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Branding and the Commercial Photographer’s “House Style”

Does your brand have a “House Style”? Does your imagery match that brand?
Does your brand have a “House Style”? Does your imagery match that brand?

Branding and House Style: Do You know You Have One?

Branding is always an interesting exercise and something that every company should take a look at.

Because, no matter what you may personally feel, you are a brand to your customers/audience.

The really interesting part, to me, is when you discover that what you think your brand stands for may not be what they think your brand stands for.

For example, an excellent graphic designer and branding expert, Christine Conrad Lane, commented that one of my selling features was “No specific house style.”

Say What, Now?

Sunset at the Springhouse
Block Island, RI

Now, that freaked me for a moment.

And, then she continued with “That is actually very important to me as a designer.”

She told me that she needs a photographer who is flexible and skilled enough that they can tell the story that meet her clients’ goals… with whatever tools, props, looks or style that is appropriate.

She finished her branding statement of my photography with “Matt McKee Photography captures reflections of the reality you desire.”

Whiskey in a glass, Block Island
Whiskey in a glass
Adirondack chairs in the setting sun, with colorful clouds.
Catching the last rays

Which, come to think of it, is how I see my commercial photography as well!

The images here was originally created for the Spring House on Block Island, art directed by the Hue Brand Group.

The original file, as shot, was a nice porch image. But, to get the “reflection of reality that [a potential hotel guest would] desire,” I needed to take it further.

Hope you enjoy it!

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