Social Sessions

Social Sessions: Mini Brand Photoshoots + Content Creation for Small Biz Owners

✨ Fresh photos, scroll-stopping content, and a confidence boost — all in 90 minutes. ✨.
💖 Early Bird Price: $250 until September 10th! (regularly $350)

BOOK FOR SEPTEMBER

BOOK FOR OCTOBER

What’s Included

1.5 hour group experience (photos + networking + content creation)
3 outfit changes for variety + versatility
Professional headshots + lifestyle images
Behind-the-scenes video clips
Content Creation Workbook — with prompts + strategies to turn your BTS clips into Reels + TikToks that actually attract your dream clients
15 edited images (you choose your favorites from your gallery)

Why Social Sessions?

Social Sessions aren’t just mini photo shoots — they’re a confidence-boosting content party.

✔️ Affordable and efficient — no all-day shoot required
✔️ Three looks in one session for variety
✔️ Leave with both photos AND a plan to market with them
✔️ Meet like-minded creatives + small biz owners (your next client might be in the room!)

BOOK FOR SEPTEMBER

BOOK FOR OCTOBER

Investment

✨ These are $350

VIP Upgrade (Pre-Session) → +$300

ALL the images in the gallery
3 Reels created for you, ready to post
Best value: $697 total

After-Session Upgrade → +$400

ALL images from your session (no reels)

How It Works

Welcome + Networking (15 minutes)
Meet the group, share what you do, and get hyped!
Mini Shoot Rounds
Everyone rotates through 3 quick rounds (one per outfit).
Wrap-Up
Leave with content, connections, and a confidence boost.

BOOK FOR SEPTEMBER

BOOK FOR OCTOBER

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Bay Area Mini Sessions

Branding, Engagements, MERGE, Portraits

Cozy Moments Mini Sessions

It may be heating up in the Bay Area, but I’m already dreaming of those crisp fall nights, cozy sweaters, and hot chocolate vibes. 🍁 I’m beyond excited to kick off this year’s mini sessions with some of my favorite families (and maybe yours too!).

I know it feels early to think about photos, but trust me—these sessions book up faster than you can say pumpkin spice latte. That’s why I’m giving you first dibs before they sell out. And this year? I’ve got some extra fun planned (hint: think gorgeous pops of color!).

The Scoop

This year, I’m offering several dates across September, October, and November with a mix of beautiful Bay Area locations like the beach, forest, ranch, and tree farm. I offer morning and afternoon spots, which means you can find a time that works perfectly for your busy schedule.

What’s Included

20-Minute Session
20 Edited Digital Images (you’ll choose your faves from the full gallery!)
Online Gallery for easy access, sharing, and high-quality printing
Prep + Wardrobe Guide so you’ll feel totally confident walking in front of the camera
Exclusive Discounts for holiday cards, wall art, and albums via the professional printer in the gallery, but you can print anywhere

Ready for the Full Experience?

While mini sessions are short + sweet, my custom portrait sessions are where the magic really unfolds. With more time to relax, multiple outfit changes, and the freedom to capture a mix of posed portraits and candid in-between moments, you’ll walk away with a gallery that feels like you. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, updating your family photos, or simply craving images that capture your story in a deeper way, these sessions are designed to give you space, ease, and beautiful results. 💕 Let’s create something unforgettable together!

Find out more

Who’s It For?

These minis are for everyone! Families, couples, entrepreneurs needing fresh headshots—you name it.

Want to bring the grandparents? YES, please! Multi-generational photos are some of my favorites. If you have a larger crew, book two back-to-back sessions for double the time and double the images.

Investment

Only $300 for all of the above (my custom sessions are $650—so this is a total steal!).

To book your spot, a $200 deposit is due at booking. The remaining balance is due the week of your session.

⚡ These cozy, quick, once-a-year minis will sell out—don’t wait!

Locations and Dates:

Beach (Santa Cruz) on September 27th
Forest (Los Altos) on October 5th
White Barn (San Jose) on October 11th
Coyote Creek (Morgan Hill) on October 12th
Almaden Hills (San Jose) on November 1st
Winery (Gilroy) on November 8th
Tree Farm (Los Gatos) on November 15th

Family photos mini session in santa cruz, california

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forest family photos mini sessions lost altos, california

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Family photos mini session san jose california

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family photos mini sessions morgan hill, california

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Family Photo Mini Sessions Gilroy California family portraits

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los gatos mini session family photos on a Christmas tree farm by Jen Vazquez

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Your Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Mini Sessions with Jen Vazquez Media

Branding, Engagements, MERGE, Portraits

Family Portraits — Let’s Be Real

The first question I always get: “What should we wear?” Here’s the lowdown:

Family portrait sessions can be a bit stressful, especially if you’ve got little ones or a big group. Trust me, as someone with four adult children, three grandkids, and a career as a professional photographer, I’ve seen it all. But don’t worry—I’m here to share my knowledge and help you prepare for a smooth, enjoyable session that results in beautiful photos you’ll love.

What to Wear?

Coordinate, Don’t Match: Gone are the days of matching outfits. Instead, choose a color palette that works well together. If you’re planning to display these portraits at home, consider your home’s color scheme. If your living room is decorated in warm, earthy tones, you might want to avoid colors like teal and purple.
Start with Your Outfit: Pick something you feel amazing in. Your confidence will shine through in the photos. Once you’ve chosen your outfit, build everyone else’s looks around it, using complementary colors and styles. For example, if you’re wearing a floral dress with pinks, purples, and greens, you could have one child in a green shirt and another in pink, while your partner wears a combination of those colors.
Accessorize Thoughtfully: Accessories like belts, necklaces, bow ties, and hats can add that finishing touch. Avoid anything too trendy that might date the photos—think timeless and classic.

Preparing for the Shoot

Preparation is key to a successful session. Here’s how to get ready:

Hair and Makeup: Consider hiring a professional for hair and makeup. It can be a relaxing experience and ensures you’ll look your best. If you’re doing it yourself, go for a subtle, natural look. Don’t forget to use hairspray if you’re curling your hair, and bring along touch-up items like lipstick and a brush.
Get Plenty of Rest: A good night’s sleep is essential, especially for the little ones. Well-rested kids are happier and more cooperative.
Pack Essentials: If you’ve got young kids, bring along non-messy snacks, a favorite toy, or comfort item. It can make all the difference in keeping them happy and engaged.
Arrive Early: Aim to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and everyone can relax before we start shooting.

Grooming Tips

Men: A fresh haircut a couple of days before the shoot is ideal. If you shave, do it the morning of the shoot with a new razor to avoid irritation.
Ladies: Keep your skin moisturized in the days leading up to the shoot, and make sure your nails are tidy. Avoid high-salt foods to reduce bloating, and check your undergarments with your outfit to ensure no straps or lines are visible.

Confidence is Key

The most important thing you can bring to your session is confidence. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little awkward in front of the camera. My job is to help you feel comfortable and guide you through poses so that you look your best.

Should You Bring Props?

Props can add a fun and personal touch to your photos. Whether it’s something as simple as a favorite blanket or something more creative like brightly colored balloons or umbrellas, props can make your session unique to you. If you’re not sure what to bring, think about what makes your family special.

Final Touches

Teeth: If you want to whiten your smile, start treatments about 2-3 weeks before your session.
Sunburns and Tan Lines: Avoid them! If you tan, do so at least a week before the shoot.
Ironing: Iron your clothes the night before and hang them to avoid wrinkles.

After the Shoot

Once we’ve wrapped up the session, you can relax and look forward to seeing your beautifully edited photos. I’ll keep you updated on when they’ll be ready. In the meantime, treat yourself to something special—you’ve earned it!

I can’t wait to capture these moments for you! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience. See you at the shoot!

284 | Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers: Boost Your Marketing with Kris Jones

Branding, Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast

Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers

How to Get Testimonials That Sell: A Simple System for Service Providers

Are you skipping testimonials because asking feels awkward? Or maybe the ones you do get sound more like vague compliments than reasons to hire you? You’re not alone—and today we’re fixing that. In this episode, I sat down with Kris Jones of Red Door Designs to talk about how to collect client stories that actually convert. Whether you’re a photographer, coach, or creative service provider, these tips will help you create a repeatable system to gather, refine, and use testimonials to attract more of the right clients—without sounding salesy or generic.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. I only rec

Why Most Testimonials Fall Flat (And What to Do Instead)

So many service providers rely on word-of-mouth or referrals—but those can be inconsistent. When you use storytelling and social proof the right way, your testimonials become your best marketing tools. Kris shared that the most powerful testimonials aren’t about you being “great”—they’re about your client’s transformation. Think: “I went from zero leads to booking 4 clients in two weeks” instead of “She’s amazing to work with.”

The key? Ask the right questions that guide your client to tell the story—from struggle to success.

The 3-Step Testimonial Gathering Formula

Kris recommends asking your client these three questions via email (or Zoom, if you’re recording video):

What were you struggling with before we worked together?
How did that struggle make you feel?
What happened for you as a result of our work together—and how did that make you feel?

Bonus question: What would you say to a friend who was on the fence about working with me?

This simple framework invites emotion, detail, and proof—all the elements that make a testimonial feel real and relatable. Pro tip: Always ask permission to use it in your marketing, and pair testimonials with a photo whenever possible.

Where and How to Use Testimonials in Your Marketing

Once you’ve got them, don’t let those golden words sit in your inbox. Kris suggests:

Adding testimonials directly on your website at key decision points (right before a CTA)
Embedding video testimonials into your emails or sales sequences
Turning strong testimonials into social media graphics and captions
Repurposing them as mini case studies on your blog

A short, two-sentence testimonial with a clear before-and-after is often more powerful than a long-winded paragraph. Less is more—as long as it’s specific.

Storytelling: Your Secret Weapon for Standing Out

Tired of blending in? Kris reminded us that your story is your biggest differentiator. You might be in a saturated market, but no one else has your journey. Position yourself as the guide—not the hero—and show your clients what’s possible for them.

When your story is clear, client-focused, and repeated across platforms (yes, repetition matters), your brand becomes memorable and magnetic.

Where to Find Kris:

Links Mentioned:

Descript: an AI-powered platform that combines transcription, audio editing, and video editing capabilities into a single, user-friendly tool
Storybrand book: New York Times bestselling author Donald Miller uses the seven universal elements of powerful stories to teach readers how to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.

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Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space

Branding, Jen Vazquez Photography Blog, Marketing

Empowering Visuals for an Inclusive Creative Brand

Meet Kim Gomez, the founder and creative force behind Marry Me Design Studio. Kim brings over a decade of experience as a wedding hair and makeup artist into her work, designing website templates made specifically for beauty pros in the wedding industry.

Marry Me Design Studio offers easy-to-use, SEO-friendly Squarespace templates and tools that help wedding hair and makeup artists attract dream clients without the stress of tech overwhelm. Kim’s work is grounded in inclusivity, strategy, and a deep understanding of what it takes to grow a service-based business in a competitive market.

Her mission is clear: to help beauty pros show up online with confidence, connect with the right clients, and build sustainable, thriving businesses—starting with a website that truly works for them

Why We Chose The Sunlight Space

When planning Kim’s brand session, we wanted a space that offered flexibility and warmth—just like her approach to design. The Sunlight Space in Northern California checked every box. It features a wide variety of backdrops, from clean white nooks to colorful textured corners, giving us the perfect canvas to capture all the facets of Kim’s brand.

The variety allowed us to showcase different looks—from editorial to everyday—while keeping everything cohesive and aligned with her brand identity.

Capturing Kim in Her Element

Our goal for the shoot was clear: highlight Kim’s personality, expertise, and everyday magic. We focused on images that showed her:

On her laptop and phone, engaging in real work moments
Celebrating with confetti for all of those celebration-type social media posts.
Relaxed and confident, letting her personality shine through
In settings that mirrored the creative environments she designs for

These photos now serve as valuable assets for Kim’s website, marketing, and social platforms—giving her content that speaks directly to her audience.

A Brand That Truly Gets You

Kim doesn’t just build websites—she builds foundations for growth. Her clients often come to her feeling overwhelmed by tech, branding, or SEO—and leave with a website that feels like home. Whether you’re a wedding hair and makeup artist, creative entrepreneur, or service provider, Kim helps you show up online in a way that feels empowering and aligned.

She’s more than a web designer—she’s a partner in your business journey.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Photos

This brand session was about more than headshots. It was about capturing the why behind the work. Kim’s commitment to equity, ease, and authentic connection shows in everything she does—and now, her brand visuals reflect that too.

If you are looking for props for your photoshoot — check out my amazon store for some of my favorites.

If you’re a wedding beauty pro looking for a website that reflects your artistry and helps you get found by the right clients—Marry Me Design Studio is built just for you!

📸 Scroll down to explore the photos from our session.

Every image tells the story of a brand built on purpose, inclusion, and impact.

How Cloudspot Transformed My Photography Business: A Game-Changer for Professional Photographers

Branding, Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast

Photograph of a mac desktop computer, white flowers and a camera against a bright window in backlight.

How Cloudspot Transformed My Photography Business: A Game-Changer for Professional Photographers

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. Rest assured, you’ll receive the best available price. I also don’t share anything I don’t love.

Taking the Leap from Corporate to Creative

In 2009, I took a leap of faith that changed my life forever. After years of grinding away in a demanding corporate job—leaving home before my kids woke up and returning after they were already in bed—I knew something had to change. Photography had been my side hustle for five years, fueling my passion during the off hours.

One day, the scales tipped. I handed in my two weeks’ notice and jumped headfirst into professional photography full-time. Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship was both exhilarating and intimidating. One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding a comprehensive tool to manage the growing needs of my business.

Discovering Cloudspot.io

In 2017, I discovered Cloudspot.io through Katelyn James’ business program, and it was a total game-changer. From the moment I started using Cloudspot.io, I knew I had found the missing piece in my business. It simplified the complexities of running a photography business while elevating the client experience—something that’s crucial in this industry.

Let me walk you through why Cloudspot.io has become the backbone of my photography business and how it can transform yours too.

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Why Cloudspot.io?

Delivering a seamless and professional experience to clients is paramount in the photography industry. Cloudspot.io offers an all-in-one platform that not only showcases my work beautifully but also streamlines the backend processes that keep my business running smoothly. Here’s how it has transformed my workflow:

1. Stunning Client Galleries

First impressions matter. Cloudspot.io’s customizable gallery options allow me to create a tailored experience for each client. The platform offers a variety of layouts and cover options, making sure my brand and the client’s special moments are showcased in the best possible light.

Clients can easily view, favorite, and download images, making the entire process hassle-free. Plus, I can apply watermarks and let clients select the images they want if a session includes a set number of photos. This not only saves time but also empowers my clients to choose the photos they love most.

2. Seamless Contracts and Invoicing

Gone are the days of juggling multiple tools for contracts and payments. With Cloudspot.io, I can create and send professional contracts that clients can sign electronically on any device.

The Smart Field feature auto-populates client information, reducing errors and saving valuable time. Invoicing is just as streamlined, with online payment options that make transactions smooth for both me and my clients.

3. Comprehensive Client Management

Understanding my clients’ needs is crucial, especially for weddings and branding sessions. Cloudspot.io’s questionnaire feature allows me to gather essential details upfront, ensuring that the shoot aligns perfectly with my client’s vision.

All client interactions and documents are stored in one place, making organization a breeze. No more lost emails or scattered notes—everything is easily accessible and secure.

4. Effortless Scheduling with Mini Sessions

Mini sessions are an excellent way to attract new clients and offer specialized services. Cloudspot.io’s mini session scheduler makes it easy to create, share, and book sessions.

Clients can select time slots, sign contracts, and make payments online—all within a beautifully designed interface. This feature has boosted my booking efficiency and client satisfaction tremendously.

For my branding mini sessions, I even include a document that helps clients identify their ideal client and define their brand colors—helping them stay organized and get the most out of their session.

5. Integrated Calendar Sync

Managing multiple shoots and deadlines can be overwhelming. Cloudspot.io automatically syncs booked sessions with my calendar, ensuring I never miss an appointment. Clients also receive timely reminders, which enhances their overall experience and reduces last-minute cancellations.

The Impact of Cloudspot.io on My Business

Embracing Cloudspot.io has not only streamlined my workflow but also elevated the level of service I provide to my clients. Its comprehensive suite of tools covers both the creative and administrative sides of my business, allowing me to focus on what I love most—capturing moments and telling stories through my lens.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, I highly recommend exploring what Cloudspot.io has to offer. Its blend of aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency is unmatched, making it an invaluable asset to any photography business.

👉 Check out Cloudspot.io and discover how it can transform your photography journey—just like it did for me!

Check It Out!

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