Illuminate Your Brand: August & Ivy Salon's Visual Story
Branding goes beyond a mere concept; it represents the essence of a business that attracts the right clientele. Located in downtown Orinda, CA, August & Ivy Salon radiates this essence. The salon embodies a fresh, bright, and minimalistic allure, complemented by a touch of greenery that mirrors the openness of its windows and the welcoming spirit of its space. It's a serene environment where every detail, from the textures to the greens, contributes to a peaceful and inspiring experience.
For small business owners, content creation is no frivolous task—it's an avenue to showcase your unique identity to the world. I understand that in the digital age, your visual narrative is your voice. My mission? To translate your brand's essence into a language that resonates with your audience—visually and emotionally.
Unraveling August & Ivy's Identity
The name itself, inspired by songs of Taylor Swift—a cherished icon for owners Lilly and Chelsea—strikes a chord of creativity and passion for their craft. Chelsea's love for lived-in, low-maintenance hair color, and her expertise in short hairstyles, pair with Lilly's mastery of blonding and dimensional color to enrich your salon encounter with both aesthetics and relaxation.
The Creative Geniuses of August & Ivy
Chelsea and Lilly, the owners, are not only creators and friends but also dedicated advocates of your salon experience. Their professional expertise is complemented by their personal interests, creating a haven where your hair's unique story can be beautifully unfolded. From Chelsea's exceptional artistry in sculpting the perfect silhouette to Lilly's unwavering commitment to bringing out the fullest expression of your color, they serve as the ultimate guardians of your hair's well-being.
Solution and Creativity in Sync
When Chelsea and Lilly encountered the challenge of aligning their online presence with the professional and authentic atmosphere of their salon, Illume Multimedia developed a customized content portfolio that perfectly captured their vision. The requirement was for top-notch photography assets that could bring the same level of elegance and professionalism found within their salon walls to their social media and web interface.
Crafting the Visual Dialogue
The project featured a wide range of visuals, showcasing everything from elegant interiors to captivating in-salon experiences. Professional photographs emphasized the meticulous details of the salon, while lively snapshots of Chelsea and Lilly in action captured the inviting atmosphere of August & Ivy. This versatile gallery effectively conveyed the fresh and welcoming aura of the brand.
Pre-production Planning
To accurately capture the essence of August & Ivy Salon, a comprehensive pre-production plan was imperative. Chelsea and Lilly crafted a detailed moodboard, pinpointing the exact look and feel they envisioned for their salon's showcase. Drawing from this creative direction, a bulletproof shot list was developed, designed to cover an extensive range of captures. This list was organized to include diverse cropping styles—from sweeping wides to intimate close-ups—and a series of variations focusing on the owners, ensuring a plethora of options for marketing narratives. The shot list also encompassed varied angles and intricate detail shots of the salon space, for a thorough visual representation of the brand.
Logistics and Setup
Armed with top-tier equipment, the photoshoot utilized dual camera bodies — the Sony a7R IV and the Sony a7R III — to achieve artistic versatility and technical precision. The chosen lenses, the Sony 16-35mm GM and the Sony 24-70mm GM, provided the perfect focal ranges to bring the salon's space and its purveyors to life. The abundance of natural light streaming through the space's windows illuminated the wider shots, infusing them with a sense of openness and warmth. Meanwhile, for the more focused owner headshots, we employed an Amaran 200x coupled with the Aputure Lantern modifier. This setup, mounted on an adjustable Avenger roller stand, offered the flexibility to fine-tune lighting angles and intensity, ensuring every shot was cast in the most flattering light.
The Seed of Growth
Chelsea and Lilly now has the foundation for growth, empowering them to reach and engage a wider audience. Starting with a collection of over 280 images, August & Ivy laid the foundation of a robust content library that fuels their visual storytelling. Having a content library is crucial for businesses as it provides them with a wide range of visual assets to support their marketing efforts, enabling them to create impactful and consistent brand messaging across various channels.
To my fellow small business owners looking to enhance your content creation, let's connect. My partnership with August & Ivy Salon exemplifies my dedication to tailored content that amplifies your brand's voice and vision, much like the fresh, expansive window of possibilities that August & Ivy embody. I invite you to join me as we work together to illuminate the essence of your business.
Entice your audience with your story. Embark on a visual journey with Illume Multimedia.
