A gorgeous set of branding photos sitting in a folder on your desktop collecting digital dust bunnies, or recycling the same two great photos on repeat isn’t doing great things for your business. The difference between photos that look nice and photos that actually move your marketing forward comes down to how intentionally you use them.

And intention starts before the shoot. Knowing your audience, your messaging and the specific purpose each photo needs to serve is what separates a strategic brand photoshoot from some pleasant snaps of you looking gorgeous. When you know who you’re talking to and what you want them to feel or do when they see your images, every creative decision, from location to expression to outfit to composition, makes more sense.

So here’s how to make your personal branding photos work.

Know where you’ll use your photos.
A hero image needs different qualities to a social media tile, which needs different qualities to a blog header or a printed brochure. Before your shoot, think about where each image is going to live and what it needs to communicate in that spot. Horizontal or vertical? Close crop or wide shot with negative space for text? Face to camera or looking away? These decisions matter, and knowing the answers before you shoot means you come away with images that actually fit where you need them. Choosing the best photos for your website covers this in more detail if your website is where you’re starting.

Get a variety of shots.
Headshots are essential but they can’t carry everything. Lifestyle shots, workspace details (aka custom stock photos), action shots of you doing the work, candid moments: these all tell different parts of your story and give you more to work with across your marketing. And don’t forget variety in your wardrobe too. A jacket, a change of top, a few accessories: small changes can create variety without requiring a full costume change, and mean your content doesn’t have that shot-on-the-same-day look.

Consistent over perfect.
One dazzling photo used once does less than a cohesive set of images showing up regularly across everything you put out. Recognition comes from repetition, not from having the most beautiful photo in the bunch. You don’t have to show up perfectly, but you do have to show up often.

Go beyond the smiling shot.
A great smiling, trust-creating headshot is essential, but it can’t carry your whole brand. The thinking face. The laugh that got away from you. The shot of you mid-task or in conversation, so focused you forgot there was a camera there. These tell a story that a row of identical camera smiles just in different locations cannot. As I talk about in When Smiling Shots Just Won’t Do, the images people connect with most are often the ones that look least posed.

Know your audience.
Your photos should speak directly to the people you want to work with. The setting, the vibe, the expressions on your face: all of it sends a signal. When your imagery is aligned with what your ideal client needs to see to connect and resonate and choose you, it works. And if you’ve got a launch coming up, a new service to promote or a seasonal campaign, plan a shoot to support it. Photos created with a purpose are photos that get used.

Use personal branding photos to tell your story, not just your services.
Effective brand photos go beyond “here is what I sell.” They show who you are, how you work, what it feels like to be in your world. As explored in Images with Impact, impactful imagery is about going beyond the obvious and showcasing your personality and your passions.

Treat photography as part of your marketing strategy.
Photography planned around your marketing calendar works harder than photography planned around your availability. If you have a launch coming up, a new service to promote, a seasonal campaign or an event to advertise, or you’ve put aside some time to batch up your content – plan your shoot to support it. Images created with a purpose are images that get used.

Where to Use Personal Branding Photos

The short answer is everywhere your audience sees you, on and offline.

Online:

• Website. Hero images, about page, service pages, blog post thumbnails, banner images throughout. Read more on how to choose the best photos for your website.
• Social media. Profile photos, cover photos, post images, story graphics, reel covers. Different platforms favour different crops and formats, so having a variety of orientations and getting the high resolution copies is useful.
• LinkedIn. A strong, current headshot on LinkedIn builds credibility fast. You’ll also want images for updates and posts that your share.
• Newsletters and emails. Add your photos to your newsletter and email header builds familiarity with your audience over time.
• Email signature. A headshot here puts a face to your name in every single email you send.
• Blog posts. Use lifestyle or action shots to break up text and add personality to your posts rather than relying on stock images.
• Online ads. Photos of real people consistently outperform generic imagery in ads. Your face builds trust in a way a stock photo never can.
• Press kits and media features. Any time you’re featured in an article, a podcast, a speaking bio or a media release, you’ll be asked for a photo. Having one ready that you’re happy with makes this painless.
• Lead magnets. Add your photo to a downloadable resource or opt-in to make it feel more personal and continue creating recognition.

Offline:

• Business cards. Add your photo to a business card to be more memorable than a logo.
• Brochures and print marketing materials. Consistent imagery across your print materials reinforces your brand.
• Brand stand displays. If you attend markets, expos or networking events, a pull-up banner or display with great imagery is polished and inviting.
• Promoting workshops, networking events and speaking gigs. Event promotional materials with a real face attached get more attention than text-only or AI graphics.
• Signage. Shop fronts, vehicle signage, office displays: anywhere your brand appears in the physical world benefits from cohesive imagery.

Making the Most of Your Personal Branding Photos

The businesses that get the most out of their brand photography aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets or the fanciest shoots. They’re the ones who turn up knowing what they need, use their images intentionally across everything, and treat photography as an ongoing business investment rather than a box to tick once every few years.

Pretty is a bonus. Purposeful is the goal.

And you’ll need a photographer that knows what they’re doing to get great photos that work for your business: A personal brand photographer knows how to position you so you look like yourself, not like you’re bracing for impact. They sort the lighting so you’re not spending the next three weeks removing shadows from selfies. They’ve noticed the tree growing out of your head before pressing the button. And they went with the “I can’t believe you made me do this” shot you were absolutely certain you’d never use, that somehow ended up on your website, your LinkedIn and gets the most comments on your social media. They create photos where people who know you say “these are so you” and people who don’t say “I feel like I already know them.”

If you’d like help planning a personal brand shoot that’s built around your audience, your messaging and exactly where you’re going to use the images, get in touch. Let’s create pretty plus purposeful!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are personal branding photos?
Personal branding photos are professional images that go beyond a standard headshot to capture who you are, how you work and what it feels like to be in your world. They typically include a mix of headshots, lifestyle shots, action shots and workspace or detail images (aka custom stock photos), all designed to tell the story of you and your business.

How much does personal brand photography cost?
Personal brand photography pricing varies depending on the photographer, location, session length and what’s included in the package. When comparing photographers, be sure to check what you actually get: planning time, the number of images delivered, image resolution, commercial use licensing etc and ensure their style and vibe match what you’re looking for. You can find my current pricing for personal brand sessions here and photoshoot subscription pricing here.

How often should I update my personal branding photos?
At least once a year, or whenever your appearance, business offering or brand direction changes significantly. Read more in How Often Should You Update Your Professional Business Photos.

Do I need a professional photographer for personal branding photos?
I say yes, and I’m totally biased haha! A professional photographer brings experience in posing, lighting and direction that makes an enormous difference to the final result. That said, phone photos and selfies absolutely have a place in your content mix, particularly for behind the scenes and day to day moments.

What should I wear for a personal branding photoshoot?
Have 3+ outfits ready and a few accessories. No need to be decked head to toe in your brand colors – just don’t clash with them. Think about what you wear when you’re working with clients and what makes you feel great. The goal is to look like you, not a special occasion version of you.

The post How to Use Personal Branding Photos Effectively appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

Business events offer so much more visual storytelling potential. People are learning, connecting, having breakthrough moments – but most photographers miss all of this because they’re stuck shooting the same tired checklist.

What Makes Conference Photos Actually Useful

• Show people engaging – faces, reactions, and interactions tell better stories than wide shots of empty chairs
• Include the whole experience – prep work, breaks, and informal conversations matter as much as main presentations
• Shoot for sharing – think about what attendees would post on LinkedIn, not just what goes in annual reports
• Feature your audience – engaged participants are proof your content works
• Consider future use – every photo should serve your ongoing marketing needs

Why THE Standard Photos Don’t Work

Traditional event photographers follow a predictable formula. Speaker presentation shot, check. Wide audience view, check. Sponsor logos, check. But these images don’t capture why anyone should care about attending your event.

When did you last see a standard “person at podium” photo and think, “I absolutely must attend that conference”? These shots document what happened without showing what it felt like to be there. There’s no energy, no connection, no reason for someone to feel they missed out.

Audience Reactions: Your Best Marketing Material

The most valuable conference photos focus on attendees, not speakers. When someone leans forward taking notes furiously, or breaks into a knowing smile during a presentation, that’s marketing gold. These reactions prove your content resonates.

I position myself where I can see faces rather than the backs of heads. Sometimes that means shooting from the room’s side, sometimes getting low for a better angle. The goal is showing people actively learning and enjoying themselves.

Watch for raised hands during Q&A – there’s usually genuine excitement on someone’s face when they have a burning question. Also keep an eye out for attendees photographing slides with their phones – when someone thinks content is worth capturing, that’s a perfect testimonial moment to document. Capture audience reactions to particularly insightful points or unexpected moments of humor. These authentic responses work harder for your marketing than any staged photo.

Behind-the-Scenes: The Story Before the Story

Some of my favourite event photos happen before the event officially starts. There’s something magical about the energy during setup – sound checks, volunteers arranging name badges, the little details around the venue, attendees arriving early and checking out the space with anticipation.

These behind-the-scenes moments humanise your event. They show the care and preparation that goes into creating a great experience. Plus, they’re perfect for social media stories and “day of the event” posts that build excitement.

Don’t forget about the technical crew, catering staff, and volunteers. These people make your event possible, and including them in your photo story shows appreciation while adding depth to your documentation.

And whilst you have your team in the same place at the same time, be sure to grab some group photos.

The Details That Show You Care

Conference photography shouldn’t overlook the thoughtful touches that demonstrate your commitment to attendee experience. Those custom name badges, carefully arranged registration tables, welcome gift bags, quality catering displays – these details tell a story about your event standards.

Document the small things that attendees notice and appreciate: the specialty coffee station you invested in, the thoughtfully curated goody bags, the floral arrangements that brighten the spaces. These photos work particularly well for sponsor reports and future venue discussions.

Food photos deserve special attention because let’s face it – good conference food is memorable, and bad conference food… even more memorable. Capture appealing food displays, people genuinely enjoying meals, or those networking conversations that naturally happen around coffee stations and lunch tables.

Speaker Personality: Beyond the Professional Headshot

Yes, you need photos of your speakers presenting, but don’t stop there. The most engaging speaker photos capture personality and passion, not just professional competence.

Look for moments when speakers gesture expressively, react to audience questions, or share a laugh with attendees. Catch them in conversation during breaks – these casual interactions often reveal more about their expertise and approachability than any staged photo could.

If your speakers are signing books, demonstrating products, or participating in panel discussions, these activities create much more dynamic and interesting photos than someone simply standing behind a microphone.

Breakout Sessions: Learning in Action

Breakout sessions and workshops are content gold mines because they’re inherently more interactive and intimate than main stage presentations. People are talking, collaborating, and problem-solving together – all fantastic photo opportunities.

Document the collaborative process: people working together on flip charts, small group discussions, hands-on activities. These photos show the practical, actionable value your conference provides. They prove that attendees don’t just sit passively – they participate, engage, and leave with real skills and connections.

Networking: The Real Reason People Come

Let’s face it – most people come to conferences as much for the networking as for the content. Your photos should reflect this reality. Capture those moments when strangers become collaborators, when business cards are exchanged with genuine enthusiasm, when someone finds exactly the person they needed to meet.

The best networking photos show people genuinely engaged in conversation. Look for animated gestures, intent listening, shared laughter. These moments tell the story of community building and professional growth that attendees really value.

Creating Social Media Content During the Event

Think like a social media manager while you’re shooting. What photos would attendees want to share immediately? What would make someone watching from afar wish they were there?

Live social media posts during events create FOMO (fear of missing out) and build excitement for future events. But they need to be share-worthy – interesting angles, good lighting, and authentic moments that tell a story.

Consider creating Instagram Story-style content: quick behind-the-scenes moments, speaker prep, funny moments, and genuine reactions. These feel more immediate and authentic than polished promotional photos.

Post-Event Marketing Material Planning

Every photo you take should serve a purpose in your ongoing marketing strategy. Think about how each image could be used:

• Website updates and speaker pages
• Social media content throughout the year
• Next year’s promotional materials
• Case studies and testimonials
• Banners and backgrounds for reports and presentations
• Newsletter content
• Sponsor reports and thank-you materials

Plan your shots with these uses in mind. A great photo of engaged attendees becomes testimonial material. Behind-the-scenes prep shots work perfectly for “planning your event” content. Speaker interaction photos can be used year-round to promote their expertise.

Technical Considerations That Actually Matter

Good conference photography isn’t just about having an good camera – it’s about understanding the environment and working with its challenges.

Lighting in conference venues can be tricky. You’re often dealing with stage lighting that creates harsh shadows, combined with dim audience areas. Learn to work with available light rather than fighting it with flash, which can be disruptive.

Sound is crucial too. Being able to move quietly around the venue without disrupting speakers or attendees is essential. Sometimes the best shot requires waiting for the right moment rather than creating it.

Making Your Investment Count

Conference photography should be an investment that keeps paying dividends long after the event ends. When you focus on capturing authentic moments, genuine connections, and the real experience of attending your event, you create a library of content that tells your story much more effectively than any staged promotional photo could.

The goal isn’t just to document what happened – it’s to make people who weren’t there wish they had been, and make people who were there excited to come back next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many photos should I expect from a full-day conference? A: For a full-day event, you should expect 300-500 edited, high-resolution images. This gives you plenty of variety for different marketing uses while ensuring quality over quantity. The exact number depends on the event size, number of sessions, and specific brief requirements.

Q: Do I need permission to photograph attendees at my conference? A: Yes, absolutely. Include photography consent in your registration process and have clear signage at the venue. Consider providing opt-out lanyards or badges for people who prefer not to be photographed. Always respect people’s privacy while creating great content.

Q: When should I hire the photographer – for the full event or just key sessions? A: Full-day coverage gives you the most comprehensive content library, but if budget is tight, focus on your main keynotes, one breakout session type, and all networking periods. The networking photos often provide the best long-term marketing value.

Q: How quickly can I get photos for social media during the event? A: A good event photographer should be able to provide a selection of social media-ready images within a few hours of key sessions. Discuss your timeline upfront – same-day social media content can significantly boost engagement and FOMO.

Q: What’s the difference between event documentation and marketing photography? A: Documentation captures what happened; marketing photography captures what it felt like to be there. Marketing-focused photography thinks about the story, emotion, and future promotional use of every shot, while documentation simply records the proceedings. You want the former for your business photography.

The post Event Photography That Actually Gets Used appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

As you may (or may not) know, I don’t charge per image, I charge per session, so although we were after that one epic shot, we organised an hour of personal brand photography  focussing on headshots. We headed down to Frankston waterfront – a location that resonated with her.

I was very concerned about my photographs competition with her favorite photo. I felt the low resolution had something to do with the feeling of youthfulness which just wouldn’t occur in my images. I’m also not into retouching (unless its something transient like a pimple or coldsore) so that wasn’t going to help.  Plus we were going to be shooting in pretty bright sunlight – notorious for accentuating the shadows under eyes!

So why did I deliver 159 photos?

<gets out soapbox> I don’t like the traditional model in photography of a session fee and then a price per image – especially when you are delivering digital files.  I do the same amount of work whether you purchase one of my photographs or all 159 – so why should you pay more?!?! <slides soapbox to the side a little but keeps it within reach!>

I also understand that you are probably not going to use all 159 images.  I deliver a heap of locations and different poses but you get a couple of varients for some shots so you can chose which crop you prefer or which facial expression you prefer or which composition etc.

And we don’t waste any time going backward and forward because you don’t have to pour over the gallery then chose your favorites then send that info to me, then I have to deliver the chosen few images.

And its also super handy to have all those small variations so if you want to use the same kind of photo again next month on your socials – you’ve got one slightly different and don’t repeat yourself.

So Bernadine now has a new favorite shot to use everywhere plus a heap of other images to update the website, fill her socials and make her graphic designer/social media manager VA super happy!

 “Oh Miranda! I have never liked photos of myself and now I am finding it hard to choose which ones I don’t like. I love them all. Thank you so much!”

Would love to know if you have that one photo you love and use everywhere or do you like to change it up regularly?  And what is it about that photo that makes it the favorite?

The post Why deliver over 150 photos (when she needed one)? appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

and its coming off the todo list

and you’ve sent the initial enquiry

– so what’s next!?!
 
 

Before the photoshoot

We start with a discovery questionnaire to better understand your brand and your audience. I’ll ask things like where you’ll be using your photos, what you like about photos of yourself, what colors and styles do people associate with your brand and checkout out all of your socials and website. We use this discussion to determine the photos required, the location(s)/backdrops we’ll be shooting at, your wardrobe and any prop choices.

Each photoshoot is tailored to your outcomes – we might be shooting in your home office and backyard or the local beach/park/café or a hired Airbnb – I’m very good at finding scenes whilst we’re out and about and I can also pack portable backdrops and lighting so we can recreate the studio in your home. There might be some shots of your tools of the trade, we might get a friend in to pretend to be a client, you might want photos of your products, some photos with the family or pets, photos of you doing what you love from making a coffee to journaling – we’ll work this all out.

I recommend 1.5 hours for your first personal branding shoot. 1 hour feels rushed and if you don’t love being in front of the camera 90 minutes is a good length.

I believe you need to feel comfortable and look like yourself in your wardrobe choices and there are no rules on what you can and can’t wear because these are not going to be printed and date hanging on the wall and its your business your way. If you want to get your hair and makeup done and hire a stylist, do it! If you want to throw on your jeans, favorite tops and a little mascara – do that! We want your photos to be genuine and look like you (with great lighting, clever angles and on a good hair day haha!)

On the day

Bring all the outfit changes and props and let’s have some fun.  Feel free to pack a friend to cheerlead and make you feel more comfortable. Pretend your a celebrity and trust me to implement your vision – I take the responsibility for telling your story authentically very seriously.

There will be some ‘action shots’ where I’ll probably ask you do it again slower or pause on occasion and there will be some more posed shots – that I promise don’t look awkward or posed! You’ll hear me say ‘chin down just a fraction’ waaaay too many times.

We’ll go from serious and thinking to hint of a smile, natural smile to laugh out loud. 

Just pretend I’m your ideal client and you’re telling me passionately about your business.

Bottom line: I promise to not stand you in front of the camera and just say ‘smile’.

Receiving your photos

I pride myself in a fast turnaround so you should have access to your online gallery within a week. Login and download the social res to use for anything online – your website, profile pics and socials.  And use the high resolution copies for printing, documents and where you might want to crop in tight without losing the clarity.

As you get all of the insta-worthy images you don’t have to flick thru hundreds of photographs and just choose your ten favorites. And I understand you won’t use them all – but you can choose which smile you prefer rather than the one I think you’ll prefer!

Plus when you want to post a similar images in a month or two’s time – you’ve got some variations so you don’t have to reuse the same photo over and over.

Your photos come with commercial use licensing too – so you can crop, filter, color, overlay, collage etc in whatever way best suits your business needs.

Anything else you’d like to know about planning your photoshoot or what to expect?  Send thru your questions!

The post Prepare for your personal brand photoshoot and what to expect on the day appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

WEBSITE

• Banners
• About page
• Blog
• Content

SOCIAL MEDIA (Facebook, Instagram, Pintrest, LinkedIn etc)

• Profile pictures
• Cover images
• Content (lots and lots of content!)
• Ads

EMAIL

• Banners
• Footer/Signature
• EDM content

ONLINE

• eBooks
• Downloads
• Lead Magnets
• Online course content
• Publications

PRINT MARKETING

• Flyers
• Posters
• Banners
• Business cards
• Catalogs
• Thank you cards
• Post cards
• Magazines
• Packaging

OTHER

• Podcast covers
• Collaboration / Guest Speaker advertising
• TVC
• On the wall!

Remember you’ll need high resolution images for your printing requirements and lower resolution for online – so you don’t slow down your website!

Where else are you using your photographs that I’ve missed?

The post Where to use your personal brand photos appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

I’ll be implementing the following changes to safely reopen:

• frequent hand washing/santising before, during and after the photoshoot (by the photographer and all attendees)
• cleaning of photographic equipment surfaces before and after each photoshoot
• small hair and clothing adjustments will be done by photo subject (aka no touching!) and we’ll adhere to physical distancing requirements at all times
• the number of people in front of the camera must fall below household and/or outdoor gathering numbers and/or density quotients as per the current restrictions including counting me!
• if anyone has a fever, cold/flu/Covid-19 symptoms or is feeling unwell, we’ll reschedule
• if anyone has been in contact with someone with Covid-19 or displaying Covid-19 symptoms, we’ll reschedule on a date at least 14 days later
• if anyone involved is not comfortable or feels unsafe at any time, the shoot will pause and an alternate location will be sought or the shoot will be rescheduled (for example, shooting at an outdoor location that becomes crowded and physical distancing cannot be maintained)
• the photographer will wear a mask at all times, photo subjects over 12 years of age can remove their masks whilst being photographed
• we will communicate in the event of a positive Covid-19 test result in the 14 days following a photoshoot, and I will pass on your information to relevant authorities are required for contact tracing.

And there is no penalty for rescheduling – you’re deposit is totally transferable.

Looking forward to telling your story soon xx

The post Staying Covid Safe appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

If you are a business owner whose success relies, to some degree, on real connection with your audience, then being willing to show up authentically is part of the deal.  And let’s be honest, in today’s saturated service-oriented business market, being yourself is one of the quickest and most effective ways to attract your ideal clients.  Like it or not, you are your brand.

Being authentic does not mean, however, that you have to share all the private details from your life.  You are always in control of your messaging!  But if there’s a gap between what people see and what they actually get when they work with you, the chances of building deep, lasting relationships may be affected. 

The biggest thing I have learned- both personally and professionally- is that, to some extent, the fear of being vulnerable by showing up authentically never really goes away.  It’s a practice.  And the more you practice, the better you get at putting yourself out there, DESPITE the discomfort.

Having my photos taken by Miranda was a great example of this for me. After decades of intense personal work, I consider myself a confident woman.  I generally don’t worry about what other people think of me. I’m hyper aware of comparison traps.  I stay in my own lane.  Yet, when it was time to have some pictures taken for my business, all those old fears came roaring back.  So much so that I almost cancelled the whole thing.

But I didn’t.  Instead, I sat with those yucky feelings, accepted them for what they were and kept going. That commitment on my part, combined with Miranda’s insane talent behind the camera and her desire to help the client see what she sees, resulted in the best photos I’ve ever had taken.  When I saw the proofs, I cried (in a good way).  It was like, “Oh! There I am!”  Powerful stuff! I’ve often wished I had the ability to make others see themselves the way I do, even for a moment.  That’s what Miranda did for me.

My invitation to you is to become aware of and accept the fact that showing up authentically- especially when it comes to having your photo taken- may feel uncomfortable. That being said, there are some simple tools you can use to dig a little deeper about WHY being vulnerable feels so…well, hard, so that hopefully it gets a little easier.

Unpack the emotions you’re feeling

Instead of sitting with a general sense of unease, dig down and try to clarify what’s actually going on.

1. For example, instead of saying, “I feel nervous/scared/uncomfortable…” follow that thread by asking “Of what?” “What am I scared of?” “Why am I uncomfortable?” etc.
2. Once you have some clarity about the root causes, explore potential solutions with an open mind. Worried that you’ll hate all the photos and be unable to use them? Talk to your photographer about what would happen in that case. Scared that you’ll lose potential clients because they “don’t like the way you look”?  Ask yourself if those are people you want to work with anyway.

Become aware of common traps and self-sabotage methods

Here are a few I see a lot:

1. Comparison: comparing yourself to other people in your industry or to who you “used to be”.
   • Comparing yourself to others: Truth bomb…it’s pointless, damaging and a waste of your time and energy. One of the biggest benefits of owning your own business is the control you have over how you show up in this world, how you operate, and what’s possible.  Why would you give that power away by letting other people’s actions hold you back?  And when it comes to social media (I know you know this, but I cannot stress it enough!) you are comparing yourself to someone else’s highlight reel.  So how do you stop?  There are a couple of options here.  You can choose to strictly limit the amount of time you spend looking at other people’s media.  You can become super conscious of your thoughts and emotions when you do: is it inspiring you or just making you feel like crap? What are you hoping to get from it when you do look at how someone else is doing things? Is it a realistic expectation?
   • Comparing yourself to who you “used to be”: This one shows up a lot for women, especially when it comes to our appearance or where we think we “should” be in our careers. We don’t weigh the same that we did when we were 18.  We have more grey hairs.  More wrinkles. We’re still struggling financially. We don’t own a home. You can choose to accept it and keep going. But if it’s a real sticking point for you, and you find it holding you back, I highly recommend you explore this, either on your own or with a professional like a coach or therapist. Most of the time, the passage of time is not the issue.  It’s what we’ve left behind (grief), what we fear about the future or the chances we didn’t take that causes the discomfort. Identifying the root causes is a critical step in making peace with what’s passed and is no longer an option and making sure you’re moving forward with the clarity, commitment and support to chase those dreams that you’ve maybe just realised or the ones you thought you’d left behind.
2. Other people’s expectations: PRO TIP: Anytime you hear yourself saying something like “A real______________________, would never________________” or “A real_________________, always does ______________”, pay attention! This is a huge red flag, and letting other people’s expectations get in your way is actually a common form of self-sabotage.  Huh?  Here’s what I mean. Let’s say I’m stopping myself from taking a certain action in my business because I’m scared of failure/success/ judgement etc. That’s my problem and I can take ownership.  But the second I make the same decision because my mother/friends/colleagues/society etc. might judge me?  It’s “their” fault (at least in my mind). How convenient!  Not only do I not have to take action, but it’s also no longer my job to be responsible for my choices.  Win/win, right?  Except that victimhood is a shitty place to be, because you’ve just given all your power away. This can be a confronting realisation, so be honest AND gentle with yourself.

Be prepared for the vulnerability hangover

This phrase was popularised by Brene Brown, a shame and vulnerability researcher (I highly, highly recommend reading every word she has ever written!)  This will look different for everyone, so the key is being aware of what it looks/feels like for you so you can have strategies in place to deal with it.  Here are some examples from my own life.

1. Public speaking: I have been speaking on stage for over two decades, in front of all sorts of audiences and I know that my nervousness hits me the moment I get on stage, and when I finish. Because I know this, I often incorporate some sort of physical movement in the first 60 seconds of a talk to release some of that energy (especially when doing stand-up!) and I’m prepared for the fact that afterwards, I’ll probably feel a bit yucky.  Maybe a bit cold and shaky.  That’s the side effects of adrenaline, so I know that moving helps, as does lots of water and then some scheduled down time.
2. Sharing my work: always has been, always will be scary.  So after I produce and share content, I put my phone away and do something else. The biochemical and physiological reactions we experience when we check for Like or Follows are very, very real and can have a huge impact on our emotional wellness. For every dopamine hit we experience when we see a positive comment, we experience a dip when we don’t. It’s up to you to manage your responses, and don’t be afraid to seek support if you’re struggling in this area.
3. Practice/practice/practice: Find a safe way to practice vulnerability.  Write and read a poem to a friend.  Ask for something you want.  Send your order back when they get it wrong. Tell someone they hurt you, and why. Now, I’m not saying these are easy. They’ll probably still feel gross (at least they do for me!) but every time you do this, you reinforce the new neural pathways you’re creating with new behaviour.  Over time, these small, consistent actions translate to big gains in your ability to be vulnerable.

I sincerely hope this has been helpful in some way and – hey – if it was all old news, that’s great because it means you’re already a rockstar at being vulnerable! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out.  And if the idea of being authentic has left you in a spin because you have no idea who you are and how to do that or you found yourself thinking “Geez, I do that a lot!” while reading these examples?  I’ve got a coaching package designed just for you. Check out The Second Half Playbook Coaching Package on Facebook

Super excited to share Meghann’s amazing words! Loving her advice because I know I’m guilty of some comparison self-sabotage!

Meghann Birks is a coach, writer, speaker and storyteller by trade and by nature. She uses a variety of modalities to help her clients live BIG including humour, traditional coaching techniques, embodiment practices and creative methods. She loves seeing women embrace and use their power to change their lives and the world around them. When not working, she can be found climbing trees and usually getting stuck.

Facebook: @MeghannBirksCoaching
Insta: @meghannbirkscoaching
Website: www.meghannbirks.com

The post You Can’t Be Authentic Without Being Vulnerable…So How Do You Get Past the Fear? appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

As we pass the halfway point of lockdown 2.0 I’ve seen some questions on how to take a headshot of yourself in lockdown.  I’ve been contemplating the main scenarios for why you’d need to refresh your headshot whilst in lockdown and I’ve narrowed it down to either:

1. You’ve been working on growing your business and your personal brand and so have had to provide a headshot for that collaboration podcast or facebook live interview so the canva event image can be created OR
2. You’ve radically changed your hair do with some self iso cut and color! 😛

For whatever reason it might be – here are my adventures taking a headshot, at home, with no fancy photography equipment.  No camera or flash or tripod or backdrop.  It was just me, my phone and an ikea stool in the bathroom! (cos yeah – it turns out the only room in my house with a window on a wall adjacent to a plain wall, is in my bathroom :P)

To take a natural light photo in your home:

• find a plainish wall near a window (and by plainish I kinda mean flat – a really loud funky wallpaper will totally work if that’s your vibe.)
• leave a gap between you and the wall (at least 50cm)
• turn your body 45ish degrees to the light and your face back towards the camera (if feel more comfortable sitting – use a bench stool)
• setup the camera at around your eye level

If the light coming through the window is too bright, soften it with a sheer curtain

If the side of your face away from the window is too dark, bounce some more light back onto it using a white sheet or white piece of cardboard, even a mirror potentially or move you’re camera so you’re angled a little more towards the window.

If you want to see this setup in my bathroom (with zero hair and makeup prep) which produced the photo below and the photo in the header- checkout the quick video I made.

 If you’ve any other DIY photography questions, message me as I’m happy to help.

And may the second half of lockdown seem shorter than the first!

oh! and…

If you’re after headshots that do involve a fancy camera, flash, a non-bathroom backdrop and someone else taking the shot, I’m currently taking bookings now for late September and beyond, and am flexible with these dates if lockdown continues beyond that (it better not!). I am also still taking product-related photos which don’t require personal contact, so you can update your website, social media and other marketing during this time. Message me and let me know what you need.

The post Take a headshot at home with just your phone appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

>>  FACEBOOK
You’ll need a cover image and a profile pic to start with:

Profile photos are displayed as a circle and look best when you upload a square image that’s 720px or 960px square. If you’re not using a logo you’ll want an epic headshot that shows your personality, fits your brand, creates trust (and you actually like!)

Cover photos are 828 x 315 pixels with a mobile safe area in the middle that is 560px wide. Your cover image should showcase your business and serve a purpose like brand awareness or advertising your product/services. You’ll probably want to crack out Canva  or engage a graphic designer to add some text or combine a couple of images for greatest impact.

You’ll need different image sizes for your newsfeed, Facebook event covers and different types of ads. Checkout the DreamGrow cheatsheet for all the details.

My facebook cover image

>>  INSTAGRAM
Jazz up a quote, testimonial or text block on your instagram feed with a background image. Choose a detailed image of your product, tools of your trade or where you work. In your editing program of choice, drop the opacity to around 50% and then fine tune it so it doesn’t overwhelm the text. You could also add a color overlay to further mute the photo or put the text in a coloured box on top of the background image effectively creating a custom border (and in the image below I’ve reduced the opacity on the box so the image shows thru a little). It’s just a subtle reminder of your business beyond a branding color. 

>>  PRINT MATERIALS
I’m actually a sucker for a nice postcard or thank you card inside a package. I’ve a few up on my office wall and fridge which always keep these businesses front and centre in my mind. Grab a gorgeous image and add an empowering quote for maximum staying power and be sure to include all the business info on the back so it’s within easy reach.

I love seeing your photos in action – feel free to send me a link or a pic, or let me know what’s stopping you from using your photos to their full potential!

The post Practical ways to use your professional photographs and be seen by your customers appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

No pressure when your beautiful client travels 5.5 hours to work with you!!

“When I had the idea to get a photoshoot done for my business website, I hunted high and low for a photographer that I’d feel comfortable working with. My intuition told me Miranda was the ONE – so I travelled from the other side of the state (some 5.5 hours away!) to have the session with her. It felt completely crazy – but I’m so glad I listened to my guidance, because it was completely worth it.

Miranda not only made me feel comfortable during the shoot, she made me feel amazing! She continually gave me instructions during the shoot on how to pose, reminded me to smile and boosted my self esteem. I felt confident, beautiful and free to be me. That’s quite a feat, given how introverted and camera-shy I am! I’m surprised how much I actually enjoyed the shoot.

Afterwards, I still felt nervous about how the photos would turn out. Thankfully, Miranda sent the photos to me quickly, and all my fears evaporated as soon as I saw them. They were wonderful – professional, beautiful and creative. And there were so many! Miranda definitely offers incredible value for money!

Thank you so much Miranda – I’m thrilled with my photos, and I will happily travel another 5.5 hours to work with you again!”

The post A very long commute appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.