What's in a name | Part II

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

As you may have read in an earlier post, Looks of Love Photography is undergoing major changes. I explained how I came to be Looks of Love and why that is no longer an accurate or relevant name for my business. So, that being said, you might be wondering what my new business name is. Well, let me tell you!!

When I was considering a new name, I new that I didn’t want to incorporate my personal name into my brand. That may sound unwise, but I don’t believe that my name has a flowy ring to it. And if I combine my first and middle name, it is a bit too feminine for my taste. So that being said, I sat down and really looked hard into what I stand for, what I want to represent, and what I want my ideal client to look like.

After college, I moved from Illinois to Virginia. My entire family is back in the mid-west. Striking out on my own was (and still is) both exciting and scary as hell. If it were not for that strong support system I have, I don’t know that  I would have thrived in the way that I have. As I have grown older, I have also re-developed a relationship with both of my parents, and it’s been a joy to do so. I feel even more connected to my family now, even if they are halfway across the country. I am blessed to come from a strong, faith based family. When I think of my own family, as well as the families I hope my couples to create, I think of an Oak tree. Solid, strong, bending, deep rooted, standing the test of time.

While I have deep roots and ties to my family, I have always been a bit of a loner, a wanderer, an explorer. I want to travel the world. I want to take in this life and everything it has to offer. I never want to lose that wanderlust. My ideal client shares that same sense of adventure for life and love.  A feather floating on the breeze comes to mind when I describe my sense of wanderlust.

So, after careful consideration, thought, and a lot of support from my friends and family, Looks of Love photography will now become Feather & Oak Photography. I feel that this is the perfect blend of who I am as a person, what I stand for both personally and professionally, and accurately reflects my ideal client.

I hope you continue on this beautiful journey with me. I will be filling you in shortly on the new website link!

I feel that great things are in store :-)

Spring Bohemian Inspired Photo Session | Charlottesville Virginia

This past weekend provided central VA with GORGEOUS weather! I mean, if there was a definition of perfect, that would have been it. I had a full weekend too! I dusted off my road bike and met up with a group to get in a 30 mile ride just north of Charlottesville. I had bonfire and grilling with friends, and a 5 hour marathon gardening session. I turned up the ground by hand and got all my weeding done. I had started my plants a few weeks ago, and they were also ready to go into the ground. So, even though by Sunday evening I was ready to collapse in a heap, I was re-energized with excitement over the Spring Bohemian session that took place that evening. My beautiful co-worker Erin graciously modeled for us! Emily of Emily Marie Photography made stunning floral crowns and bouquets with flowers she picked up at Kroger and Trader Joe's. The property I am renting on is the perfect location for any sort of natural setting type shoots. You can see more of the property in this post here! Anyway, we had a fantastic time, fantastic weather, and even a fantastic surprise addition to the shoot! Enjoy the photos, and please feel free to contact me if you would like collaborate on a styled shoot!!!  Also, Looks of Love Photography will not be Looks of Love for long. Stayed tuned for my next blog post where I will be revealing the new name of my business :-D

 

What's in a name, anyway?

If you have been following Looks of Love Photography, then you are possibly wondering why I am changing my business name. To explain why I am switching, I must first explain why I chose the current name, Looks of Love photography, and why it is no longer relevant or representative of who I am, both as a person and as a business.

When I was starting my photography journey several years ago, I had pondered quite some time over what I might name my business. I sent out emails to my wonderful and patient friends and family, listing my ideas and taking to heart all of their input. Looks of Love was born out of the concept that there are many "Looks of Love," throughout a person's lifetime. Whether that is a newly engaged couple, a groom seeing his bride for the first time, a mother holding her newborn baby, or a 25 year anniversary celebration, each of these stages of life bring new and different "looks" of love with them.

At that stage in my business, I wasn't sure what and if I wanted to specialize my photography. The name Looks of Love umbrella'ed all of it, and I was sold! My tagline became, "there are many 'looks of love.' Let me capture yours." At first, I  was really pleased. And while I realized that Looks of Love sounds a lot like "Locks of Love," I reasoned that just meant it was all the more easy to remember and find. Well, if I was going to cover all "looks" of love throughout life, I was going to cover it ALL....

 And then I had my first newborn session. I won't get into details, but lets just say I quickly realized that newborns were not something I wanted to specialize in. Cross that one off the list. I began to see that I wanted to focus on couples; specifically engagements and weddings. So, that is what I started advertising myself as. Along the way, I picked up a few boudoir sessions, and realized that I love doing that too! Anyway, more importantly, I was learning more about myself and how I was coming across to my potential clients, and I realized that who I am is not who I was portraying.

If you know me, then you already know this about me. I am a tomboy. I love to get outside, play in the dirt, explore, adventure! I climb rocks, and go on camping trips, and want to live in a tiny house. I have a sense of wanderlust that only grows with each new adventure. And I want that to be reflected in my brand and in my business. So here I am, this rough and tumble, wild at heart, nature loving gal with a business name that evokes (in my mind) visions of pretty pink hearts and swirlies and glitter and high heels and fancy fancy.

Friends, that is just NOT ME. Don't get me wrong, I like getting dolled up and fancy once in a while, but on the regular, you will find me in jeans, t-shirt, and very little make-up. I love being comfortable!

And so, this year I am getting back to my roots. I am getting back to who I am and what I am passionate about.  I want a brand that is going to accurately reflect me, who I am, and what I stand for. I want to attract those same wild at heart, free in spirit, adventurous in love type of people. And that is exactly what I plan to do!

So, I'm sure you want to know what my new name will be! Well, fret not, that blog post is coming, along with a new everything! In the meantime, the photo below is a little sneak peek into where my heart and head are leading me for this next chapter in my photography business journey.

A Sunday morning in Charlottesville

Because sometimes a perfect morning is exploring downtown with a new friend (and photographer)... This girl right here! I'm so looking forward to shooting together with her, and seeing how she lights her own business on fire! Thanks for letting me take your oh, so pretty picture!

Be sure to check her out :-D Emily Marie Photography