There’s a lot of advice online, usually directed at women and moms, that says:
JUST ASK FOR HELP
Delegate!
Outsource!
Hire people to do the things that aren’t in your zone of genius!
Okay, I'll admit that this blog post is coming from my personal experience. I’ve always been really independent and had the mindset that “it’s faster if I just do it myself”. And becoming a mom 10 years ago took that to the next level.
So I’ve been working really hard the last few years to flip that thought. To not do it all myself.
And what have I learned?
That sometimes it can be a game changer! But also....
Here’s the thing… I don’t have an answer for those either because I’m the person asking it (Lol)
<< brakes screeching >>
(welcome to my brain)
Wait! Does this happen to people who need photos and then don’t get what the need or aren’t happy with the way they looked?
Do I do this to people too?? They're told that brand photos will be transformational and then they don't get that feeling. Ugh. No way, not happening.
So here I am, giving you some answers instead of just telling you everything will be fine 😉
Here is what you need to know before your photo shoot so that you’re not disappointed in the photos:
Your Values
The Purpose
Where Are You Confident?
If you can answer these questions you’re already on your way to a successful photo shoot!
They are the compass behind every decision we make before and during your photo shoot to keep us pointed in the right direction. When you filter everything through those answers you end up with photos that feel authentically you, align with your business and are powerful and intentional.
And if you don’t have answers to them yet then a photoshoot might leave you feeling like you were promised a transformation and all you got were some nice photos and a new Instagram profile pic.
But what if you’ve got those answers and there’s still that thing we don’t talk about that’s putting a damper on it.
I’ve seen people look SO GOOD in their photos, everyone else sees it too, but they can only see their own beliefs about the way their body looks.
I’m not going to pretend that one blog post is going to be the thing that makes you see yourself differently - I know it’s so much deeper and more layered than it ever looks to others.
But I will say that it’s more about mindset than you might think. Practice changing your mindset from them being about your body to these photos being a tool to help you connect and communicate with your future clients. Are they going to base their decision to work with you on your size or are they going to base it on the person who they see is confident and knows what she’s doing? (if it’s the first, is that the kind of person you want to work with anyway)
Mindset flip: use the answers to the questions above as affirmations before your shoot or one like this
Again, I recognize that this is a very real thing that a lot of us experience and it doesn’t change overnight just because a photographer told you that you look great. But it can also hold you back for a long time if you let it.
Lastly, if everything else feels good and something is still off it might just be
Finding a photographer who understands you, communicates clearly and helps you know what to expect before your photo shoot is huge. If communication (both ways) isn’t great then it’s a whole lot harder to get the results you want.
Speak up during your shoot if something feels off to you. Personally, I hate fake laughing. I know, it can look great in photos and usually turns into real laughing which is what the photographer wants. But I hate doing it when I’m getting my picture taken! It makes me feel embarrassed and awkward and then I carry that with me for the rest of the shoot.
Your photographer is probably going to ask you to do things because that’s their job to see what works. Sit on the desk, dance, jump off the couch, lay on the floor, fake laugh… there’s so many things that sound absolutely ridiculous but actually look really good in photos
There’s a balance between trusting your photographer and knowing when you just really don’t want to do that thing. And that comes down to communication. Tell them! Or try the thing and then ask to see the photos on the back of the camera for proof for yourself.
My number one thing on a photo shoot is helping you feel comfortable and at ease. I think that it’s the most important thing! If you have that then the rest comes a lot more naturally. You might feel uncomfortable at the start, but as we ease into it it gets easier and feels less weird. And that’s when the photos feel like you, but at your very best.
Bring it all together and that’s how you’ll get photos that will help you share your values, your business and connect with the people who you want to work with.
Valerie has been my client for a few years and she’s been MY health coach too! You know how they say to surround yourself with people that you can learn from? That’s Val. (click here to learn more about her work)
I was thinking about how a lot of the things I’ve learned from her to create a healthier and happier lifestyle can also apply to business.
So let's dive in!
I’m someone who tends to think that if I haven’t worked out for a season then what’s the point of starting? (or I start again by doing it 5 days a week and then burn out). But she taught me that
Progress isn’t built through perfection. It’s built through flexibility, consistency, and compassion for where you are right now
Same goes for your business! You don’t need to put pressure on a huge photoshoot to try and get everything you could possibly need one time. By doing them throughout the year you let yourself get more comfortable with the whole experience, find out what kind of photos you need more of as you use them and give yourself the opportunity to get photos that grow and change along with your business!
I was really good at telling myself that smaller habits aren't good enough. That they don't count because they're not big enough or sparkly enough. But I've learned first hand how small habits are often the things that anchor you!
When you do something new it can feel hard or nerve wracking. But when you keep practicing it not only does it become easier, but can also become something you actually enjoy doing! When you start to see the good things that it brings to your life it makes you want to keep it up.
Doing a photo shoot can feel like that too. It feels like it's this huge thing, but the truth is that it's layers of things. You’ll find out that it does actually get easier to plan and you get more comfortable in front of the camera each time. And the part that makes you want to do it again? The results make you proud, confident and make sharing your business more impactful.
A lot of us have things we want to start doing but we keep waiting until things settle down, or until we feel ready, or after we do XYZ first…
But the truth is
The perfect time is when we decide it is and decide to make a change
Same goes for doing your first branding photo shoot!
There will always be things you want to change about yourself, but who you are right now is who your audience wants to see. The real you, not your version of what you wish was different. I know it's easier said than done, but I'd encourage you to not let the thing you want to change about yourself be the thing that dims and hides you.
Or maybe it's your never-ending to-do list that keeps pushing a photo shoot to the bottom. But getting brand photos is one of those things that can at ease and flow to so many other parts of your business! When you have your own library of branding photos to use other things fall into place easier. Things like creating content, marketing, and giving future you exactly what you need when opportunities come along.
Now is the time to start building the visual foundations you need to share your business in a way that feels aligned with your business and connects to the right people!
If you’re a podcaster you know your voice does most of the storytelling, but visuals are a way to get people to connect the person to the voice. Your podcast isn’t just about great audio quality and episode titles. It’s about being seen, recognised, and remembered! And that’s where brand photography comes in.
If you're launching a podcast, refreshing your cover art, or looking to grow your audience, a photoshoot designed specifically for your podcast can set you up for being more excited to share it and let people gravitate towards you!
As an Ottawa branding photographer who works with service-based businesses, creators and entrepreneurs I know exactly how to translate your personality and expertise into pictures that connect with listeners before they even hear a single word!
You aren’t just a voice. You’re the host, the expert, the personality behind your brand and people want to connect with you! High-quality photos help:
Your photos don’t just support your brand they strengthen it.
Here are some ideas we can capture during your shoot:
Sometimes photos in an industry can all start to look the same. So what is it that makes you stand out? How can you show what you're all about it a different way? Things like:
Intentional props can bring your shoot together and say what you want without using words. Some ideas are:
Props like this cam make your photos feel like you without overthinking poses (but don’t worry, you don’t have to know any of the poses ahead of time. That’s where I’ll guide you during your shoot!)
Before our shoot, I’ll guide you through a planning process that aligns with your podcast goals. We’ll talk about:
I’ll create a shoot list focused on your goals and values so your photos aren’t just nice to look at… they actually work for you!
If you’re a podcaster looking for an Ottawa brand photographer who understands how to create intentional content, not just standard headshots, I’d love to chat! Your voice matters. Let’s make sure your visuals help people find you and connect.
You know those busy seasons of life... like Christmas or any time that your calendar is maxed out?
I don't know about you, but for a lot of us what comes after those seasons are feeling to need to hide from the world and recover.
It’s a lot! And if you’re already feeling this you’re not alone. As business owners, we often carry this pressure to keep showing up even when our energy is fading faster than the daylight.
But here’s the good news:
There are ways to stay visible and consistent without constantly being online or burning out.
(and no, I’m not just going to say “get new Brand Photos!” as a magic fix-all 😉 )
The secret?
Having pieces in place that allow your business to run even when you need a break.
So when your schedule gets packed or you’re deep in hibernation mode and don’t want to show your face online…
Your business can still feel present, helpful, and alive.
Let’s walk through how to make that happen in a way that feels aligned with YOUR energy and biz goals.
Because there's no space for blanket-statement advice or "shoulds" over here. Take what you need, make it fit your style and apply it in a way that feels good to you.
We’re already trying to juggle a million things so please remember this:
You don’t need to be everywhere all at once.
That’s the fastest path to burnout, and we’re not doing that!
Instead, ask yourself:
Maybe posting once a week is enough.
Maybe this month is more about connection than conversion.
Maybe your business needs more warm and joyful content instead of sales-heavy content.
Don’t let the internet convince you that you need to do MORE to keep up.
You know your business best.
You’re allowed to choose a pace that supports you and your clients.
Once you’ve decided what your business actually needs during this busy season, you can start to make it real.
You don’t need a brand new, full blown marketing strategy you just need clarity and intention. Try this:
Now you can decide how to make that happen for you and your life this time of year. Maybe scheduling a whole content batching day works well for you. Or maybe it's doing one thing a day that aligns with your goal instead. There's so much advice out there around the "right" way to do it, but in my experience the one that feels the best for you is the one you're going to stick to.
Also remember that it's not forever! This is just to carry you through this season and then you're allowed to adjust and change it later.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You probably already have more content than you think!
Here’s where to look:
I can pretty much guarantee you already have things worth repurposing. You just need to gather them and say the same things in different ways (or in exactly the same way if you want to really keep it simple).
And if you don’t have a library of branding photos you love yet…
Then it might be time to fix that
Let’s get you photos that work for your business
Putting these pieces together now might make the next couple of months feel less chaotic.
And more importantly it might remind you that:
So when life gets busy and you cozy up into hibernation mode…
Your business can still show up for you because you set it up to.
Want a hand putting this into action?
A brand session can give you a library of the best photos AND content ideas that support your marketing all season long.
Work with me here and let’s make your next season feel lighter!
There are so many great outdoors spots in Ottawa to do your branding photoshoot! When we book your shoot we’ll dive into some questions that will help us figure out where the best location for your shoot is, but if you’re curious on outdoor options here are a few of my faves!
Park at: City Hall ($)
Photo spots:
Park at: Byward Market (street or parking garage $)
Photo spots:
Outside Fairmont
Rainbow stairs
Major’s Hill park
Park at: Lansdowne underground parking ($)
Photo spots:
Fountain/Splash pad benches
Great Lawn
Garden boxes
Benches in South Court
Outside the Horticulture building and Aberdeen pavilion
Outdoor cafe seating
Inside Beandigan (ask permission before taking photos and always remember to purchase something!)
Park at: behind Bower Coffee (free!)
Photo Spots:
Walk down Richmond Road through the bike path
The red door of the Keg
Park at: Tropical Greenhouse (free)
Photo Spots:
Outside the Tropical Greenhouse (photos inside aren’t allowed)
Bench at the back of the greenhouse
Walk over to the Ornamental Gardens (road and sidewalk)
Ornamental Gardens
If you’re really ambitious you can walk or drive across the road to the Arboretum too
Park at: Parking lot beside the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Photo Spots:
Greenspace (the trees here turn pink in May!)
Path and rocky point
Beach (head to the far North side for some trees and privacy)
10 minute walk over to Beachconers Ice cream, Britannia Coffeehouse and Britannia Bakeshop (always ask before taking photos inside retail shops! And remember to purchase something if you're using them as a location)
Click here to find out what you need to know before your Ottawa branding photoshoot!
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!