How to Plan a Photoshoot

Nothing will take the place of an image of you.

No stock photography, no flat-lay, no re-post.

As a brand owner, online persona, or digital personality you need to be constantly refreshing your content and investing in high quality photography.

Why?

First impressions are everything. Your client/on looker/person of interest literally will decide how they feel about you within 10 seconds of viewing your profile.

Are you highlighting your true self? I hope so.

Photography is not only essential for social media but think about LinkedIn, headshots, your website, your sales pages, etc… You need to be showing up with an image of you to create likability and trust. If I go to a page and there is no image of a person I am skeptical. Immediately!

So how we can make it happen? Photoshoots!

I like to plan quarterly photoshoots to refresh content with the seasons and ensure I have enough images for a few months.

But what can you do before to make the process go as seamless as possible?

BEFORE THE SHOOT:

1. Find a photographer. Ask around. Look to hashtags on IG (#torontophotographer). I’m sure you have saved images of bloggers or influential people whose photos you admire. Check the tags, and find out who did them.
2. Get in touch and compare prices. Start thinking about how many hours you’d like to shoot, where you’d like to go if they edit the photos, the turn around time, etc. Keep track of your responses from different photographers and think about it. If one photographer charges a bit more but hands you a deck of completely edited photos, think of the time you're saving, and you're leaving it in the hands of the pros.
3. Decide on where you’d like to shoot. I love going to a studio or my home. There are so many amazing studios around that setup corners of the room in different aesthetics and have props on hand. It makes it so much easier! Plus you don’t have to worry about cleaning your house or the pile of laundry in the corner. (I shot these photos at OFT Studio in Burlington!)

PLAN IT OUT:

1. Decide on the look/vibe/aesthetic you are going for. Is this a summer shoot? Is this website photography? For my last photoshoot, I needed professional content that showcased me in a light that was professional, glam and sophisticated (my core GG values!). So I prepped outfits that fit this mold and were so me! Remember when you’re in a studio you have TIME, so bring ALL the outfits! 5-6 is a good number for 2 hours. Even if you’re just swapping out the blouse, or adding on a sweater. It provides more content and will last you so much longer!

TIP: Don’t go out and buy all new clothes! Look to what you have, mix and match and ask indie stores if they’d be interested in loaning the clothes in exchange for high-quality photos!

2. Pull out any props you may want. Is this a website photoshoot? Maybe you want your laptop, or your favourite book, or a chic pillow. Bring it all!

3. Pack your car the night before so you ensure you have nothing left behind. Get your shoes, clothes, props altogether.

4. Have fun! If you chose a photographer that you feel comfortable with (obvi you did) they will make you feel relaxed. Once you build a standing relationship with a photographer it will become so easy, and they may give you a discount!

5. Save your photos to Google Pictures or Dropbox so you have access on your computer and phone.

There you go! Easy peasy! How often do you plan photoshoots? I'd love to know some of your secrets!

 Shop the look:

Dark Rose Cigarette

One of my favourite ways to dress is business casual. I love juxtaposing a structured piece with a comfy, casual, cool element and these cigarette pants from Topshop are exactly the structured piece I am referring to. I can wear them to work, out for dinner and out on a sunny, casual Sunday afternoon. I love the ankle cut, but the dark rose colour is what sold me on this pair from Topshop. I can't seem to get enough of this colour this season (you saw my pleated skirt in the same tone here)! It's become an addiction! And, pairing it with grey accents really makes the colour pop. 

It's getting cold around here and these high neck sweaters are becoming my go-to. They keep you toasty, while not making you feel claustrophobic like your typical, tight-fitting turtleneck tends to. Especially since the temperature in my office is set to arctic zone! We headed out last Sunday for a typical day of errands, but I felt so much more sophisticated in high-heeled booties and the cigarette pant, and I've already worn over the outfit more times than I'd like to admit since. Hey, when you're obsessed, you're obsessed! 

What's your favourite kind of style? Comfy casual? Girly and feminine? Do you  sport business casual outside the office? Do share! 

What I'm Wearing

Twik Mixed Media High-Neck Sweater

Topshop Cigarette Pant 

Zara black booties (similar)

Sophie Hulme Albion Tote 

3 Podcasts You Should be Listening To

Lately I've been feeling a tad bit uninspired. I mean... I'm so excited for the warm weather and what is to come for spring and summer, but have found that in my down time I'd rather do nothing than something. Whether it be due to the lack of sunshine, feeling stuck in a rut at work, or feeling like I'm in a stagnant state, it's been kind of annoying.

In looking for ways to pull myself up I've discovered the world of podcasts. I know-- a little late, right?! I'd been wanting to get into podcasts for a while but every time I searched for one to listen too I couldn't find one that sparked my interests. Now I'm hooked. I pre-download my favourites and play them on my way to and from work. They are also the perfect lunch-time walk companion. Sometimes music doesn't cut it and you want to feel inspired, and feel a sense of community, even though you're alone! There are three podcasts that I have been rotating between, which I enjoy all for different reasons, but all of them have one thing in common, and that's that they all are giving me life, inspiration and energy throughout my day!

#girlboss radio: Nasty Gal founder, Sophia Amoruso a.k.a the ultimate girl boss, interviews serious powerhouse women who are excelling in the business world and in the creative scene. If you loved the book, you'll love the podcast. Sophia asks leading ladies real questions, and offer insight, great advice and tons of laughs. These interviews with top CEOs and extraordinary women will leave you thirsting to make a difference in your career and beyond. It's so inspiring to hear how other women have made their mark in the world and what they are doing to really excel. I really love how it offers advice from a business perspective, yet can still make me laugh.

The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast: Lauryn Evarts has to be one of the most real, bold, doesn't-give-an-eff bloggers out there. I started reading The Skinny Confidential years ago and loved her for her wellness, body and blog related real talk. This bombshell has launched a podcast with her fiancé, Michael. They are both entrepreneurs and give advice on business, branding, blogging, relationships, travel, and more. They are hilarious, witty and offer sound advice and their experiences. The title of their most recent podcast is "How to deal with anxiety, sexting, what we look for when hiring"-- so I'm sure this gives you an idea of their diverse, laid back style of pod-casting! This is a lunchtime special for me, as the podcasts are generally around 30 minutes in length and they are guaranteed have me smiling on my way back into the office.

Make it Happen: A Podcast by Jen Carrington: The ultimate podcast for creatives. Jen Carrington is a blogger, content coach and creative mentor. She interviews other female creatives who are making serious waves for themselves. I love this podcast for so many reasons-- she divulges into real problems/hurdles creatives may have, and offers real solutions to provide real results. Some topics which I'm sure you'll find interesting relate to putting yourself out there, evolving your personal brand, and making money with your blog without relying on traffic. If you are looking for ways to creatively and uniquely build your blog and creative life, definitely check this one out! You'll find yourself leaving with great take-aways.

Have you entered into the world of podcasts? What are your favourites?

Benefits of Blogger Business Cards

For the longest time I was on the fence about whether I should have business cards made for Pastels & Pastries. While out at an event a few weeks ago I was asked for my card and I completely froze; I felt so unversed and basically just un-prepared. After that night, and with the Spark Sessions conference on the way, I decided I needed them.

It's a little intimidating to think that your blog needs business cards, but in all honestly they are such an invaluable tool to enhance connections and really get yourself noticed.

So why do we need business cards, my fellow blogger babes?? Well I'll tell ya. And If you're thinking that I am totally late on this train, you are probably right.

Get yourself noticed. During large-scale events, potential contacts and brands may just not remember you after all the faces they meet. It's great to give them something to take away that includes your information since they are most likely to resort sorting through the physical cards then trying to rack their brain finding you online.

Networking. Exchange them with other bloggers. Sometimes you just can't remember all the Instagrammers you come across in one night. It's great to have something to fall back on.

Empower yourself. Is it just me, or do you feel fancier with business cards? No really, I love how they have elevated my self-worth and made me feel more professional. Business cards mean business and they certainly give off a sense of seriousness, maturity and all around commitment.

So now that you have agreed you need business cards, where do you start?

On my commute to work on day, I heard a promo code on a commercial for Vistaprint and and literally dove into the design process right away. It was ridiculously simple and in no time at all my cards were designed. I did check out a few other sites but really wanted to maintain the minimalistic aesthetic of P&P, and not use someone else's template. And no-- not a sponsored post, I just had a great experience with the whole process!

I chose to include my name, blog site (don't include http://www.; it's a waste of space and is obvious), email address, and Twitter/Instagram handle, and most importantly my blog logo. Consistency and  flow of style is key so I kept within the same style guide and colour scheme as on my page. Sure you could include your phone number, address and photo, but for my first indulgence in the card world I kept it simple.

Verdict? I love my cards. They make me feel as though my game has been elevated ten fold. And for around $30.00 I designed my cards, had them printed and delivered in three days. I think working with a designer is something to definitely consider next time around to enhance certain elements of the card, but for now you'll find me happily handing out these cards.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who was intimidated by business cards? Do you have them? Do you love them?!

Graduation Gift Guide

Four years of countless essays, exams and all-nighters have finally come to an end, and now is the time to celebrate this incredible milestone! But, now also comes the stage of first impressions, job interviews, making connections, and unfortunately living on a budget. If you are wanting to spoil your graduate for all their hard work and help make the transition into post-graduation life a little easier, I have put together the ultimate gift guide. A few of these might be a little exorbitant...but hey this is the time where we will have to put off buying luxury items, so go on and splurge!

1)Anything monogramed is amazing.. and this iPad cover screams professional!

2)This Kate Spade notebook provides the perfect documentation space for the adventures to come. 

3)Business cards are in the near future! Don't be caught handing out dirty/crumpled cards.

4)Louboutins are the ultimate power heel, because we need to start this new phase of our lives on the right foot! 

5)Throw pillows can spruce up a drab first apartment. 

6)A power bag which just so happens to be the first Prada! That's practically the key to success. 

7)Luxurious smelling candles to help wind down after long days.  

8)Even when the closet is lacking, this bold statement necklace will up the ante in any interview. 

9)Crisp watch to ensure we're never late for important dates.

10)Bottle of bubbly. Duh- we're in celebration mode. 

11)A classic black blazer is a timeless piece.

12)Taschen Cities Collection provides the perfect motivation to save money for travelling!

13)An extravagant pen from Tiffany's perhaps? 

14)The Last Lecture-Inspirational lecture to help turn dreams into realities.