〡 CASE STUDY 〡
BusinessWest
〡CLIENT OVERVIEW 〡
BusinessWest
BusinessWest, founded in 1984 as The Western Mass. Business Journal, is the region’s most respected and influential business publication. Known for its informative and engaging content, BusinessWest offers timely articles that reflect the dynamic and evolving business landscape of Western Massachusetts. The publication has expanded its reach over the years, moving from print to a highly interactive website and hosting several signature events, including the renowned Difference Makers program.
As part of its mission to celebrate the impact of local individuals, groups, and businesses, BusinessWest wanted to create a visual narrative that showcased the honorees of the Difference Makers 2025 program. The publication sought high-quality, professional photography to bring the stories of these changemakers to life and further amplify their contributions to the community.
With a clear vision of celebrating the people who are positively shaping the region, BusinessWest partnered with Simple Truth Imaging to provide powerful imagery that would enhance the visibility of the Difference Makers, both in print and across digital platforms.
〡THE BRIEF 〡
For BusinessWest’s Difference Makers 2025 feature, the magazine needed high-quality, engaging images to highlight the honorees of the program. Simple Truth Imaging was tasked with capturing professional headshots of each of the eight honorees, as well as environmental portraits in their respective workplaces. The goal was to create a cohesive and dynamic set of images that would represent each Difference Maker in a way that reflected their contributions to the community.
The goal was to capture:
Professional, engaging individual headshots of each of the eight honorees.
Photograph each honoree in their workplace or environment that reflects their unique contributions.
Ensure the images were versatile for use across multiple platforms (print, website, social media).
Provide authentic, engaging portraits that reflect each honoree's character and impact on the community.
〡THE OUTCOME 〡
Simple Truth Imaging worked closely with BusinessWest to ensure each Difference Maker was portrayed in a way that highlighted their contributions in a meaningful way.
Our team provided high-quality imagery, including:
Headshots were taken in a professional, yet approachable style, ensuring each honoree’s personality and leadership qualities were captured.
Environmental portraits were photographed in the honorees' workplaces, providing a more dynamic and authentic representation of their work and influence in the community.
Image versatility was prioritized to ensure the photographs would be impactful across various media formats (BusinessWest website, print magazine, social media platforms).
Simple Truth Imaging ensured the images were individually and collectively impactful, aligning with BusinessWest’s professional, community-focused brand.
〡THE SOLUTION 〡
High-quality photography played a crucial role in the success of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers 2025 program and continues to help amplify the recognition of the honorees. The images were featured across multiple touchpoints, including:
BusinessWest's website.
The print edition of BusinessWest magazine.
Social media platforms, helping promote the honorees to a wider audience.
Promotional materials for the Difference Makers event.
These professional, engaging portraits helped elevate the visibility of the Difference Makers, enhancing their stories and contributions to the community. The dynamic and authentic imagery not only highlighted the honorees but also increased engagement with BusinessWest’s audience, reinforcing the publication’s role in celebrating local changemakers. The photos contributed to ongoing visibility for both BusinessWest and the Difference Makers honorees, encouraging continued interaction and recognition across all media.
“When BusinessWest was ready to announce our 2025 Difference Makers, we knew we needed a photographer who would fully capture the personalities and essence of our honorees. Partnering with Bob Zemba exceeded our expectations. Not only were our honorees thrilled with their photos, but so were we — Bob made sure we had a portfolio that was easy to access and ready to be used for print, digital, and web. Bob brings a creative, fun, professional perspective to his clients and is committed to providing a personalized approach and unique photography to match. We are excited to work with Bob on future projects and to have his photography included in print and online at BusinessWest!”
〡AMPLIFY YOUR IMPACT 〡
Commercial Photography for Mission-Driven Organizations, Nonprofits and Publications:
At Simple Truth Imaging, we specialize in commercial photography that tells the authentic stories of mission-driven organizations, nonprofits, and publications dedicated to showcasing changemakers. Whether you're leading a nonprofit organization, highlighting community impact, or publishing stories about local heroes, we provide custom photography services designed to capture the essence of your work and bring your message to life.
From professional headshots that highlight the leadership and passion of your team, to dynamic environmental portraits that showcase the work being done on the ground, we collaborate closely with you to create visuals that resonate with your audience. Our photography captures the spirit of your mission and the people making a difference, whether they are entrepreneurs, volunteers, or community leaders.
We also work with publications that focus on honoring the changemakers, leaders, and innovators driving progress in their communities. We understand the importance of high-quality imagery to complement stories of impact, recognition, and success. Whether for editorial features, annual awards, or community spotlights, our photography enhances the narrative, providing powerful visuals that engage and inspire readers.
Whether you’re updating your website, creating marketing materials, or sharing your story through print or digital publications, Simple Truth Imaging is here to help. Let us help you amplify your message with stunning photography that celebrates the changemakers within your organization, your community, and beyond.