John A. DeMato
Visual Storytelling Speaker
Make an impression, spark connection, And build credibility by letting your visuals do the talking.
Visual storytelling isn’t just about capturing good photos; it’s about proving what you say is true with every image. In John’s fireside chats, you’ll learn how to build a powerful visual strategy that transforms your photos into genuine assets that resonate with your audience, build trust, and drive engagement. The MAGIC framework lays the foundation for this journey: from mapping out a strategic approach to taking action with purpose, creating genuine visuals, intentionally selecting impactful photos, and committing to an never-ending visual story that grows with your brand.
With a blend of sharp insights, humor, and no-nonsense advice, John delivers real-world strategies that inspire audiences to act. His experience with experts, associations, and organizations fuels his engaging and interactive approach, making complex visual storytelling principles not only accessible but transformative.
Whether your audience is looking to craft a comprehensive visual strategy, execute with purpose, or keep their brand visually fresh, John’s fireside chats equip them with the practical tools and fresh perspective they need to elevate their storytelling across every platform.
SAMple TOPICS
Each fireside chat is customizable to the specific needs of your participants, company or association, ensuring the content is relevant and actionable for your unique audience. It can be delivered in person or virtually.
Unlocking the MAGIC of Visual Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:
In this session, we’ll unpack the MAGIC framework, giving you a clear roadmap for building visual storytelling that genuinely serves your brand. We’ll dive into each pillar, from mapping out a strategic plan to committing to telling your story over time, helping you make sure every image choice reflects your message and engages your audience. Whether you’re refreshing your visuals or building from scratch, this session gives you the tools to ensure every photo serves a purpose and adds depth to your brand’s story.
TAKEAWAYS
How to map out a visual storytelling strategy that aligns with your brand and values.
Key steps to ensure you have the right resources to build a meaningful and diverse image portfolio.
Why continuous updates and audits of your photos are essential for staying relevant and relatable.
Practical techniques for consistently using visual content to tell your brand’s evolving story.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
How do I get started with a visual storytelling strategy if this is all new to me?
What’s the most common pitfall when trying to create images that represent a brand’s true personality?
How do I know when it’s time to refresh my photo library, and what signs show it’s due for an update?
What role does consistency play in building a compelling, never-ending story through visuals?
End the Confusion: Align Your Visual Storytelling with Intention and Strategy
DESCRIPTION:
Whether you’re overwhelmed by a library of photos or planning your first branding session, this fireside chat will help you create a strategy to make your visuals work harder for your brand. We’ll cover how to assess and use existing photos to tell a cohesive story, as well as how to plan for the photos you need to align with your goals. From navigating rebrands to building trust through intentional imagery, this session will ensure your visuals connect with your audience and reinforce your expertise.
TAKEAWAYS
How to choose photos beyond aesthetics to reinforce your brand’s message.
Practical strategies for planning professional and smartphone photos to align with your goals.
Creative methods to uncover the unique stories within your photos and connect them to your messaging.
Seamless ways to incorporate images across websites, social profiles, and other marketing channels.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
How do I know if a photo truly represents my brand or just looks good on the surface?
What should I focus on when planning a new photo session?
What’s the process for identifying gaps in my photo library and filling them intentionally?
Why do I need to have a variety of images when I only need a handful to use across my online presence?
Why does my Book Need a Portrait Session, Too?
DESCRIPTION:
In this session, we’ll explore how professional Book Boudoir photography goes beyond standard digital covers and stock images, creating a visually compelling portfolio that enhances your book’s marketing potential. Whether you’re launching a new title or looking to refresh your backlist, we’ll discuss why high-quality book photos are essential for standing out in a competitive market. From cover shots to inside-page details, you’ll learn how to maximize the impact of your book photography and leverage these images across various platforms.
TAKEAWAYS:
Why professional book photos hold more value than digital covers, stock images, and AI-generated visuals in connecting with readers.
How custom book photography can boost engagement and sales for both frontlist and backlist titles.
The value of creating a versatile photo portfolio for long-term use across your entire marketing ecosystem.
Strategies for revitalizing older books and keeping your new releases visually compelling.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
How does professional book photography give authors an edge over using stock photos or AI-generated images?
For new releases, how can authors use custom book photos to maximize their launch efforts?
How can publishers and authors use book photography to breathe new life into backlist titles?
What are some creative ways to repurpose book photos across multiple platforms after the book launch?
VIDEO
It’s About Them, Not You
Paint The Full Picture Through Photos
TESTIMONIALS
“Your fireside chat was a genuine conversation that shared truly valuable insights about what you need to align where you are with your business, brand, and life, with how you present yourself online to those you serve so they can see what it’s like to work with you and the results you’ll bring. What you said was highly valuable. Thank you John.”
“John is hilarious. I’m really enjoying this whole conversation.”
“Your insights were brilliant and implementable.”
“Great session - and yes, John is the best!”
“This was exactly what we’d expect from John — top-shelf! Thank you!”
“You speak as well as you photograph!”
“Your strategy call is such a deep dive...It sets expectations on both sides.”
BIOGRAPHY
John DeMato is a visual storytelling expert who specializes in photographing experts—speakers, trainers, coaches, consultants, and authors—capturing a wealth of genuine moments and emotions that elevate their authority and credibility. John’s work helps his clients prove what they say by capturing them in genuine ways, creating a visual narrative that resonates with their audience.
Through a combination of strategic planning and expert execution, John collaborates with his clients to build compelling image portfolios that demonstrate who they are, who they serve, and how they solve problems. He also empowers them to strategically implement these visual assets across their entire online presence, visually punctuating the sentiment behind every story they tell.
A former talk television producer for NBC Universal’s Maury, John brings over 24 years of experience behind the camera, working with Hall of Fame speakers and emerging talents alike, helping them deliver their transformational message to the audiences that need to hear it most.