Kirby's Closet | Personal Branding Shoot for New Key West Boutique

Any new business owner will tell you that one of the most important things when you’re opening up is getting the word out there. For Kirby, owner of Kirby’s Closet in Key West, Florida, part of that strategy had originally included foot traffic going by her downtown location. When COVID-19 hit shortly after signing her lease, she realized that it would take some creativity and social media content to spread the message that not only was she open, but what it would be like once you arrived. For that, she booked a Personal Branding shoot, and a few weeks later we were on set putting her vision into practice.

Why "I know the owner" 🤝 is such a powerful statement

There's a reason you do business with places where you know and like the person running it. Whether you actually know that person in your everyday life, or you simply have built up a personal connection over time coming into their shop, the point is you feel you know them, and regardless of what their competitors are doing, you’ll often default to their business out of respect and loyalty to that person. In effect, they have earned your business through their Personal Brand!

Level Up Your Brand by Improving Your Quality of Life

When you are your brand, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is as much an exercise in business development as writing a new marketing plan or hiring a new employee. You can’t operate at your best in your personal brand if the person - aka “you” - are struggling with your quality of life. But making your life better requires focus and planning. Here’s a quick digest into how.

BrandingKarrieAugust 13, 2020Inn at Key Westself help, confidence series, personal branding, quality of life, self promotionComment

Tammy and Joe | Roof Top Cafe Wedding

I knew Tammy would be a fun bride to work with when, in response to one of my pre-planning emails, she instantly got the reference to one of my favorite musical theater shows. The connection got even better when I found out Joe raises reptiles, something my own husband and daughter are fond of! I was so honored then to be part of their big day which began at Island City House and continued with Around Key West Photos, culminating in a ceremony and reception at Roof Top Cafe.

Real WeddingsKarrieAugust 8, 2020Roof Top Caferoof top cafe, older couple, Around Key West, second weddingComment

Alex and Carlie - Surprise Engagement Session on the Beach

Alex and Carlie had been dating for a while when he started planning a trip to Key West, Florida. This gave him the perfect opportunity to plan an even bigger surprise…and undercover engagement session!

Branding Shoot for Inn at Key West

When I was contacted by the agency for the Inn at Key West, they had one simple goal in mind: to get enough content for the hotel that they would have social media posts for the upcoming year. It would, of course, be supplemented by current events and other timely content, but the overarching goal was to eliminate the need to worry about “what am I going to post today?”

BrandingKarrieMay 5, 2020Inn at Key Westblog tips, content creationComment

3 Blog Ideas for Key West Business Owners

If you're looking for ways to keep the momentum going in your businesses, one activity with a very high return on investment is...yep...blogging! You know it's useful, but you either never have time, or you can't think of anything to write. Well, now is your chance! Keeping in mind the goal is to add value to your customer base - teach them something, provide them with a resource, and point them to tips and tricks.

BrandingKarrieApril 25, 2020blog tips, content creationComment

A Message to All My Couples in this COVID-19 Crisis

I thought I’d pop on and record a little video message. I’m here, healthy, thinking of you all, and doing my part to stay safe so we can all get though this coronavirus situation sooner rather than later.

KarrieApril 10, 2020covid19, coronavirus, reschedule, contracts, deposits, safety, photography termsComment

Kori and Reginald | Key West Presbyterian Church + Doubletree Grand Key Wedding

Kori and Reginald celebrated their love in an emotional ceremony in Key West, with a large group of friends standing up for them as their bridal party, and many family who had traveled far and wide to be with them on this important day. Enjoy reliving their story as much as I enjoyed capturing it!

How Much Time Should I Book With My Photographer

Most people think that because they’re good at managing their schedule in their everyday lives, that they can easily estimate how much time they need to book their photographer on their wedding day. Use these questions and checklist to make sure you schedule your day as smoothly as possible.

Andi and Reid | Banyan Tree Resort and First Flight Brewery Wedding

When Andi and Reid both took jobs at the same company in Atlanta, they did not know that it would lead to each other, but as luck would have it, they hit it off, kicking off a relationship that would lead eventually to a destination wedding in Key West, Florida! They celebrated their big day between the Banyan Tree Resort, where they vacation regularly, and the First Flight Microbrewery.

Real WeddingsKarrieMarch 3, 2020First Flight Breweryfirst flight, banyan tree resortComment

The Many Specialties of Professional Photographers

If someone tells you they’re a photographer, you probably have a mental image formed by a previous interaction at a wedding, or perhaps with your mom at last year’s family portrait session. But did you know there are actually many specialties in the field of photography that most don’t realize? Here we’ll explore their differences and why you might hire one or the other based on your need and personality.

Client EducationKarrieMarch 3, 2020photographer education, differences, key west photographerComment

What Can Be Retouched?

Nearly everyone has some aspect of their appearance that they don’t love. This is where professional retouching comes in. But understanding the different levels of retouching available, knowing what to ask for, and figuring out how far you even want to go, can sometimes be a subjective target. Here are a set of images showcased with both a Basic, Medium, and Advanced Retouch, to serve as an example for your own portraits.

Client EducationKarrieFebruary 25, 2020retouching, editing Comments

5 Most Popular Styles of Photography

When you’re considering photographers for your wedding, family portrait, or other photo needs, one of the first things you’re going to realize is that all photographers have their own unique style. Because it has such a profound effect on not only how you relive the moment, but also how you display and enjoy the images later, it’s important to understand style and how it affects you.

Client EducationKarrieFebruary 18, 2020style, key west photographer, photography terms, photographer educationComment

The Unexpected: Coronavirus and the Many Reasons to Purchase Wedding Insurance

While everyone is thinking about all the details of the day itself, there’s one detail that nearly every couple overlooks, or altogether ignores….the Unexpected. While we don’t like to think that a Hurricane, a Global Pandemic (I’m lookin’ at you COVID-19!), or even a simple Injury or Family Emergency will ever affect us, the best way to deal with them is to have a plan BEFORE they happen. Here’s how:

Client EducationKarrieFebruary 18, 2020Karrie Porter Photographycoronavirus, pandemic, wedding planning, budgetComment

Lindsey and Keith | Key West Butterfly Conservatory Wedding

When a relationship begins in grade school, then picks back up 12 years later, you know it was meant to be! Lindsey and Keith waited for the perfect moment and the perfect place to get married, choosing Key West, Florida for their destination elopement, and made it extra special by inviting the monarchs, colorful birds, and even two flamingoes as guests to their wedding when they exchanged their vows at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

Alexis and Brandon | Pier House Resort Key West Wedding

Brandon had submitted his application for a mortgage, when it landed in the hands of Alexis, the woman who would change his life forever. After meeting in person, Alexis knew that he was “the one”, and they were inseparable from that day on. With a love of travel, their romance would eventually lead to a destination wedding in Key West, which I was glad to become part of!

Real WeddingsKarrieFebruary 3, 2020Pier House Resortbeach wedding, pier house resort, Pier House, sparkler exitComment

Does Your Photographer's Style Really Matter?

When you’re considering photographers for your wedding, family portrait, or other photo needs, one of the first things you’re going to realize is that all photographers have their own unique style. Because it has such a profound effect on not only how you relive the moment, but also how you display and enjoy the images later, it’s important to understand why it’s important to get this one critical element right in the beginning.

Client EducationKarrieJanuary 31, 2020family, style, key west photographer, photography terms, photographer educationComment

10 Things Photographers Wished All Clients Knew

I asked my professional photographer colleagues from around the country one simple question: “What do you wish your clients knew before they hired you?” and the results were interesting, humorous, and in some ways reaffirming. Here’s what they had to say:

Which Portrait Session Option is Right For Me?

Whenever I have a family contact me about a portrait session, after receiving the packages and pricing, I often will have the discussion with clients about the differences between the types of sessions I offer. Instead of trying to describe the variation of images from each location and session length, I thought it would be easier if I just showed you!