Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valerie Cook. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Valerie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I recently took the risk of rebranding my company. This included a small name change, logo and color scheme change, and target audience adjustment.

I wanted to cater more to the alternative crowd for weddings, elopements, family sessions, and events. Not many people edit to my style, which I call “True to Color Moody”. I am not the light and airy photographer. I like to be able to discern between a window and a dress.

Anyway, when I rebranded, I totally changed my color scheme and logo. I went away from the royal blue and white I was using. I decided to go with a grey/black color scheme. A more unique theme to match the uniqueness of my clients.

My logo is actually really cool. It’s a camera…and so much more. Depending on who you are, you could see anything from a rocket ship to a fish to a person. It’s all about perception…just like photography.

Valerie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been a lifelong photographer. I enjoy capturing the special moments in peoples lives.

My company, Magic Wand Photography, caters to the alternative crowd. The crowd that wants the moodier photos while preserving the color tones.

Viewing a photo can ignite a very emotional reaction that we believe everyone has a right to. Photographs are a way of preserving our memories after we are long gone. We believe that everyone should have access to high quality professional photographs regardless of their income. We cover everything from proposals to engagement sessions to weddings and elopements to families, and event photography. We also offer destination wedding packages. We will travel anywhere in the world to capture your day.

We strive to provide professional photos to anyone. This is why we work with budgets…often when others have said “No”.
Photography services are definitely a luxury item; but one we believe EVERYONE should have access to.

We are happy to create customized packages based on budget and photography needs. We offer complimentary consultations to everyone.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think that my love of people helped build my reputation. I say that because I have never met a client idea I didn’t like. The photos I take are for my clients, not me. I’m all about infusing their personalities into their photos. I encourage them to do this by asking about activities they enjoy, any “quirks” that make their family unique, and if there are any props or extras they would like to add to their session.

I am also huge on communication. I don’t believe one can communicate with a client too much. From scheduling to itinerary to sneak peeks and beyond, I keep my clients in the loop. I hate not knowing what’s going on; so I’m certainly not going to do that to others!

Another thing that makes me unique is that I deliver sneak peeks with in 24-36 hours of the session. I also deliver galleries sooner than anticipated. My wedding clients are not limited to the number of photos they get, either. They get every edited image. The only time I make them “pick” images is for their album. And that’s because it will be in their house, not mine.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer for me is when my clients have fun at their session and love their photos. The “wild” kiddos cooperate. The stoic partner that never smiles is laughing. The person that is insecure about their body is gaining more confidence with every shutter click. When everyone is having a great time, that is when their true personalities really come out. Anytime I hear a parent say “You caught their personality exactly”, or an insecure person says “I can’t believe I’m really that beautiful”, that’s a huge pat on the back for me. I love it when my clients love their photos.       

Contact Info:

• Website: www.magicwandcreations.com
• Instagram: @magicwandcreations
• Facebook: @magicwandcreations2016
• Twitter: @magicwandc2016
• Youtube: @magicwandcreations2223
• Pinterest: @magicwandcreations
• TikTok: @magicwandcreations

Image Credits
Magic Wand Photography