You might be thinking: “Wait, you’re a professional branding photographer… and you hired someone else to photograph you?”

Absolutely. And even though these photos were taken in 2023, the lessons I learned feel more relevant than ever.

The Truth Behind My Choice

Here’s why I put down my camera and stepped in front of someone else’s:

I couldn’t be in two places at once. I create visual stories for my clients every day, but I couldn’t direct, style, AND be the subject of my own story. Even with all the self-timers, tripods, and remote triggers in the world, I couldn’t capture genuine moments of myself working, laughing, or being in my element.

Selfies and phone photos weren’t going to cut it. My brand deserves the same level of professional imagery I provide for my clients. How can I persuade others to invest in professional photography when I’m taking quick snapshots myself?

I wanted to see myself through another artist’s eyes. There’s magic that happens when a talented photographer captures you; they see things you don’t see in yourself, catch moments you didn’t know were beautiful, and tell your story in ways you never imagined.

I needed to practice what I preach. Every day, I tell clients about the power of authentic brand photography. I needed to live that truth, not just talk about it.

Choosing My Photographer (The Plot Twist)

I chose Molly Matcham, a photographer I’d met years earlier at a workshop. Here’s what drew me to her:

• Her editorial, documentary style felt authentic, not overly posed
• She shoots 100% on film, which creates a timeless quality no filter can replicate
• Most importantly, she listened to MY story and didn’t try to impose her vision over mine

This mirrors exactly what I do for my clients—listen first, create second.

My Expensive Mistake (That Became My Best Lesson)

This wasn’t my first brand photoshoot. Years earlier, I’d hired another photographer, a very talented one and highly recommended. But here’s where I messed up: I didn’t know who I was as a brand.

I showed up trying to be someone else. I stood in a posh bar, champagne glass in hand, pretending to live some luxurious lifestyle that wasn’t me. I was copying what I saw other photographers doing, thinking that’s what “successful” looked like.

The result? I hated every single image. Not because they were bad photos, they were technically beautiful. But they weren’t ME. They felt like I was wearing someone else’s designer shoes that didn’t fit.

That expensive mistake taught me everything about my work today.

What I Know Now (And What I Tell Every Client)

Don’t try to be someone you’re not. In an era where everyone’s feed looks increasingly similar, your authenticity is your superpower. Your quirks, your real workspace, your actual morning coffee routine, that’s what connects with people.

Your brand is as unique as your fingerprint. Stop scrolling through competitors’ websites for inspiration. Start with who you are. What do you do on a Tuesday at 2 PM? That’s more interesting than any scenario.

Think like a creative director of your own life. Before any photoshoot, ask yourself:

• How do I want my ideal clients to feel when they see these images?
• What’s the real story of my business?
• What moments in my day would make someone say, “Yes, I want to work with them”?

The ROI Nobody Talks About

Yes, professional brand photography is an investment. But consider what you’re getting:

Immediate returns:

• 6-12 months of authentic content (minimum)
• Images for your website, social media, email signatures, speaking gigs, and PR features
• Visual consistency across all your marketing materials
• The confidence that comes from seeing yourself as the professional you are

Hidden value:

• Time saved not struggling with self-timers and awkward angles
• Connection with clients who see the real you and think, “That’s exactly who I want to work with”
• Standing out in a sea of similar-looking brands
• Peace of mind knowing your visual brand is handled

Compare that to the cost of:

• Hours spent trying to get the perfect selfie
• Lost clients who couldn’t connect with the real you
• The frustration of never having the right image when you need it
• Looking unprofessional next to competitors with polished brand imagery

Your Magazine Moment Awaits

Here’s my challenge to you: Imagine your favourite publication is doing a feature on your business. Not a generic business, YOUR specific, unique, one-of-a-kind business. What would those images look like?

• Not what you think they should look like. Not what your competitors look like.
• What would authentically capturing YOUR story look like?
• That’s the brief you bring to your photographer. That’s the investment that transforms your brand.

The Bottom Line

As a branding photographer, I could have convinced myself I should DIY it. I have all the equipment, all the knowledge, all the skills. But I also have the wisdom to know that sometimes, you need to trust another professional to see what you can’t see in yourself.

Even now, years after that photoshoot with Molly, I still use those images. They still feel like me. They still tell my story. That’s the power of investing in authentic brand photography; when it’s you, it doesn’t expire.

The brands that stand out are the ones brave enough to show up as themselves, imperfections, personality, and all.

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Some images of my very personal branding photoshoot

Ready to create your own authentic brand story? Whether you’re a fellow creative who needs to step out from behind your work or a business owner ready to stop hiding behind generic photos, let’s talk. I learned these lessons the hard way, so my clients don’t have to. Schedule a consultation, and let’s capture the real you the one your ideal clients are searching for.

Want to plan your personal branding photoshoot? Get in touch to learn more.