Meet Gemma, a talented calligrapher and creative business coach based in Cheltenham. When Gemma took the bold step of going full-time with her business Calligraphy Gems, she knew she wanted to start off on the right foot – with a strong brand image.
Gemma knew that professional photographs would help her business to stand out in a crowded online space, but like many people, she felt nervous about the idea of being in front of the camera. Despite this, she booked a personal branding session in with me, and the rest is history!
Understanding Gemma’s vision
Before her photoshoot, Gemma and I sat down to chat about her goals and vision for the photos. She wanted images that would reflect her brand’s personality, attract her ideal clients, and give her the confidence to really push stand out on social media and her website.
During our conversation, we also discussed any concerns she had about the photoshoot. Like many of my clients, Gemma was worried about how she would come across in her photos and whether she’d end up looking awkward, so I offered some reassurance about how I go about my sessions and get my clients feeling relaxed. Once she felt a little more confident about everything, we moved onto the types of shots that were a ‘must-have’, such as professional headshots and behind-the-scenes photos of her preparing for one of her calligraphy workshops, and we brainstormed a few creative ideas together too.
Planning the perfect personal branding photoshoot
With a plan in place, and a guide to help her prepare in the run up to her session, Gemma and I were ready for her brand photoshoot; on the day of the session, we shot a variety of images, including:
- Professional headshots: Perfect for her website, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
- Behind-the-scenes moments: I made sure to capture the everyday tasks that make Gemma’s business unique, from packing up her workbooks to prepping for her creative courses.
- In-action shots: Photos of Gemma doing what she does best – working on calligraphy projects, writing her blogs, and being her authentic and creative self.
Gemma and I had loads of fun; we laughed and chatted throughout her session which soon helped relieve any initial nerves. In addition to the shots we’d planned together, we also got creative with different angles and ideas that popped up along the way.
The editing process
Once the photoshoot was finished, I sent Gemma her gallery of unedited images so she could choose her favourites for me to edit. (And let me tell you, picking favourites was no easy task – Gemma had so many great photos!)
I do my best to get the photos right in-camera as much as I can, which means my editing process is simple and slick. This way, it’s just a case of editing out any unnecessary distractions (such as plug sockets or random people in the background), and giving you a subtle touch up so your final photos feel natural and polished. In the end, Gemma received a series of stunning photos that perfectly reflected her brand.
The final results
I was really pleased with the results from our time together. Gemma absolutely loved her photos and quickly started sharing them across her social media platforms, website, and other business materials. Here’s the feedback Gemma gave me after our session:
I was nervous given that I’d never done a photoshoot before but Katie was able to quickly put me at ease. The photoshoot felt really organic and easy. The most important part is that I absolutely LOVE the pictures. I had so many great ones to choose from that it was hard to pick my favourites!
Having spoken to Gemma a few months after receiving her photos, one of the best results Gemma had found wasn’t just about the photographs. She said that, thanks to the professionalism of her online image, she feels more confident in herself and her business. Professional branding photos gave her the boost she needed to not only look the part but feel it too. Gemma talks more about having professional photos taken on her podcast, Hobby to Hustle. Take a listen!
Why professional photos matter
Gemma’s experience shows just how impactful professional brand photography can be for small business owners. The right images not only make your brand look polished and professional, giving you a competitive edge in your industry, but they can also help you feel more confident in what you do. Whether it’s for your website, social media, or the printed materials you use in your business, having professional photos that reflect who you are and what your brand represents is a real game-changer.
Are you ready to stand out? Let me help!
Gemma’s journey from feeling nervous about a photoshoot to proudly showcasing her new brand photographs is one I see all the time. By getting to know you and understand what you’re looking for, we’re able to collaboratively craft something that’s perfect for you and your business.
If Gemma’s story resonates with you, and you’re ready to take your brand to the next level, I’d love to help you create professional photographs that help you and your business stand out from the crowd. Book a no-obligation discovery call today.
PS – please do check out Gemma’s online and Cheltenham-based calligraphy workshops – they’re brilliant!
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