What is Creativity?

I am excited to share this video that captures who I see myself as or more importantly...who I would like to become.

I am preparing now for the May 16th Norris Lake Spring Festival. I am excited to meeting the community and having new work on display. Also, check out the updated website. www.EricStokley.com . I am really happy with the path it is taking. It along with me will continue to evolve. 

Come check out the festival tent on May 16th. 

“Rage”

I am not sure if I should work on another piece of work today. I am reflecting on the emotions I felt while creating this. My hands moved so quick, erasing, dodging, burning…it was almost as if I couldn't dig deep enough to create the intensity.

© Eric Stokley Photography

The Power of a Story

"Stories are worth framing."

The corporate portrait - it is time to redefine.

The traditional definition of a business portrait has been limited to a narrow perspective. If you ask most people, it is usually defined as a bust or head shot similar to a personal portrait, except that it is used for business purposes. I think it is time to redefine the business and professional portrait used in today's diverse market place.

As a portrait photographer, I get to see and review a lot of portraits. Unfortunately, what I see are a lot of common themes. The expressions are typically the same. Nothing unique; nothing that speaks to the business or industry; nothing that sets the executive apart from their competition.

Yet when you talk with business leaders, their needs are as wide ranging as the market itself. Now more than ever, business leaders need to have more options for different situations. The standard bust shot is great for some specific situations, but every executive should have more than one or two images in their public image toolkit.

Today’s executive has to have a presence online, blogs, press releases, brochures, marketing & promotional materials. Each market is different and the images should reflect these differences while maintaining consistent branding and messaging.

• Your office portrait – should be regal and inspirational.
• Your bust shot – great for press releases and academic publications.
• Your blogging and social media image – more pleasant, inviting and conversational.
• Images for brochures, marketing & promotional material – specific to your industry & audience.
• Images for annual reports – tailored for shareholders and investors.

Executives represent different industries and serves different stakeholders even within the same industry. A dynamic portfolio of images can be one advantage that can pay enormous rewards. A good professional photographer will know how to get someone to relax in front of the camera, evoke the best poses and provide suggestions for accentuating an individual's positive features and traits.

Professional photography is your foundation to a solid visual marketing program. A portfolio of high quality images are engaging and presents a very visible reflection of you and your business and your brand – make it the best!

With the introduction of the new and improved website for Eric Stokley Photography, I am excited that Chase Childers as been selected as the featured portrait for the landing page.

This new website is designed to be more dynamic and engaging. Helping connect you to the services and inspire you to make 2015 your most wonderful year.

I have the most wonderful neighbors Pete & Marsha Bailey . After a long day at the hospital, they have given me the most thoughtful gift. I am so excited to know the work of Brandon Stanton . They knew as a photographer, that I would treasure such a wonderful work. 

Very special thanks to the National Park Foundation for sharing my work.