer - Guy Welch Stylist and AD - Darcie Adler Client - Sohana Arni, Shaper Sense, Cooper Lighting

As an entrepreneur, I've always been a bit of an introvert. I tend to keep my thoughts and ideas close to home, not wanting to impose them on others. But lately, I've been learning about the importance of sharing our values and purpose with our team and clients. It's not always easy to put yourself out there, but I'm beginning to see the value in doing so. I want to be transparent and share with you what drives us at Spin, not to boast but to demonstrate our commitment to these values. We are far from perfect, and we are continuously learning and growing, but we firmly stand behind our principles and the community we're building. Our hope is that by sharing our values and purpose, we can encourage you to reflect on what matters to you. Our core values were first developed with the team in 2020 when our world was upside down. Our conversations and aligned values gave us a place to feel safe and together. With that in mind, I'd like to share The Spin Style's core values with you. First, Inclusion and Unity We wholeheartedly believe in inclusion and unity; we always have. We strive to be kind and open to all. We want everyone on our team to feel supported, respected, and appreciated. This is the foundation for building our strong and supportive community. Commitment to Both Excellence and Wellness Our values guide us to be the best partners, colleagues, and humans we can be. We are committed to achieving excellence in all aspects of our work while also recognizing the importance of mental health and holistic wellness. Our industry can be challenging. That's why we prioritize taking care of ourselves and our team so that we can bring our best selves to every project. By balancing hard work with well-being, we can create amazing results for our clients and ourselves. Creating Unique Solutions We're always pushing ourselves to think outside the box and find new ways to stand out in our industry. Collaboration is at the core of our innovation, and we're constantly exploring fresh ideas with our team, community, and clients. By staying open-minded and creative, we can bring unique solutions to the table and elevate our work to the next level. Aligned Goals and Encouragement Our relationship with our artists is based on open communication, respect, and honesty. We believe in mutual support and encouragement and work together to achieve aligned goals. By working closely with our artists to define where they're headed and what steps they need to take to get there, we can help them plan for success. Commitment to Clients Our clients are partners, not just customers. By actively listening to their needs and goals, we're able to create solutions that are uniquely tailored to them. We approach every project with purpose and a commitment to excellence, always striving to exceed expectations and create outstanding results. Finding Meaning in Work At Spin, we place a high value on finding joy and purpose in our work. Giving back to our community and fostering meaningful connections are core components of our values. We believe in the power of self-reflection to drive personal and professional growth, and strive to be better versions of ourselves each day. Above all, we choose to approach challenges with a positive outlook and a deep sense of gratitude. Thank you for reading about our values at The Spin Style Agency. By sharing our approach to work and community, I hope we've inspired you to reflect. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or simply someone looking for inspiration, we believe that finding meaning in your work and connections can be transformative. We encourage you to consider what drives you. You may find it helpful to journal about your values and purpose or to gather a group of like-minded individuals to discuss your ideas. We're excited to continue this journey with our team, clients, and supporters, and we hope you'll join us. BTS Photographer - Stacy Suvino

Personal branding, aka "managing the brand called YOU," is one of the most powerful, and often, most avoided marketing practices to boost our professional power. It’s human nature to dismiss what we don’t understand and/or what makes us uncomfortable, so let’s begin by addressing the stigma of personal branding. In the decades that I have helped clients optimize their personal brands, some of the most common objections/issues/challenges I hear include: “I don’t want to seem like a shameless self-promoter.” “I am so focused on my creative work, who has time for personal branding?” “There’s no way I can be like ______, they are so much more ____.” “Personal branding is only for people who have lots of extra time (ahem, as in aren’t really working.)” “I’m afraid to do something wrong or look silly.” “I can’t afford to do it the way I really want to.” “It all feels so overwhelming, I don’t even know where to begin.” When you follow these simple steps below to harness the power of personal branding, none of these points above apply. Why? Because success lies in being true to your unique expertise, personality, and style. It’s not about how many times you post, or the hashtags you use, it’s about aligning your voice to your value and values. No narcissism, compare-despair, perfectionism, or empty bank accounts permitted. The purpose of personal branding is to ensure your credibility has visibility, voicing not just your value, but your values to support sustainable sellability. Let’s dive in. Grab a pen and paper or open a document to start getting these ideas down. The mind is for thinking, not storing, so get your thoughts out of your beautiful brain and into something where you can see and act on it! 1. Positioning Positioning is defining your place in the crowded marketplace. Begin by honing in your unique value. Answer these questions: · What do you want people to think, feel and experience when your name comes up, work with you, communicate who you are and what you do? · What is the purpose of managing your personal brand? Do you want to grow professionally, solidify your personal brand, redefine your work, expand into new markets? · How do you want to be known professionally? 2. Personality Personality is about articulating your uniqueness and values. Not your “what” or your “how,” but your “why.” Answer these questions: · What you do (not just your creative art, this might include volunteer work, speaking, etc.) · Whom you serve (sometimes this is geographic, or if you serve a specific industry/industries) · What makes you YOU? This can include your approach to work, philosophy, creative style, and experience. · Why (of all the professions you could have) do you do what you do? · What could you teach? (this is one of my favorite questions to really pull out your superstar expertise) · What can you influence? Or what do you want to influence? · Your story (you didn’t get here overnight, right?) · Your distinction · Your magic (kudos to you if you were willing to go there with me on this one!) How would you describe yourself? Feel free to have more than three answers. This helps define what you do to manage your brand, but sometimes helps with your voice online.) Examples of personality styles include: · Introvert · Extrovert · Ambivert · Techy · Non-Techy · Sassy · Serious 3. Presence Presence is where you voice your value and values to boost your credibility, visibility and sellability! Now it’s time to assess your current presence: Take inventory of your online presence. Do these reflect the image you want? These can include: · Branding · Website(s) · Headshot(s) · Bios on web and social media · Social media posts · Search results (go on, Google yourself) · Reviews/Recommendations/Testimonials · Emails/texts (yep, the way you communicate digitally is a factor) What about your offline presence? Do the following reflect the image you want to convey? The clients/work you want to attract? · Style (are you dressing for the part you want?) · Conduct (do you operate in a way that commands the respect you deserve?) · Communications (are you helping people understand who you are, what you do, whom you serve and the value of your work?) Are you too quiet out there in cyberspace? Ok, I’ve Come This Far, Now What? If you’ve invested the time to assess your personal brand, kudos to you! Now what? It’s time to optimize and move to new solutions. Go back to your assessment, review and take a good hard look and critically evaluate how you are representing yourself as a creative professional based on your wants and goals. It’s always best to work from a healthy foundation. Too many professionals jump to new things without going back and updating outdated things. Your goals are distinct. Some of you want more, some want less, some want to shift or change. Some of you reading this have a great thing going on and are wondering, what’s next? Remember that you are a human BEing, not a human DOing. Before you start doing anything to optimize or build on your personal brand, do the prep work so you aren’t “spraying and praying,” but “pointing and shooting” with your efforts. Time is money honey! For some of you who follow these steps, you might see neglected social media accounts that you want to close since you don’t have time or desire to manage them, that it’s long overdue to get that badass headshot you’ve been talking about for years, realize that your bio is outdated and doesn’t clearly communicate what you want it to, or see you have a great platform and could be posting more. Some of you reading this might decide to hire help to do more so you do what you do best, and have others do the rest. Hopefully, some of you reading this have that “ah-ha” that you don’t have to do things in a way that doesn’t fit your personality. I have to confess, I get really cringey when I hear insult-ants (that is my word for consultants who insult more than help) who have told me over the years to do things that don’t match my skill set, feel comfortable to me, match my personality or that I don’t have time or money to do. Do what feels right to you. Start small, then snowball. Quality always wins over quantity. Add new things on your terms. We all have a personal brand, whether we are proactively managing it or not. Your personal brand is a public perception of not just by the value of the work you do (the what and the how) but your values (the why we do what we do), and your brand evolves as your value and values do. As you grow, your experiences, thought leadership, strengths, reputation, and intentions grow too. In today's web and social-centric world, there’s more power than ever to dictate the mark you want to make. Proactive personal brand management can give you that competitive edge. Know your worth, own your worth, happy personal branding! Photographer - Liz Vone Hoene Prop Stylist - Risha Carnes Wardrobe - Rebecca Weinberg Lorrie Thomas Ross Aka The Marketing Therapist, is an Atlanta-based speaker and CEO of Web Marketing Therapy Inc., a boutique marketing optimization and management firm and Wild Web Women, coaching, masterminds and conferences to help women with creative marketing businesses grow gorgeously. She is a recovering salesperson who loves to help leaders navigate marketing, guiding them on how to put the pieces of their marketing puzzle together so it clicks.

As we see our calendars fill with the return of after work plans, events and networking opportunities, it’s ok if you feel more overwhelmed than excited. As a creative, you know your job is mainly supported by two things – your previous work and your connections. But as an introvert, an event filled with people to connect with may feel more overwhelming than welcoming. There is a middle point to be discovered to find comfort in your discomfort. Here are a few ideas to keep your relationships forging ahead to grow your business and your community. 1. Have a homebase. Before an event, no matter how big or small, temp-check the invite or rsvp list to see who you already know that is attending. No one looks familiar? Invite a friend or colleague to join you. I know this may seem counterintuitive for an event where you are supposed to meet people – but having the homebase of someone you are already comfortable with will give you the support you need to shine. Take breaks, bring others into your conversation and ease into it. 2. Take home two. Instead of expecting to walk into the room and leave with 15 new connections, work at your level of comfort and aim to forge a true, authentic connection with two new people. That may look like something as simple as an exchange of emails, or as awesome as a date set to grab coffee the following week. Set your goals attainable to set yourself up for success. 3. Focus on the follow up. While you may not have had a chance to meet everyone at the event, use the guest list as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with who will be there, and have a plan to follow up with everyone you were interested in connecting with after. Whether it’s a friendly DM saying hi, an email asking for a call, or an invitation to get lunch – have a communication plan in place to keep the conversation going after the fact – even with those you missed. 4. Ask for an intro. See someone you’d love to meet? See a name on the guest list and realize you wish you could have connected? Look to your existing network to connect you with the one before they become the one that got away. How often are we led by fear and realize an opportunity has been lost? A go-to path? Find the host and say, hey, I’d love to meet them, can you introduce us? Sometimes, even as introverts, we have to jump in, both feet first. 5. Lean into your strengths. Are you better face-to-face? Then capitalize on the in-person connections you can make while at the event and use your follow up to make in person plans. Excellent at email and communication? Then get those notes out the next morning to keep the conversation moving. These small efforts will feel incremental but the end goal will afford you a rewarding community built by you, using your strengths without needing to be the loudest person in the room. Photographer - Ashley Camper Food & Prop Stylist - Lindsay Champanis Rachel Katz has built a career managing the brand, marketing, and PR for some of the strongest hospitality brands in the industry, in addition to consulting with emerging brands. Rachel works as the co-founder of a strategic marketing and brand collective, The Brand Set, consulting on and advising high-growth start-ups and established brands, and is the founder and CEO of Starbright Wine, a personalized subscription service and online wine retailer based in Atlanta, GA.

Your unique selling proposition is what makes your business different from everyone else in your market. As a commercial photographer, how can you stand out in a crowded market and attract more clients? One of the most effective ways to do this is by defining your unique selling proposition. Your unique selling proposition is what sets you apart from your competitors and communicates your value to your target audience. It's the foundation of your marketing strategy and can help you win more business. In this article, we'll explore five simple steps you can take to define your unique selling proposition as a commercial photographer. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your marketing message, these steps will help you stand out from the competition and attract your ideal clients. Identify Your Strengths: Start by identifying your strengths as a photographer. What makes your work unique and valuable? Is it your technical skills, creativity, attention to detail, or ability to capture emotions? Make a list of your top strengths. Analyze Your Competition: Research your competitors and identify what sets them apart. Do they specialize in a particular style or type of photography? Are they offering unique services such as gifs, motion, or a second shooter? Identify areas where your competitors excel and where there may be gaps in the market that you can fill. Consider Your Target Audience: Your unique selling proposition should be tailored to your target audience. Consider what your ideal customer is looking for in a photographer. Do they want your support with art direction or require a treatment? Do they need a quick turn around on delivery or are they more interested in post-production techniques that elevate the quality of your images? Identify their needs and preferences. Define Your Value Proposition: Your value proposition is what makes you stand out from your competitors and provides value to your customers. It should be clear, concise, and focused on the benefits you offer. Consider what benefits you provide to your clients and how they align with your target audience's needs and preferences. Craft Your Unique Selling Proposition: Once you've identified your strengths, analyzed your competition, considered your target audience, and defined your value proposition, it's time to craft your unique selling proposition. This should be a clear and concise statement that communicates your value to your target audience. For example, "As a travel photographer, I specialize in capturing the beauty and essence of destinations around the world, using a mix of documentary and editorial-style photography to create images that feel both timeless and iconic. If you're looking to showcase the beauty of your hotel and the experiences it offers to guests, my photography can help elevate your brand and capture the attention of potential guests. With my expertise in capturing stunning travel photography, I can create a visual narrative that tells the story of your hotel, highlighting its unique features and setting it apart from the competition." By following these 5 simple steps, you're well on your way to creating a unique selling proposition that truly sets you apart as a commercial photographer. With this clarity and focus, you can confidently share your value with your target audience, differentiate yourself from the competition, and attract the clients that appreciate your unique style and approach. With your unique selling proposition in place, you'll be on your way to achieving your goals and establishing your brand in the competitive world of commercial photography. Photographer - Brittany Wages Prop Stylist - Stacy Suvino Food Stylist - Laura Cole Food Stylist Assistant - Lindsay Campanis