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.

Scottish men walking by the Dewberry

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 photographersfind 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!

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Maximize your Photoshoot

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Click HERE to read the full post.


The Southern Coterie is a group of creative business owners who come together once a year at Sea Island, GA for a conference to network, learn, have fun and relax. They also connect throughout the year in other ways. I've been apart of the group for the past two years and have gained a ton. 

I was asked to elaborate on my MAXIMIZE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT email for a blog post and webinar which I am leading this week. If you have not done so already be sure to sign up to receive my tips on the homepage of my website.

Food Photography

I’d been doing food photography for years. But only as apart of travel photo essays for various publications. I had never focused solely on one restaurant. When I walked into Wiki Wiki Sandbar, a new restaurant at my local weekend hang-out, Folly Beach, South Carolina I was instantly inspired. I chatted up the wait staff, which eventually got me in touch with the restaurant's media coordinator. This project was for Wiki Wiki’s social media. 

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Branding and Lifestyle Photography

As a photographer, I’ve been telling stories without words for over 15 years.

Destin Sparks once said,

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.”

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Daybreaking over a Charleston bakery, the first kiss as a married couple, and the glow of a surfer at dawn all tell their own unique and specific stories.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about ways to expand these stories, in my own city and in cities near and far. I realize I am happiest when I disconnect from technology and connect with people as they do what they love. I seek opportunities to work and learn from the inspired and to inspire in return.

I’d like to create inspiration with you too! Together we can elevate your visuals to better connect with clients. After all,

the human brain processes imagery 60,000 times faster than words.

The images people associate with you can speak volumes!

Branding images for Sally B Art!

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