Announcement: A New Website for this Dallas Wedding Photographer!
The Before
For years, I had words on my blog that I thought you wanted to hear, you know, the generic “authentic” words you see on every wedding photographer’s website. But it was like rubbing sandpaper on velvet. It didn’t fully feel right.
On top of that, I had a DIY website that looked more like a blog dating back to the early 2000s, a brand color palette that slightly clashed with my photo edits, and brand fonts that were more generic and made my logo by Bri Mahalie feel a little out of place.
I knew a change needed to happen, and at The Heart Conference, the epiphany came to me.
The Epiphany
Why not get smart about getting a custom website made?
So that’s what I did.
I discovered a website designer whose work I fell in love with — By Emily Jane was all for it. - We settled on a trade of services, which is very rare in the creative community but quite beneficial to both parties involved.
Emily recommended I get new website copy and referred Taylor from Bigmouth Copy. We also agreed to a trade because we both needed what each other provided.
Naomi Golden Design came in to update my brand elements, and added the cherry on top.
By telling the story of three powerhouse businesswomen through powerful brand imagery, I was able to get a professional website in exchange. This project reaffirmed my love of capturing brands (especially wedding brands) behind the scenes.
The Execution
First came the copy.
Working with Bigmouth Copy came first because, contrary to popular belief, a website’s design should be built around the words.
Serving Taylor was some of the most fun I had had in months: I got to analyze her brand, figure out the disconnect between her imagery and copy, and come up with a photo strategy that was so bigmouth that no one could imitate it, even if they tried. And then we went out and did the thing in the Bishop Arts District.
“I’ve worked with four brand photographers, and Annie is the only one who ever explained a strategy about why my previous photos missed the mark. As a result, her gallery is full of stunning and strategic images that I can use to promote my business for years. What an incredible investment.”
Taylor
Taylor did the same in one week. She got to know who I was, the way I talk and write, what I’m all about, and then took my natural wordiness and made it sweet and to the point. Never in my 10 years of being a DFW wedding photographer had I read something so me with such few words.
Next the Graphics.
Working with Naomi Golden Design came next —- a little side mission that turned out beautifully.
Naomi designed the peacock feathers you see throughout the website in exchange for photos of her and her husband, Josh.
Why a peacock feather? Peacocks live on our family farm and they remind me of luxury, hope, and strength with a little bit of pizazz.🦚
Finally the Website.
With copy and visual branding done, I started working with By Emily Jane. Completing Emily’s brand photography was so refreshing because it brought out a different creative side of me that I hadn’t seen in a while.
When analyzing Emily’s brand, I noticed she just needed a little refresh that allowed for her to have a greater variety of images that fit her brand and made it even more her and we did it! It doesn’t hurt that Emily used to be a photographer, so her creativity is endless.
”Annie is brilliant at capturing what it is that makes you uniquely YOU - which will make you love your photos! She is FULL of creative ideas and very collaborative. I also appreciate her level of communication and hard work, so I felt like I was in good hands the entire time!”
Sincerely, Emily
Next, it was Emily’s turn to take my love of vintage magazines and newspapers from the 1930’s - 1970s and turn that into a website that felt like you were holding a physical product. She is so good at communicating, and truly hit the nail on the head. This website is fit for a queen, let alone a DFW wedding photographer. I feel so blessed.
Before you take a look
To celebrate this launch, I am hosting four giveaways to celebrate: one for couples, one for brands, one for past clients/families, and one for coaching. (Giveaways will be held November 17- December 2, 2024, winners announced December 4, 2024)
Leave a comment on this blog post telling me what your favorite page on my new website is to get an extra entry.
Can’t wait to read your comments!
Annie Shannon
DFW Wedding Photographer
Hablo Español, Learning ASL
Always a Cursive Writer
P.S. I’m taking a limited number of clients in 2025 - think you want to be one?
