For the unknowing, business headshots or brand photography might just be another item to check off on that never-ending corporate to-do list.
But for Yves-Richard Blanc? They’re an essential piece of storytelling.
“Your brand is probably your most incredible investment in your business,” he says. “Creating your own narrative about who you are, what you do, why you're passionate about it and how you feel about people—it is so key, because if you leave it up to others, they'll create that narrative for you. They'll define you.”
Yves-Richard's own brand is as unique as his journey into the arts and business industry.
Born in Haiti, he immigrated to the United States as a child. He attended elementary school in Montreal, Canada, then finished up his education in New York City, eventually graduating from SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in commercial photography. He worked for decades in the business development and marketing space, eventually making his way to Buffalo and making his mark in the corporate world.
He only returned to his first love, photography, about a decade ago. In addition to exploring fine arts photography, he has also leaned into brand photography, working with clients from individuals and school districts to corporations like M&T Bank, SUNY University at Buffalo, SUNY Buffalo State University, Bank of America and more.
I started dabbling back into it because I missed it,” he says. “Buffalo is a small city, but there's tremendous passion here. I've been very blessed to work with some of the biggest corporations in Buffalo, and a lot of it is because people see the passion that I have. And if someone puts their trust in me, I always—not sometimes, always—deliver for them.”
Yves-Richard's keen creative eye and honed business acumen combine in his headshot and brand photography. He aims for an extraordinary final product, using lighting choices he’s perfected over a 40-year career and adjusting based on the goals of the client and the message they want to send.
The final essential element? Connecting with his subjects on a human level and finding what makes them come alive and open up.
“For me, the opportunity has always been about lifting people creatively,” he says. “Once they feel comfortable, you can see the light coming from them—we're able to capture some great stuff. They just can't believe that's their true self showing up in the photo. It's a win-win for everybody.”
