How to Stand Out as a Self-Published Author | Interview with Brand Photographer Teai Marie

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your time, do you all want to introduce yourselves?

Teai: Hi, I’m Teai (pronounced like Tia)! I’m a brand photographer and content strategist (and a marketing nerd) in New Philadelphia, Ohio

Julie: Hi! My name is Julia Lauren and I am a freelance social media manager and self published romance author from Columbus, Ohio. I recently left an agency to run my own business and continue to pursue writing. 

Farrah: Hello my name is Farrah Raines but many people call me Miss Farrah since I work in a school. I am a certified occupational therapy assistant full time, one of the lead specialists at the Lacey PAC Adaptive Movement Center part time, and a children’s author/content creator the rest of the time. 

As self-published authors, why did you initially reach out to a brand photographer?

Julie: I was at the end of my writing journey and had decided to self-publish. One of the things I knew I needed was a professional headshot for the back cover of my book. I also wanted some fun branding photos for my social media. I immediately set out to find someone and reviewed the work of at least 15 brand photographers. 

Farrah: I had just published my first children’s book, Tons of Tools To Help Me Be Me, and I was wanting photos to use for my website and to market my new book. That's when I met Teai through an organization that we both volunteered for and I knew from talking with her she would be a great fit for me and my vision. 

Julie and Farrah, you both made the decision to invest in your personal brand and reached out to Teai. Now that the big shoot day has finally arrived, could you walk us through what it’s been like?

Julie: My experience was absolutely amazing! It was truly a collaborative effort.  Teai always went the extra mile and really took on this project with just as much passion as I had for it. I had a pretty wild, colorful, and fun vision that I took to Teai and with her help we curated an amazing shoot. I was a little nervous the day of, but the moment we got to work, I loosened up. I ended up having so much fun! 

Farrah: I have been fortunate to work with Teai on three different shoots. Each shoot was unique to match the tone of each book. Working with Teai was great because I would always start out with giving her a summary of each book and characters. Then I usually send her some ideas of shots I would like to capture during our session. Teai has a knack of finding the perfect location to highlight different pages of my books.

Both of you talked about how it can be a little nerve-wracking trying to market yourself. If you were talking with a new author, what advice would you want to share?

Julie: My experience with a brand photographer like Teai taught me that you can go into a project, like a photoshoot, and treat it like another creative venture. It taught me to take ownership in my vision, but also to trust someone else with it. My book is my baby and I felt like Teai treated it as hers too. If I am working with another creative in any area moving forward, I know the biggest thing I am looking for is passion in everyone involved.

Farrah: Teai taught me so much from the best clothing items to the best locations. After the shoot she gave me great ideas on promoting my books with a guide that was extremely helpful when I was launching my new book this past summer. Having so many great pictures, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, with the guide she provided me I was able to utilize the pictures in many different ways.

My advice for authors is to find a photographer that you feel comfortable with. Someone who listens to your goals and facilitates it through their photos. A photographer that makes each shoot a positive experience.

Teai: It never hurts to have a conversation first with the photographer! Do your research, but don’t be afraid to send an email or DM and just ask about the process. It’s not scary :)

This was such an amazing look into something not everyone thinks about when they self-publish. Thanks to all three of you!

What current projects does everyone have going on?

Teai: I’m still taking on photography clients! You can follow me on Instagram @teaimariephotography or check out my website www.teaimarie.com

Julie: My debut novel, Love in Haven, is available online! I am also working on a second romance novel with characters that I am in LOVE with. 

Farrah: You can find my four children’s books online: Tons of Tools To Help Me Be Me, Sea of Feelings, Finding the Super You, and Farmer Farrah’s Rainbow of Foods.

And we always have to ask, what are you currently reading?

Teai: I recently finished Onyx Storm and CANNOT wait for the fourth book to come out in the series! 

Julie: I just opened a new book called The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce and I can’t wait to dive further into it. Having published a book myself, I have such a different perspective on reading another author’s work. 

Farrah: A few weeks ago some of the kids at the Lacey PAC Adaptive Movement Center shared their love for the Harry Potter series with me. Therefore, I planned two weeks of Harry Potter themed activities for the kids. It was such a fun time inspiring me to start reading the series.