Today is my 100th post so Let’s do a little reintroduction for those that are new here. I’m Lucy, portrait photographer, fencer and the face behind Lucy and the Lens. This space is where I share my portrait, personal branding photography and travel adventures through photography. Whether that’s images I’ve taken or behind the scenes content and photography and business related posts. I believe that a picture tells a million stories and I love to capture those memories. Been around a while? Drop your favourite shoot I’ve posted. #junepostingchallenge #mibmarathonday1
Ten years ago today, I graduated with a BA in Media from Leeds Trinity University. Now, I’d like to reflect on what I’ve accomplished in the past decade. Here are some of my achievements and highlights.
During my studies, I developed a keen interest in photography, particularly fashion photography, which became the focus of my final project. This passion led me to enroll in a ten-week introductory photography course in 2015, after acquiring my first DSLR. I transitioned to mirrorless photography in 2021.
In June 2015, I joined the Preston Photographic Society, which significantly advanced my portrait photography skills and introduced me to various photography styles.
In 2016, I launched my photography website, www.lucyandthelens.com, and my Instagram account, @lucyandthelens, to showcase my work. While I only started creating Instagram reels in 2022, I strive to post new content weekly.
Joining the Preston Photographic Society encouraged me to participate in competitions and exhibitions. One notable exhibition was at the Harris Museum, where some of my photos were displayed digitally. I also have been part of the ongoing exhibits at Winckley Street Ale House, the lockdown exhibit and an exhibit we were asked to do by the council about a Victorian fair.
Here are a few of my photos that have been exhibited or placed in the top three in competitions:
In 2018, I returned to academia to pursue a master’s degree in photography at the University of Central Lancashire, which I completed in 2019. During my master’s program, we held exhibitions, including one focused on the Anthropocene and another final exhibition where I displayed three pieces of Sophie and a photo book on identity and performativity.
Over the past decade, I have been published in two magazines. My photo of Anna, titled “Ice Queen,” appeared in the Christmas issue of Through the Lens Magazine and remains one of my favorite shoots. I also had a set of photos of Katie published in Beautica Magazine, taken at a Lensor Creative event.
During the two years of lockdown, I found myself at my most creative. I revisited familiar places, capturing them in different seasons, and engaged in numerous Photoshop projects and FaceTime photo shoots. This period also saw my highest social media engagement.
One of my proudest moments came in 2019 when I was invited to photograph Cheshire Fashion Week through Instagram. I enjoy returning each year to work with both new and familiar models.
Another significant achievement was being invited to photograph the Mayor’s Ball in Preston in 2023, an opportunity extended to me by the then-mayor. For those who may not know, the mayoral office changes hands every 12 months.
A highlight of my career has been undertaking creative shoots for clients, such as EP covers for Sophie. These projects allow me to explore and push creative boundaries.
Believing that having the latest gear will improve skills. You don’t need an expensive camera to take great images. I’ve taken some of my best images on an Iphone.
Ignoring the importance of basic lighting and composition techniques and starting to do advanced techniques without learning the basics.
Not asking others for feedback. Without feedback its difficult to know where you can improve so ask other photographers or mentors whar they think.
Underestimating the importance of practicing and honing down your skills as you won’t learn how to take the best photos overnight. Perseverance is the key to improving.
Refusing to take the camera off automatic mode. This limits your creative control and understanding of camera settings.
Not paying attention to the lighting conditions and ruining your images as a result.
Not Editing your work. Results in dull or unfinished images. This is only acceptable for an event where you need a quick turnaround.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve made any of these mistakes or what you would add to this list.
Back In December, I attended a masterclass with Anne Gwilliam delving into strategies for success in 2024. Here are my key takeaways:
While it might seem optional, having a business strategy is crucial for success. Despite the challenges of 2023, Anne Gwilliam emphasized that being unprepared is a significant reason for business failures. I believe solid research, effective marketing, and authenticity are key components.
So, what’s essential for success in 2024?
Foundations: Cultivate unshakeable self-belief, a growth mindset, and a healthy money mindset.
Goals: Establish long, medium, and short-term SMART goals, ensuring they are Specific, Measured, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Share and document these goals.
Strategy and Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan with a mission, vision, and values. Identify problems and solutions for your clients. Conduct market, customer, and competitor research. Outline processes, services, financials, and your unique selling proposition. Prioritize pricing and profitability, and have robust sales and marketing strategies.
Action and Accountability: Emphasize that action is always better than inaction. Break down your plan into actionable steps and hold yourself accountable, or enlist someone else for accountability.
When setting goals, consider what’s important to you, your values, vision for the future, dreams, and the desired look of your life.
My Massive Life Goals:
Own a studio
Enjoy luxurious holidays
Own a house
Achieve financial stability
Conduct 3-6 shoots per week
Business Goals:
5-year goals: Own a studio, potentially teach others
3-year goals: Own a studio
1-year goals: Consistently conduct 3-6 shoots per week
Monthly goals: Secure a minimum of 3 clients in January
Weekly and daily targets: Innovate ways to attract new customers
If your a creative. You need to find yourself a group of people to connect and create content with just like I did with Content Creation Girlies back in January.
Today is my 100th article on this website so I’m going to post about 10 ways to start off everyday in 2024 the right way as a Photographer.
Set Clear Goals: Define your professional objectives for the year, whether it’s expanding your client base, mastering new photography techniques, or achieving financial milestones. For me I want to expand my client base this year and to have more stability in work.
Update Your Portfolio: Is your portfolio looking like you haven’t revamped it in months. Why not add more recent images on your website to showcase your work in the best light.
Networking is Key: I absolutely loved networking with other photographers, CWS creatives, Co work society one and mum’s In business though I’m not a mum myself and I want to bring more of this into the new year.
Refine Your Branding: Ensure your brand identity is consistent across all platforms. This includes your logo, website design, and social media profiles. A cohesive brand builds trust.
Stay Updated on Trends: I love checking trending reels on Instagram, videos on Tik tok and planning my content around them and also trying to revamp the trends where possible to fit with my brand.
Time Management: Establish a clear schedule to balance work and personal life. Efficient time management enhances productivity and prevents burnout.
Invest in Education: Continue learning and improving my skills. I am Definetly going to participate in more workshops and read lots more photography books this year.
Financial Planning: Develop a budget and pricing strategy. Ensure you are pricing your services competitively while covering your costs and allowing for business growth.
Social Media Strategy: Consistent, quality content is key and I’m going to keep being consistent through 2024.
Client Relationships: This year is all about building on new and existing client relationships. Plan shoot, send photos, follow up.
Excited to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into my recent work. I’ve been working with Sophie Adamson music on creating striking single covers for her first EP.
Each image tells a unique story, reflecting the music’s mood and energy. It’s a wonderful journey translating sound into visuals. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the visual identity of this musical endeavor.
Here is some of the images from one of the singles Fairytales. You can listen to her first 3 singles on Apple Music and Spotify and the next single will be released in Summer 2024.
Back In November, I attended a captivating talk by Carly-Soulful Strategy on aligning brand strategy, with moms in business.
Selecting clients who resonate with your brand is pivotal.
It’s crucial to heed your inner voice and silence those who doubt your capabilities.
Crafting and sharing your brand story not only imparts insight but also fosters intrigue around your business.
During the session, Carly encouraged us to pinpoint values aligning with our brand and narrow them down to a core five.
My selections:
Creativity: Constantly generating fresh ideas for capturing people and concepts.
Connection: Actively engaging in numerous networking events to build meaningful connections.
Equality: Providing services fairly and ensuring accessibility to everyone.
Motivation: Thriving on high motivation, allowing for exceptional productivity when focused.
Uniqueness: Embracing individuality, as I believe authenticity is a cornerstone in business.
Creativity emerged as my top value, given its central role in my work as a photographer.
I’m curious to learn about your brand values. If you’re eager to delve deeper into aligning your brand, Carly is an excellent resource. You can find some of her resources at www.carlycowell.com.
Ever since October’s networking event with Mrs. Mindset at mums in business I’ve had the affirmation card on my desk that reads, “I have the power to choose…” (how I live my life).
I’m wondering if anyone uses weekly affirmations, and if so, whether they find them helpful. For me, affirmations are a way to focus my mindset on what I want to achieve. It felt good to have this on my desk for a week and I tried to keep this weeks affirmation in mind as I went about my business. I found that it helped me to stay positive and motivated, even when things were challenging.
Do you have any good affirmations that you use regularly? I’d love to hear them!
“I have the power to choose…” What positive affirmations do you use to keep your mindset focused on what you want to achieve? Share them with us in the comments!
