Commercial Photography for Breakwater Pediatric Center

As a photographer, there are moments that transcend the simple act of taking a picture. Recently, I had the privilege of embarking on a special photo shoot for Breakwater Pediatric Center, a new pediatrician office in Charleston, South Carolina, dedicated to serving autistic children. The mission was clear - to capture the essence of inclusivity and care that defines Breakwater Pediatrics and to showcase their commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all children.

Commercial photography for a pediatrician office

The photoshoot took place not only within the walls of the pediatrician's office itself but also at a new playground in Park Circle, North Charleston, the world's largest inclusive playground. This playground, designed with special needs equipment and facilities to accommodate children with disabilities, provided the perfect backdrop for our vision of celebrating diversity and joy in childhood.

Commercial photography for a pediatrician office taken at the North Charleston Park Circle Playground

Considering Breakwater's branding is a rainbow of primary colors, we requested the children to wear a variety of solid primary colors. We scheduled the shoot at 7:00 am, when the playground opened, to avoid the crowds. We had the playground to ourselves for the first few hours. I then diligently worked to ensure that children and parents not part of the shoot did not appear in the background of the photos. 

The photos will be used on the company's new website and email marketing and dripped out over their social media. We did two half-day shoots. The first was on a Saturday afternoon at the pediatrics office, and the second was an early morning Sunday shoot at the playground. I provided over 100 images for them to pick from. 

Men’s Business Portrait Wardrobe Guide

Hey there, gents! Feeling a bit lost about what to wear for that upcoming headshot session? Don't fret, because Kate's here to sprinkle some wardrobe magic on your portrait style game! Stick to these seven style commandments, and you'll be looking like a super professional male model in a jiffy!

Kate's Seven Style Commandments for Male Business Portraits

1. SNUG IS THE NEW COOL - Snag clothing that fits just right, accentuating your features and giving your neckline and shoulders that superhero vibe. Say no to baggy—too much fabric is a no-go. Pro Tip: Sit down in your shirt. If it bunches up, it's too much. Make sure to plan ahead by trying on your outfit a few days before D-Day. Do you need to visit your department store? Or maybe you need to take a visit to the tailor to ensure everything fits just right. Think ahead!

2. STICK TO SOLID SHADES - Think solid, sleek colors for shirts and dark pants. They're the timeless classics that make you pop without detracting from your role as the subject and stealing the show. Oh, and let your complexion guide your color choice. Not sure? Asked close friends or family for their opinions or hit up the men's section for advice. Steer clear of those wild prints—they're photo crashers! Headshots have no room for loud or clashing colors or patterns. 

3. NO WRINKLES IN SIGHT - Smooth out those creases! Iron, dry clean, or press your threads to perfection BEFORE the day of the shoot.If you need to make some last minute touch-ups, be sure to have an iron or steamer on hand the day of your photoshoot.  Worried about road trips? Transport your suit to the shoot location on a hanger in your backseat. 

4. SUITS ARE FOREVER - Blazer power! Elevate your look with a dash of professionalism. Blazers never go out of style and you can shoot a variety of photographs - some with the blazer on and some with it off. Having variety in your clothing allows for a wider range of “looks” and moods that will help us to capture your charm both suited up and casual.

5. KNOT TODAY, SAGGY TIE - If you're sporting a tie, make sure it's tied snugly and sits right in the middle. Test the colors beforehand; we want them harmonizing with your outfit. Got tie trouble? Bring options! Or, better yet, plan ahead! Seek guidance from a menswear stylist or survey those who know you best.

6. KEEP IT CLASSY, KEEP IT YOU - Accessories are cool but keep it low-key. Let YOU shine, not your bling.

7. DRESS TO IMPRESS YOUR INDUSTRY - Your playground matters. Suits and ties for the corporate champs; artists can rock their signature look with pride—a painters jacket with paint splatters and all! Think about what is appropriate for your line of work and adapt accordingly!

Women's Business Portraits, Tips for Dressing to Impress

Confidence Shot by Kate Thornton

HELLO, GLAM GALS! TIME TO DRESS TO IMPRESS THAT LENS!

When it's all about your headshot game, trust these golden-style rules. As a shutterbug who's captured countless fierce females, let me spill the beans on crafting that picture-perfect look.

Kate's Golden Rules: 

• 1. CONFIDENCE COUTURE: STRUT IN STYLE! Rock those threads that fit like they were made for you and ooze confidence. Plan ahead, ladies! Find that A-game outfit—hit up a local boutique or tweak your threads for that power pose. Mirror check time: perfect fit? No awkward pulls? Remember, we aim for 'just right,' not 'too tight or baggy.' Seek outside help if you have even the slightest doubt about what you have selected to wear.

2. POWER IN PRESENTATION: Let your attire tell your story. Your outfit speaks volumes about you and your profession. Want to radiate 'hip and friendly' or exude 'confident and creative'? Tailor your style to your industry vibe. And about those uniforms or logos—double-check your workplace's guidelines and preferences. Maybe consult your employer to see if they’d appreciate you sneaking in some brand colors for that extra pop!

3. PROFESSIONAL ELEGANCE: Keep it chic and elegant, ladies! A modest v-neck lengthens that neck and adds a touch of grace. Sleeved blouses are a win! Jackets? Pair 'em with a sleek collarless top for that modern edge. Ironed shirts frame that lovely face—ensure your collar's sitting pretty. And skirts? Let's keep it profesh—long pencils, slacks, or trousers. It's a portrait, not a runway show!

Channel the timeless allure of Charleston’s historic district with classic cuts!

4. COLOR SPLASH: Solid colors steal the show! Timeless, professional, and unlikely to distract the viewer from the main subject - you. Find hues that match your glow. Unsure? Seek advice from a friend or even a dear old mom! Patterns? They're for the creative and more eccentric industries! Small ones add that flair, but let's not overshadow that glowing face. Stripes? Vertical for that slim vibe, horizontal for width. Big patterns? A no-no—the focus should be you, not your outfit.

5. BLING IT SUBTLE: Keep the bling classy. Small, timeless pieces are the way forward. Dainty jewelry that doesn’t overwhelm or distract is the way to go. Let's not overshadow that radiant face, shall we?

Convey savvy business woman by using timeless pieces in your shoot.

6. GLOW-UP ROUTINE: Skin, nails, and makeup—it's time to pamper! Hydrate, exfoliate, moisturize—your skin needs love! If you have the time and the means, get a facial a week before your photoshoot. Keep the makeup au naturel. Layer light layers for that flawless finish. Also, your nails MUST BE on point—I highly recommend getting a professional manicure a few days before your scheduled portrait date. 

7. WRINKLE-FREE ZONE: Pressed, polished, and ready to dazzle! Pack those crisp outfits in a garment bag for the grand shoot. Wrinkle-free threads make magic in photos—no cramping them into bags, please!

Lifestyle Photography for Guinness

Guinness reached out to schedule a lifestyle shoot for their Lucky Sundays, a program to celebrate every Sunday leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. The campaign is a playful nod to this year’s holiday

falling on Sunday, March 17. 

They asked that I focus my attention on capturing authentic photos of Guinness beverages and celebrity chef Dennis Prescott. The Guinness marketing team and Chef Dennis were a dream to work with! I was able to provide same-day image selections at the shoot and a larger gallery of images within a few days for them to spread across platforms.

Business Portrait Tips for Dressing and Looking Your Best

When it comes to taking business portraits, it's important to dress in a way that reflects your professional image. Here are tips to help you look your best in your business portraits:

Website portraits for a home building company.

1. Choose a classic, professional look. Avoid overly trendy or casual looks. Stick with neutral colors and classic clothing styles, as these tend to photograph well. If you can't decide on a look, think of the shirts you wear that get the most compliments. Frequent compliments may indicate a good color match between the shirt and your skin tone.

2. Make sure your clothing fits properly. Ill-fitting clothing can be distracting and take away from the professional look you're trying to achieve. 

3. Avoid busy patterns and bright colors. Solid colors are best for business portraits. Also, avoid clothing with logos.

4. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the occasion. If you're taking a business portrait for a job interview, you'll want to dress more formally than if you were taking a portrait for a website or social media profile.

5. Wear long sleeves, exposed arms may look great, but they will distract attention away from your face. This applies to both men and women, though it can make clothing selections a bit more challenging for women in particular. Regardless of gender, it’s best to dress conservatively for business professional portraits.

6. Accessorize appropriately. Avoid large, flashy jewelry and opt for more subtle pieces.

7. Get your hair cut a week or two before the shoot. Getting rid of split ends or touching up any grey areas can significantly improve the quality of your photos.

8. Get plenty of rest and avoid drinking the night before your shoot. Alcohol can have a detrimental effect on your in skin tone, give you baggy eyes, and diminish the quality of your rest.

9. Bring an outfit change or an extra shirt, just in case. Also, pack a hairbrush, lent brush, and powder or lipstick for touch-ups.  If you tend to sweat, a towel is great to have on hand. 

By following these tips, you'll be sure to look your best in your business portraits.

Charleston, SC Apple Store Woes

Kate Thornton and her dog Ace working in her home office in James Island, SC

Computer problems SUCK!!! About a month ago my computer crashed….. Thank goodness we did not lose any files. They were all backed up on external hard drives, but we did lose hours and hours of editing work, and hours and hours of time troubleshooting the computer problem. It ended up being a bad logic board. Only a $500 fix on a two-year-old computer, no big deal. 

However, because of the pandemic, it was hell getting it fixed. I spent 9 hours the day it crashed talking to Apple and going to Best Buy and Target to get different brand hard drives to re-boot the computer. That did not work, and the first available Genius Bar appointment in Charleston was a week out. So I drove to Augusta, Georgia, because they could get me in the next day. They fixed the computer, I thought… but when I got back home in Charleston, it would not turn on. So I made an appointment at the Apple store in Charleston, a week out. 

Because this was taking so long to fix, I decided to buy a second computer so I could keep working. Unfortunately, compatible computers were on backorder for six weeks. So I purchased a smaller version of my computer, which worked for about a week and then crashed, and I lost all my editing again a second time. Time machine backup was not working because my original computer was so big the new one did not have the space to boot up from the backup. So I returned that and bought an even bigger replacement still not as souped-up as my original computer. That one worked for about a week and crashed too. 

My original computer finally made it to the Apple store in Charleston. It took them another week to diagnose the problem, and then I was told the part needed was on backorder for up to 3 months. They could not tell me when it would be in stock. 

We now finally have our original computer back!!! Larry, my assistant, has been working overtime on editing. Sadie, my two-year-old, has been to the Apple store in Charleston 6 times this month, and they know her by name! Trust me, a two-year-old and an Apple store do not mix well. Thanks to all my clients for being patient. We are still a little behind but hoping to get caught up soon. 

Lifestyle Photographer Ready to Work

I am currently taking photography assignments and using safety measures to protect against COVID-19 that include wearing a face mask, using a long lens, hand washing and working without assistants. I’m a wife and mom to three little girls, Claire 8, Mary Spencer 7, and Sadie 6 months, so photographing safely is a huge priority. 

Two of my girls are in elementary school. So I’m now a teacher too! 

What is homeschool like?

I sat for an IG Live interview with Wonderful Machine last week and we talked about everything from homeschooling to safety on the job. Here’s the link if you care to dive in more:

Side note, in the interview I mention using interns. They are receiving college credit and they are paid when budgeted into the project.

Transitioning from Retail to Commercial Photography

A feature was written on my two photography business; Captured by Kate Photography and Kate Thornton Photography by Wonderful Machine this past spring. Wonderful Machine is a worldwide production agency that clients find photographers, find stock photos, and produce photoshoots. I’m lucky enough to be one of the 600 photographers around the world that they represent and advocate for!

Click here is the link to the article!