Lucy And The Lens

Blog

  • Photo Challenge Friday Week 31: Chair and Week 32: Line From A Song

    Hi I’m Back with my photo challenge Friday Segment. A couple of weeks ago I decided to start doing 52 frames again so I will be participating in their challenges and sharing, what I have created here. The theme for this week is Chair. You can photograph any type of chair. It can be a sofa, a dining chair, a plastic chair a wooden chair or any kind of chair. I have chosen to photograph my reading chair just plain and simple with a blue toned ring light setting to highlight the colour of the chair. Here is the Image I chose for the challenge:

    Here is the rest of the images I took as part of the Challenge but i didn’t choose:

    The Challenge for week 32 is Line from a song so i picked I feel a lavender haze creeping up on me from Lavender Haze by Taylor Swift. Here is the image I chose:

    Here are a few more of the images I took for this challenge:

    If you enjoyed Week 31: Chair and Week 32:Line From A Song stay tuned for week 33: High Noon and week 34: Music If you like what I’ve done here why not Join in with me next week.

  • Business lessons we can learn from Taylor Swifts engagement

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce just announced their engagement, and beyond the fairytale moment, it’s a masterclass in branding and strategy.

    Here’s what entrepreneurs and business owners can learn:

    1. Control your narrative, Taylor didn’t let the tabloids break the news. She shared it on her own terms, with curated visuals and a clever caption. Your business story should come from you, not others.
    2. Timing is everything, The announcement lined up with her new album release. That’s no accident. Align your big news with wider goals for maximum impact.
    3. Create cultural moments, not just content , This wasn’t just an engagement, it became the conversation globally. In business, a well-designed launch or event can ripple far beyond your current audience.
    4. Details build trust, From the vintage-inspired ring to her simple manicure, every detail aligned with her evolving aesthetic. In branding, consistency in the small things creates lasting recognition.
    5. Relatability matters, Their story started with a lighthearted podcast confession, which made the romance feel authentic. Share your struggles, your “
      origin story, not just the highlight reel, that’s what builds connection.
    6. Partnerships multiply reach Swifties + NFL fans = exponential buzz. The right collaboration can open doors to entirely new markets.
    7. Agility wins, Quick, clever responses keep you culturally relevant.

    The takeaway? Taylor’s engagement is more than a love story, it’s a reminder that when you combine storytelling, timing, and strategy, your personal milestones can fuel your professional momentum.

  • To the Silent Watchers, This One’s for You

    You’ve been here.
    Liking, Saving or Reading every post.
    Maybe even thinking, One day, I’ll reach out.

    But here’s the truth: You don’t need more time. You need a decision.

    Because while you’ve been quietly watching, others have been acting.
    They’ve booked or enquired about the shoot.
    They’ve stepped into their power.
    They’ve walked away with branding that finally matches their brilliance.

    And the glow-up?
    Real. Tangible. Profitable.

    So if you’ve been waiting for a sign, let this be it:

    • [ ] You’re allowed to take up space.
    • [ ] You’re ready now.
    • [ ] You won’t be “bothering me” by messaging. You’ll be claiming what’s already yours.

    There’s still time to make your mark this season.
    But you have to start.

    DM me, drop a like below, or comment to book a call.
    Let’s stop watching and start building your brand.

    Your future self is already thanking you.

  • I’m not fully booked yet

    I’m Not Fully Booked (Yet)… But I’m Closer Than I’ve Ever Been

    Can I be honest?

    I’m still not getting as many clients as I’d like.
    There are days when I wonder if all the content, planning, and energy I’m putting in is actually working.

    But what’s changed is me.

    I’m no longer just “posting and hoping.”
    I’m showing up with more intention — creating content that actually speaks to the people I want to work with.
    I’m getting clearer on my message, on my offers, and on who I’m here to serve.

    And the small wins? They’re adding up.

    More DMs and phone calls from people curious about what I do
    More eyes on my work
    More ideas that feel aligned instead of just busy

    It’s not instant. But it’s working.

    Because building a business isn’t just about being fully booked overnight, it’s about building trust, consistency, and momentum over time.

    So if you’re not “there” yet either… that’s okay.
    You’re allowed to be a work-in-progress and proud of how far you’ve come.

    DM me or comment if you’re in this stage too, I’d love to connect with others on the same path.

  • My daily routine

    I start my mornings by grabbing breakfast and then heading to the gym or for a run or both. Then used the rest of the day to focus on work stuff.
    One of my mindset practices is writing in a journal daily. This works because I start with clarity, movement, and mindset (the holy trinity of high performance).
    Daily journaling helps me process my goals, self-doubt, and vision.

    I do not shrink to fit in. I rise to stand out. Here are a few tools I use to help with my workflow.

    1. ChatGPT (for creative brainstorming)
      • Why it matters: Use it as a creative partner for email ideas, sales pages, captions, blog content.
    • [ ] Business tie-in: Saves you hours in content creation, helps you stay visible and valuable consistently.
    • [ ] 2. Adobe photoshop express
      It’s my go-to for:
      • Quick touch-ups on client previews
      • Polished social media content when I’m short on time
      • Creating branded visuals that still feel like me
    1. Pinterest to create mood boards for photoshoots and find inspiration.
      Business tie-in: Helps you co-create with clients visually, boosting their trust and excitement and helping them feel seen.
    2. Edits app for editing my reel content, adding captions and audio to clips. Business tie-in: Keeps my content relevant and dynamic, without needing to spend hours editing in Premiere or Final Cut. I stay on top of things and on brand.
      The only book I sware by is “Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs” by Henry Carroll
      • Why you’ll love it: Short, clear lessons with examples from iconic photographers.
      • Business tie-in: Sharpens your eye so your work stands out naturally.

    Everything I use, from my morning rituals to my go-to creative tools is chosen with intention. It’s all about staying aligned with my values, motivated, and efficient so I can show up fully for my clients and my brand. Whether I’m planning a shoot, creating content, or just working through ideas, I believe in doing it with purpose and power. High performance isn’t just a goal, it’s a daily decision.

  • The most common questions I get asked

    Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, and a few I know you’re thinking but are too shy to ask.

    1. “I’m not photogenic, will I even look good in the photos?”
      You’re not alone, nearly everyone says this at first. My job is to start with a conversation to understand what you want out of the shoot. Then I will guide you with poses, angles, and prompts that feel natural and bring out your best version of yourself. You will look amazing, because you will feel amazing by the time the shoot is done.
    2. “What do I even wear to my shoot?”
      We’ll talk this through together beforehand. You can ultimately choose any outfit you want because your brand is you and people want to see you as you are. I can also help you choose outfits . I just wouldn’t chose a colour that matches your chosen background.
    3. “Can I shoot in my home/office or do I need a fancy studio?”
      You absolutely can shoot in your own space!This can add a real, personal touch to your brand story. But if you’d prefer a studio or styled space, I will organise.
    4. I’m just starting out is this even worth the investment?”
      Yes it’s actually the best time to invest. Strong visuals can set the tone for how people see you from the beginning. You don’t need a huge audience to show up like a pro.

    Got another question? Or ready to feel like that person in front of the camera?
    Comment to find out more about my services.

  • Do you feel invisible online?

  • My Origin Story

    Here’s my origin story.

    1. The Trigger
      I’ve loved photography since childhood, I had one of those little cameras that printed stickers! Years later, stuck in a creatively draining job and still unable to drive, I decided to stop letting limitations hold me back and pursued a Master’s in photography.
    2. The Struggle
      Starting a business just before Covid hit was rough, I lost two years of in-person work but kept creating through Photoshop and FaceTime projects. I’ve also faced ongoing challenges finding consistent work, but building a second income stream has brought more flexibility and stability.
    3. The Turning Point
      I stopped waiting and started creating: DIY shoots, showing up online, and investing in workshops when I needed to grow. That’s when I knew my photography isn’t just about beautiful images, it’s about helping women, creatives, and entrepreneurs see themselves and celebrate their story.
    4. The Transformation
      Now, I work with bold women in business who are ready to feel seen and show up confidently. And I get to do work I genuinely love, creative, purposeful, and fully aligned with my skills.
    5. The Invitation
      If you’re a woman in business ready to be seen, not just show up, let’s talk. I’ve got limited branding shoot slots available in Preston, Manchester, Liverpool, and Chester. DM or comment to grab yours.

  • Debunking the myth that you need to lose weight to book a personal branding shoot

    MYTH: I need to lose weight or get in better shape before I book a personal branding shoot.

    TRUTH:
    Your clients aren’t waiting to see a perfect version of you, they want to see the real you. Confidence comes from showing up for your brand and not your clothes size.

    RESULT:
    When you stop hiding and start showing up as the face of your business, without changing anything you attract the clients that resonate with the real you.

    If you’ve been putting off your branding shoot until you feel ready stop that because you’re ready now. I’m here to guide you to feel confident, seen and empowered as you are. Comment below to find out more about what my shoots offer.

  • Behind the Scenes

    Heres a sneak peek into my world using behind the scenes footage. #bts

  • Want your photos to match the power of your brand?

    It time your photos matched the power of your brand.

    I offer personal branding shoots for Women in business, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are ready to stop hiding from the limelight and show up for their business by helping them to build confidence through empowering photography.

    This helps you to show up with confidence in your brand, attract clients that believe in what you do and build credibility for your website and social media.

    If you’re ready to show up with confidence, send a message or comment below.