I have always loved finding out about other people and capturing their stories. That’s why, after my bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology, I decided to do a master’s in Documentary Filmmaking. So the step to start a family and branding photography and videography business wasn’t that big a leap. I’ve used my camera for the past ten years to tell stories — about human trafficking, homelessness, the relational impact of illness, and many others. You can read more about that background and how it shapes my approach today on my about page.
After the birth of my child, I realised there were two types of stories I wanted to tell above all else: family stories and personal branding stories. Both are close to my heart, and both come from very personal places. Here’s why.
Why family photography and filmmaking?
This picture is of my dad and me. It was our last Christmas together, and he died not long after on February 21st. I was only 4 years old. I do not hold many memories of him as I was far too young for that. It is these pictures of him and our family that meant the world to me when I was growing up. And even today, I have this picture of us hanging in my living room.
I cannot imagine not having had these photographs. They helped me grieve. They gave me something tangible, and they’ve been my only real “memories” of him. So if there’s one thing I’d want every family to take from this, it’s: make sure you’re in your family photographs, and make sure you take them at all. Don’t be shy about asking a stranger to snap a picture. Photos and films are your memories of a life lived — and a tangible piece for the next generation. They’re the keepers of your family’s story.
This is part of why I wrote about why generational portraits matter and why it’s important to be in your family photos — if you have old photographs like this in your own family, I’d gently encourage you to bring them out, frame them, and keep them close.
Growing Up With Family Albums
Another reason this matters so much to me is that, as a child, I loved looking through our family albums. I notice the same thing now with my own son, who enjoys looking at pictures of himself when he was little — and of his mum and dad before he came along (a thought that makes him quite angry :D).
This is exactly why I believe family photography matters — not just for the moment it’s taken, but for every time it’s looked at afterwards. Find out more about what a family photography session looks like.
Why I Don’t Do Posed Photography
So, I truly believe that having your family pictures taken is important. It is also the reason why I do not want my style to be posed. I do not want you all looking into the camera. I want my pictures to show a true connection between your family. One that shows the love you have for each other. Every family is unique, and I will take photos that will make you say, ‘This is us!’ You can read more here about how I capture your family in a way that makes you feel truly seen and appreciated.
Ready to celebrate your family exactly as you are?
Why branding photography and filmmaking?
The second reason I do this work is about female empowerment. I want to be part of changing what it looks like to be a powerful businesswoman — to help women tell their stories and become more visible.
Only 1 in 3 UK entrepreneurs is female: a gender gap equivalent of 1.1 million businesses (Rose Review of Female entrepreneurship, HM Treasury 2019). I want to help these women become more visible. To help them inspire other women to take that step into starting their own business. Women were 55% more likely than men to cite fear of going it alone as a primary reason for not starting a business (Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, HM Treasury 2019). When we see more women running businesses, I am sure more women will dare to take that step too. I want my work to be of value to others and have a higher purpose. I want to use my skills and talents to help other women succeed!
Alongside that, I love working with creative businesses of all kinds — from jewellery makers to bakers — helping them show their passion and their process through photography and film, so they can turn their craft into a thriving business. Find out more about personal brand photography.
Looking Back, Years Later
I wrote the original version of this post back in 2020, right at the start of this business. Looking back at it now, I can see how much of what I hoped for has actually happened. I’ve photographed many families since then — capturing exactly the kind of connection I described here. And I’ve worked with so many brilliant, brave businesswomen, helping them feel seen and helping their work reach the people it deserves to reach.
The “why” behind all of it hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s only grown stronger.
If you feel like we are aligned and you like my photography, then do get in touch with me (no strings attached). You can also take a look at my family photography freebies or personal branding freebies.
