When photographers say your brand photos will “tell a story,” do you just smile and nod but secretly think: what on earth are they talking about?
Same.
I’ll admit it... I’ve used that phrase a lot too. It’s one of those buzzwords that sneaks into the biz world and suddenly everyone’s saying it. But every so often I stop and think… wait, what do people think that actually means?
Because if I put myself in your shoes, I can imagine the reactions:
What story?
I don’t want to share my entire life story—this is not therapy, it’s photos.
Or my personal favorite: I don’t care about “story,” I just want photos I actually like and will use. We don’t need to overcomplicate this, folks.
And you’re not wrong.
So here’s the real talk: when I (or any other brand photographers) say your photos will “tell a story,” I’m not talking about writing the autobiography of your life in pictures. What I mean is this:
You’ll get photos you actually love and are excited to use.
You’ll have more than just the classic “smiling at the camera” headshots.
You’ll have images of you in action—doing your thing, working with clients, using the tools and details that make your brand yours.
The “story” isn’t just “look at me having a great hair day!” and it doesn't have to be "here's everything there is to know about me ever"
It can be:
This is who I am.
This is how I can help you.
This is what it feels like to work with me.
That’s the kind of story my brand photography tells. The one that helps people connect with you, trust you, and ultimately say, “Yes, I want to work with you!”
Want to know what happens when you book your brand shoot with me? Check out this blog post!
If that doesn’t sound like a blog name from 2010 I don’t know what does.
The other day my 7 year old came home from school telling me that they had to list their favorite things and he said his favorite food was cinnamon buns. Something we rarely buy and I usually only make at Christmas. Which doesn’t sound right because they’re one of my favorite foods too so why don't we have them more often?
In that moment my belief that we shouldn’t save things for special occasions flared brightly and I told him I’d make them soon.
Long story
Years ago, before babies, a friend and I were talking and she said how she wanted to learn how to make cinnamon buns from scratch. I had never done it either so we got together and learned! They were delicious as all sugar and cinnamon infused bread is, and also surprisingly not that hard to make even for people that had never made any bread-yeast type thing before.
A while later my husband got into the homemade sourdough thing (*he would like noted it was before the 2020 craze of everyone doing it. We were mostly done with it by then haha) so eventually I started making sourdough cinnamon buns which were next level.
This is the sourdough cinnamon bun recipe I used to use. You obviously need to have sourdough starter for it and it does take longer to make.
But since we don't have starter anymore I tried out a new recipe and give it 10/10 for ease of making it and the end result. Will be doing this one from now on!
Soft and Gooey Homemade Cinnamon Buns (I did the overnight steps and it worked perfect. Baked for 30 minutes the next morning)
So pour yourself a coffee and get that flour out. Make sure it’s a random day and not just a special occasion. They'll taste even better then 😉
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or a website and thought, “Wow, they look so confident and polished—I wish I could show up like that,” you’re not alone. Many Ottawa coaches, service providers, and wellness professionals feel nervous about booking a branding photoshoot.
The good news? You don’t need to know how to pose, what to do with your hands, or even feel “photogenic.” My job as an Ottawa branding photographer is to guide you through every step so your photos look natural, relaxed, and so you.
Let’s take a peek behind the scenes of what a branding photography session in Ottawa is really like.
Every great photoshoot starts with a conversation. Before the camera comes out, I spend time getting to know your business, your brand personality, and how you want to be seen online. Coaches and wellness providers often tell me they want to look approachable and trustworthy. Designers and service providers often want photos that feel creative and knowledgable.
This step ensures that your photos don’t just look good—they feel like you.
Once we’ve talked about your goals (which I help you answer if you're stuck!), I create your personalized Shoot Plan. This includes:
The Shoot Plan takes away the guesswork so you feel prepared and excited before and during your shoot!
Here’s where the fun begins! Clients often arrive feeling a little nervous, but within minutes they’re laughing and feeling at ease. Why? Because I guide you through every step—where to stand, how to move, and even when to take a breath and just be yourself.
Some of the most common things I hear during sessions are:
“This feels so natural—I didn’t expect that.”
“I’m actually having fun!”
“You made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera.”
During your session, we’ll capture a mix of:
Headshots for LinkedIn and your website
Lifestyle photos that show your personality
Behind-the-scenes images of you doing your work
Storytelling shots perfect for Instagram captions, newsletters, and marketing
Within a week of your session, I go through your photos and send you a gorgeous gallery. This is where you get to choose your favorites which are the ones that I'll edit and deliver to you in a ready-to-post or use way!
The experience you have during your photoshoot directly impacts how your photos turn out. When you feel confident, relaxed, and supported, that energy shows up in your images!
That’s why so many of my clients say things like:
“You made me feel strong and beautiful through the experience.”
“Amy makes you feel so very at ease.”
“I felt confident—and I never thought I’d say that in front of a camera.”
At it's core, branding photography is about more than images—it’s about creating an experience that leaves you feeling empowered! And when you feel good, your audience feels it too.
If you’re a business owner in Ottawa, and you’ve been thinking about booking branding photos, I’d love to help! Together, we’ll create a photoshoot experience that feels natural, fun, and empowering—so you walk away with images that truly represent you and your business.
You’ve invested in branding photography, and now you have a beautiful library of professional images that truly reflect your personality and brand. But what’s next?
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make after a photoshoot is letting those photos sit in a folder on their computer. Your branding photos are meant to work for you—helping you connect with your audience, stand out online, and grow your business.
Here are some of the most powerful ways to use your branding photos to market your Ottawa business.
Your website is often the first place potential clients will go to learn about you. Fresh, professional branding photos:
Tip: Swap out old headshots or stock photos for authentic images from your branding photoshoot!
If you ever find yourself wondering what to post on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, your branding photos are the answer. Use them for:
Tip: Pair your photos with storytelling captions to give your audience a behind-the-scenes look at your business.
Want to build stronger connections with your subscribers? Adding branding photos to your email newsletters makes them more engaging and personal. Use them to:
If you’re speaking at an event, teaching a workshop, or being featured on a podcast, your branding photos are invaluable. Use them for:
This not only makes you look polished and professional—it positions you as a leader in your industry.
Your branding photos aren’t just for digital spaces. You can also use them in print marketing:
Having professional images ensures your printed materials look just as high-quality as your online presence.
First impressions matter, and using branding photos in your proposals, contracts, or onboarding guides helps set the tone right away. It shows clients that you take your business seriously and care about the details.
As an Ottawa coach, wellness provider, or entrepreneur, your branding photos aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re one of your most versatile marketing tools. When you use them consistently across your website, social media, emails, and print materials, you create a strong, cohesive brand presence that attracts the right clients.
Ready to start using branding photos to grow your Ottawa business? Let’s create images that not only look amazing but also work hard for your marketing!
What does joy look like?
Joy is a quiet moment all alone. Just me and my thoughts.
Joy is a chaotic house when the kids burst in the front door after school with so much to say.
Joy is a sweet, hot latte with caramel-y foam and long, slow sips.
Joy is fizzy lime water in a fancy cup with the bubbles sprinkling your nose as you drink it.
Joy is thinking about a book when you're not reading it because it's that good.
Joy is finding a new series to watch and seeing it wraps up after three seasons.
Joy is going into nature, crunching leaves, sun on your face, smell of trees, birds singing, water rushing.
Joy is being cozy on the couch with sweatpants and a big fluffy blanket.
Joy is being wanted - not needed.
Joy is being needed and loved.
Joy is endless summer.
Joy is cool days, leaves changing color and starry lights.
Joy getting a text that makes you laugh and reply with too many emojis.
Joy is not getting any messages all day.
Joy is connecting deeply with someone and conversations that light you soul on fire.
Joy is bonding with someone over something small and silly when you both get it.
Joy is watching your kids become independent and their own selves.
Joy is your kids still wanting to share it all with you.
Joy is knowing yourself.
Joy is discovering something new about yourself and recognizing that it's okay to change and evolve.
Joy is seeing your plant get a new leaf and that you had a part in that happening.
Joy is getting rid of a plant that just needs to go. Release it.
Joy is getting a new planner for the year and writing your name in the front page.
Joy is finishing a planner and knowing it's a diary of how much you've been through this year.
Joy is long talks in the dark at bedtime.
Joy is uninterrupted sleep and waking up on your own.
Joy is the color yellow. And blue. And pink. And purple.
Joy is the color black at just the right place and time.
Joy is scents connected to memories that give you flashbacks.
Joy is songs that transport you back to certain places.
Joy is personal. It's yours. It doesn't need to be justified.
Joy is _________.
