House Style?

Branding is always an interesting exercise and something that every company should take a look at. Because, no matter what, you are a brand to your customers/audience.

The really interesting part is when you discover that what you think your brand stands for is not what they think your brand stands for.

For example, an excellent graphic designer and branding expert, Christine Conrad Lane, commented that one of my selling features was "No specific house style."

That freaked me for a moment. And, then she continued with "That is important to me." She needs someone who is flexible and skilled enough that they can tell the story that meet her clients' goals.. with whatever tools, props, looks or style that is appropriate.

She finished her branding statement of my photography with "Matt McKee Photography captures reflections of the reality you desire."

Which, come to think of it, is how I see my photography as well!

The image above was originally created for the Spring House on Block Island, art directed by the Hue Brand Group. The original file, as shot, was a nice porch image. But, to get the "reflection of reality that [a potential hotel guest would] desire," I needed to take it further.

Hope you enjoy it!

Sunsets

What is it about sunsets? The photographer side of me says, "Seen it before. Everyone has shot it already. Why bother? Find something new already!"

But, my inner child says "Ooooo, look at the pretty colors! With fish hooks, too!"

The interesting part about this image is that you could imagine a cold evening, or a hot humid one. You can hear the loons making their last calls before night fall or you can hear the sound of black flies, pummeling your bug nets, looking for a way to bleed you out right there on the boat. Or, as my wife says, you can think of a romantic evening some place else where the sky looked just like that before a warm, melty kiss.

Your sky, your message, your story.