Christine

Interior Decorator Christine Da Costa

This summer photoshoot with Christine was so blissful!

Christine of Decor by Christine is incredibly fun to work with and the entire project was lovely, starting with decorating the spaces with her decor products and ending with some rose at a pool.

In addition to offering interior design services, Christine also has an online store on her website with accessories hand picked by her. It was the perfect time to capture new collections.

If it was possible, I would gladly post all of Christine’s photos! :D

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“A couple of weeks ago I worked with the fabulous photographer Agnes from Pure Studios to take some professional photos of me & I just got back from her studio after the Reveal. I couldn’t be more ecstatic over the images she was able to capture of me. The interior design industry is all visual and that includes pictures of yourself. I am my brand so damnit I better look good, right? With any service company you are basically representing yourself and what your company stands for!”

— Christine

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Penthouse Queen Claudine Montano

Penthouse Queen Claudine Montano

I’m so grateful I got to photograph Penthouse Queen Claudine Montano again. The photoshoot took place in one of her beautiful listings, which was the perfect backdrop for Claudine’s photos.

We were even able to create several iconic photos that look like postcards. They show the strength and determination of a woman with our lovely Toronto in the background.

We took countless lifestyle photos in this beautiful penthouse.

Claudine’s personality made the photoshoot even more enjoyable!

It was also the perfect time to update Claudine’s portraits.

Also, don’t miss Claudine’s behind the scenes video:

SUBSCRIBE to stay in the loop! http://bit.ly/2eL0P0r Here's a look behind the scenes of Claudine Montano's Personal Branding Photoshoot. Claudine is a Broker...

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Summer Favorites 2020

My favourite season is here and it’s HOT!

Our studio is open again and we’re slowly getting back into our groove. It’s a challenging time for everyone so I’m grateful my favourite season is here. I always feel super creative in summer!

1. Outdoor Studio

Several weeks ago I fell in love with the idea of an outdoor studio. It looks so breezy and unique, it also has a bit of that ‘behind the scenes’ look. I’m beyond excited to start shooting here and will share outdoor studio photos with you soon.

2. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney

It’s been my first book by Sally Rooney and I can’t wait for more. She has an incredible way of writing about everyday events. I think Maureen Corrigan has said it best: “Sally Rooney could write a novel about bath mats and I’d still read it. She’s that good and that singular a writer”

3. Art of Marina accessories

Marina is a watercolor artist and her accessories are DIVINE for summer! This soft palm pattern is my absolute favourite, so I got a kimono, a phone case and a pillow too.

4. Summer Outfits

My favourite outfits this summer include a white dress and a unique shirt. My wardrobe is very classic but I always look for little details that make the clothes special. The shirt I found is obviously very different and I love it! The white lace dress is perfect for HOT summer days and very comfortable.

5. Keto Creamer

My diet is usually a low carb/keto hybrid however I’ve been giving to unhealthy cravings way too much recently. I’m glad the weather is hot now and I don’t feel the need to eat unhealthy foods so much anymore. I’m diving back into healthier options and this keto creamer is perfect for coffee!

6. Decorating with plants

I love plants and I think they are so photogenic! Cactuses and pampass grass are my summer favourites.

7. “When you find out the world is against you (and other funny memories about awful moments)” by Kelly Oxford

If you’re looking for a great, funny book to read by the pool or on a beach - this is it! Canadian Author Kelly Oxford shares her life stories and failures in a way that’s super heart-warming.

“Kelly Oxford’s writing is hilarious and fearless. She’s the badass Canadian sister I never had”

— Mindy Kaling

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5 Important Uses for Your Branding Photography (that most people forget about)

In today’s online world, using your personal branding photos correctly is very important.

Your photos are a strong, visual voice, they should tell the story of who you are and what you do so you can communicate the value of your work and connect with ideal clients.

HERE ARE 5 IMPORTANT USES FOR YOUR BRANDING PHOTOS:

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1. Your e-mail signature

   A great e-mail signature goes a long way. It should include your headshot for the purpose of building a connection. People always like to see a face behind a business. Your clients will also remember you better when they see a photo of you.

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2. Your business card

Please don’t forget about putting your photo on the business card. If you have a more modern card, you can easily put the information on one side of it and your photo on the other side for a clean look. When giving out business cards, majority of people won’t even remember you unless there’s a photo on the card.

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3. Your newsletter

A newsletter is a fantastic way of staying in touch with your clients, sharing value and expertise. It really is a must if you want to have repeat clients. Use a photo of yourself in the footer of the newsletter to better build a connection with your recipients.

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4. Your client presentations/Your price list

Present yourself as a valuable professional by subtly using your photo in client presentations.

I really do hope you’re taking the chance that is a value-packed client presentation or price list and that you’re not just sending some naked numbers to potential customers.

Omitting this step is one of the biggest mistakes business beginners make.

Use two photos (one in the beginning of the presentation/one at the end) or just one photo at the end of the presentation.

You can include a short bio that tells the story of your passion!

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5. Your Instagram

Please remember that if you want people to remember you and know who you are, it is simply not enough to only show your face in your profile photo.

When building a personal brand, use a photo of yourself at least once every 9/12 posts (preferably 9!).

For high end businesses, use mostly or only professional photos. Otherwise, you can mix both professional and phone photos (still looking nice and on brand though!)

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Use these tips and make a difference in your marketing today

Want to find out more? Book a phone consultation here

Spring Favourites 2020

Spring Favourites!

Spring is here and even though we’re going through difficult times it’s hard not to feel better with warmer weather and nature waking up to life.

Since I haven’t gone shopping for clothes lately, Spring Favourites this year will include a lot of books, computer games and even my favourite meal.

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WHITE SHIRT

Many women want to wear a classic white shirt for their branding photoshoot and are surprised to hear that cotton shirts are not the most photogenic. I always suggest viscose shirts like the one I’m wearing in the photo below instead of cotton shirts. Viscose shirts usually look way more elegant and luxurious, they flow nicely and have minimal wrinkles.

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PHOTO OF THE SEASON

I’m so grateful I got to photograph Penthouse Queen Claudine Montano again. We were able to create several iconic photos that look like postcards. They show the strength and determination of a woman with our beautiful Toronto as the background.

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BOOKS

Having had way more time to read recently, I reached for several great books.

Let’s start with:

The Bravest You by Adam Kirk Smith

In this book, Adam Kirk Smith explains the five stages of the bravery process and he also goes into detail in explaining different fears: the fear of inadequacy, the fear of uncertainty, the fear of failure, the fear of rejection and many other fears we encounter in our lives.

I loved this book a lot and whenever fear creeps in, I remember this quote: “far too often fear told me that I wasn’t prepared enough, or wasn’t smart enough, or wasn’t good enough, I let fear take the leading role. Far too often fear told me all the reasons that I couldn’t because I didn’t allow for bravery to tell me all the reasons I could”

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Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you want to learn about habits, James Clear is your man. He breaks down the process of creating new habits in a way you will stick with them and he also explains how to drop our bad habits. I already implemented this technique to start doing strengthening exercise for my back every day.

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Everything Is F***: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson

I loved Manson’s “The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F***” and this book doesn’t disappoint! It’s a book about hope and about becoming your best self in a world that’s challenging.

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COMPUTER GAMES

I’ve been a fan of computer games since my teenage years but obviously I didn’t have the time to play them recently. Stay at home order allowed me to enjoy this hobby again! So far I’ve played:

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider follows adventures of archeologist Lara Croft. Recent games show a younger, vulnerable Lara as she becomes a fierce heroine we know and love. It’s a survivor storyI truly love. As Lara says, in challenging times “we become who we’re meant to be”

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The Witcher

Witcher Geralt of Rivia is the main character in Andrzej Sapkowski’s books. Growing up in Poland, I knew about Witcher books for a while now but it wasn’t until Netflix’s show that I finally became a fan as well. Since we still have to wait for season 2, I played Witcher 2 and I’m starting Witcher 3 soon! I highly recommend these games!

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KETO MEALS

Keto stir fries are one of my favourite meals because they are very easy to make and very nutritious. This stir fry contains lots of healthy fats. I make it using coconut oil and I add cauliflower, kale, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion and pumpkin seeds. Instead of potatoes, fries or noodles, I put avocado and cheese on the side. Yum!

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I hope you enjoyed my spring favourites and that they will help you enjoy your spring more as well!

Sara, Hair & Makeup Artist at Elegant Makeup

Elegant Makeup Hair & Makeup Artist Sara

Meet Hair & Makeup Artist Sara!

Sara is actually one of our hair & makeup artists and helps us during countless photoshoots. We offer hair & makeup services so your photoshoot day is stress-free (no need to run around town for different appointments), you can feel your best and leave pampered, empowered and also you can go out in the evening!

What Sara loves most about her work is turning women into the most stunning versions of themselves. We love working with Sara, because her gentle approach allows to create a look women truly want, so they can rock their photos.

In her free time, Sara loves to meditate, work out, read and cook.

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