Creating the perfect casual, yet fun and creative, branding photoshoot with my wonderful client, Deirdre, in Old Montreal

It’s always awesome when my clients come back to shoot again years later, it’s even more awesome when they fly all the way from Scotland to do it. I photographed Deirdre 8 years ago and was originally supposed to meet her in Paris for our 2nd photoshoot together but then covid hit and everything had to be postponed. I had been so excited to wonder the Parisian streets for her personal branding photoshoot yet I was still equally excited to wonder through Old Montreal to get the photos we needed. I love the old world charm of this city and we took full advantage of its beautiful architecture.

Deirdre specializes in online marketing and wanted her branding photos to reflect her relaxed personal style but still be playful. Basically she did not want anything boring. She’s also incredibly shy and hates posing for photos but she opened up really quickly and I got some incredible laughing photos. She had been using photos from our first shoot together for her profile image but needed an updated version.

The looks started more casual and then we got more dressy and glamorous as the day went along. We even made sure to do a few throwback poses and looks from our original shoot to keep continuity. We took enough photos that she’ll be able to update her website, all her socials and has enough for a year’s worth of promos for her work. I made sure to leave empty space in many of her images so she can easily insert text. We also discussed what tags she might be using so as to make sure she had the imagery to match. Deirdre has such a kind and open soul and is always such a pleasure to work with. Here are some of my favourite images from our shoot together.

Here’s a behind the scenes embarrassing story that happened at the very end of the shoot. First, I do not recommend this at all, second, let’s hope this never happens again. So as we know, I like to do whatever it takes to get the right photo. I had this genius idea to lie down on the train tracks that was two feet from the path so I could photograph Deirdre in her beautiful gown. When I got up I was covered in something brown that had no distinct smell and I was like “ok, I either lay down in dog shit or this might be tar." I rush back to the loft I was renting and tried washing it off. low and behold, it did not budge and I was covered in tar… Definitely a first for me and a true testament to how far I’ll go for my clients. And yes, the photo was totally worth it and I may or may not do it again…