I caught up with Nikita Dixon, owner and founder of Storysense, following her mini brand shoot with me at Oldway Mansion in Paignton. Here's what she thought of our shoot.
In a nutshell what do you do?
I am the Founder of Story Sense which are unique sensory stories classes suitable from birth to 4 years old in the Torbay and South Hams areas. Our sessions aid child development, help parents feel empowered in play and develop a love of stories from a young age.
Why did you decide to get professional photos taken?
I actually won my branding shoot in a competition that Fran was running. I had one done a couple of years ago but my business has evolved and so has my family and I wanted something that showed both sides of my life as they are so interwined, both inspiring each other.
How have the pictures been useful?
They have actually helped me create content! And I don't mean just by using one in a post. I have looked at the pictures carefully and thought, what does this picture say about me? What does it say about my business? From picking up on these questions I have far more content ideas just from this photo shoot. They have also been great in filling gaps, for blogs, posts and emails where I perhaps don't have an image to use. But most of all they have helped me show the face behind the business without forced photos. They look natural
What kind of things have you used the pictures for so far?
Mainly marketing via social media, emails and blogs. I will be updating my website with them for the about me page too
What have been the benefits to you of having a Bank of photos to use?
Less stress!! I'm no longer worrying that I have nothing to post or no image to go with what I want to say. I can now share myself from Different angles and have photos which match my branding. I'm saving time by having lots of photos all in one place which specifically show me and my family.
How have the photos helped you and your business?
It has brought everything together. I recently changed my branding colours and fonts and these images just help to bring it all together. Fran was fantastic at thinking outside the box and looking at our surroundings to find colours and tones which matched my business. This has made such a difference. It means that you see a photo and almost instantly know its my business.
How did you feel before the shoot?
Definitely excited but anxious and nervous too. I hate 'posing for the camera and find it so forced. I also wanted my children involved. They are a huge part of the business; in fact the reason I set it up so it was important for them to he with me. But kids will be kids and I just didn't know how they would be with a stranger taking their photo or being told to sit in certain places.
How did you feel once the shoot started?
Fran was brilliant at making these feelings go away. We chatted as if we had known each other for years which helped me feel totally relaxed. She explained the whole way through why she was asking me to sit in ways or laugh like I have just heard the funniest joke when there wasn't anything to laugh about. But she was right and it did make for great photos. She was also fantastic with the kids. Sounds harsh but she almost ignored them after she introduced herself and let them just get comfortable in their surroundings. This worked perfectly with them joining in as and when they wanted and we got some lovely photos
Would you consider doing it again?
Absolutely! I definitely think there is scope to now get more branding photos in the bank of me actually working and doing my thing so 100% will be doing it again in the future.
You can find out more about Storysense by visiting the website www.storysense.co.uk or checking it out on social media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/storysensetorbayandsouthhams
Instagram: instagram.com/storysensetorbayandsouthhams
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