Branding Photography

Why a Photo Session Gift Card Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift

Why a Photo Session Gift Card Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift
for someone you know (it could even be for yourself!)

With Christmas right around the corner, finding that perfect gift can feel like a challenge. You want to give something meaningful, personal, and memorable. This holiday season, why not give a gift that lasts a lifetime—an experience that captures cherished memories? A portrait session gift card could be just what you need to make this Christmas unforgettable for someone special in your life.

Here’s why a portrait session gift card should be at the top of your holiday gift list this year.

1. A Timeless Gift They’ll Cherish Forever

A portrait session creates something timeless: a beautiful series of images that will be cherished for years. Whether it’s a family portrait, a couples' session, or a photo shoot all to themselves to celebrate a milestone or personal transformation, the photos captured during the session will remain meaningful forever.

2. A Personal Experience They’ll Treasure

A portrait session is an experience that creates lasting memories. It’s something they’ll remember long after the session ends. From the excitement of planning the shoot to the fun of posing in front of the camera, it’s an experience that brings joy and connection—making it a gift that feels deeply personal and thoughtful.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion or Person

Portrait sessions aren’t just for families or couples. A gift card can be used for a wide variety of sessions—whether it's a solo portrait for a personal milestone, a photo shoot to launch a new business, a maternity shoot to celebrate new beginnings, or a session with a beloved pet. It’s a versatile gift that can be tailored to the unique needs of your special someone. Plus, if you're unsure of what someone would want, a gift card gives them the freedom to choose what type of session fits their personality and style.

4. A Chance to Look and Feel Your Best

Everyone loves the opportunity to feel like a star. A professional photographer knows how to capture a person’s best angles, make them feel at ease, and bring out their natural beauty. A portrait session gift card gives your loved one the chance to do just that—feel pampered and confident while having fun in front of the camera. It's a chance to see themselves in a new light and create stunning images they’ll feel proud to display. Add professional makeup to the session for extra pampering!

5. A Great Way to Support Local Creatives

By purchasing a gift card for a portrait session, you're not only giving someone an amazing experience but also supporting local photographers and artists. Small businesses thrive on community support, and what better way to contribute than by helping local talent showcase their work through a memorable experience for someone special in your life?

6. Convenient and Stress-Free Shopping

In the midst of holiday hustle and bustle, finding the perfect gift can be stressful. Portrait session gift cards are easy to purchase, and many photographers offer online options for quick and convenient ordering. It’s a thoughtful, meaningful gift that doesn’t require hours of shopping or searching for something “perfect.” Simply choose the session type, pick the amount, and you’re all set!

7. A Gift for All Ages

No matter how old someone is, a portrait session makes for a great gift. Children love to be the center of attention, teens enjoy documenting their youth, and adults appreciate the chance to commemorate special moments. Portrait sessions are a way to document growth, love, and change over time, making it a gift that truly spans generations.

A Gift That Will Keep on Giving

A portrait session gift card is more than just a present; it’s a chance for someone to create lasting memories, feel special, and enjoy an experience they’ll always treasure. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, meaningful, and unique Christmas gift this year, look no further. Whether it’s for a loved one or a friend, a portrait session is a gift that captures the spirit of the season—one that will continue to bring joy long after the holidays are over.


SPECIAL OFFER JUST FOR YOU!

Now until the end of 2024

I am offering a BOGO (Buy One Get One) gift card, of equal value, for every gift card purchase!

Give one and keep one for yourself!

Or give both if you’re in the spirit.

Check out my gift card page for more details!

Should you have Professional Makeup done for your Photo Shoot?

The short answer is YES!

The long answer is, I will always recommend to take advantage of the services from a professional makeup artist before a photo shoot. Do you have to? No, of course not. I would never want someone to do something they do not want to do. But it is highly suggested!

You have made the commitment to invest in yourself and your professional image, so well done! You will likely use the photos in your resume, website, social media profiles, marketing materials, print materials, etc for at least a year. The photo will be the first impression people get of you. So why not go above and beyond to make it your best image!? Adding professional makeup to that will help level up your images.

Here are a couple of reasons why a professional makeup artist may be better than photos with no makeup or doing your own makeup:

  1. Experience.
    Skilled makeup artists have many years of experience, they’ve worked on all complexions, skin tones, face shapes and they know what looks best on camera. A professional has spent a lot of time working to make sure others look and feel fabulous.

  2. Makeup looks different on camera.
    Pro makeup artists use products that look best on camera, that reduce shine and they understand how studio lighting is going to affect how you look on camera. They also know how to pump up your look naturally to enhance your best features without looking overdone.

  3. Professional Products.
    Many over the counter products that we may use on a daily basis may not look good under studio lights. Have you ever seen photos where someone’s face is a different color than their neck? That won’t happen when working with a pro.

  4. You get to relax a bit.
    Having a pro handle your makeup means you get to relax and just focus on you right before your session. Most people come in a little stressed, nervous, or excited about getting their photo taken. Why add one more thing to your to do list? Hiring a pro makeup artist will allow you to focus on other things and will result in your best photos.

  5. Even if you want a no-makeup makeup look, we have you covered! Hiring a pro makeup artist doesn’t mean you will end up looking like someone else. The makeup artist is receptive to your needs and they want you to be comfortable and happy.

If you wish to make a great impression with your photos, I suggest working with a professional makeup artist. In the end, the decision is up to you!

Check out the photo comparison below to see the difference on myself!

Huge thanks to my favorite makeup artist Angie T

Professional Makeup by Angie T (far right photo)

https://www.makeupbyangiet.com/

Many Ways to use your Photos

OK so you went through the hard part of getting your photo taken.

Now, what to do with those photos?

In my full sessions we discuss how you can use them BEFORE your session so we can shoot accordingly for your specific needs. But if you have a great photo and need ideas on how you could use it see my helpful list below!

What do you want to accomplish this year? Thinking ahead next week is hard enough but make sure to think about your next 12 months.

Exhibits

Speaking Engagements

Billboard Ads

New business cards

Flyers

Add new product or service

Launch a new product

Launch a new service

Write a book

Write an article web/magazine

Create a magazine for your business

Create a brochure

Create presentation materials

Product care cards

Client Thank you cards

Client Holiday cards

Welcome packet for new clients

Specialized packages

New signage

Host an event

Update existing website

Design a new website

Update social media

Create new social media accounts

Create blog posts

New blog topics

Guest blog posts

Email signature

Facebook ads

Google ads

Online promotions

Launch e-course/online program

Create downloadable resources

Online email newsletter articles

Podcasts

Online interviews

Now go out there and use your photos in a new way!

What is Branding Photography?

Being the driven business owner you are, I probably don't have to tell you that your audience needs to see your brand show up on a regular basis before they'll trust you enough to work with you.

But here’s the problem…

you go to post to your social media and you’re still pulling from the same handful of images you've been using over the last year (or more)! AND what’s worse, the photos are all from different sources, with inconsistent light and mismatched editing. Eek…


There’s no cohesion, which means your brand’s visual presence is inconsistent. It’s patch-worked, duct-taped together, and you realized what used to be “good enough” isn’t really working anymore.

You need a complete visual representation of your brand.

Your images are a way for you to show anything from your personal style, your morning routine, the process you go through with each client, and an opportunity to show that you’re an authority on your business. Your photographs not only change the look, but the entire experience your clients have when landing on your website. It can be such a powerful tool to position business owners and entrepreneurs.

Business owners can also use their images to build relationships and create impact through story. Content marketing is simple when you receive the images you need. My goal is to make finding the right assets simple and powerful so that people remember you and your business.

IT’S TIME TO UPLEVEL YOUR DIGITAL DRAWER OF PHOTOS TO HELP YOU ….

SHOW UP CONSISTENTLY,

TELL YOUR BRAND STORY,

AND SERVE THOSE WHO MOST NEED YOUR GIFTS.

Schedule your consultation today. loricardwell.com/schedule

Could It Be Fear…That’s stopping you from growing your business?

You feel like a boss in your business (because you are), but the thought of stepping in front of a camera is quite frankly the last thing you want to do… I get it.  It feels incredibly vulnerable to pose for pictures.  All kinds of insecurities about your looks and awkwardness come up when you even think about it.  This is why I put a special emphasis on helping you feel prepared, and comfortable during your shoot. I feel that it’s my gift to show camera-shy individuals that they are great in pictures.

You Deserve To Be Seen. Right Now, As You Are.

Personal Branding Photography Could Have Your Ideal Clients Falling In Love With Your Brand.

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