Lucy And The Lens

Blog

  • My future Vision

    I’m building a photography business that feels like mine. creative, empowering women , and building connection. My goal is to have my own studio, a space that feels warm, calm, and welcoming, where people feel at ease the moment they walk in.

    I focus on portrait work that captures people as they really are, no stiff poses, no pressure, just honest, confident images that make them feel seen.

    Alongside that, I want to create opportunities to teach others through hands-on, 1-1 practical lessons. I want to share what I know in a way that’s approachable and useful, whether someone is picking up a camera for the first time or looking to improve their skills.

    I want to build something meaningful that people love to be a part of.
    But I’m taking it one step at a time.
    Starting with building a client base. If you want to help me build this vision get in touch and we can book a shoot or a practical lesson.

    mibmarathonday24 #studio #myfuturevision

  • What I wish people knew about the photography industry

    Here’s what I wish people knew about my industry:

    People think being a photographer is just about having an observant eye or a fancy camera.

    But here’s the truth:
    I’m not just clicking a button. I’m managing light, building a rapport with my subject, building confidence, calming nerves and creating something where the client goes you’ve really captured me here and sees themselves in a new light.
    Every portrait session is about understanding the person and not just clicking the shutter. I know I say this a lot but it’s the most important thing.

    And behind the scenes?

    Yes, I know how to use my gear. But more importantly?
    I know how to make you feel like you in front of the lens.

    From the second you book, I’m already thinking about how to bring your personality to life, how to pose you without it feeling stiff or rigid, how to style and light you so that you recognize yourself.

    I’m not just a creative, I’m running a business. That means strategy, marketing, editing, scheduling, client care, and still showing up and working hard every single day.

    So no, I’m not just taking pictures.
    I’m doing something far beyond that. I’m telling stories that make memories and I’m helping people see themselves, sometimes for the first time.

    Here’s the truth bomb: A camera doesn’t create connection, I do. It doesn’t matter what the photo looks like if you can’t see the connection in it.

    SmallBusinessTruths #photographyindustry #mibmarathonday23

  • Things I no longer tolerate

    Here’s what I no longer tolerate:

    1. Trying to please everyone, you just can’t. It’s okay if not everybody likes you.
    2. Working with clients or spending time with people who don’t respect my time, value, or creative process.
    3. Saying yes out of guilt or fear of missing out.
    4. Chasing opportunities where I feel drained afterwards.
    5. Accepting little to no energy from people expecting my maximum effort.
    6. Strange comments on social media that require a block.
    7. Having no work life balance.
    8. People sharing others work without giving credit.
    9. Shooting for exposure.
    10. Being talked down to or mansplained.
    11. People assuming it’s just a side hustle.
    12. Pretending that business is perfect when it isn’t always. I want you to see when things don’t work as well as when they do.

    Do you agree with these and could you add any?

    mibmarathonday22

  • Before and after I launched

    Before I launched, I didn’t know what I’d do if I failed.
    I had no plan for the what if it doesn’t work moments. Just fear and doubt.

    After I launched I still don’t have all the answers.

    But now I know where to turn when things feel rubbish.
    I know who’s in my corner, not just when business is booming, but when it’s not.
    When I’m celebrating a win and when I’m wondering if I should just give up on my dream.

    That kind of support? It’s everything.
    It doesn’t make the hard days disappear, but it reminds me I don’t have to face them alone.

    Success isn’t just about having a strategy.
    It’s about having a community.
    People who stick around when you keep failing.
    Who applaud the progress no one else sees.
    Who believe in your vision, even when you temporarily forget it.

    That’s where everything starts to shift.

    mibmarathonday21

  • Before and after I launched

    Before I launched, I didn’t know what I’d do if I failed.
    I had no plan for the what if it doesn’t work moments. Just fear and doubt.

    After I launched I still don’t have all the answers.

    But now I know where to turn when things feel rubbish.
    I know who’s in my corner, not just when business is booming, but when it’s not.
    When I’m celebrating a win and when I’m wondering if I should just give up on my dream.

    That kind of support? It’s everything.
    It doesn’t make the hard days disappear, but it reminds me I don’t have to face them alone.

    Success isn’t just about having a strategy.
    It’s about having a community.
    People who stick around when you keep failing.
    Who applaud the progress no one else sees.
    Who believe in your vision, even when you temporarily forget it.

    That’s where everything starts to shift.

    mibmarathonday21

  • Repost and repurpose

    Today it’s a repost and repurpose day so I’m taking my top three posts from the last 3 months. The first one is my pov of shooting crowded events. For this one I didn’t use a trending Audio I just found one I liked called noise cancelling headphones which is about that overwhelm some people can feel when experiencing things like crowds and other things that give sensory overload. For the second and third post I used trending audio for both. The second one is showing propaganda I’m not falling for as a photographer. The third one is using Audio from the x-factor of Simon cowell saying what do you think I’m going to say to you then no and goodbye. The top left post shows me that if you like an Audio and you think of an idea it doesn’t matter if it’s trending or not. The other two posts show me that it’s okay to use trends to reflect your own business but also not to use trends that use audio you don’t like so you stay true to yourself.

    So let me know if you think you need to use trending audios and adapt them, original audios or a bit of both?

    mibmarathonday20

  • Let’s talk about failure

    I’ve had this post in my drafts for over a month so I’m sharing it today. Let’s start today’s post with a quote “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen” – Winston Churchill

    It’s as important to be able to talk about failure and get through it as it is to talk about success. The 2024/2025 tax year was the year I failed massively as a small business owner and I also tried to find other ways of making income but also failed at those. If you looked on my Instagram or TikTok you’re not going to see that cause I still have lots of content to share because I’m planning ahead and thinking of ideas. This tax year so far I’ve taken on some unrelated work and I’ve photographed a non crowded event. So this year let’s get celebrating the small wins as well as the big ones. Booked for some work that’s a win, got a 10km or a 5km PB that’s a win, upped the weights in the gym that’s a win, Finished a new book that’s a win, Learnt a new skill that’s a win. What are your wins that aren’t usually celebrated?

    mibmarathonday19

  • What I’ve learned so far?

    Here’s what I’ve learned so far by taking part in the MiB Marathon:

    1. Consistency really is the key to engagement and making connections. I’ve noticed this since I started posting a reel each week and I’ve noticed it even more since the 30 day challenge.
    2. Talking directly about your audience’s pain points and desires helps them self-identify and think, “That’s me!”
    3. A clear, warm Call to action encourages action, without being pushy.
    4. Sharing the why behind what you do and not just what you offer helps people connect with your values.
    5. Showing your face on socials as well as your work is really important because people buy into your brand and you are the brand.
    6. You don’t have to show up with perfection all the time you can show the messy parts and people still comment.
    7. It’s okay to show vulnerability and insecurity as well as the good parts of business.
      This is what the MIB Marathon has shown me so far.
      And I’m just getting started.

    mibmarathonday18

  • Do you know anyone who needs to revamp their personal branding?

    Do you know anyone who needs to revamp their personal branding?

    If your current photos feel a bit flat, outdated, or just don’t represent who you are anymore, I’d love to connect. Maybe you’ve been putting off booking a shoot because you’re not confident enough. That’s where I come in.

    I specialize in helping women and creatives become more confident through empowering photography experiences. Together, we’ll create images that reflect not just how you look, but who you are and what you stand for.

    If this sounds like you, or someone you know, I’d love an introduction. Let’s bring that personal brand to life with confidence and clarity.

    mibmarathonday17

  • If you had a magic wand what would your perfect photo session look like?

    Today I’m asking if you had a magic wand what would your perfect photo session look like? Answer in the comments. #mibmarathonday16