“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.”