Whew! We made it. I can’t believe launch day is finally here! While 2020 has no doubt been filled with uncertainties, one thing I was sure of at the start of this year was pursuing a new, fresh face for my business. I started my rebranding process with the amazing ladies at With Grace and Gold back in February, eager to break my business down to its core and build it once again with intentionality at every turn. After six months of decision-making, refining, and curating, I’m so thrilled to be able to share not only my new design with you, but also my refreshed vision for this business (and a new name!).

Before we jump into the design, let’s take a trip down memory lane for a minute to where this truly began, shall we?

It’s 2012, and I’ve casually photographed some seniors and a few families at the ripe age of 16. During that year, I photographed my very first wedding when I was hired by my volleyball coach for her day.  And while that day is near and dear to my heart for many reasons, don’t be fooled—I had little to no clue how to photograph a wedding, build a timeline, or use a flash. It’s now been 8 years since then, and last week I photographed that same coach’s daughter’s engagement on film. What a world!

I’ve learned so much since those days of renting Wedding Photographer Kits on LensRentals and flying by the seat of my pants. I’ve learned how to interact with my couples, find the best lighting, handle what I like to call “surprises” on wedding days, and shoot film.

But even more than all of those things that come with being a wedding and lifestyle photographer, I’ve learned how to bring value to each person I come in contact with, and why it’s so important to do so in this industry.

Sadly, I’ve found the world to often be unkind. We’ve had a front-row seat to this knowledge in 2020, and I know it’s not a new revelation. What I do know, though, is that the world doesn’t need more unkindness. It needs loving people who will go out of their way to love others well, to serve them until the need is met.

And so for me, and for Michela Watson Photography, my mission is to bring value to the couples and families I serve by giving everything I’ve got to make sure they leave my presence feeling loved and so worthy of the beauty that is their life. No matter what road they’ve walked before they come in front of my lens, I want them to know I will always be in their corner, rooting for them and their families every step of the way. In every single interaction, my hope is that Michela Watson Photography will be known for creating elegant, meaningful heirloom imagery that highlights the natural beauty in the lives of those it serves, all while showing the love of Jesus to each and every person that steps in front of my lens.

If I’m honest, this has always been the heart behind my business. Still, it wasn’t until Kelly + Andra stepped into the picture that I was able to gain a clear understanding of this mission and work to communicate this to my clients effectively. After years of building logos and websites on my own, I finally feel like I have a brand that invites couples and families into a genuine, timeless experience with Michela Watson Photography.

 

The Logo

Can we all agree this logo is the epitome of timeless and modern? I knew I wanted my brand to visually be a beautiful marriage between classic design and modern touches, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result Andra designed. The sharp serif font used for my name is the perfect nod to days of old, while also bringing that hint of modernity I DIE over. Swoon! Hint: The roman numerals read “2017”, the year I was officially in business. How cool!

I’m quite lucky I married a man that gave me the name Watson. We all know Ms and Ws can often be combined to create rather cliché logos, but thankfully, you’ll find that’s clearly not the case here! When I saw this secondary logo, I definitely squealed!! I love how simple yet impactful it is. I can’t wait to see this on the front of my custom letterpress business cards soon (thanks Cotton Paperie!).

 

The Web Design

When Andra initially walked me through my web design, she explained her vision for my site was to give each image a place to feel like an art piece. I am so thankful she highlighted my work in such an intentional way! The website truly brings out the artistry in each image. The initial loading screen may be one of my favorite aspects of the entire web design. I wanted to give viewers an opportunity to pause before jumping right into the site, a moment to understand they are entering an intentional experience.

 

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I’m so thankful you’ve joined me today as I reveal months of hard work to create the new face of my business. Truly, Andra + Kelly poured everything they had into crafting a brand I’m more than confident with! If you are looking to update your site using a template, With Grace and Gold’s shop is filled with gorgeous, easy-to-use Showit templates! You can view and purchase a fresh, new look for your online presence here!

 

So tell me—what aspect of the new brand is your favorite? I would love to hear your feedback below!

 

Xo, Michela

 

 

**The above With Grace and Gold link is an affiliate link.