Kate Branch

Kate Branch  YOUR online dating photo was shot at a cousin’s wedding when you were lookin’ good but is it the real you? According to North Sydney photographer Kate Branch, it may not be the right image for social media. “There is no point in just posting an attractive photo with no insight into who your are,’’ she says Kate Branch has created a Youtube channel "How to Look Good In Photos" in response to the huge demand for self images for social media. “I don’t necessarily agree with it, but social media has reduced everything to visuals and it’s unfair if you don’t have a good photograph of yourself,’’ she said. “You don’t have to be good looking to look good in a photograph, and the image should reflect the essence of who you are.’’ In her you tube channel, Branch gives examples of capturing good dating profile photos “A photograph of yourself looking glamorous at a cousin’s wedding or night out doesn’t necessarily say anything about who

I have had the pleasure of working with the interior designer Tess Regan. Her work is beautiful and elegant and she is the head designer for the new five star hotel "The Albert, Mosman." My artwork will be hanging alongside her interiors. I have spent months researching the history of this beautiful area and seeing some amazing images captured in the late 1800s. Then I have gone out many saturday mornings at 6am. Waiting for the sun to rise. Why? Because in the 1800s it was not very populated. There is a stillness that does not exist anymore. The days are filled with people. But if you head out to some of these parts early: it is still silent. I stand there imagining that someone else in the 1800s was also taken aback by the beauty. And may people always be, forever more. Enjoy, Kate Xx

Instagram is now hiding the number of likes you receive. What a wonderful move for social media managers and content creators focused on engagement with your community. Instagram is about sharing your story and how you give value to your community. Not about how popular you are. That is all smoke and mirrors. I approach my clients Instagram's like I approach my own. Tell your story and there will be a community out there that will resonate with you. And most of all ENGAGE back. When people like your content go and check out who they are. What’s their story. Start the relationship. Kate Branch Xx

What a way to start the day...

No matter what your life experience, photographs are all that are left. Accolades, youth, travel, the beauty of your baby – it all slips through what we call time. And I’ve learned that as you get older your memory starts to become a little unreliable. But a photograph can remind you, add a smile to your face, and take you back to that moment – even if just for a second. That is why I am a photographer.

This article appeared in Female First magazine in the UK :  HOW TO LOOK GOOD IN PHOTO'S by Lucy Moore When I tell people about my book,  How to Look Good in Photos , the first reaction I hear is “I really want to know how to look good in photos, I’m going to read your book!” This is really exciting as it almost feels like I had to write my book to help body and face conscious people. Until now, people just assumed that posing was purely for celebrities and the rest of us just had to grin and bear it. But in a world where social media demands photos, taking a great selfie is as important to self-esteem and first impressions in a job interview. What is your top tip for looking your best in photos? I would have to go with my slim and streamlined pose. This is because most people don’t like their arms in a photo as they feel nervous so slap them at the sides of the body and this makes arms look twice the width. Also I’m a big believer in being proud of the body we have,

You press send………….and your image goes out into the world. Usually, it's accompanied by some text to help frame and tell the story. The image is the most important thing. The text just helps frame it. The democratization of creating imagery has opened up a new world. I was a photographer for 15 years creating images with $10,000 cameras. Now I can create a shareable image with my iPhone. But the democratization of sharing stories is still in its infancy. Anyone can share an image but only a creative can share a story. And stories are what make us. I am a social media manager that tries my best to represent real stories, real communities, and real people. Why? I am highly aware of the power images have over people. I know social media can either connect or isolate. And most importantly I'm aware that my children are going into a digital age of that we've never seen before. I believe that every social media manager should ask themselves one question be

Have you ever wondered why celebrities look so good in photos? From smart phones, to professional camera's- there is always someone taking your picture. From the dating game, to the boardroom, and even your holidays. Images are captured and my book helps to make you look your best!

International Traveller magazine and Travel Associates are running a photography competition ‘Opening doors to amazing travel experiences’. To enter we have to provide our best professional-standard travel photos following the theme of ‘Doorways’. I entered this image from Singapore. Singapore always delights and surprises me. Luckily when staying at the Shangri-la was reading International traveler just before heading out to explore. Page 49 of Issue 33 suggested visiting Katong. I love when you find a place you never knew existed in a town you visit so often. It was such a fun day and I am so glad I captured this amazing house. To all the traveling photography community- you have to enter this competition. Just for fun: https://www.internationaltraveller.com/win-big-in-the-opening-doors-to-amazing-travel-experiences-photography-competition/ Wish me luck, and best of luck for you too! Kate Xx

I donate some of my travel photos to  wiki commons . If you would like to reuse these images you are welcome. Please abide by the  standard license  of which I have released the images. 

To move with the music Is a beautiful thing Forever captured  Like a diamond ring  Xx https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Photography-Water-Woman/84251/4120301/view

The quiet night showed it delights. A moon and an ocean danced. My heart skipped a beat, my eyes widened, and my Leica clicked..... https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Photography-Night-Fall-on-Hua-Hin/84251/4038457/view

When I was 18 (1998 people!) and backpacking around Europe- I headed to Assisi for St the Francis feast day. When I saw the tomb of St Francis I was amazed. This amazing person actually existed. One day I will travel to Jerusalem, but in the meantime I will never forget the feeling I had that day. Christmas is a time to celebrate amazing people like this  🎄   🌸 🦋

Oh my! Find social media and branding for your business overwhelming? Thinking every day “What can I post on facebook," or "Why doesn't my Insta look like that?"? Check out my workshop  North Sydney Community Centre  this March.  https://www.northsydneycentre.com.au/…/how-to-launch-your-b…   Kate Branch  Xx

Want a beautiful and spiritual trip for your family in Thailand. Well I am no expert, but am happy to share our amazing experience in Hua Hin.  Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a seaside resort city in Thailand. It is popular with Thais, having become quite fashionable as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok residents, as well with foreigners and as an ex-pat retirement or holiday home location.  Our Beautiful holiday in Hua Hin was inspiring. We are a family of four and love Thailand immensely. It has every thing you would like great food, family friendly fun, and beautiful spiritual adventures. The condo  we stayed in was amazing. Although Hua Hin is developing rapidly, there is a commitment by the local and provincial authorities to avoid the kind of overheated blight that has affected other beach resorts in Thailand. The tranquil fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper classes.