At the top of October we'll be traveling to Iceland. For the last 6 years I've been traveling internationally 2-3 times a year but this will be my first international trip out of the country this year and I am THRILLED! This will be my second time going to the continent of Europe (second to Switzerland). I'm not a fan of the cold, in fact I don't even wear coats but it's going to be a new day once I land into their 40F and below climate. 

As excited as I am, I have not created a photo-list, I have not purchased a coat, I haven't even considered packing BUT my cameras are on standby and ready when I am. We'll be visiting the Blue Lagoon and for those that aren't aware, that is known as one of the wonders of the world, an amazing gift of nature. I'm most anxious about sharing the photographs and GoPro video that I am able to capture from that visit. 

In addition, we have plans to rent a manual vehicle and explore Reykjavik in our little compact 5 speed manual. Ironically, I always look forward to going out of the country to rent vehicles because 95% of the time they're manuals. More than half of the 9 vehicles that I've owned in this lifetime were manuals. In the United States, manual vehicles are becoming historic. If all goes well then we'll board a ship, pray not to get sea sick, and be fascinated by sea life and whale watching!

Lastly, the Northern Lights, are on our itinerary and even though I'm trying not to let my expectations soar to high they are inching away from me. Hopefully the solar activity and weather will be in our favor to make the experience epic. Here's what Northern Lights Centre has to say about the lights.
     The bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere. The lights are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. 

Branding is the story you tell a consumer to influence them to choose you or your brand over someone else. Customers recognize and remember consistent brands, which can only be done when you stay on brand with your message and presentation. The message has to hit people and stay with them. People won't remember what business message and purpose are if it isn't consistent at all times. Presentation Matters across the board including themes, logos, fonts, colors, and images. When you present yourself in a professional manner you separate yourself from the amateurs. Present professional images with quality and clarity and people will associate professionalism with your brand.

Business ownership requires one to wear many hats and many times we forget to allocate the work or DIY becomes second nature. However, entertainers can not model, put on a comedy show, recite poetry, or perform while capturing their brand. Businesspersons can not realistically run a business, reach sales goals, present at events while attempting to capture head shots and product photography. Even the best multi-tasker or DIYer doesn't have the adequate time or skill to capture its brand efficiently while servicing its consumers. 

Start-ups and small businesses are on track to outnumber corporations. Social media plays a huge role in that creation and growth and acts as the largest communication tool between brands and consumers through audio and visuals including images, illustrations,  and graphics. Within seconds, social media can provide viewers with information and this has resulted in decreasing attention spans. Branding has become easier to deliver but more complicated to produce. The presentation is the focus and the message is the support. Companies have to use images to persuade the viewer enough to read the first few words of the caption or body, which will have to then influence them enough to "click" or "read more." Brand strategy matters, my team and I going to use our Back to Business series to show our viewers how. Subscribe, follow, and like our social media platforms to learn, be inspired or share.

In addition, we'll be featuring many of our clients and exposing their brands. We have a variety of businesses and brands that come from different industries so it will allow our viewers to get a wide look at different approaches to branding. The series will kick off with Jakiera's Eye Photography and spotlight up to 10 others. Be sure to leave comments or questions as the series goes on. We'd love to assist or hear your feedback. Thanks!
​ Authors: Brand expert, Antonisia Baynes and Business photographer, Jakiera Daniels