When Hannah reached out for a professional headshot session, she already knew the value it could bring to her brand. She’d been following my work for a while, asking thoughtful questions and exploring the idea of a shoot. But one thing held her back: she didn’t like having her photo taken.

Hannah’s story is one I hear often. Many people know how important it is to have professional images for their business, but stepping in front of the camera can feel daunting. For Hannah, it was about facing that fear and embracing the opportunity to showcase her brand authentically.

The Planning Process

Before her shoot, we had an in-depth conversation about her business and her goals. We talked about:

Where she wanted her business to go.
Her ideal clients and how to reach them.
How to showcase her fun, relatable side to help her audience feel that all-important “know, like, and trust” factor.

Hannah wanted her photos to reflect her personality, so we planned for a mix of professional portraits, action shots, and some fun, unique elements. For example, Hannah loves pink doughnuts as her go-to office treat and is mad about her cats. Including touches like these gave her photos a personal, authentic feel.

The Photoshoot Experience

On the day of the shoot, Hannah arrived feeling a little nervous – completely normal for anyone stepping in front of the camera! But as we started, her confidence grew. I guided her through each step, showing her the back of the camera along the way so she could see just how amazing she looked.

We captured a variety of images in just an hour, including:

Professional business portraits that elevate her brand.
Action shots of Hannah in her element, working with clients.
Fun, personality-filled moments that highlight her love for pink doughnuts and her quirky, cat-loving side.

By the end of the session, Hannah was rocking it. She left not only excited to see her gallery but also proud of herself for stepping outside her comfort zone.

The Results

Hannah received 30 stunning images from her session – a versatile collection she can repurpose across her website, social media, and marketing materials. These photos don’t just showcase her business; they tell her story and connect her with her audience in a genuine, engaging way.

What started as a fear of being in front of the camera turned into an empowering experience. Hannah surprised herself with how amazing she looked and how much fun she had and was questioning her carer choices in Virtual Assistance and planning her new career as a model.

Your Turn

If you’ve been putting off a photoshoot because you’re not comfortable in front of the camera, take a page out of Hannah’s book. Professional photography isn’t just about looking good – it’s about creating a connection, building trust, and showcasing the unique personality behind your brand.

Let’s work together to create images that make you feel confident and excited to share your story. Ready to take the leap? Get in touch today!

Business women with hand on hip leaning on the wall.

VA at her desk on her laptop looking up and smiling at the camera. Wearing a blue suit.

female business owner on the phone to her client

business owner sat having a cup of tea on a pink chair

lady sat on pink chair wearing a light pink shirt

lady eating two pink doughnuts in her office

entrepreneur sat at her laptop pondering.

VA sat down at her laptop having a cup of tea working from home.

“Lucy was fantastic, she helped me capture some really great moments for my brand portfolio and I can start marketing myself with beautiful photos. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone!”

— Hannah - HF Solutions

No, no you don’t. You need more than just a few headshots to truly make an impact on your brand.

Using stock images isn’t your brand! Don’t get me wrong, stock images have their place. They’re convenient, affordable, and can help fill in gaps when you’re just starting out. But relying on stock photos as the face of your business? That’s where things can go wrong.

Seeing a stock image that’s been used over and over by countless other businesses doesn’t make you memorable. In fact, it might even make your potential clients question your authenticity. If you’re serious about building a brand that resonates, connects, and converts, custom brand photography is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Why Stock Photos Aren’t Enough

Stock photos lack you. They’re polished, professional, and sometimes even stunning, but they’re not unique to your business. Your brand is more than a collection of generic visuals; it’s a story. It’s your values, your personality, and the experience you offer.

When potential clients see a stock photo they recognize, it breaks their trust. They might think, “If they didn’t invest in showing me who they are, how much will they invest in helping me?”

Additionally, stock photos can make your brand look inconsistent. You might find a few images that fit your aesthetic, but they won’t align perfectly with your brand colors, tone, or message. Over time, this visual inconsistency can dilute your brand identity.

What Custom Brand Photography Brings to the Table

Authenticity
People want to connect with real people. Custom brand photography showcases your team, your workspace, your products, and your unique personality. It builds trust and makes your business approachable.
Memorability
A cohesive library of custom images ensures your brand is instantly recognizable. When your visuals are tailored to your business, they leave a lasting impression.
Professionalism
Investing in high-quality brand photography signals that you’re serious about your business. It shows that you care about how you present yourself to the world, which in turn makes clients more likely to trust you.
Storytelling
Great brand photography tells your story in a way words often can’t. From the warm smile of your team to the details of your product, these visuals communicate your values and mission in seconds.

Why “Just a Few Headshots” Won’t Cut It

Headshots are a great starting point, but they’re just that—a start. Your audience wants to see more. They want to see you in action, your workspace, and the behind-the-scenes moments that make your business unique.

Think about your website and social media. A single headshot can’t carry your About page, service pages, blog posts, and Instagram feed. You need a variety of images that work together to paint a complete picture of your brand. Take a look at the gallery that I’ve shared with you in this blog.

Elena from Pride Hair Studio based in Newton Poppleford just wanted a ‘few headshots’ and when I delivered this to her she was over the moon with the variety she now has for her content creation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still thinking, “I only need a few headshots,” please read the blog again and let it sink in. Stock photos can’t tell your story, and a handful of headshots won’t showcase the depth of your brand.

Investing in custom brand photography is one of the best ways to stand out in a crowded market. It’s not just about looking professional—it’s about being you. And when you let your audience see the real you, that’s when the magic happens.

So, let’s trade those stock images for something real. Your brand deserves it—and so do your clients.