Stepping Into My Clients’ Shoes: My Brand Story Shoot Experience (Part 1)
Client shoot with Ewa Pietrzak, 2024 Make up by Gail Miller
As a personal brand photographer and marketing mentor, I spend my days guiding others through the journey of capturing their brand story visually and marketing their small business. But now, I’m stepping in front of the camera myself. On June 19th, I will have my own personal brand story shoot—a moment to truly embody what I preach.
This 3-part blog series will document my journey, from preparation to the shoot day itself and, later, how I use the images to elevate my brand. In Part 1, I’ll share why I made this decision, the emotions that surfaced, and the steps I’m taking to prepare.
An image from my first brand shoot in 2019—one I still love, but it no longer reflects who I am or where my business is today. Image: Becky Rui
Why I Decided to Have My Own Brand Story Shoot
My brand is evolving. I’m focused on the next steps of my business, refining my services, and need to ensure my brand imagery aligns with my current vision. My studio is getting an upgrade to reflect the vibrant, storytelling-driven work I do with women in business. And just like I tell my clients—it’s important to be visible and to embody the brand you want the world to see, so my brand as it is today needs to be shared with even more clarity.
I want my brand imagery to feel celebratory, empowering, colourful, fresh, and aligned with my personality & values. I envision a spring-summery aesthetic, with my signature orange, pink, and crisp whites shining through. This shoot isn’t just about having new images; it’s about fully stepping into my own brand identity and owning it with confidence.
Beyond my brand evolution, my physical look has changed too. My body shape, the length of my hair, and my general style are in a different place than they were in 2019. I want to joyfully show up as myself, embracing who I am today. This feels especially important because many of the women I work with are in a similar life stage. They don’t always feel confident about becoming visible in their businesses due to poor body image or self-doubt—something I completely understand. I’m not immune to the constant barrage of perceived perfection we see daily. This shoot is about showing up anyway, with joy and authenticity.
And here I am more recently in my new studio— embracing growth, change, and showing up as the most authentic version of myself. Pic credit - My daughter Lily Blake ;)
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Preparing for a Shoot
Even as a professional in this space, I’ve been surprised by the emotions that have surfaced.
Excitement – This feels like a milestone, a celebration of progress, and a moment to step fully into the space I have worked so hard to establish—being the Lifestyle Personal Brand Photographer for Irish women in business in my signature style. It’s important that I feel brave enough to own this.
Nervousness – Even though I do this for others, being in front of the lens feels different. I have all the same body hang-ups as everyone else. I don’t love my side profile in pictures, and I don’t love my pointy nose—but really, who cares? None of these things impact the work I do or the value I bring to my clients.
Complete panic about cost – This is a natural reaction and it lingered for longer than I wanted it to. I had to reframe my mindset, when I paid my deposit I reminded myself that investing in my brand is investing in my business growth. I have so much to offer my clients, and it’s essential that they can find me and instantly recognize that I am the right partner to help them build the brand of their dreams. The right imagery plays very important role in this.
Trust – Letting go and allowing my photographer to lead, rather than trying to micromanage every aspect, is a practice in surrender. This is not easy for me—I love to lead, shape shoot experiences, and have developed my own beloved process and flow with clients. But I chose my photographer for her amazing process and beautiful images, so I need to allow myself to be guided and nurtured through this experience, just as I do for my own clients.
One of my recent clients, Sarah Ryan, investing in her brand and visibility—reminding me that I need to do the same if I expect my clients to take the leap! Meet more of Eva's client HERE
Another fabulous client Melissa Hayward not shying away from her unique and vibrant style for her shoot.
Preparing for the Shoot: My Thoughts & Actions
I always advise my clients to approach their shoot with intention. Now, I’m following my own advice. Even though I still have a while to go, I am thoroughly taking advantage of the renewed focus on what I actually want to convey in my images. Here’s what I’m thinking about:
Dreaming up the content – What stories do I want to tell through my images? How will these photos support my upcoming business plans and the personal brand I am creating?
Planning the shoot locations – Should I incorporate my daily routine, like my lake walks? How can I showcase both my professional and personal sides? Do I only focus on my customer’s journey, or blend it with my personal story?
Props & Details - I struggle with this a little believe it or not but it is so important. I know my camera is important - but items that share my personality - perhaps I’ll read my own shoot prep advice on this one!
Curating my wardrobe – I love simple, comfortable clothes—soft, flowy shirts, block colours, and textured details, all of which I know work well on camera. I am fond of classic jeans and casual but feminine vibes with some fun statement earrings or gold necklaces & bracelets. I love tattoos on my clients too, and I am super tempted to get my first one for my shoot!
Prepping my space – My studio is always evolving to meet the needs of my clients. Recent additions include a wicker furniture set for boho vibes, some chunky textured rugs, and an oversized chair to curl up in with a journal or a cacao. I am also upgrading my mentoring space and considering adding a whiteboard or flip chart to showcase the brand coaching work I offer as an add-on to your shoot journey.
Thinking about seasonality – The shoot is in June, but my brand imagery needs to work year-round. How do I balance the seasonal aesthetic with versatility? I had initially only chosen summery clothes, but my photographer reminded me to include some autumn/winter vibes.
Music & Mood – Creating a shoot prep playlist to set the right vibe and keep my energy high on the day might help me get into the flow.
Video or not? – Considering whether to have professional video content. I know as a brand photographer, having full control and creative direction on the day is critical, so a videographer should only be present to capture behind-the-scenes, and any other required content should be created at a different time.
Professional Hair & Make up - 100% it’s a yes for me! I have seen time and time again how it elevates your images and makes you feel so much more confident on the day of your shoot. You’re worth it! For me it’s like investing in training for a marathon and then not running the last mile.
Looking Ahead
This process has already deepened my empathy for my clients. The mental and emotional preparation, the investment, the self-doubt—all of it is real. But so is the excitement and the incredible potential these images hold for my brand.
In Part 2 , I’ll take you behind the scenes of the shoot itself—what worked, what surprised me, and the experience of standing in the spotlight.
For now, I’ll continue prepping, planning, and embracing the journey. If you’re considering your own brand shoot, know that all these feelings are normal. The key is to step into it with intention, clarity, and trust in the process. If you would like to join me on this journey to clarity and visibility, please BOOK in a chat with me or read about my SHOOT TYPES here and book in your date.
