How to Work With Collab Collective in 2026
We keep trying to figure out what to call ourselves….and we have never perfected the elevator pitch. People say what do you do and we look at each other and laugh, take a deep breath and say…..”well……..we are brand photographers…..but……and…”
Because, that IS accurate. First and foremost, Claire is the photographer + videographer, and Ashley is the brilliant guide, stylist, marketing guru and BTS master……But it wasn't the whole truth. We were using the term “visual strategy”….but that also wasn’t full encompassing all we do…..
Then through a discussion with a friend, we figured out…..We are your brand photographer and videographer, and your fractional chief marketing officer…CMO seems to be a term everyone understands and also is the accurate description of what we do for people behind the scenes, when we are not on set.
Born from a need….
All successful businesses are born from a need, and if you have worked with us you know we base everything on what our clients need.
When you work with us, you're not just getting your visual assets. You're getting someone who tells you what to do with them. Someone who builds your content calendar. Someone who introduces you to the right people. Someone who makes sure you're not just creating content, but actually growing your business.
That's not (just) visual strategy. That's marketing guidance.
So in 2026, we're stepping into what we've been doing all along.
We're (your) Fractional CMOs.
StudyHall, a 2025 Collab Collective Client
The Shift: From Photographer to Partner
Most photographers hand you a gallery and disappear.
We stick around. We help you figure out your messaging. We tell you where to post. We introduce you to potential collaborators. We check in on your quarterly goals.
That's not what photographers do. That's what CMOs do.
The difference:
Photographer: "Here are your photos. Good luck."
Us: "Here are your photos. Here's how to use them. Here's who you should meet. Here's what to post next week. Let's talk about your email strategy."
Collab Collective for The Lilley Line
How to Actually Work With Us
We've built our services around one simple truth:
you need someone who can both create the content and tell you what to do with it.
Whether you're launching something new, stuck at your current revenue level, or just need regular content that actually gets used, we have a way to work together. We offer everything from one-time brand launches to monthly retainer partnerships. We photograph retreats and your retreat attendees. We run collaborative shoot days where multiple brands split costs and build community. We have options for established businesses and options for people just starting out.
Gone Girl Home : 2025 Collab Collective client
But here's what makes us different: we don't just show up, shoot, and leave. We show up, shoot, then stick around to make sure you're actually using what we created. We introduce you to people who can help your business. We tell you what to post and when. We help you build your email list. We check in on your implementation.
That's the benefit of working with people who are both photographers and business strategists. You get beautiful images AND a plan for what to do with them. You get a content library AND strategic introductions. You get the visuals AND the marketing direction.
We're qualified to do this because we've done it ourselves. We've built our own brand(s) from scratch. We've figured out what works and what doesn't. We've made every mistake so you don't have to. We understand cash flow and quarterly goals and what it actually takes to grow a business because we're living it too.
We can’t wait to work with you in 2026!
Email us at letscollab@collabcollectivedc.com to set up a time to chat. and we'll figure out exactly what you need and how we can help.