CMG Small Business Strong Features By Jacqui Photography
By Jacqui Photography started in 2010 by Jacqui DePas Schlosser. It quickly grew to have 8 photographers working under the same umbrella - being a one stop shop for any photography need. When Jacqui and her family moved to Richmond, VA in 2018, she decided to open a new branch of By Jacqui Photography in Richmond that would specialize in editorial portraits and products of all kinds.
How has their small business shifted as a result of the COVID-19 crisis?
In the wake of COVID-19, By Jacqui Photo has started collaborating with other small business owners. By Jacqui Photo offers free 1 hour Food Photography sessions to local restaurants who need new take out menus photographed. Believing this time is one of reflection and pivoting for many companies, By Jacqui Photo wants to be there to help and support other local small businesses. Headshots, Lifestyle, and Family Portraits are still booking even during the shutdown. Jacqui has perfected "no touch" portraits and takes every precaution while still capturing an image.
What has By Jacqui Photography done to be innovative and creative in order for their business to survive this economic crisis?
By Jacqui Photo began a Virtual Happy Hour with local bartenders in the Richmond and DC area. By Jacqui Photo posts on their Instagram page (@byjacquiphoto) a couple of times a week with a photo, recipe and soundtrack, which has led to incredible engagement with local restaurants and bartenders. Each post has a button to donate to a restaurant fund to raise money for restaurant workers. Additionally, Jacqui has started being more involved in product photography during this time; photographing for jewelry designers, specialty food, restaurants, whisky companies, and stationery companies. Doing so allowed her to pivot the Richmond office. Jacqui has been a speaker on a number of virtual panel discussions about how COVID-19 has affected the wedding and events industry along the East Coast. Feeding off of some of the panels, she has hosted a discussion for people to adapt to virtual meetings. She gives pointers on lighting, background, camera placement, etc. to make individuals look more professional while on a video call. By Jacqui Photo offers free assistance to her headshot clients. Stressing no-touch portraits, she is able to photograph families, headshots, and branding photos.
How can you support your small business during this time?
Collaboration is so important during a time of struggle. You can support By Jacqui Photo by banding together to become a stronger community going forward. You can read more about Jacqui's collaboration philosophy here. Another way is to support local business any way you can. If it's by shopping on Etsy.com, getting take-out from down the street, or buying gift cards for future use, we all need to put money back in the community and support our fellow small businesses. For more information on By Jacqui Photography, visit her website at www.byjacquiphotography.com.
CreativeMktGroup is known for supporting the growth and success of small businesses and organizations in Richmond, VA and throughout the world. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, CreativeMktGroup has developed a campaign called Small Business Strong. Every day, we will feature and promote a small business and/or organization and how it supports the livelihood of others. If you would like CreativeMktGroup to feature your story, please contact hello@creativemktgroup.com.