Tips From Kelly Heck

In 2025, local SEO is more critical than ever for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to attract nearby customers. A well-optimized  Google Business Profile (GBP) is a key component of local SEO, and professional photography plays a surprisingly powerful role in its success. High-quality images can improve your online presence, build trust with potential customers, and ultimately drive more foot traffic to your location. Here’s … Read More

The marketing landscape for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) continues to evolve, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year where visual content takes center stage. Professional photography is no longer just a “nice-to-have”. Photography is a critical tool for businesses looking to connect with their audiences authentically, stand out in competitive markets, and drive results. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the … Read More

Let us set the stage… imagine you have booked your photo session. How do we get the most out of our photo time together? Your “stories” have been decided (learn more about creating your own “stories”), and now it is time to prepare for photo day. Following are 7 tasks to prepare you for a successful photo session that will … Read More

For myself as a photographer, showing a photograph I shot straight out of camera (RAW) vs. after editing is one of many eye openers as to WHY you hire a professional photographer. But for many of you, you have a profession that benefits from a Before Photo & After Photo, each taken at different times. Capturing the incredible results of … Read More

In today’s digital landscape, visuals play a pivotal role in capturing audience attention and conveying brand messages effectively. While stock photos offer convenience, they often lack the authenticity and uniqueness that professional organizations strive to achieve. Even so, many website owners are still using cheap photos from stock websites that are either generic or poor quality. You have 2 seconds … Read More

Carroll County Maryland is home to beautiful landscapes and amazing business growth and opportunity. Our community is a tranquil destination to host your next memorable gala, fundraiser, banquet, dinner, or other corporate event! Carroll County has a homey country feel, but don’t let that distract from how conveniently placed our county is – just a stone’s throw away from Annapolis, … Read More

Welcome to the digital age, where the online presence of your business is often the first impression potential customers encounter. In this competitive landscape, standing out is not just an option – it’s a necessity. As a business owner or marketing professional, you’re likely familiar with the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) in driving traffic to your website. But … Read More

In the fast-paced world of business, where first impressions can make or break deals, the significance of professional portraiture cannot be overstated. Particularly for those within leadership roles, portraits serve as more than mere snapshots; they are powerful tools that shape perception and influence your audience at every level. We’ll delve into the multifaceted importance of high-quality portraiture, exploring its … Read More

Business owners and industry leaders often find themselves in the spotlight, whether through community involvement, speaking engagements, or interviews. To ensure you’re ready for these opportunities, it’s crucial to have an up-to-date Press Kit or Media Kit—both terms refer to the same essential resource. The primary advantage of a press kit is its time-saving capability. By keeping necessary assets readily … Read More

Tis the season for cherishing past memories, relishing present joys, and anticipating the good tidings to come. Memories loved and missed keep reinforcing one thing on my mind – photos and their profound significance. Existing in photos should be less about self-preservation and more about conquering the fear of photos that don’t meet your expectations. We humans have a habit … Read More

In a world saturated with smartphones and trendy filters, the value of a seasoned photographer may go unnoticed. You see their work and think, “Sure, they have a nice camera,” but what truly distinguishes their magic touch? Let’s delve into the realm of a photoshoot experience and explore the artistry that makes seasoned professionals, like myself (dare I say), the … Read More

Earlier this month, I took a little time to stop by our local public middle school to share with their students how I use mathematics in my career as Photographer. I signed up immediately because I knew photography has some pretty cool concepts. After refreshing my memory with much needed research, the explanations are so fascinating that I wanted to share it … Read More

AN INTERVIEW WITH SYLVIA BLAIR OF BLAIR COPYWRITING & COMMUNICATIONS Earlier this month I had the immense pleasure of sitting in an interview with my friend and colleague, Sylvia Blair of Blair Copywriting & Communications for a feature spot in her newsletter. As a professional photographer, I often collaborate with other creative professionals like videographers, writers, graphic designers, and web developers. We … Read More

While retouching in the media often receives criticism, subtle retouching applied to your professional photographs is a crucial step to creating polished images. When it comes to photographic marketing collateral, you want to put your best foot forward. Retouching allows me, as a photographer, to showcase my subjects in their very best light. No matter how skilled we photographers are … Read More

Personal Branding Photos and Corporate Portraits & Headshots can be hosted ANYWHERE, as long as the location resonates with your brand. What is fun about personal branding or say… a small business or solo entrepreneur… is that you can use your own office, your home office, your kitchen, or even your backyard for photos: Brewery Fire Little Cuddlebug Photography The … Read More