A Content Bucket is that handy and convenient place you reach into when you need photo content to market your business. It’s full of all types of brand photos. If your content bucket is kept full, current and relevant, it’s much easier to promote your business when the inspiration strikes.

You don’t have to be on call 24/7 if you run your own business. Have good boundaries and make them clear, so when you are present you can work efficiently.

In this digital world, people initially look to the internet and social media for information, so it’s essential that visual communication is intentionally designed to allow as many people as possible the basic right to access that information. With 1 in 6 people in Australia living with a disability*, it’s so important (in fact it’s a legal requirement) to make sure everyone has access to information, products and services.

Creating personal branding photos for your business might seem daunting, but Sydney photographer Janelle Keys shows how she strategically plans out each photoshoot to ensure you get the content you need - even if you have a broken leg! With photography tricks like posing, cropping, framing and composition, she was able to create much needed brand photos for a Sydney interior design team, while making sure everyone had fun along the way.

“A highlight for me has been helping people. Sometimes you know at the time the impact you've had, how their health has improved and they have a better quality of life, but sometimes you only hear about years later; it doesn't matter when, it is still profoundly satisfying. “

The start of a new year is the perfect time for planning ahead and getting ready to meet your goals. If January is a quiet time in your business, like it is for me, why not make the most of your time by taking a look at your website and making those small but significant tweaks that will help it work harder for you. Here are some items to check on your website. Better still, have a friend or business colleague look over your website with fresh eyes and give you their feedback.

With Christmas fast approaching, I have put together some Christmas gift ideas that are all from our beautiful Hawkesbury area. We are blessed to have so many talented creators with a great variety of amazing products here in Western Sydney. If you’re like me and love finding unique Christmas gift ideas that match the people in your life, and also love supporting local creators and small businesses by always trying to shop local, check out these places to shop for the men or women in your life this Christmas.

“I have learnt that you can't predict or control things, especially in business and more importantly, I have developed a newfound respect for small business owners in particular - you are all amazing! I try to not sweat the small things and am determined to make my little dream come true, staying strong with my vision, however I have my days.”

For product-based businesses, the images of your products are of the highest importance. They are what you lead with to entice and inform your audience, and ultimately sell your product. Even though taking a photo of an item is readily accessible these days, there is a variety of styles and strategies that we can implement to highlight your products, to help them translate to your potential customers and to make sure they are the hero on your website and socials.

Play business like a game. There will be boogie monsters ahead. There will be levels and lessons to learn. You will have problems to solve. But approach it like Mario Kart. Approach it from a space of play. You get to re-spawn after every loss, don't worry! Then, remember the good you are giving and doing for others. This will fuel your lower moments (expect those too!).

Professional business headshots are one of the essential marketing tools in your brand identity toolkit. Even if you’re not quite ready for a full personal branding photoshoot, I always recommend starting out with one or two professional headshots. Here are my top tips for what to wear for your next headshot photos.

“I pride myself on this ethos of delivering exceptional customer service, creating long-lasting relationships to help customers achieve life milestones; Whether buying a first home, refinancing to save money, or purchasing an investment property.”

With product photography, there is the availability and temptation these days to snap some quick pics on our phones and move along. But if you’re a creative business, it’s a shame to think all the effort, love and care you’ve poured into your product may not translate and tell that story to the audience.

“I think the biggest struggle is deciding what you really want to do and who you want to do it for. When I first started my business I produced a quote for every possible lead I had. Now I understand that not every project is suited to me, and I'm not suited to every project. I'm quite particular about the clients I work with as I've realised that's the best way to do work you can be proud of.”

This brand photoshoot was they first time I had hired and paid for another photographer to take my photos. Usually, I take photos myself with my tripod, or have my kids do it, but I knew I needed it done properly by another professional, so called on a very talented colleague. And I’m so glad I did! Here are my takeaways from creating my own brand photos, and I hope these tips help you.

“I find I can put too much pressure on myself to get too many things done in one day. When clients wanted to make changes to their projects, I felt the need to action them straight away, rather than communicating with the clients and advising that amendments may take a few days. I have learn that with the right communication and setting expectations, clients often understand and are happy to wait.”

What if it’s time to update your photos and you’re pregnant? You could wait until baby is born and then try and schedule in a photoshoot around a newborn. But during that year, you might need to ramp up promotions to sustain you on maternity leave and the extra content would be super valuable. Or you could do a photoshoot in the early stages of pregnancy to build up your content library but, if these photos appear on your website or marketing materials for the coming years, you probably don’t want to appear perpetually pregnant! So what do you do??

Over the life of your business, some of these times we can prepare for, like the starting of a new business, and others arise and require us to response to, but in both circumstances, you get to be in control of how your brand speaks to it’s audience and potential customers.

“I am a mum of two teenage girls.... I think it’s interesting that that was the first thing that I thought to write!! I love being a mum and I'm so proud of who my girls are as individual people, but that’s just it, they are individuals. I had to really think about who I am as an individual. I am a creative and love all things beauty. Being creative seems to flow into all aspects of my life.”

Standing out in business is tough, and finding the right people to work with can be even tougher. A well-organised photoshoot with a specialised personal branding photographer will arm you with a library of content that supports your business goals and elevates your brand to the next level.