Lately I’ve seen a massive rise in AI portraits popping up on social media. There's a lot of talk right now about AI stepping in and taking over creative industries, especially photography. AI is evolving FAST, it's easy to generate images and get near instant results. They’re also getting harder to spot.

But the thing that is often forgotten is that AI cannot replace real human connection, the fun of the experience!

For many holistic business owners, visibility can feel vulnerable, uncomfortable or even egotistical (God forbid you celebrate yourself). Whether it’s showing up on social media, investing in professional brand photography, or putting yourself on your website, it’s easy to feel like you need more confidence before you can take the leap. You know you it would help to put your image out there but it feels uncomfortable or not in alignment.

You tell yourself not until you feel more confident. Not until your offers are clearer. Not until you lose weight, grow your audience, refine your brand, or magically just feel “ready.”

So you wait.

And while you’re waiting, your work stays hidden.

When I first started my business, going from an employed photographer in a busy studio environment to working for myself was a deep dive into the unknown for me. I’d never had to think about branding because I was part of a bigger team, I just turned up, did my work and left at the end of the day. So finding my feet with my own brand has taken a while. One thing I knew was I wanted was to be authentic, trustworthy and show up as myself.

One of the things I’m most commonly asked by clients is what to expect during your brand photoshoot? How does it work? It can seem really unnerving having your own photoshoot, especially to new business owners that haven't had professional images taken before. So, I’ve put together 5 tips on planning your personal brand photoshoot.

Earlier in the year I had the opportunity to do a branding and product shoot for the incredibly talented Adventure Pawtraits. A fellow Staffordshire based photographer and very good friend of mine, Katie.

When Selina first approached me about photography for her new hair care range I was 100% on board.

Branding photography is one of my favourite things to do. Connecting with business owners and creative people to visually tell their stories doesn’t get boring. But why is branding photography so important?

Those first few weeks with your newborn are just so precious. When I had my first son I thought the tiredness would never end, getting used to the change of having an actual tiny human to look after and keep safe seemed massive and daunting. But looking back, it’s so hard to remember those times.

Personally before being a mum I have to admit I wasn’t that aware of how important it really is, and I’m embarrassed to say that now because it really does affect so much of what I do.