Leveraging the power of photography and celebrity partnerships in brand development

The best portrait photography shows us “what it means to be alive” and “offers comfort, insight, inspiration and understanding. The photographer taps into the ineffable essence that makes a person who they are, something that cannot be put into words, and pulls it out of nowhere and shares it with us. It's magic.”

Aubrey Chandler brings her magic to every photo shoot, allowing her subjects to create and elevate their brand by showing their true selves.

Chandler is a multi-talented entrepreneur who first found recognition as an actress and model before branching out into the worlds of commercial aviation, real estate, and entertainment, all with success. She has worked with many celebrities, including Shaquille O'Neal, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Chayan, and Ricky Martin. However, since picking up a camera, her career has expanded to helping A-listers and celebrities discover the essence of their brand through the lens. Her photos have graced the covers of many magazines, including Rolling Stone, People, and Marie Claire. One of her photos ended up on a three-story billboard in Times Square.

Chandler's interest in photography began by chance when her compact Canon Elf camera was stolen. She used her tax refund to buy a professional camera and invited her friend, actress Jamie Bernadette, over to her house for a day to take photos. It was then that Chandler, who had no photographic training, discovered “how happy it was to bring out the beauty in others.” That day changed her life.

Chandler told me, “The secret to making your subject shine is to make them feel like the most powerful person in the room. For me, it's all in the eyes. That's what fascinates me in photography. I love capturing the soul.”

Chandler adds that she makes sure her models are feeling their best and having fun: “This positive energy comes through in the photos. It's truly contagious and inspires the consumer to want to feel that way too.”

Using photography in your marketing is a great place to “tell your brand's story and explain your 'why' to establish an emotional connection with your consumers. Using photography, especially to communicate your brand's voice, helps create a visual marker of your brand that consumers can instantly recognize.”

A strong brand image makes a product or person stand out. “Brand values, if communicated well, can shape the customer experience as much as the product itself.”

Chandler attributes his success to capturing authentic moments and creating a positive atmosphere during his shoots: “My experience as an actor and model allows me to connect with my subjects and make them feel comfortable and happy. This authentic energy translates into compelling images. Additionally, careful attention to lighting and settings enhances the storytelling aspect of my work. Building strong, authentic relationships and drawing inspiration from my late mentor, Joy Nash, was also crucial. Combining technical skill with emotional intelligence allows me to create impactful, relatable images that resonate with my audience.”

Chandler uses the connections he makes with his clients and his business acumen to build emotional connections with consumers and elevate their brands. “To create an emotionally connected brand through photography, you need to showcase your product in a way that your audience can relate to.”

For its skin care product line, targeted at a health-conscious and organic-conscious demographic, Chandler used models that reflected that demographic. Using the right lighting, strategic product placement in the right setting, and choosing the right publication all had a big impact on branding. “By aligning these elements with the values ​​and lifestyle of the target audience, photography can effectively create a strong emotional connection and strengthen brand loyalty.”

One of her clients, a Latino celebrity who appears on television almost daily, wanted to expand her brand and reach a larger audience. Chandler discussed with her that each magazine has its own style and helped her understand the need for more personal editorial photography beyond the typical TV host or spokesperson photos.

Another client is “a male celebrity who has recently been in the media, not of his own volition, but due to drama surrounding his high-profile ex-wife who has brought him back into the spotlight,” and Chandler is promoting him as “the hottest, most desirable Latino bachelor ever — and that's just how it goes!”

Chandler recently cemented her reputation as a visionary connector and business savant by directing a client's debut on the prestigious TED Talk platform – a testament to her talent.

Chandler's success in business stems from her ability to build long-lasting professional relationships. “Throughout my career, I have collaborated with a wide variety of people including celebrities, entrepreneurs, and motivational figures. I have developed not only professional relationships but also true friendships with celebrities, editors, and others. When I first started in photography, I collaborated with some amazing brands which led to opportunities like shooting cosmetics campaigns for Sephora and campaigns for L'Occitane. These collaborations came about through referrals from existing friends.”

“I'm a self-starter,” Chandler added. “I learn and grow as I go. I adjust and adapt along the way. I'm always tweaking and experimenting. I believe in my clients' brands and am willing to take risks. I introduce my clients to innovative branding strategies and strategic marketing techniques to get their image and products in front of the masses.”

Bonnie Marcus, M.Ed.teeth, It's not over yet! How women over 50 can regain their confidence and thrive in the workplace and The politics of promotion: How high-achieving women get promoted and stay promoted. Bonnie is an executive coach, speaker and podcast host. Amazing women of all ages.