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I recently sat down with Voyage Ohio to reflect on my journey, and it made me realize something about creativity, community, and trust. Over a decade ago, I made the decision to walk away from a rapidly growing corporate career. On paper, it didn’t make sense. But in my gut, it did. I wanted a life that felt aligned with how I wanted to show up — as a friend, a partner, a daughter. The long hours and late nights were pulling me away from the things that mattered most. So I chose differently. It feels like a lifetime ago that I was building someone else’s company instead of my own. But that season shaped how I approach my work today. As a branding photographer , a lot of my clients are small business owners, community leaders, and parents juggling it all. They care deeply about their work — and about their families. I help make space for what matters most. Whether that’s creating visuals that tell their brand story with clarity and confidence, updating a headshot that makes a powerful first impression, or capturing a fleeting moment in family life — together, we create something beautiful and authentic. In reflecting on my story with Voyage Ohio, I was reminded that this work is about more than photographs. It’s about alignment. Together, we create a strategy so your brand continues to make strong impressions — even when you’re not “on.” So you can be present in your life, knowing your business is showing up well in the world. It hasn’t always been a straight road, but I’ve learned to trust curiosity. To trust the nudge. To trust the season I’m in. If you’re building something meaningful — whether it’s a business, a creative life, or a family — I’d love to hear your story too. You can read the full Voyage Ohio interview here:

If you’ve ever booked—or even considered booking—branding photos for your business, you probably have had a few questions. . Photo shoots tailored for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creatives are often misunderstood and not really seen as a strategic investment. Let's chat about what the difference is between a headshot session and a branding session and answer the five most commonly asked questions I get about photos sessions for your business. monmouth street mercantile, newport ky Here are the five most common questions I hear, answered honestly and thoughtfully. 1. “What type of session do I actually need?” Headshots are clean, polished, and focused on your face. Branding sessions are intentional, layered, and designed to swwhow your personality, values, process, and presence. They capture you in context : how you work, how you show up, and how it feels to be in your world. For business owners, creatives, and leaders who want to stand out in a crowded space, the difference can be subtle, but it's important. 2. “What should I wear for my branding session?” This question is rarely actually about clothing. What clients are really asking is: “How do I show up as myself—but elevated?” The answer is in alignment . What you wear should: Reflect your brand values Feel natural and confident on your body Speak to the clients you want to attract For some, that means structured tailoring and clean lines. For others, it’s softness, movement, or layers that feel lived-in yet intentional. These sessions often include multiple outfits so we can tell different parts of your story—professional, creative, approachable, confident. The goal is to look like you on your best, most grounded day . 3. “Where do Branding Sessions take place?” Another common misconception: your photo sessions will have to happen in a studio. In reality, location is a storytelling tool . We choose locations based on meaning, (and of course, good light!). Examples Your workspace or studio A thoughtfully chosen indoor location with beautiful light A local favorite that connects to your "why" A space that mirrors how you want clients to feel  when they work with you The right location quietly reinforces your message.. 4. “I’m not comfortable in front of the camera—what if I feel awkward?” You are not alone. Almost everyone says this. You will feel guided, not posed during your session. Of course my role is to take beautiful images, but it's also to help you feel relaxed and confident. Through gentle direction, natural movement, and conversation, we will create space for you to show up as yourself. When clients see images they love, that's the result of trust, experience, and intention -- and I love that! 5. “Why invest in a photo session now? ” This is where your why will really comes into focus Business Images are an investment in how you show up consistently—across multipme platforms. A strong photo session: Builds trust before a client ever meets you Creates visual consistency across your business Gives you confidence to be visible and share your work Helps the right people recognize themselves in your story Can speak for you in rooms you are not even in In a world where people buy who you are  as much as what you offer , photography becomes less about images—and more about clarity. The Bottom Line Headshots introduce you. Branding sessions invite people in . If you’re building something meaningful—whether that’s a business, a personal brand, or a new chapter—your photos should reflect the depth, intention, and heart behind it. The right images quietly communitcate why what you're doing matters.. I would love to hear your why, reach out below to connect.

By Bonnie Phillips, Cincinnati Branding Photographer You already know your “About Me” page needs a great photo. But here’s the thing: your brand deserves more  than just a headshot. If you’re a Cincinnati business owner, entrepreneur, or creative who’s also balancing school drop-offs and late-night emails, this post is for you. As a branding photographer, I’ve worked with so many incredible women—moms who are building beautiful lives and meaningful businesses. And I want to take a sec and talk about how branding photos can help you connect with your ideal clients and  show up confidently in every part of your business. These Photos Are About More  Than Marketing Yes, you'll walk away with beautiful images that look incredible on your website, LinkedIn, or your next podcast guest bio. But branding photography is also about giving you the confidence to be seen . When you show up online with imagery that feels like you —polished but real, warm but professional—you build trust with your audience. And you remind yourself that you are the face of something worth showing off. Seven Women. One Cover. A Whole Lot of Power. This spring, I had the honor of photographing seven powerhouse women —each an entrepreneur, leader, and visionary in her own right—for a special feature with Hyde Park City Lifestyle Magazine . The cover ladies featured for HPCL May issue were bad ass women, balancing families, businesses, community impact, and personal growth. And the photos we created together? Magic. One hundred percent cover worthy. It wasn’t just about looking good. It was about being seen —as the CEOs, the creatives, the founders. This shoot was proof of what happens when women invest in themselves—and each other. The results were bold, magnetic, and deeply human. Where Can You Use Branding Photos (Besides Your Website)? Instagram and Facebook profile photos Your email signature Online course launches Speaker bios PR and media kits Press features (like a magazine cover!) Zoom profile Even framed in your office—for the reminder you are  her Let’s Be Honest: You Deserve This You’re investing in your kids, your business, and your clients—every single day. It’s okay to invest in yourself  too. A professional branding session isn’t just a luxury. It’s a tool for growth, confidence, and visibility. You deserve images that: You absolutely love Tell your brand story with intention Remind you of how far you’ve come Ready to Show Up Fully? If you’ve been waiting for the “right” time to book a session—this is it. Let’s create branding photos that help you connect, sell, grow, and inspire. Not just for the “About Me” page—but for every place your story deserves to be seen. Book your session today or reach out with questions—let’s make this your season of being seen. Check out all the amazing articles + local businesses in the latest issue of Hyde Park City Lifestyle here.

Recently, I was invited to be featured in a national online magazine about life as a photographer. I was so flattered. The article deadline came with a quick turnaround however, and I I had to answer some in-depth questions then pull together a photoshoot in just a few days. Suddenly, I was in the shoes of my clients. I trusted my photographer completely, but uggh—I stalled in front of the camera. I have coached so many clients through this, but being the one in front of the lens is a very different story. Eventually, I settled in, and the photographer captured images I truly loved.  That photoshoot was a beautiful reminder of just how vulnerable it can be to step in front of a camera. To trust someone else to capture you. To hope that who you are comes through in the images. It's all a lot. The experience magnified my gratitude for every single client who has put their trust in me to photograph them. Once I had submitted * stunning*images and thoughtful answers for the article, I waited for it to go live. I was notified the article was published but I could not bring myself to read it. I didn’t share it. I just sat on it. For weeks, literally. Total avoidance. I am sure on some level we can all relate to this, right? The thought of reading it made me cringe. So, I did what anyone else would do. I asked a trusted friend to read it first. Hearing back that it was great and I should read it was almost all I needed to take a look myself. A few more days passed and I was finally ready.  Okay. Yes, some parts felt vulnerable. But when I finished reading the article, I felt something else too: pride. I was proud of the words, proud of the images, proud of the way my artistry came through. Sometimes the thing we avoid the most is the very thing we need . So let this be your gentle nudge. Do the thing you’ve been putting off. Share the thing you’re nervous about. Celebrate yourself. Be seen. Because while it might feel uncomfortable, it might also be exactly what you need most. Of course, I'll put a link to article in here. https://canvasrebel.com/meet-bonnie-phillips/

When you’re the (best) publisher and you’re asked to do an interview for a different publication — it calls for a photoshoot of your own. 🤗✨ Brandy is the heart and creative force behind Hyde Park City Lifestyle . Through the magazine, she has built a thriving community. With her vision, the publication has quickly become a hub for local founders, designers, creators, and leaders — all connected by a shared love for Cincinnati and the people who make it special. What makes Brandy amazing isn’t just her editorial skills or business acumen — it’s the quiet, thoughtful way she supports everyone around her. She shows up for her team, her partners, and the creative community she’s helped shape. Our session was all about celebrating her story: her professionalism, her presence, and the confidence she brings into every room. It was such an honor to capture her in this moment of being both the storyteller and  the story. Here’s to women in media who build bridges, amplify voices, and lead with heart. 💛 Tags: #womeninmedia #womenwholead #cincinnaticreatives #empoweredwomenempowerwomen #brandportraits #womeninbusinesscincinnati #bonniephillipsphotography #cincinnatibrandphotographer #cincinnatiheadshotphotographer

A Cincinnati Classic If you’ve ever stepped into Hotel Covington , you already understand why it’s earned so much attention and recognition (ahem, @southernlivingmag, @tripadvisor, @usworldnews 👀). This boutique hotel in Northern Kentucky blends luxury, charm, and hospitality in a way that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Whether you’re there for dinner at @coppinsrestaurant , a cocktail by the fire, or a weekend getaway, it’s one of those places that captures Cincinnati’s creative spirit perfectly. Behind the Lens As a photographer — and a longtime admirer of Hotel Covington — being asked to photograph this space for Hyde Park City Lifestyle Magazine’s   Food & Beverage Issue  was a true pinch-me moment. Working with Chef Michael and the Hotel Covington team  was pure magic. They made us feel right at home as they crafted the most beautiful dishes and cocktails, each one a work of art. And naturally, they didn’t let us leave hungry — every bite and sip was as delicious as it looked. Espresso Martini & Outdoor Fireplace Season Somewhere between photographing the espresso martinis, the cozy firelight, and the autumn air settling in, I decided that Espresso Martini & Outdoor Fireplace Season  deserves official recognition. There’s something about that combination — rich, warm, a little glamorous — that feels exactly right for fall in Cincinnati. Hotel Covington makes it even better: the glow of the fire, the hum of conversation, and the feeling that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Reflections This session reminded me why I love doing what I do — capturing connection, creativity, and community  through my lens. Every space, every dish, every person has a story, and I’m so grateful I get to help tell them. To the team at Hotel Covington , Chef Michael , and Hyde Park City Lifestyle Magazine  — thank you for the opportunity to create something special together. If you’re looking for your next staycation, cocktail date, or spot to spark inspiration, this is your sign: Hotel Covington is calling. About Bonnie Phillips Photography I’m Bonnie Phillips, a Cincinnati branding and portrait photographer  helping creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses tell their stories with authenticity and warmth. Whether I’m photographing a boutique hotel, a local maker, or a small business owner chasing a dream — my goal is to capture what makes you shine. 📍 Based in Cincinnati, Ohio | Available for travel

For the past sixteen years, I’ve taken a mystery trip with my nine closest college girlfriends. We take turns planning, three of us plan the entire getaway—flights, hotels, all the details—while the other six receive nothing but a packing list. No itinerary, no expectations. Just trust, laughter, and sunscreen. This year, we went to Mexico. We ate tacos under palm trees, chatted for hours by the pool, worked out each morning, swam in the ocean, and felt genuinely beautiful—inside and out. These women have known me through so mahny versions of myself: student, dreamer, wife, mother, business owner. And for five glorious days, we reconnected with each other and with ourselves. I’ve realized something powerful over these years: while the trip is a gift, so is the coming home. I come back to my family with fresh eyes and a softer heart. I see the beauty I’ve built and remember why I pour so much love into this life. I return to my work with curiosity and creativity, and I show up with renewed energy. These trips fuel my soul not just for summer—but for the whole year ahead. And here’s the thing: I feel zero guilt  about taking them. Because I deserve this. That’s not always an easy thing to say—especially as a working mom, entrepreneur, community builder. I see you. You give everything to your clients, your family, your team. You pour into others so effortlessly that sometimes you forget you’re worthy of pouring into yourself. But what if showing up for yourself isn’t selfish—what if it’s sacred? What if rest, joy, connection, and beauty are the very things that allow you to lead more powerfully, love more freely, and build a life that lights you up? I want to remind you: you are worthy. Worthy of the trip. The photoshoot. The long lunch with friends. The branding session that shows your confidence and clarity. The quiet time to dream and plan. The investment in yourself that reminds you: “I’m still here.” So take the trip. Book the session. Chase the dream. Do the thing that makes you feel more like you. Because when you come home, everything shines a little brighter. You deserve that. Every bit of it.

Strawberry season might seem like a random thing to talk about on a branding photographer’s blog, but stick with me. I recently had the honor of photographing a summer-inspired feature for a magazine — think golden light, flaky pastry puffs, and the kind of ripe, ruby-red strawberries that practically styled themselves. Photographed by Bonnie Phillips Photography for Hyde Park City Lifestyle But as I was editing the images, I made a connection: the seasonality of fresh produce and the seasonality of branding for your business might have more in common than you’d think. Especially for you entrepreneurs and business owners trying to stand out in a saturated market. Let’s face it — we’re all busy. If you’re a working mom growing a business (or a business that feels like your third child), your days are packed with client meetings, marketing strategies, invoices, and snack duty. You don’t have time for fluff. But you do  care about quality, first impressions, and showing up in a way that feels intentional and effortless. Strawberries show up at just the right time, in full color, unapologetically themselves. And that’s exactly what a strong personal brand does too. So here’s the real juice: Your brand should feel seasonal — timely, relevant, and thoughtfully planned.Your imagery should look polished, high-end, and unmistakably you . Your business deserves to be styled and photographed like it’s magazine-worthy — because it is. Photographed by Bonnie Phillips Photography for Hyde Park City Lifestyle Whether you're launching a new product, updating your website, or finally giving your Instagram grid the glow-up it deserves, your visuals matter. They speak for you when you’re not in the room. And in the world of scrolls, swipes, and split-second decisions, great branding images help your ideal client stop and say: this  is the person I’ve been looking for. Photographed by Bonnie Phillips Photography for Hyde Park City Lifestyle Photographing the strawberry feature reminded me how much detail goes into capturing something simple and making it feel luxurious. From hand-styled pastry layers to the perfect blush of light on fresh fruit — it’s all intentional. Just like the work I do with my branding clients. That’s what sets your brand apart: thoughtful visuals that communicate trust, professionalism, and a little bit of magic. Photographed by Bonnie Phillips Photography for Hyde Park City Lifestyle : So while strawberry season is short, your brand presence doesn’t have to be. If you're ready to create visuals that look like they belong in a magazine — and feel true to the business you're building — let’s talk. Whether you're rebranding, launching, or just overdue for a refresh, I’d love to help you show up like the CEO you are. Let’s make something beautiful together.

Last week, my husband Kris took my son Keller out fishing in our neighborhood. I was wrapping up a few things at the house, then I grabbed my camera and headed down to the ponds. The summer sunlight was golden and delicious. Hanging low over the trees, the evening sun was splashing everything in it's path with a luxurious golden glow. Summer has arrived. The boys were casting their lines and reeling them back in. A nice gentle breeze kept things comfortable as the crickets started to sing and chirp. The excitement of an 8 year old boy catching a fish cut through the summer night. Things suddenly changed from peaceful and serene to next level excitement and big fish energy. Catch and release. The fish splashed back in the water and swam off. Another hotdog on the hook, and back to that peaceful casting and reeling. Kris and Keller caught 5 fish that night. I maintain that the best catch of the day was when Keller jumped off the bench and straight into Kris's loving arms. Summer perfection.

*All images in this article were taken in my studio, not by AI. Recently, photographer Peter Hurley, led an interesting discussion about AI headshots. Several companies are offering AI headshots for about $30. Turn around time in a business day or less. So should professional headshot photographers be worried? Not exactly. Here's my take. The price point and connivence of AI headshots will certainly appeal to some. Just like in the food and beverage industry where restaurants operate at all different $$$ -- I think there will continue to be a demand for headshots at every budget . For now, I am likening AI headshots to fast food restaurants. Quick and convenient. Is it the best service or the best quality? Probably not. Will be an audience for AI headshots? Sure. But there will still be a strong demand from those seeking quality professional experiences with real results. If you are interested in getting a freshly updated headshot, click here to book .

Did you know there are more than 8,000 children who experience homelessness in Cincinnati each year? Cincinnati makes it way to the top of a lot of "Best Of Lists", but having one of the nation's highest rates of children experiencing homelessness is not one to brag about. Take a look at what one local organization is doing to help serve the community. UpSpring is a non profit with a mission to provide enrichment and care for children experiencing homelessness in Greater Cincinnati. UpSpring delivers on their mission by offering after school activities, summer camps, field trips, scholarships, and simply put, somewhere to belong. UpSpring holds an annual benefit to help fund their programs and raise awareness in the community. I haven't photographed events in quite some time but when I was asked to cover the Benefit Bash I was excited to get involved. The community showed up big for UpSpring's Benefit Bash held in April at the Great American Ball Park. More than 250 members our community turned out to show their support. UpSpring raised over $115,000 for local Cincinnati children. At the end of the evening everyone left feeling proud of our community and thankful for the leaders who make each day better for the children they serve. If you are looking for a way to contribute more to your community, check out the UpSpring organization. https://www.upspring.org/

I always get asked this question after a client books a headshot session -- "What should I wear?" The answer obviously can vary depending on each client, but there are a few general guidelines to help you prepare for your session. Check it out. I always tell headshot clients to start with something they love and feel comfortable in. As far as color palettes go, generally, solid colors work best. Steer clear of loud patterns and textures. Fabrics photograph beautifully if they don't have a sheen texture- so save that velvet blazer and satin blouse for another occasion. You can get different looks with a quick wardrobe change. Be sure to bring a couple of options. Textures and layers are great too, throwing on a jacket over an outfit is great way to change it up. If you are thinking about new headshots and want to talk more about your vision, let's connect bonnie@bonniephillipsphotography.com.