February 1, 2024 - Women's Journal

Navigating Success: The Journey of Being a Woman Business Owner in the Photography Industry in Los Angeles

Women's Journal Staff on February 1, 2024

In the energetic and competitive realm of the Los Angeles real estate photography industry, women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative with their unique blend of creativity, skill, and business prowess. One such stand-out entrepreneur is Ashley Blackmer, founder of Ashley Blackmer Photography. Her company, which specializes in branded visual media for the real estate marketplace, is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and determination required to prosper in this dynamic domain.

Los Angeles is both a canvas and a conundrum for women entrepreneurs in photography, such as Ashley. The city’s diverse cultural scene bristles with opportunities, but penetrating this male-dominated industry demands perseverance and innovative thinking. One primary obstacle venturesome women encounter is the need to authenticate their capabilities. Therefore, building a robust portfolio is essential not just to showcase their talent but also to refute prevailing stereotypes.

With the advent of social media platforms, women photographers in Los Angeles have found a powerful tool to demonstrate their work, gaining acknowledgment and prominence in an airspace where their male counterparts have traditionally ruled. Ashley Blackmer Photography, for instance, leverages these platforms to effectively communicate a brand narrative centered on superior aesthetics and captivating visuals. You can get a glimpse of this compelling narrative on Ashley’s LinkedIn, further driving home the importance of digital visibility in the ever-evolving photography industry.

Networking represents another critical element of standing out in the Los Angeles photography domain. Female entrepreneurs, including Ashley, cultivate professional relationships with other female photographers, nurturing a supportive community that fuels growth and development. Engaging in collective assignments and alliances augment their influence and challenge industry norms by offering a range of diverse perspectives and styles.

Navigating Success: The Journey of Being a Woman Business Owner in the Photography Industry in Los Angeles

Photo Courtesy: Renee Farias

Women photographers constantly strive for equal opportunities and recognition. They often find themselves contending with established stereotypes and prejudices about the kind of work they are capable of producing. By specializing in niche markets such as real estate, companies like Ashley Blackmer Photography are challenging these notions. This strategy not only solidifies their brand identity but also helps change industry perceptions about female photographers.

But artistry itself does not make a sustainable business. Women entrepreneurs in the Los Angeles photography scene understand the significance of business acumen. Crucial skills in marketing, understanding financial trends, competitive pricing, and negotiation are essential for any business, let alone one in the fiercely competitive photography industry.

Los Angeles’ emphasis on visual aesthetics is a double-edged sword, offering opportunities yet demanding adherence to certain standards. Many women entrepreneurs, including Ashley, confront this challenge head-on. They celebrate their individuality and utilize their work to redefine conventional beauty paradigms. This promotes broader and more diverse representation within the industry, reshaping the narrative one photograph at a time.

Women entrepreneurs in Los Angeles’ photography industry, like Ashley Blackmer, embody empowerment and self-discovery. Overcoming stereotypes, cultivating supportive networks, and perpetually adapting to the industry’s dynamic landscape are all part of their journey. Ashley Blackmer Photography, with its blend of creativity and business acumen, serves as an inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs. The resounding success of these women indicates that breaking barriers in the industry is not only possible but also happening with every click of the shutter.

Visit Ashley Blackmer Photography’s website for a first-hand experience of how one woman is making a difference in Los Angeles’s photography industry and how you, too, can blaze your own trail.

Published by: Martin De Juan

Crafting a Visual Narrative: Interior Design Edition

Women's Journal Staff on February 1, 2024

Personal branding in the realm of interior designing and home staging is a subtle yet influential game-changer. The clever alignment of personal style with professional expertise allows interior designers and home stagers to tell their story visually. Ashley Blackmer Photography champions the use of personalized branding photography, cementing the idea that such aesthetically curated visuals are keys to unlock success in the interior design marketplace.

An interior designer’s personal branding speaks volumes about their aesthetics, level of expertise, and their unique style. They are not just creating a space; they are crafting a visual narrative, an experiential story that resonates with prospective clients, peers, and industry trendsetters. In spotlighting design projects, it is essential to move beyond just before-and-after snapshots. Professional personal branding photography breathes life into these projects, revealing the layers, textures, and personalities that standard photographs may miss.

Ashley Blackmer Photography, a firm believer in the power of branded visual media for the real estate marketplace, takes branding a step beyond. By transforming mere spaces into vibrant frames of artistry, they underscore the role of photography as a medium for interior designers and home stagers to craft a brand identity that stands out. Coupled with the rise of social media platforms as digital portfolios, the integration of personal branding photography into an interior designer’s promotional strategy has become all the more indispensable.

To capture the essence of a designer’s style through photography, it’s critical to understand their vision first. A pre-shoot discussion helps outline a designer’s style, from color palettes and materials to furniture and decorative pieces. It can also provide insights into their inspirations, thereby aiding photographers in telling their visual story effectively.

Lighting plays a crucial role in recounting this narrative. Using natural light can emphasize and enhance certain features of a design, which artificial light could easily overlook. Timing the photoshoot to capture windows and skylights at their brightest can accentuate these features, fleshing out the designer’s vision.

Details are another vital part of a designer’s narrative. Capturing design elements such as choice of furniture, artifacts, color schemes, and textures not only showcases the designer’s attention to detail, but also adds to the overall narrative of a staged or designed space. As in all art, the magic often lies in the details, and appreciating these intricacies can provide depth and context to the overall design.

Perspective is everything when capturing these elements. Unconventional angles can reveal dimensions of a design overlooked by the naked eye, while classic shots can reinforce a designer’s adherence to traditional aesthetics. A balanced combination of both can highlight a designer’s flexibility and range in creating diverse spaces.

The importance of a professional photographer in this context cannot be understated. The right photographer will not merely document a project; they will interpret and translate the designer’s vision into a captivating visual narrative that amplifies their personal brand like no other medium can.

Ashley Blackmer Photography navigates this fine line with precision, creating a bespoke narrative that resonates with each designer’s unique style. By harnessing the power of the lens to tell a designer’s story in an authentic and engaging way, this photography brand is paving the way for others in the industry.

The realm of interior designing and home staging is brimming with potential. A well-crafted personal brand, brought to life by professionally captured visuals, can transform an interior designer’s presence in the marketplace. A designer’s individuality becomes their strength as they project their aesthetics and vision through personal branding photography.

In the world of interior design, the true success of a piece lies less in its physical existence, and more in the manner in which it is represented. Crafting a vibrant and engaging narrative through photographs not only establishes and reinforces a designer’s brand identity, but also marks a surefooted journey towards success in their field.

Therefore, professional personal branding photography is more than just a tool; it’s a catalyst, accelerating a designer’s reach, relevance, and ultimately, their recognition in the interior design world. With firms like Ashley Blackmer Photography leading the way, this bespoke visual narrative presents a remarkable opportunity for all interior designers and home stagers to forge a vibrant and elegant identity in the marketplace.

Published by: Martin De Juan

From Rocky Start to Rising Star: Desiree Stephenson Redefines Real Estate with Heart and Hustle

Women's Journal Staff on February 1, 2024

Desiree Stephenson wasn’t born into the glitz and glamor of the real estate world. Her entry point was paved with frustration, not million-dollar listings. Her first-time home buying experience was, in her own words, “a disappointment.” Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and dismissed, Desiree vowed to make a difference. She wouldn’t just sell houses; she’d build trust and empower clients, becoming a beacon of transparency in a sometimes-murky industry.

“They’re making a good amount of money from me,” Desiree recalls, her voice laced with empathy, “but I didn’t feel like I was getting any guidance or advice in return.” This is the antithesis of Desiree’s approach. She cuts through the jargon, explains commissions upfront, and celebrates her clients’ wins instead of focusing on her own paycheck. “I want people to end up at the end of the transaction going, ‘wow, she really worked her butt off for us,'” she says, her passion evident.

Photo Courtesy: Desiree Stephenson

But Desiree’s impact extends beyond the closing table. The turbulence of single motherhood, where community support kept her afloat, have blossomed into a deep-rooted desire to give back. From orchestrating vibrant Easter egg hunts for children in her mountain community, to heartwarming Santa photo sessions that raise funds for the local community center and food bank, Desiree’s efforts are as contagious as her smile. “My community lifted me when I needed it most,” she explains, her eyes twinkling. “Now, it’s my turn to be that hand reaching out.”

But Desiree’s network isn’t just about festivities. It’s a lifeline for those in need. Whether it’s connecting a struggling family with support or coordinating fundraisers for local schools, Desiree’s hustle knows no bounds. “I like connecting people,” she says, her enthusiasm palpable. “Sometimes someone will say something like, ‘oh, I want to know more about cross-country skiing,’ and I know somebody that does that all the time. So why not connect these people with each other. And I like to leave people feeling better about their day than when I first meet them.”

Photo Courtesy: Desiree Stephenson

Desiree’s story isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity and find strength in giving back. It’s about transforming broken bricks into a community haven, brick by hopeful brick. As Desiree puts it, “I’m still reeling ideas in my head for how I’m going to step up my game this year for additional community events.” This is the essence of Desiree – a constant push to do more, to connect more, to build more.

In a world often consumed by negativity, Desiree’s story stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that amidst the concrete jungle, communities can still blossom, fueled by empathy, resilience, and a shared dream of building something better, together. Desiree isn’t just selling houses; she’s selling a vision – a vision of real estate redefined, where human connection trumps commission checks, and community flourishes alongside every closing deal. And in that vision, we find not just a successful real estate agent, but a shining example of what it means to rise above, give back, and build a legacy that extends far beyond any property line.

Published by: Nelly Chavez