Sweet Light Studios

See yourself in a New Light, a Sweet Light!

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An Authors Brand Image Session | South San Francisco Portrait Photography

To start, let's reflect on large scale Brand Image ... "Too many companies want their brands to reflect some idealized, perfected brand image of themselves. As a consequence, their brands acquire no texture, no character and no public trust." -- Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group

Hello, Friends!

Recently, a friend requested a Brand Image Session to  go along with her book promotion.  In creating her session, I was thinking of the quote above, and how this amazing woman is so trustworthy and full of life.  It is always my goal to ensure that we create authentic photos during brand image sessions, keeping in mind that sometimes the camera lies. My job during your Brand Image Session is to be certain that the camera lies for us, rather than against you!   Among the multitude of roles in the dynamic life she plays: Mother, Wife, Yoga Coach, Vegan Chef, Speaker, Motivator, Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur and more... She is now adding author to her list! Kenya has just completed and  launched, one of the most wonderful books written to empower young women. This book was born from her time as a Social Worker and connects to her current project to support young girls find a healthy path in society. Sacred Girls is here.

The mission of "Sacred Girl: Spiritual Life Skills for Conscious Young Women" is to motivate girls to empowerment through faith, self-love, confidence, and compassion. "Sacred Girl" provides girls and young women with real-life tools to help them become spiritually connected, dynamic, and able to create healthy relationships with others and with the earth. "Sacred Girl" will help girls to establish a solid foundation for their lives; lives in which they are confident, creative, expressive, and fearless. You can buy the book online at Amazon. Kenya wanted her brand image session to create authentic representations of her many facets  … yet all images needed to “look like herself”.

On three backgrounds we came up a number of brand image photos with a variety of looks, so many she had to go home with a gallery to choose!

Her key photo, the reason she ordered a Brand Image Session, was made with her authors photo for the back book jacket of her upcoming book in mind.  

I  love to hear that clients have found the perfect photo that they love & feel totally reflects them -- It's what I live for! If you don't love your brand image portrait, I don't believe you should be made to buy the photo! Other photos from her Brand Image Session will be published on Social Media, in blog posts, and speaking promotions. You can find many of her brand image selections already on her website (www.rubyenvywellness.com), keep a watch her social media for more updates! BTW ... her family is super lucky... because when she ordered her Brand Image Session with Sweet Light Studios prints are included in the session fee! So now her her husband, son, friends and family all have beautiful prints to carry with them of their beloved.   Win-Win for Mum, you know she loves to brag! Every Brand Image Session at Sweet Light Studios Includes: Pre-Shoot Consultation, Wardrobe Assessment and on set assistance with Styling your clothes. Empowering Pose Coaching, Flattering Photo shoot with Instant Image Review. 3 Final Selections, fully retouched delivered as a digital file with a matching radiant 5x7 print.   

Within the brand image session I am always CREATIVELY thinking outside the box for you. Therefore, images are always made both horizontal and vertical - able to include a quote, splat or text box.

As I said in my previous blog post on brand image sessions … A professionally executed personal brand image also ensures you will make a great first web-impression. Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~ Dr. Seuss My goal is always to work with you to create an amazing set of personal brand images! Call me today to learn more about on working together to create your powerful new brand image and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”.

Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Schedule a Personal Brand Image Session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected]   Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Read the full article

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Build Confidence with Your Our-Team Page | Headshots in the SF Bay Area

Build Confidence in your Business through Reproducible Headshots

Super stoked when I get a call back to photograph headshots!   Why? You know me, I know you… Best of all, I know what you like in your headshots! Win Win for all!

Back on the subject of headshots again, as you may know, one of my favorite kinds of photo shoots!  Hello, Everyone!  Guess What?   These two lucky people just landed new jobs with one of my favorite clients!

They are looking fabulous! At Sweet Light Studios I am working hard at making sure to match your existing company images to your newest headshots. Take a Moment to Evaluate Your About Us or Team Page When your clients are looking at headshots of your team members on your About Us page what are they seeing?  Try to look at your company pages objectively. Recently, I've had the opportunity to review loads and loads of websites.  What I found is so many "our-team" pages seem to be cobbled together with inconsistent headshots --  disconnected backgrounds (nothing like a boutonnière to scream wedding) indoor, outdoor, colour and black & white plus wacky lighting all around.  To see what I'm talking about, just search online to see a variety of examples of "our-team" pages. In my browser, the first three to come up were Hanover Research,  Venmo  and Squarespace.  By visiting you can get a visual sense of the different approaches taken on these sites. When I see Clutter on a website, I wonder what the heck is really going on within A company.   Consistency in your team's professional headshots presented on your business website is a super-easy way to to demonstrate team-work and professionalism.

Gosh, I love that -- truly I do, what a match! I really love what this company does as well... Build Wealth!   Oh, and of course, they call me back for all their new hire’s headshots  ;) To Ensure a Match between Sessions at Sweet Light Studios, we: Diagram the set, measuring the distance of modifiers to subject. Note the power settings that were used on each piece of equipment. Recreate subsequent sets from detailed notes and diagrams. Every Space is Different  When I come on location to shoot headshots, I make careful note of the space we are using: photographing, documenting, diagramming and noting all the settings and distance allowed in your space.  Each space is different, some lights must be closer set due to space constraints.

If I make note of these distances and the light power settings then I can recreate the same lighting pattern in my studio… which is fantastic when you hire new people!

In Business, the name of the game is profit -- I'll work with you to Save Money on your colleges' headshots! Save some money and send your new person along to the studio where I will recreate the set we made in your office for a perfect match.

  “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out” John Wooden  

My goal at Sweet Light Studios is to work with you to create fantastic headshots that make you look good in all of your social media profiles, About Us pages, Team pages and Annual Reports! Call today for a consultation on working together to create your powerful new image and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Schedule a Session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected] Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Read the full article

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Shopify Expert Ready to Serve

Newly Approved Shopify Expert here -- ready to help your products shine online!

Greetings from the Commercial Studio ... Hello, Everyone! Thanks for checking us out!

Last time I wrote about how I was first working hard to simplify product photography while creating a less-complicated way of pricing and creating images to market and sell your products.  Secondly, I am so stoked to finally be able to share that I am now listed as a Shopify Expert... Woot woot, to toot my own horn ;)

What exactly is a Shopify Expert? 

Shopify Photography Experts will curate a high-quality online catalog with professionally-shot photos to make your products shine – and sell.  -- Shopify

Listed as digitalShe, a Shopify Photography Expert!

What is a Photography Expert?

  Shopify Photography Experts will build you a beautiful, professional online catalog that makes your products shine. High-quality, professionally-shot photographs compel customers to spend, and our photographers know the best ways to capture your products so you can make sales – fast.

  Well, that's great, She ... but What is Shopify?

Simply put... Shopify is a complete e-commerce solution that allows you to set up an e-commerce website to sell your goods online. In other words, Shopify helps folks get online!  The Shopify Expert platform is turn-key, meaning it has everything a business needs to get started selling online. In 2015Amazon Webstore stopped its service for merchants, and selected Shopify as the preferred migration provider, so we know it’s easy and user-friendly.  The Shopify Expert's also helped!

Sweet Light Studios is using Shopify in it’s most basic form, and that’s something we love about Shopify above all the others -- we were able to integrate the shopping cart into our own single application page (website)! Totally awesome as embedding your shopping cart into your own site is useful in maintaining a brand’s SEO, as well as ensuring complete control over your online store.

Beyond the Shopify Expert program, Shopify has everything to support the DIY Retailer as well as the experienced online merchant including templates (they call them Themes and include that hot new Parallax look) and stock photos for startups, all the way to point of sale readers.  Wow!  

As a Shopify Expert Partner we provide value-added services to merchants to help them become successful, including the following services: Setup Design Development and/or Photography

Ready to take your store to the next level? Hire a Us as your Shopify Expert in Photography today! BTW — We work with Shopify as a partner as well as a Shopify Expert to support merchants and retailers building and maintaining their e-commerce and online shopping presence… we’d love to help you start your online store!

Click to get a 14- Day Free Trial!   My goal is to work with you to create fantastic Product Photography images you can use online to sell your goods, easily! Shop online or call today for a consultation on working together to create your commercial product images for marketing and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Schedule a session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected] First of all, Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios In addition, Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Also Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & Finally, BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Read the full article

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MONTHLY SPECIAL: Holiday Card Photos  | November's Monthly Special Portrait Sessions

MONTHLY SPECIAL: Holiday Card Photos  | November's Monthly Special will help you look good!

First of all, take a look at our current monthly special and save on your holiday card photos! We understand that not every family has the budget to enjoy our full-service portrait sessions, and that is most of all why we developed our monthly specials! For a limited time, a special offer to allow everyone to enjoy our services!

Monthly Studio Special… November:  Holiday Card Photos! Hello, Everyone! Now we're really into the season!  Serious Pumpkin Spiced everything and a chill to the air.  This time of year always makes me think of photographing families at the studio -- so many families! Anticipating the Holiday Season we designed November's Monthly Special around those seasonal greeting cards to offer you the opportunity to bring the spouse or family around to create your own personalized holiday card.

November's Monthly Special: Digital Photos for Holiday Cards

Mystic Black background photographed on our signature window light set. These quick and simple sessions on your choice of a black or bright white background provide a modern look in portraits -- making great photos to fit with many holiday card themes.

Bright White background photographed on our signature window light set. A quick swap between sessions offers your choice of a black or bright white background to match almost any card style.  

  Perfect for Modern Family Portraits Our black background looks great when everyone is wearing black, creating contemporary, modern family portraits!

November's Monthly Special: Digital Files

  Choose from: 1 Digital Image $70 3 Digital Images $140 All Digital Images $200 Because we believe everyone should #ExistInPhotos we are offering a limited number of 30-minute Monthly Special studio sessions on our black or bright white background to make holiday card photos! Fantastic Opportunity to grab a few frames for Holiday Cards! Make it fun!  Bring some sweaters, scarves and heavy hats and winter wear for high-key bright fun photos to fit in snowy themes!

Sweet Light Studios will make your portrait & Delivery Electronically so you can submit with your custom Christmas card order! We will email your selected images directly from the camera at the studio so you can download and send to  Costco or another printer to order your cards! Costco accepts orders through December 17th for free warehouse pick-up! Please Note: This offer is good during the month of November  2017 on studio portrait sessions only.  Sorry, no retouching included.  No makeup services available. Individual & Family sessions up to 5 subjects. November’s Monthly Special Offer sessions are limited to one per person or family.  Session must be purchased in November 2017 and be scheduled within two weeks of purchase.  Therefore, please call today to book your session 415/409.9389 or email: [email protected] life’s blessing and goal is to work with you to create amazing portraits for you and your family to honor your Legacy! In conclusion, I would love for you to call me today for a consultation on working together to create your gorgeous new image and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Because our Monthly Special is such a great deal, schedule a session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected]   First of all, Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios In addition, follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Also Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & Finally, BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Read the full article

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Meisha's Beauty Session

A Peek Inside a Beauty Session

  Hello Everyone!

When we made over the website and migrated the blog, a few things went missing, like this post on Meisha's Beauty Session. This post is one of my favorites, so I've dug it up, brushed it off and added a few thoughts. Hope you enjoy! Whenever we host a beauty session, or as we call it a makeover session, one of the first things I like to do is take a "Before" picture -- honestly, I feel it helps to show off the transformation.  Oh, what a little makeup can do! Besides, who doesn't love a before & after?

Wow!  What a transformation! Meisha came around for a beauty shoot - with a new tube of lipstick... Marwa, one of our preferred makeup artists, was on hand to apply said lipstick perfectly!

Fabulous colour, don't you agree?

When we have a girl come around for a beauty session we make a big to-do about it!   Some may call these beauty sessions "glamour" as we make you over in a glamorous way, though we like to think of all makeover sessions as beauty sessions!

After the makeover we had a great time posing and changing outfits...  and in the end, we made a few natural lip portraits, too!

    Gorgeous! In conclusion, I would love for you to call me today to consult on working together to create your gorgeous new images and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Because it is such a great deal, schedule a session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected]   First of all Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios In addition Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Also Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & Finally, BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Read the full article

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Commercial Studio Product Photography Made Easy in South San Francisco and Beyond

Product photography can be tricky.  Many smaller online retailers today have taken to using their smartphones to create images for their sales channels as well social media marketing.

Greetings from the Product Photography Studios... Hello, Everyone!  It makes sense since the image quality for product photography is pretty darn good shot on the smartphone for the web.  And, while the camera is close at hand it's easy to find!  As a result, the image library built this way is probably going to work well online almost all the time. Seems like, perhaps - maybe, a perfect solution.   However. What if you decide later you want to print postcards for marketing?   Or a banner for your pop-up?  Will your photos be high enough resolution to print clearly? That perfect solution may seem rather like a less-than-perfect Product Photography at that point. As a result, online merchants may need some extra professional product photography support from time to time, and hence, I’d like to help.

Order your session online, when we meet up at the studio we will be all ready to go! Recently I got together with our friend at Haute Heaven whose online vintage shop is divine … we got together to discuss all things related to Product Photography.  I queried her about her Product photography process.  As I suspected: iPhone and a dress form, some paper, and a shop light. Whatever gets your Product Photography done, right? #timesaver #economical #iPhonewin While answering my questions she took a look at my Commercial Pricing on our revised site and concluded that our model was useful.  Furthermore, it was easy for her to understand and order from. All Commercial Studio Set Product Photography  Studio Sessions Include: White Paper Background with a White Floorboard 3 Light Set to illuminate your product to perfection A table or styling cart to prepare products for photography

These photos look pretty good right out of the camera -- as you can see. Or, have us knock the background out of your Product Photography.

White textured skirt on a white background!

Studio Set Product Photography at Sweet Light Studios

Your products must be (sized less than 5 ft. by 2 ft.) to be photographed at our studio on a white paper sweep.  Let us know the texture of the bulk of your products: White or Transparent | Reflective | Matte Please Note: Styling* is not included.  You must style or provide stylist.

Because I've photographed product commercially over 10 years, I know how many items I can photograph in an hour.   Since I have experience and know my lighting sets, it's easy for me to compute the time needed to work with you in the studio.  Therefore, we created a chart! Number of Images / Products: - Less than 11 (styled & photographed in less than 1.5 hours) - 11-100 (styled and photographed in less than 3.5 hours) - 101-200 (styled and photographed in less than 7.5 hours) However, remember YOU are styling this shoot. So, if the project cannot be accomplished in the time allocated due to styling, a contract extension will be required at an additional fee, which will be due and payable at end of session. Now, here's the really great news... Custom Commercial Product Photography at Sweet Light Studios:  Images are delivered electronically immediately after session directly to your laptop or memory stick in basic .jpg format. If retouching is requested, images will be delivered via an online gallery to download from.  Images come in hi-res and web-res  either .jpg or .tiff format. Bring to your Studio Product Photography Session: Your products, packaged securely Any props, forms, hangers or mannequins needed Styling tools you use: tape, steamers, lint brush,  clips/pins/etc.

Commercial Studio Set Product Photography

We collaborated on a custom designed mini-session with Haute Heaven ... Check out this 1990 Moschino Gold Sequined set!

We were able to show off the sequins and texture  without the entire outfit looking over overwhelmingly speckled... a challenge left unmet on the smartphone!   Check it out on here Instagram!

We were also able to create a photo of her packaging! Go, team!  Great Product Photography Day right here in sunny South San Francisco!  Come join me in the studio, let's see what we can do for your special product images. BTW -- We also work with Shopify partnering to support merchants and retailers building their e-commerce and online shopping presence... we'd love to help you start your online store!

Click to get a 14- Day Free Trial! “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.” ~ John Ruskin My goal is to work with you to create fantastic Product Photography images you can use online to sell your goods, easily! Shop online or call today for a consultation on working together to create your commercial product images for marketing and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Schedule a session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected] First of all, Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios In addition, Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Also Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & Finally, BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Read the full article

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Studio Set Product Photography | SF Commercial Product Photographer

This Commercial Product Photographer is working hard to simplify Product Photography …

So excited to share our latest epiphany: a less-complicated way of pricing and creating Marketing Photos for Commercial use created by a professional Commercial Product Photographer! Hello there!  Thanks for checking this post out! This will be great for business owners, merchants, and online retailers… We’ve restructured our pricing, and we believe it’s going to make for an easier way of life!

First of all, when we started to redesign the sweetlightstudios.com website, my husband queried me about how the business is run.  You know, the operations, and logistics.   Telling him about the portraiture side was simple because I keep my work simple. My client and I agree on a date, I make the most amazing portraits of them I possibly can & I get paid for the portraits my clients love. Talking to my husband about the details of the commercial side as a Commercial Product Photographer rather challenging, to say the least.  Quite the opposite of my portraiture model. Multiple explanations took place over what seems like days of pricing based on various scenarios. Bids, Negotiations, Estimates, Approvals, Deposits, Contracts, Invoices, Shot Lists, Schedules, Pre-Production, Assistants, Post Production, Processing Fee’s, Expendables, Talent, Usage Rights, Licensing, Use Fees, & on and on. As a result, it made both of us feel a little cranky just trying to talk it out -- because there is no “average cost” or plain English pricelist on commercial photography, not really. As a Commercial Product Photographer,  I stopped to think how hard that must be for my clients, you!   Ugh!    So Sorry! Through our service experiences, both personal and professional, we've come to believe that “a confused mind says No!”... and therefore we decided to simplify our pricing. As a result, we set out to design our website differently.  So good people with nice products can easily find out how much it will cost for us to photograph their goods.  And, then make it easy to order a photography session to meet their needs and budget. No drama.  Online pricing.  Once and Done.

Order at 2 a.m. in the morning if you like.  Gotta say, though, we’ll probably schedule your photo session during the day!  ;) In exchange for your money, we'll give you web-resolution files of your goods.  In addition, we'll deliver matching hi-resolution .jpg image files of your products. We also include a Grant-of-Rights giving our clients an Exclusive, Unlimited Image Usage License for Web Use. We also include the right to use the accompanying high-resolution images purchased as specific print rights. Sweet Light Studios includes it all because, it seems like the reason you wanted a Commercial Product Photographer to make really great photos of your stuff would be, most of all, to Use the Images to Sell Your Products! Am I right?    

Sweet Light Studios' Commercial Product Photographer  Serves 4 types of Product Photography Needs!

Commercial Studio Pricing -- you bring your goods in, we snap them, you go home with great photos of your products! Commercial On Location Pricing -- same as above, while we come to you. Commercial OnLine Pricing -- send your goods to us, we snap & send you great photos of your goods.  Send return postage and we’ll send it back. Custom -- For those who deserve extra special attention.  We’ll work it out.  

SF Bay Area Commercial Product Photographer

Commercial Studio Pricing

Let’s say you have a few items you sell in your boutique that you’d also like to feature in your online store.  Furthermore, maybe you have a dozen stands that you’ve made to sell online. Perhaps you want to make a catalog of your cool smartphone covers for an upcoming show. We’ve added up all the expenses that go into a basic product shoot in the studio, added in the variables that change pricing (such as level of retouching) divided by a common number of items especially relevant to most sessions. As a result, we've made it easy for you to know with just a few clicks how much it will cost to hire me as your Commercial Product Photographer. Also, we can use my Studio!  

Commercial On Location Pricing

Well, here’s where things usually get a little bit trickier to get a price from your Commercial Product Photographer.  Going on location.  Since location shoots mean we must take all our gear out while traveling.  As a result of going on location, we also have to think on our feet and be creative setting up in a new environment.  Plus, we’re in the SF Bay Area, so you know the price is going up because now I’m going to need to park, right?  No worries, we've crunched the numbers and come up with a plan!  In addition, you too can see, with just a few clicks, the price to have me come to your Location as your Commercial Product Photographer! Seems like we are swimming along nicely.  

Commercial OnLine Pricing

But, what if you only have two or three products? What if you live in Illinois? How about merchants that have New Products to add to your existing site changing seasonally? No worries,  Be happy, we have a plan for you as a result of all our number crunching and scenario reviews!   Uncomplicated tabletop product photography with our Commercial Product Photographer in-house that you can price and order online from anywhere? Seems like a dream come true!  Here's the deal:  you ship your items to beautiful South San Francisco and viola we’ll send you happy shiny product photos back electronically. First, choose the angle(s) you’d like your product(s) photographed at and also let us know what luminosity your items are using the drop-down menu.  Finally, select your desired level of retouching and viola, get a price for your shoot! Furthermore, Commercial Online Product Photography pricing starts at $12.98.  Our Commercial Product Photographer will shoot just one thing,  there's probably no reason not try it out!  

Custom Pricing

Custom Orders won’t upset us!  We are ready to quote special orders because not everyone has the same needs.  Quite the opposite, much of our custom work is a combo of our product photography categories. While a model may be required on one set, another set may be a combo of bags and wardrobe on a stand.  Consequently, one style of product photography won't fit. Therefore, if you need your Commercial Product Photographer to come on location and photograph a selection of larger items on a Set PLUS a few more items on a tabletop call Sweet Light Studios. Perhaps you’d like to add talent to your commercial product photography shoot, a model or stylist that we contract for you.  We can probably help you out -- Whatever your needs,  just be in touch, via phone or email or,  if it’s two a.m.,  fill out our online survey.

We are making it easier to order product images from a Commercial Product Photographer.

To get all the details and understand everything included, you can check out our Terms and Conditions Online!   To support you better we are working with Shopify partnering in building e-commerce and expanding the online shopping presence of our clients. We'd love to help you start your online store!

Click to get your 14- Day Free Trial!     “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.” Henry Ford My goal is to work with you to create amazing product images that Sell! Shop online or call today for a consultation on working together to create your commercial product images for marketing and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Schedule a session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected]   First of all, Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios In addition, Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Also Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & Finally, BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too!   Read the full article

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Shelah's Professionally Branded Head-Shots ... a Lifestyle Amenity Service

Excited to share our latest event request: Shelah's Professionally Branded Head-Shots!

Recently I was asked to photograph Head-Shots as a fun community social event by my friend who is a Lifestyle Director in San Francisco.  In this busy city Professionally Branded Head-Shots for profile photos are vital to making a great first impression online. Oh the fun we had making  our high-key portraits for the residents at a luxury hi-rise here in San Francisco! I meet the most fascinating people photographing out in the world!  #ILoveMyJob

BTS: Shelah's Professionally Branded Head-Shots!

We set up in the common area off the expansive,  beautiful deck.  Our hi-key set fit perfectly in the kitchen area, not an inch to spare.  Turned out it was great spot for guests and residents to enjoy a lite-bite and sip to relax after the workday and prepare for their Professionally Branded Head-Shots session!

Hi-Key Professionally Branded Head-Shots Make the Best First Impression

First up was a personal trainer who was in a hurry to get to his next training session -- good thing I'm quick!

He said "Had a great time shooting! Thank you for taking my appointment last minute!".  Jimmy chose this photo for his head-shot.  You can find him on IG @builtbyjimmy Next we had Marc and Lea sit in to make new personal branding images to update their husband-and-wife Financial Planning Services website.

Boracchia Wiviott Wealth Partners, llc   Next up we had some equally fascinating professionals stop by to update their LinkedIn profiles...

This busy professional was on her way to a speaking engagement and needed her images made up right away -- luckily we were able to accommodate her needs and get her favorite Professionally Branded Head-Shot right out for her!  "These are awesome!" she said "Thank you Shelah! It's gorgeous I love it!! I'm sending it to the show producer now :) I really appreciate you doing that so quickly. "  Love to making people happy!

Nothing is Like our Hi-Key Professionally Branded Head-Shots

Our sweet High Key lighting setup gives everyone a youthful glow and puts a smile in their eye, a noticeable difference than other setups. When this handsome fellow learned there was wine and lite-bites, he called up for his wife to join him telling her it was okay to join him at the event & enjoy!  As a VP, he felt it was important to "up the game" with his profile photo and ended up purchasing three (I think his wife wanted helped).

Yup, boss like!  "Thanks Shelah. They look great." Some folks in the building even brought their dogs around, they were soadorable, how could I resist a quick photo in between sittings?  Professionally Branded Head-Shots for puppies? ha, ha, I don't think so!  I can try, but I'm no pet photographer -- Honey-Bee is just so cute, I'm sure she always looks good in photos!

Our last Professionally Branded Head-Shots sittings of the day ...   I had to make one of the lovely Erin (who looks amazing despite her saying "I have no makeup on") the Lifestyle Director.

Her friend also sat for us, needing a new Professionally Branded Head-Shot as well saying "These are perfect! Thank you so much Shelah! The pictures are beautiful and so excited to get the print! Many, many thanks!!!"

And finally, our last sitting of the day -- such a gentleman, he even helped me get out the door with all my gear at the end of the night!  Chivalry.

This is an exciting new event that I'm thrilled to be asked to participate in ... the attendees enjoyed themselves and I had a blast!  You can see in the photos everyone had a great time as well. I'd love to let's brainstorm your ideas for making images that your clients will love -- call today! Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Because it is such a great deal, schedule a session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected]   First of all Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios In addition Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Also Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & Finally, BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too!   Click to Post

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Sweet Light Studios Website Facelift

Sweet Light Studios Website Facelift

The Sweet Light Studios website needed a website facelift badly, so with the help of my Sweetheart we gave it one.

The Website Facelift addresses Mobile Devices

A while ago, some of the search engines started reporting that the Sweet Light Studios website was  not optimized for mobile devices.  So, we took a look at the site on my cell phone and found we needed to swipe horizontally and well as vertically. Some of the buttons were also too small to press!

http:\\ vs https:\\issues

The browsers also started giving us warnings that the website wasn't safe to browse, with scary icons and text.  We would never want anyone to feel uncomfortable looking at the site -- scary!  So, we researched it a little and found out that any websites that are http: instead of https: will cause the browsers to give stronger and stronger warnings over time. Good to know now!

Wordpress Blog and Shopify integration.

The website also contained a Wordpress Blog as a sub-domain.  This caused look and feel to change dramatically when navigating to the blog pages. Also, this wasn't very good for SEO it turns out, because a subdomain is seen by the browsers as being on a different website.  Knowing from experience  that most purchasing decisions are emotional, we wanted to be sure to give prospective customers a way to "Buy Now" at the press of a button.  Therefor, he decided we needed to integrate Wordpress and Shopify within the website, rather than the other way around. Now you can read my blog and shop all in one place!

Here is a trailer about all the exciting changes you can see for yourself:

I think it's pretty darn cool and get excited every time I hear the music!

React to the rescue.

Because of the philosophy changed in programing from computer first to mobile first, now new technologies have emerged.  The cutting edge technology is React, Redux, Bootstrap, so that is what we decided to implement -- well, he implemented it, I just tried to help where I could ;) And it turned out AWESOME!!!! Please take the time to browse around the website and check out all the cool technology.  There is also a lot of other cutting edge technologies, you can find them all listed in the credits article.  Follow the link and then scroll down. https://www.sweetlightstudios.com/credits/ If you or a programming web developing friend is interested in the wonderful code, he has made it open sourced on github! https://github.com/b0ts/react-redux-sweetlightstudios-website Finally, there is another video, a programmers overview, that walks you through all the source code in In conclusion, I would love for you to call me today to consult on working together to create your gorgeous new image and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Because it is such a great deal, schedule a session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected]   First of all Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios In addition Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Also Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & Finally, BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Click to Post

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Beyond Beauty: A Warrior's Story | Beauty Photographer, South San Francisco

Hello Gorgeous... Oh, the surprises that come along when you ask The Universe for what you want! Super thrilled to be included in the book "Beyond Beauty: A Warrior's Story" by Daphne Evans ... and then to learn she's invited me to speak about the wonderful glamour session hosted last year with Heaven's Door's beautiful Diva of the Year, Erica! I thought you would want to know, so save the date: Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 2-4 PM & stop on by!

In her event page, Daphne writes: "Come be inspired and join the celebration of Daphne Evans' labor of love, "Beyond Beauty: A Warrior's Story" at Book Passage! Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 2-4 PM at Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, Ste. 42. This is an amazing venue that has hosted well known persons such as Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton during their campaigns. Daphne, an ovarian, breast and spinal cancer survivor is excited to share her journey and share the stage with other cancer warriors included in this coffee table photography book as well as contributing photographers. Wine and refreshments will be served as well as being able to have your book autographed. This event is free of charge. Please RSVP for wine headcount here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-beauty-book-signing-at-book-passage-tickets-30993493373?ref=estw Beyond Beauty is a book of triumph, love, tears and laughter -- with a shot of "Divatude". While in bed after breast cancer surgery, Daphne founded Heaven's Door Cancer Foundation, paying for women to be pampered in spas across the US. She also conducted a renovation of an old colonial from her bed to open a dedicated spa and a place for women to meet in Missouri. After convalescing, she returned to San Francisco to be with her sisters before and after surgery and has never looked back. She has encouraged women to leave their beds and join her in front of the camera, on TV, in magazines and on fashion runways. Her mantra is: "We will NOT be defined by our diagnosis!" Speakers: Daphne Evans Sheila Ash Suzanne Agassi Ilyssa Calonsag Vincent Gotti Hemali Acharya Zaveri Shelah Osbrink Raquel Cummins and many others" Proceeds from the sale of this book will go towards the purchase of a Heaven's Door Healing Retreat in Florida at the request of late stage cancer patients. Giving back and paying forward are a big part of our ethics and I love to give back to charities that I feel strongly do good work, especially work that is uncommon. Please come join in the celebration if you can... I'd love to meeting you! Click to Post

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Hot August Whites: Introducing Monthly Specials by South San Francisco Portrait Artist Sweet Light Studios

Monthly Specials. Take a look at our current specials and save on your next photo shoot! We know not everyone has the budget to enjoy our full-service portrait sessions, and that's why we developed monthly specials for a limited time, offers to allow everyone to enjoy our services!   Introducing Monthly Studio Specials... Hello, Gorgeous!  We wanted to celebrate you and appreciate this final month of summer, what better way than with our "Hot August Whites" a special summer portrait session offer! Wear white to the studio for extra special savings on your portraits!

These simple sessions will get you a gorgeous new profile photo to use online and in social media, or print to share.  Showcase your fabulous summer tan & happy family campers with a beautiful portrait! Because we believe everyone should #ExistInPhotos we are offering a limited number of super-quick 15-minute studio sessions on your choice of one white background*, with one wardrobe change for extra super duper huge savings -- no bells and whistles here, just 15 quick image takes showcasing your winning summer look!

We'll download selected images to your memory stick directly from the camera, and you're on your way with an impressive new portrait. Don’t have a memory stick?  No worries, we can email your shiny new images within 24 hours!

Choose from: 1 Digital Image $70 3 Digital Images $ 90 All Digital Images $150

* White Background Options include our Flower Wall, our white wall or bright white background!   “A portrait is like an ornamental headstone. It is not for the subject, but for those who look upon it. For those you want to remember.”― Julie Klassen, The Painter's Daughter

  Please Note: This offer is good during the month of August 2017 on scheduled studio portrait sessions only.  Sorry, no retouching included.  No makeup services available. Individual & Family sessions up to 3 subjects. August's Monthly Special Offer sessions are limited to one per person or family.  Session must be purchased in August 2017 and be scheduled within two weeks of purchase. Please call to book your session 415/409.9389 or email: [email protected]

  Great for Headshots and Family Portraits, Individuals and Professionals. My goal is to work with you to create amazing portraits for you and your family! Call today for a consultation on working together to create your gorgeous new image and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Schedule a Session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected]   Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too!   Click to Post

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What Your Body Language Tells the World | SF Bay Area Portrait Photographer

If our first impression is found online in a profile, on a business card or billboard, where no words are used, it would stand to reason that our body language is much more important than the words that are printed alongside our image. Warm Summer Greetings from the Studio... Hello, Gorgeous! According to a seminal study some years ago by Dr. Albert Mehrabian author of Silent Messages, our body language conveys about half of our message to those we’re communicating with in face-to-face conversation.  Our tone of voice conveys about forty percent of our message and our actual words send less than ten percent of our message.

  What your Posture Says | The Look, The Mood you want to Convey How we carry our body in the real world conveys a lot without saying a single word.   Standing too close or too far from another individual when talking to them sends subtle signals about your confidence and interest.   For instance, when you face another and lean in during the conversation, it shows a keen interest in what the other person is saying. Lift a hand to the face and grasp the chin or place your hand under the chin tells others you are listening, intently contemplating their words. Conversely, these subtle unconscious body messages can interfere with communication.   Actions such as crossing your legs and pointing the knees or feet away from your companion unconsciously indicate to those around you boredom or an interest in leaving.   Archetypally, crossed arms is a closed posture, as if to say “I am blocked to your perspective”. There is a myriad of other “tells” that quietly let those around you know you are dissatisfied with the current situation and looking for a change.  

  In Life and In Our Studio There have been countless books, lectures, and articles produced on the subject of Body Language because it is a form of nonverbal communication between people.  People are curious to understand what is going on and sometimes want to study the subject in order to manipulate others.  Our approach to utilizing body language in the studio is based on life, and my desire is to help you convey the message you most desire to your viewers. When we observe body language in others through everyday interactions we notice that the lovers who are enduring an angry spat may display non verbal cues to their displeasure by grimacing, crossing their arms and looking away.  They probably will not be standing close together. On the other hand, those who are enjoying the company of others display this by leaning or standing closer, hands are lowered and arms are open -- the eyes light up and small little creases increase around the eyes as the muscles squeeze to see better the object of delight.  

In the studio, we are keenly aware of the language of the body.   We pose lovers close together showing intimacy, touching and looking at one another.  Business women are posed with hands on the hips to enhance confidence.  We place children in front of Mum because we know she thinks most highly of them! Photographing Mum leaning into the camera with a relaxed smile to emphasize to her family acceptance, as if the ever-present listener.   Groups are posed to fit together, show hierarchy and match in body language.

Enhance your Presence We believe a lot goes into a lasting portrait, more than just posing.  First and foremost, the portrait must be flattering or the subject will not want to have it, nor show it off.   Body language, expression, and posing are essential to the flow of the photographs AND in delivering a congruent message about the subject (confident, formidable, approachable, sweet, kind, professional, etc.). Imagine seeing a photo of the Queen of England slumped into a chair - hand holding her head, looking away from the viewer … I know, it’s hard to imagine!   The Queen, in order to assume her brand and formidable position in professional photos, is almost always photographed standing or sitting tall, head held high -- her arms are most often down, hands in lap, or high and waving proper and regal.  This is what we expect from a world leader. The same is true for you… Good posture and body language tell more to the viewer than your words ever could express so sit up tall and engage that core!

How to Improve Over time, I’ve noticed my photography improving by studying and observing body language in my clients both in the studio and at networking events.  I find the subject fascinating.   Study Since acknowledging the power that comes from understanding body language, I’ve sought out experts, and have learned a lot from Vanessa Van Edwards.  She has an in-depth workshop on CreativeLive that I purchased and have studied from.  Udemy has multiple webinars on the subject if you’d like to learn more. Even the last business book I picked up at the library, The Power of Charm by Brian Tracy & Rob Arden, surprised me with two entire chapters covering just this subject.  It’s true, body language can betray your most charming endeavors.   Practice Best of all, I’ve found that adjusting my own body language, stance and posture, can have a profound effect on my mood and help me snap out of a funk -- just by noticing slumped shoulders I can pick myself up and put a smile on, my mood improves.   Observe Amy Cuddy talks about this phenomenon in her TedTalk.  Watch this vid and you’ll see why we use the “Wonder Woman” pose in the studio whenever a shy or awkward feeling client comes in!   Amy says power posing can actually change our body chemistry, enough to lighten a mood and produce endorphin that will bring out our courage -- I can attest to that (try it yourself before your next speech or interview).

  “When the eyes say one thing, and the tongue another, a practiced man relies on the language of the first.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson   My goal is to work with you to create portraits that say what you want to say!

Call today for a consultation on working together to create your authentic new image and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Schedule a Session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site.  Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected]   Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Click to Post

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The Hi-Key Headshot: Your Location and Mine | Modern San Francisco Studio Photography

With small online profile images today it’s better to use headshot closeups that fill about 60% of the frame with your face with minimal background distractions. Thus helping to make you more recognizable in those oh, so tiny circles and squares online.   Spring Greetings from the Headshot Studios... Hello, Gorgeous! In a previous post on the headshot I wrote about the trend today in posting compelling profile images… and that your profile photo is vital step to creating a lasting first impression.  I showed how professional photos make a better impression in online profiles than snapshots, mobile phone captures, or crops from group photos. We get a lot of call for solid backgrounds for these headshot profile photos.  Some want crisp and clean on a white background, while others opt to go a bit more hip & edgy with their headshot on black. Then there are those who would rather a more formal or traditional "annual report" portrait on gray, such as the team Below.

No matter what colour or texture you choose to feature in the background -- consider it carefully because it will set the tone and style for your entire team. Your background selection will either support or distract from your company brand image. In my opinion a studio headshot created with solid backgrounds make the best online profile photos because: There is no clutter to compete with your face The image adjusts easily to any orientation or crop White Backgrounds generally blend in with most website backgrounds Studio photos show professionalism and attention to detail Photos made in the studio can easily be replicated to match existing team members

In business portraits, specifically for online profile use, I find that our white hi-key style (using a bright glamour style lighting to eliminate shadows and thus wrinkles) is requested most often for Corporate Professional Headshot style Profile Portraits. Because this bright hi-key headshot set makes approachable, friendly, youthful  profile portraits it is perfect for About Us pages, LinkedIn Profiles, and Blog’s -- simple, clean and modern. When we bust out this set I get so happy seeing the portraits!  Bam, they just pop off the page! I love the light in the eyes with this set up… to me it makes everyone look fresh, vibrant and joyful.

The really great news is, I can make this style of headshot almost anywhere! Picture this if you will… A studio set within your offices where I can photograph your entire team at your site with minimal interruption to your workforce, work goes on, clients stay happy. Furthermore, I can create this same look in the studio, too!  Which is super awesome when you have a new hire.  We can arrange sittings in the studio one by one as your staff grows!  

Of course there are different opinions concerning profile images, especially professional networking sites.  Some recruiters can get board with these solid white backgrounds and become excited when they find a witty or remarkably creative headshot included in a compelling bio.   In case this isn't your cup of tea, here are examples of some different approaches you might want to consider 10 Examples of Highly Impactful LinkedIn Profiles by KO Marketing.   “Visibility creates opportunities.” Dan Schawbel, Author of Promote Yourself and Me 2.0 My goal is to work with you to create a headshot that gets you noticed! Call today for a consultation on working together to create your powerful brand image. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She Schedule a Headshot Session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your site and “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected] Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too! Click to Post

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Loved Ones. A Portrait Sitting | Contemporary Studio Photography in So SF

  There is nothing more precious to your Legacy than fine art portraits of your Family and Loved Ones. Spring Greetings from our Contemporary Portrait Studio… Hello, Gorgeous! As I’ve said before, we must all #ExistinPhotos to tangibly exist to our Loved Ones. Portraits displayed in our homes, businesses or workplace show the world the value you place on your Loved Ones. And, whilst you are showing the world that you value your family, they notice too, and feel valued themselves. Seeing a portrait of themselves on your desk sends a quiet affirmation to those you care for that you wish for them to be with you, always. Recently I had the pleasure of photographing a busy urban family in a Mini-Session that we designed specifically for this gorgeous working couple.  They wanted traditional style headshots as well as family portraits, an ambitious as well as handsome family! We paired down the Mini-Session to just two sets & backgrounds -- one for their headshots and our faux window light set for their family portraits.

In excited fashion we set to work quickly in the the studio to create both Mum & Dad’s new business portraits. We then finished up with a fabulous round of portraits including all of the Loved Ones to make up the Folio Mum dreamed of.

In about an hour! Folio Boxes -- The Most Bang for the Buck

The Folio Boxes I offer are a good value for yourself or your favorite people. Inside an Authentic Artists Black Folio Box  you’ll find six, ten or twenty of your favorite selections.  Each print is lovingly retouched, hand mounted into Archival Mattes and ready to frame. You can keep your folio private, on a shelf or in a drawer, assured that the box and contents are of high archival quality, heirlooms.  Or, hang and share the prints enclosed, reusing the archival box as a keepsake for other prints, portraits or mementos.  

Some of my clients mention that they bring different portraits out for different seasons, reserving the balance in the Folio for safe keeping.  Whatever your motivations or intentions, know that we support your decision to build your legacy through heirloom portraits via keepsake folio collections. BTW -- Folio boxes can be personalized at your request.  Always remember, everything purchased from Sweet Light Studios comes with matching digital files! But, Wait!  There’s more! Don't you love how kids always save the best for last?  After the session was done, whilst Mum & Dad were packing up and tending to brother, I felt a little hand in mine… “Could I have another picture made? Like Mummy & Daddy had? Please?”

Well, how could I possibly resist those magnificent brown eyes? They grow up so fast ...

”     Children... are our legacy. Our responsibility. They are our destiny and we are theirs. The extent to which we fail as parents, we fail as God's children.                                                                        - Dirk Benedict, American Actor.   My goal is to work together with you to create your legacy through fabulous portraits of your Loved Ones & capture them to treasure forever! Call today for a consultation on working together to create powerful new portraits and let me help you “See Yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light”. Wishing you a Sweet day! XOX, She BTW! This year to introduce “Family Funday Sundays” we are offering three Mini-Sessions on Mother’s Day including special treats for Mum! Bubbles, Chocolate and a Mini-Bouquet of Flowers for M♥M with each session on Mother's Day! In honour of M♥M, mention this post when scheduling and received $25 discount* on your Mini-Session when booked in May, 2017!   Schedule a Session of your own at Sweet Light Studios in beautiful South San Francisco or at your location. Contact Shelah today! Phone: 1+415/409.9389  | eMail: [email protected] Find Us on YELP at SweetLightStudios Follow Us on Instagram at @inSweetLight Like Us on Facebook at SweetLightStudios & BTW, We’re Right Nextdoor, too!   Click to Post

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Updating Your LinkedIn Profile: Business Professional Studio Headshots in So SF

Business professionals today need to stand out from the crowd. The easiest first way to a lasting impression is by updating your headshots!

An Introduction to our work -- Headshots, Business Profile, Individual Brand Identity, Couples, Families and Glamour sessions in our South San Francisco Photo Studio.  See yourself in a New Light, in a Sweet Light!