In my previous blog, I touched on the idea that supporting a small business does not always have to mean spending money. A like, a share, a comment or a recommendation can all make a real difference. This article feels like a natural follow-on to that conversation, because I want to explore one of those ideas a little further: the power of recommendation.

There is something wonderfully familiar about it too. Long before social media, recommendations often happened in the most ordinary of ways — over the garden fence, across a kitchen table or during a chat with a neighbour. Someone would mention a florist, a tradesperson, a hairdresser or a local café, and just like that, a business might gain a new customer.

That kind of word of mouth still matters today. In fact, I would argue it matters just as much, if not more. Because whilst a recommendation may only take seconds to give, its impact can travel much further than we realise…

Long before social media existed, recommendations happened naturally…

A neighbour would mention a local tradesperson. A friend would pass on the details of a florist. Someone would recommend a restaurant, a hairdresser or a saddler over a cup of tea.

Businesses grew through trust and reputation.

In many ways, very little has changed. The only difference is that today’s word of mouth often happens online.

• A tag in a social media post.
• A comment recommending a service.
• A testimonial on a website.
• A quick mention in a Facebook group.
• A share of someone’s work.
• These are todays equivalents of those conversations people used to have over garden fences, or down the pub.

And they still matter. Perhaps now more than ever?

Thank you for reading – and naturally, I hope you picked up on those links to those who feature in this article 😉

Wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead.

Rachel x

Join my world – Become a part of my community of small businesses and entreprenuers, all seeking fuss free support with their photography needs.  Head to the sign up page for my monthly newsletter and become part of a growing community.  

There’s something I see on social media almost daily that always makes me smile a little… and wince a little at the same time.

A small business posts a beautiful image on Instagram or Facebook. The caption talks warmly about supporting small businesses. Perhaps it encourages people to shop local, spread the word, share the love… Like, comment etc etc

And yet quietly sitting in the corner of that post, entirely anonymous, is the photographer who created the image in the first place.

Like a ghost with a camera…

Now before anybody panics – this is not me dramatically throwing my lens cap to the floor demanding recognition at every turn!!  Most brand photographers I know, myself included, don’t insist clients must tag us every single time an image is used or even mention this within a contract. We’re not sat refreshing Instagram muttering, “Where’s my mention, Geraldine?”

But… it is a genuinely lovely thing when it happens.

Because here’s the thing many people forget about photography for business… the images don’t simply appear by magic.

Behind them is usually:

• planning
• editing
• styling guidance
• reassurance
• problem solving
• and often someone lying half in a hedge trying to get “the shot”

(An occupational hazard, frankly that many of you will have been witness too over the years)

When you tag your photographer in a post, you’re not just crediting a supplier. You’re extending the same small business support we all talk so passionately about online.

And honestly? It matters more than people realise.

Wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead.

Rachel x

Join my world – Become a part of my community of small businesses and entreprenuers, all seeking fuss free support with their photography needs.  Head to the sign up page for my monthly newsletter and become part of a growing community.  

If there’s one piece of advice I find myself giving over and over again, it’s this: don’t wait for perfect.

In the second part of this series (if you didn’t read the first one, you’ll find it here to read) I’m going to help you see the power of ‘here and now’.

So many brilliant business ideas gather dust while their owners wait for the stars to align, maybe waiting for the right haircut, or for spring flowers to bloom, or for a ‘better’ version of their website to be finished. But the truth is, your audience isn’t looking for perfect.

They’re looking for you.

They want to see your enthusiasm, your energy, your genuine expertise. They want to trust that you can help them. And that connection starts when you show up… exactly as you are, right now.

Brand photography helps you do just that. It gives you a ready-to-go collection of images that you can use instantly, across every platform, to build interest, buzz and confidence around your launch.

And once you’ve got those visuals in your back pocket, you’ll find it so much easier to move forward; no more waiting, no more hesitation, no more hiding behind the “just one more thing” excuse.

Wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead.

Rachel x

Join my world – Become a part of my community of small businesses and entreprenuers, all seeking fuss free support with their photography needs.  Head to the sign up page for my monthly newsletter and become part of a growing community.  

When I first met Clare in the spring of 2025, it was clear she had poured her heart into Evermore Pet Cremation – a service born from love, understanding, and personal experience.

After losing her own beloved dog, Clare recognised there was little locally to support people through those tender final moments. She wanted to offer others what she’d wished for herself – a calm, dignified way to say goodbye, and a hand to hold through it all.

Evermore Pet Cremation was created to give families the opportunity to farewell their pets in a caring, compassionate way – with the same level of empathy and respect we’d expect when losing a human loved one. From the first moment you speak with Clare, her quiet nature and depth of care put you at ease. Nothing feels rushed. Every detail is handled thoughtfully.

When Clare and I planned her brand photography, she was clear she didn’t want an abundance of images – she wanted a collection that spoke honestly about who she is and what she offers.  It was important to Clare to capture her caring, supportive side without losing her genuine character. Our aim was to help people see the warmth and sincerity behind Evermore.

One of our locations away from her office, was a peaceful woodland filled with bluebells and wild garlic, where the natural beauty mirrored the sense of calm Clare brings to her work. Another setting showed her at her facility, set within a secluded wooded spod, gently supporting someone learning about the cremation process, memorials and keepsakes; the quiet compassion that’s at the heart of Evermore.

The result is a collection of images that speak softly but powerfully: an honest reflection of Clare’s approach.

Her website, evermorepetcremation.co.uk, shares this message beautifully:

“We know how hard it is to lose a beloved companion. Evermore will make the process as gentle and comforting as possible. We’re here to help you create a meaningful farewell that reflects the special place your companion holds in your heart.”

I think that line sums it up perfectly.

Evermore Pet Cremation isn’t just a service – it’s a space for remembrance, for gratitude, for love that continues long after goodbye…

Working with Clare on Evermore Pet Cremation has been a genuine pleasure. I’ve loved supporting her as she’s brought this thoughtful new venture to life,  and I’ve learned so much along the way about the care, empathy and quiet strength that underpin everything she does.

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here.

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here

There’s something thrilling about a new launch, isn’t there? That heady mix of excitement and mild panic; a to-do list that somehow grows instead of shrinks; the endless tweaking of ideas, words and visuals until it all feels just right. But here’s the catch: many business owners get so caught up in making things perfect that they end up losing momentum altogether.

The outfit isn’t quite right. The hair isn’t behaving. The new office wall still needs painting. And before you know it, the ‘launch’ has been quietly nudged back a few more weeks.

Sound familiar?

Brand photography isn’t a luxury for “someday” when your business is more polished; it’s a tool that helps get you that next level, sooner.

Keep your eyes peeled for part two of this topic….

Wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead.

Rachel x

Join my world – Become a part of my community of small businesses and entreprenuers, all seeking fuss free support with their photography needs.  Head to the sign up page for my monthly newsletter and become part of a growing community.  

Do you know who your ideal customer is?

I was asked this recently, and my answer came easily. Yes, because my ideal client looked very much like me when I first started out. Those early days of running a business can be exciting, but also overwhelming. You know what you want to create, but working out how to show it to the world feels daunting…

Looking back to when I first started out as a brand photographer in 2016 after nearly 5 as an equestrian photographer, I can see that I was finding my way, building something piece by piece, without necessarily having the words or confidence to call it a brand.

That is why this question matters so much. Do you know who your ideal customer really is? Because once you do, it changes how you show up, what you create, and how you are seen.

Photography plays a big part in that. It is not just about creating professional looking images, it is about creating a sense of recognition. When your ideal customer sees your photos, they should feel something familiar. They should think, “this speaks to me.”

If you take the time to know who you are speaking to, your photography can:

• reflect their personality and values
• show your brand in a way that feels natural and honest
• build trust through consistency and clarity

So let me leave you with a gentle challenge. Picture your ideal customer, the person you most want to work with. Then look at your website or your social media. Do your images reflect them? Do they tell the story in a way that makes that person feel welcome and understood?

Join my world – Become a part of my community of small businesses and entreprenuers, all seeking fuss free support with their photography needs. Head to the sign up page for my monthly newsletter and become part of a growing community.

If there’s one phrase that comes up most often after I photograph an event, it’s this:

“I didn’t even notice you were there!”

And to me, that’s the best compliment.

Because when I’m photographing a brand-led event, whether it’s a creative workshop, a product launch, a client gathering or a retreat, my role is not to be centre stage. It’s to quietly observe. To blend into the background. To support the energy of the space without interrupting the flow.

But here’s the thing: that doesn’t mean I’m not doing anything.

In fact, long before your event starts, we’ve already discussed what’s important.

You’ve shared your goals, your brand tone, the key moments you’d love captured and the kind of images you’re hoping to walk away with. I arrive with your brief quietly tucked into my back pocket (figuratively, usually), and from the moment your guests begin to arrive, I’m gently capturing what we agreed, without you needing to think twice about it.

You’re free to host.
To greet people at the door.
To connect with clients or collaborators.
To take a breath, knowing it’s all in hand.

I’m there for the realness:
• The quiet concentration as someone writes notes
• The sparkle of laughter shared over coffee
• The textures of your table styling or product set-up
• The glow of candlelight at golden hour
• The natural, unposed images that tell the story of what you created

There’s no shout of “look this way!”
No interruption of the moment.

Just a calm presence, tuned into your brand and quietly working in the background to build a gallery of images that will serve you well long after the chairs are stacked and the lights go off.

So if you’re planning an event and want beautiful, meaningful imagery that reflects your business at its most real and most resonant, without having to micromanage your photographer, I might just be your person.

You bring the vision. I’ll quietly capture it….

Wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead.

Rachel x

Join my world – Become a part of my community of small businesses and entreprenuers, all seeking fuss free support with their photography needs. Head to the sign up page for my monthly newsletter and become part of a growing community.

Let’s talk about some of the quiet little thoughts that hold people back from booking a brand shoot. The sort that whisper:

“Maybe it’s not for me… maybe I’ll do it later… maybe I’m not the kind of business that needs this.”

I hear these hesitations/dithers often, and not from people who are doing anything wrong either! They’re just being human! Running a business, juggling All-The-Things, and quietly wondering if they need to be glossier / braver / thinner / clearer / more professional-looking before they deserve great photos.

So here are a few myths I’d like to gently but firmly shatter….

Truth:
Confidence actually often follows the shoot — not the other way round.
So many of my clients arrive feeling unsure and leave feeling proud with a dirty great smile on their faces. When you see yourself doing what you love, through a thoughtful lens, something shifts.

Truth:
You don’t need to be. That’s not your job really.
You need to be yourself, and I’ll help with the rest. I’ll be there guiding you, putting you at ease, helping you feel like you’re just having a relaxed, happy chat.

Truth:
If you are the business — service provider, maker, therapist, coach, creative — then showing up as yourself helps people connect and trust you.
This isn’t about glamour shots at all. It’s about showing who the “Everyday You” is behind the magic you personally create.

Truth:
If you’re showing up online, brand photography is one of the most practical tools you can invest in.
You’ll use it for your website, social media, marketing, launches, emails, printed material… all the things you’re doing anyway — just with visuals that truly feel like you.

Truth:
There’s a difference between a photo and a strategy.
A professional shoot gives you a cohesive, story-driven set of visuals you can use again and again — not just ‘one decent photo’.

Wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead.

Rachel x

Join my world – Become a part of my community of small businesses and entreprenuers, all seeking fuss free support with their photography needs.  Head to the sign up page for my monthly newsletter and become part of a growing community.  

Rosie Jackson – where do I even begin?

For starters, this woman has got your back in life. Genuinely. Rosie wants you to succeed – in business, in life, and in looking after your body along the way.

She calls it: “Helping you get in the shape of your life – for life.”

And that right there sums her up. It’s not about dieting, it’s not about chasing a number on the scales. It’s about your life. Your future. Feeling strong in the body you live in.

I’ve known Rosie for around seven years. She breezed into my world one summer via a mutual friend and, well, she’s been in it ever since – as a friend, a client, and an all-round good egg. She’s full of life, energy and no-nonsense methods to help you regain – or even retrain – your body.

We recently got together for her third shoot with me, which I absolutely love. Not just because it means she sees the value in investing in her business photography, but also because she chooses to keep working with me. That’s not something I ever take for granted.

Rosie always comes to the table knowing exactly what she wants (and what she doesn’t). She drops me her ideas in her lovely, straight-talking way – then leaves me to come up with a plan while she dashes off to organise something else. Well, almost!

Truth is, she’s incredibly organised – queen of the checklist on shoot day – but she also trusts the process. Once she’s decided it’s time to refresh her image library, she lets me get on with it.

This time, the aim was to update her fitness image bank, but also to capture some food and meal prep shots she could use across her social channels too.

Rosie is a fitness instructor – yes – but she’s also a brilliant educator. No jargon. No fads. No magic potions. Just straightforward, honest advice paired with achievable physical training plans.

She’s about to launch a new programme, which is focused on long-term health and weight loss – especially for women navigating midlife, menopause and beyond. Honestly, if there’s anything Rosie doesn’t know about this stage of life, it’s probably not worth knowing.

Her programme goes beyond workouts – it looks at your individual needs, your habits, your relationship with food, and it helps you put together a plan that works for your body now, and for the years to come.

What makes her really inspiring is that she came to all of this later in life. She gave herself the nudge she needed to change her own habits, lose weight and become stronger, then trained as a PT so she could help others do the same.

These days you’ll find her running fitness classes on Lyme Regis beach, in village halls around Dorset and Devon, and offering one-to-one sessions in the comfort of your own home. Her energy is infectious – and her advice is rooted in kindness and common sense.

I love working with Rosie – she’s great fun, never takes herself too seriously, and completely gets how photography can support her mission.

If you’re looking for someone who genuinely wants to help you feel stronger, healthier and more confident in your own skin – Rosie’s your woman.

You’ll find links to her socials below, so go give her a follow – your future self will thank you for it.

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here.

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here

I met Tara through a networking space based in Somerset, and straight away realised this was a lady with a strong passion for what she offers through her brand – Fabric Sewn Beautiful.  A few months later Tara approached me about a shoot, terrified at the propect but 100% hell bent on stepping out of her comfort zone in order to put her brand in a better position.  I was honoured to support her with her request.

I’m always thrilled when people have the courage to move forward in this way, making contact with a photographer is always the biggest step as far as I’m concerned!

So let’s take a peek at Fabric Sewn Beautiful 

Tara’s sewing story started with what felt like a really simple request from her daughter – to make a doll with her name on it.  You can probably hear her daughters words now, said in the incredible matter of fact way that left her in no doubt that her mummy would deliver, because mummy always does.  The request left Tara fumbling though as she’d never sewn a single stitch in her life!

And so began her sewing journey.

Fast forward to today and Tara has launched Fabric Sewn Beautiful and with it a range of personalised lavender filled keepsake gifts.  She has a passion for sustainability and so sources her eco friendly fabrics locally and uses as much sustainable packaging as she can in order to help promote kindess to our planet and giving her children a positive statement too.

Tara says “At Fabric Sewn Beautiful, I believe a gift should have a purpose – it should be an experience, a connection, and a lasting memory. These gifts are not only cherished because they are handmade, but because they bring comfort where it’s needed most. A hug in a box to remind someone they are thought of, a dream pillow to ease backache, a small personalised heart to soothe restless nights – every piece has its heartfelt purpose”.  

Isn’t that lovely?

New for 2025 are a fabulous range of creative workshops.  

From offering Revive & Remember workshops in Care Homes that are designed to gently awaken creativity & cherished memories through the simple, mindful act of stitching. Residents are guided in creating a handmade lavender gift with calming scents that encourage reminiscence and relaxation.  They are also given Seasonal Gifting opportunities with Tara where they can pick gifts made specifically for loved ones from the comfort of their surroundings, a service that enables them independence too. 

At Home workshops that work as perfectly for a Hen-Do as they do a quiet night in for yourself or a group of friends all and there’s also Mindful Team Building and Corporate Appreciation gifting options to consider too.  Courses can be tailored to suit the needs of her clients and Tara welcomes all to get in touch if they have something specific in mind.

Watch Tara work with a group of non-sewing ladies create something of their very own during our time together was hugely rewarding for me.  Her easy, joyful approach to guiding you through a process was infectious.  I so nearly put down my camera and picked up a needle and thread!

Thanks for reading, don’t forget you can find more customer stories by visiting the ‘Client Stories’ section of my blog here. 

Rachel x

PS… if you have a brand product or service that you would love to show the world about, then drop me a message here