Personal brand photography for women building something of their own
Portraits that look and feel like you on your best day, not like someone else's idea of a “businesswoman”.
You've been putting this off.
Not because you don't need the photographs, you know you do. Perhaps the one on your website is four years old and was cropped out of somebody's wedding. Your Instagram is all flat-lays, scenery, coffee and quotes because you’ve already used the 2 photos you like of yourself a dozen times each. And every time you're asked for a headshot for a podcast or a panel, there's that small rush of adrenalin as you think “oh god, what have I got?”.
After seventeen years photographing people, I’ve noticed time and time again that the women who most need good portraits of themselves are almost always the ones who put it off longest. And for the record, I am one of those people!
You've spent years honing your craft and you’re amazing at what you do, so you want to lead with your offer… I totally get it.
But the truth is people buy people. I’ve seen time and time again how much easier it feels to show up for your business and tell your story when you have beautiful photographs to support your message. And I’ve also seen the positive impact putting a face to the business has on female founders’ bottom line.
I can help you create a collection of images as unique as you are, giving you the confidence to share your passion and attract your dream clients.
If you made it this far down the paragraph, then now is the time. So let's sort it out!
“As the owner of a small coffee business catering for events, I needed some quality photos for my website that weren’t awkward selfies I’d snapped on my iPhone!
Victoria spent an hour or so taking photographs of me at work and now I have a whole bank of images that tell the story of what I do."
— Kate Dowsett
This is for you if…
You're a female founder building a business and you're ready to start sharing your story and connecting with your right fit clients or customers.
You've got a website, a podcast or a talk coming up and you’re scrolling through your iPhone gallery looking for just one decent photo to put front and centre.
You've had photographs taken before and you were disappointed with them, because for whatever reason you felt uncomfortable and you feel like it shows.
You want images that work for you for the next year or two… on your home page, on LinkedIn, on a speaker bio or on Instagram.
You'd quite like to feel better about being photographed than you do right now.
If you've found your way here from the Mum Means Business podcast, then hello!
Lovely to have you here.
“I desperately needed a new LinkedIn profile photograph as mine was years out of date. Victoria made the whole process really straightforward and relaxed and I was so pleased with the options she gave me. It's a small thing, but my old photo did nothing for my confidence. Now I feel empowered to move forward in my career.”
- Sarah Dittmer-Chaplin
A year's worth of photographs FROM ONE BESPOKE SESSION
A COLLECTION OF Portraits that REFLECT The version of you that shows up when you're talking about something you DEEPLY care about.
Images at work. Magazine-quality photographs of you doing the thing you actually do… at the kitchen table, in the workshop or mid-conversation.
The practical shapes. Wide for your website banner, tall for Instagram and Reels, square for profiles and with negative space around you for text to sit. We plan these in before we shoot rather than cropping and hoping.
Details. The tools, the products, the desk, the mess. The things that make a grid feel like a real business run by a passionate human, rather than a series of polished portraits.
Delivered digitally. High resolution and web-ready, you can share your portraits wherever and whenever you like.
YOUR CHESHIRE BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER
As a female founder myself, I’m passionate about supporting women in business. I know what it is to build a business while also raising a family and running a household, because I'm doing it too.
It’s why I started the Mum Means Business podcast and it’s why I love creating professional portraits for brilliant founders like you to showcase your personality and enhance your brand’s credibility.
As a millennial woman, I understand the challenge of unlearning all the stories about not “showing off” or "being “too much” in order to get visible and promote your business, when you'd really rather hide under the duvet!
I also get why most women arrive at a brand shoot braced for it to be uncomfortable. And it might be for all of 5 minutes! But I can tell you that every single woman I photograph tells me at the end of their session how surprised they are that they actually really enjoyed it!
How it works
1. We talk first. A proper conversation about your business, who you're trying to reach and where these images are going. I'll send you a questionnaire beforehand so we're not starting from scratch then we’ll set up a time to really dig into your business, either in person or on Zoom.
2. I’ll create a personalised brief and plan of action. Location, outfits, props, the feeling we want to convey, the colours we want to include, the key shot list and any other details that are important to you. You'll know exactly what's happening before the day!
3. We shoot. [2 hours] Relaxed and more conversation than instruction. Don’t worry if you have no idea how to pose… unless you’re a professional model, why would you?
A little anxiety before a shoot is totally normal, but you’ll be in safe hands. My job is to guide and position you in the best light and then catch you in those moments you’re being yourself. We’ll likely laugh as much as we shoot!
4. You choose. [90 minutes] We’ll set up a time for the big reveal either in the studio or on Zoom. I’ll guide you through your finished portraits and help you choose the images that you feel will work best for you and your business in the season you’re in right now.
5. You use them. Everywhere, for years!
“HAVING LAUNCHED THE CRIB NOTES PODCAST I REALISED I NEEDed brand PHOTOGRAPHS OF ME IN MY ROLE AS ‘MUMMY’. victoria had already photographed our wedding and i trusted her completely to capture these images of me with my daughter. AS ALWAYS, She was professional and calm, making us both feel relaxed in front of the camera."
— Dr. Sarah Blackstock
Investment
What’s included in your portrait session fee:
- Brand questionnaire, initial consultation and bespoke brief crafting
- 2 hour professional portrait session at a Cheshire or Wirral location or in the studio
- 20 magazine-quality high resolution images, with option to purchase more
- In-person gallery appointment
- Data storage of all final images for 5 years
- Commercial license allowing you full use of your images online and/or in print
This session fee reflects more than just time spent together; it’s an investment in a highly personalised photography experience.
BESPOKE PERSONAL BRANDING SHOOTS START AT £895
If you have a special location in mind which is further afield, let’s set it up:
- London or Northwest England/North Wales outside 20 miles of Chester +£50
- UK +£200
- EU +£800
Frequently Asked Questions
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Bring three or four options in colours you actually feel good in and avoid anything with a loud pattern or a visible logo as they can date quickly.
We'll talk it through properly before the day, and I'll ask about the colours on your website so everything sits together.
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Almost everyone says this, but you’re in safe hands. We'll talk more than we'll pose, you'll have a plan so nothing is a surprise and if being photographed in public is the worry, we'll use the studio instead.
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Most clients get a year or more’s image use from one session. When you or your business change or pivot, then that's usually a good time to consider booking another session.
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Yes, and it's often the best option if that's where you work. I’m very adept at locating the best light in a new space at short notice - 11 years as a wedding photographer will do that for you!
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Yes! Team and corporate work has its own page coming soon!
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Most sessions take place within about 20 miles of Chester, covering the Wirral, Chester and west Cheshire. I have regular clients in London and happy to take on sessions further afield by arrangement.
If you’re local I have a list of my favourite shoot locations in Cheshire and the Wirral you can take a look at for inspiration! -
No, brand sessions are all shot digitally. Film is wonderful for family portraits, but for brand photography you want volume and a fast turnaround. Different job, different tool.