Meet Carley Storm | Brand Photographer + Video Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carley Storm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to find a way to help women grow and succeed and have more flexibility with my own family.

There was one day that I was waiting for the bus where I had this “I’m over this” aka my “F this moment” while standing in the snow waiting for the bus. My son’s school was closed but I had to go to work and while I was waiting for bus into NYC to my dental hygienist job in Midtown Manhattan. It was a moment where I felt out of control- my son was home, school was closed and my husband had to take a day off be with our 5 month old.

I was dabbling in photography and was on a mission to make myself a career that replaced my income, could be flexible and not work nights or weekends and a way to help women succeed to create lives that provided the same for them.

While I was on my maternity leave, my dear friend asked me to take photos of her pop-up yoga business. My son was a month old. I barely knew how to use a camera but I understood what they needed their photos for- social media content and for their advertising. It was this collaborative surreal moment where I thought, maybe other businesses would need photos – during the hours of 9-4 on a weekday too? I was so focused on this target market and my own branding became very clear and niche. I take photo and video for small businesses for their websites and marketing. And I promise you’ll have fun doing it. This first shoot was in 2016 and since then, I quit my job in healthcare and I’ve photographed well over 180 different businesses, in addition to hundreds and hundreds of headshots and opened my own studio in Verona, NJ called the Headshot + Brand Bar which I use for my own shoots and rent out to other creatives for their photo and video productions.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I pride myself in getting to know my clients’ businesses, offerings and most of all who they are and who they want to work with and translating this into brand photos they can use to promote their business and build the dream business that is flourishes. I am surrounded by women who are showing up and using their brand to level up. While someones vibe may be “approachable, friendly and fun” another client may be “serious, elevated, sophisticated” and their locations, outfits, props, body language- EVERYTHING will be different from each other. I love the challenge of everyone’s businesses and personalities being unique and my super power is making them feel like their photos are perfectly them and that their vibe will attract their perfect client.

I’ve taken countless business, marketing and photography courses– thousands of dollars worth. I’m always improving, learning and challenging myself. My latest mission is delegating. I’ve hired a studio assistant, a prop stylist, an admin, hair stylist, makeup artist and wardrobe stylist. I know what I want to learn and I know when to call in an expert to have on my team. I’m really good about talking to anyone and everyone to find clients, team members and help. I’m proud I’m in a space where I know my team and will offer the best experience to take your brand photos.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are two sides of me- one day I’ll be hiking in mud up a mountain to get to a waterfall and the next day I’ll take you to the best rooftop bar in the city for a sparkling cocktail. This is the perk of living in North NJ- we are so close to so many adventures!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been lucky to work mostly with fellow female business owners who are local and I’m grateful to many clients quickly turning friends. I adore my client turned friend turned co-worker Michelle Ward who happened to be my biggest cheerleader and best use of her brand photos. https://www.90daybusinesslaunch.com/

Website: https://carleystorm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carley.storm.brandingco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carley-storm-885355165/

Image Credits
Nicole Becker Jenny Levine