In keeping with the theme of change, regular visitors might recognize a change to the looks of the blog. No more black. A new logo. A wider blog. Teal! While all the previous posts will use the same style of image viewer, the new posts will have all the photos in a line (no more clicking to view big photos!)

It’s all a part of the changes I’m making to my visual identity. In addition to the new blog look, I have new business cards, new deliverables, new brochures—more like booklets, a new bridal booth, & stickers! I’m trying to make my visuals represent what I do a little more clearly.

In addition to the new blog & other stuff, I’m working on a completely redesigned portfolio website. That’s next up to change, probably next week (after the wedding expo).

So please, if you see something not working properly, please let me know.

I have a new blog post coming next week that will feature my new identity completely, but if you want a sneak peak, come check out our booth at the Spokane Bridal Festival this weekend!

This was all designed by…me! I’m my own worst client, for sure. But I do still enjoy design even though photography has completely taken over. In fact, I’m interested in taking on some interesting design projects. If you think I might be able to help, shoot me an email!

With many, many thanks to the people over Print NW in Tacoma, WA I now have two great business cards (wedding & portrait) & a beautiful wedding brochure. So I figured I should take some photos of them. If you have printing needs, go check them out. They will take great care of you and their pricing is outstanding. Plus if you just have a basic idea Greg will figure out how to make it work—and work well.

A benefit of being a graphic designer as well as a photographer is that I can design my own materials (& website). The hard thing is that I’m rarely satisfied with what I’ve done and I’m usually saved from constant redesigns by a deadline of some sort—I’m always my own worst client.

One of the biggest mistakes that I see other photographers make is that they try to design their own materials without any design training—a DIY approach. It’s a natural reaction while trying to save money. But ask yourself, would you invest thousands of dollars in a business who doesn’t recognize the importance of  a professional look. I wouldn’t. I do feel a little jealous of CPAs who start photography businesses because they already have the bookkeeping training that I desperately lack. So, I guess what I’m saying is that we all need to learn our strengths & weaknesses and apply our strengths and outsource our weaknesses. For example I’m not a great writer. I know that. You’re reading this, so you know that. Understanding this, I had a friend who is a great writer redo my text. I can’t explain how much better her version is than what I wrote.

In addition to the brochure & business cards, the guys at Print NW also printed 2 inserts for the brochure. A little ad explaining the importance of the engagement session and one explaining exactly what the trendy “Trash the Dress” (TTD) session is and whether or not you have to run your gown (hint: you dont).

I’m also adding an image of my ad that’s featured in the 2010 Wedding Resource Guide. Pick it up at most any inland NW bridal shop. Many thanks to the extra sets of eyeballs that took a look at it and gave me some great feedback.

I couldn’t be more happy with how it’s all turned out. That’s why I’m so happy to share.

I’m a member of a local photography group called the Inland Northwest Photographers Assembly and we were in desperate need of some branding that would allow us to market ourselves. In addition to photography, my ‘other’ job is working as a graphic designer so I figured I could help.

I designed the series of logos so they would create a strong brand for marketing the INPA that would work in a variety of situations. I don’t think this is an either/or situation, all of these logos could be used in circumstances specific to their strengths. Each of the logos has a description about when it would best be used. I personally prefer black, but if the group came to a consensus on a different color, that’s easy to change.

I showed them to the photogs that showed up at today’s meeting and the response was great.

1.This is the main logo. Used in most circumstances. Can be used on bumper stickers, apparel, etc.

2. This is the first choice of logo when the full INPA title is required. Note that the text is quite small but works fine in larger applications.

3. Specialty photo* fill logo. Can be customized for specific uses such as portrait, wildlife, landscape, etc. when promoting INPA. Should be used judiciously and always with the thin black stroke.

*Special thanks to Steven King for use of the parrot photo.

4. This is the logo used when the full INPA name is required but the size precludes using logo 2. Scales down better than logo 2.