Intro

Let's talk about photography and what it's like to show up visually for your website and social media for academics.

Meet expert photographer, Melissa McClure and hair and makeup artist / stylist, Amanda Thorne. I'm Jennifer van Alstyne. I met these amazing artists through my wedding planner (I got married at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park last summer). Since then, we've worked on 3 personal branding shoots for myself and my family. And they're a top recommendation for my academic website design clients too. I open up about what it's like on a professional photo shoot.

Melissa and Amanda share their top tips and expertise to help you feel confident expressing yourself in front of the camera. There's lots of goodies in this interview about photography, hair, makeup, and visual branding for your personal academic website and online presence.

Read the blog post

Amanda Thorne is the owner of Thorne Artistry, an award-winning, inclusive, creative styling company based in San Diego, California, but available worldwide! Thorne Artistry not only offers hair & makeup for weddings, but all special events including family, branding sessions, and editorial shoots.Thorne Artistry specializes in, and is known for, soft or natural glam that elevates your beauty, while making sure it still looks & feels like you. Thorne Artistry is also known for a focus on clean beauty, and the best products available.

Thorne Artistry’s work has been published nationally & internationally in Rolling Stone, Vogue India, Martha Stewart Weddings, US Weekly, and People magazine. Locally, you can see Amanda’s work grace the covers of Exquisite Weddings, Pacific, and San Diego Style magazine. You may also see her work appear on The Bachelor, Summer House, or other Bravo favorites.

Thorne Artistry has worked with multiple celebrity clients, and appears regularly in well-known wedding publications like Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, The Knot, Magnolia Rouge and many more. Thorne Artistry has consistently won WeddingWire and The Knot Couples’ Choice Awards, was voted Best Hair and Makeup by the San Diego A-List Awards and voted by her peers for Best Hair & Makeup by California Wedding Day magazine.

Born in Ohio, Amanda has always had the travel bug, has visited over 23 countries, and has lived in Australia, Seattle, San Francisco, & currently resides in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego. Her styling career started while studying at the University of Dayton where she produced TV commercials. Amanda is also a former radio DJ, and was the host of Alt949’s Big Sonic Chill.

When Amanda’s not creating beauty, she can be found outdoors with her husband and two kiddos going on lots of road trips, hiking, listening to good music, finding new coffee spots, fun thrift markets, or reading biographies, or a good psychological thriller! Reach out to chat more & reserve your upcoming date.

Melissa McClure is a wedding and personal branding photographer with 20+ years of experience. She lives in San Diego, California. Melissa is a also a ‘social media goddess’ and coach who helps women entrepreneurs step out of their comfort zone and own their power online.

Melissa McClure is redesigning her photography website. I’ll update this page when her new website is live for you! In the meantime, get in touch through her coaching website.

I’m Jennifer van Alstyne (@HigherEdPR). I help academics feel confident when you show up online. You have agency in creating your online presence. I'm here to help you.

Schedule your no pressure Zoom call to talk about working together 1-on-1 on your online presence 🌟https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jennifer_

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