Lucy And The Lens

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  • The Subconscious Mind With Mrs Mindset at Mums In Business

    Back in October 2023 I went to a networking event with mums in business, having realised you don’t have to be a mum but a woman in business.

    The talk was with Mrs. Mindset talking about how your subconscious mind affects business without you knowing.

    It was all about how our subconscious minds prevent us from doing the things we need to do to improve our business strategy.
    For example, if we’re worried about failing, our subconscious mind will tell us to give up before we even start.
    Or, if we’re worried about not being good enough, we’ll procrastinate and never get around to taking the necessary steps to improve.
    It’s fascinating stuff, and it really makes you think about how your own subconscious mind might be holding you back in business.
    If you’re not aware of it, it can be a real barrier to success.

    One of the things Gemma did with us is an exercise where we had to use non verbal communication to give yes or no answers to questions another person in the group asked us. It felt very strange as you just want to speak but it makes you more aware of how your subconscious mind reacts.

    The key takeaways from Mrs. Mindset talk are:

    Your subconscious mind is always seeking to protect you from harm and will often set barriers to prevent you taking risks.

    However, you can overcome these barriers by using your willpower to force yourself to take action.

    For example, if you have a fear of dogs like me, you can use your willpower to force yourself to stroke a dog next time you see one and get into a more calm zone. Which I did this morning in a coffee shop that has a resident cocker spaniel.

    Similarly, if you are afraid of public speaking, you can use your willpower to force yourself to give a presentation.

    By using your willpower to overcome your fears, you will slowly but surely break down the barriers your subconscious mind has set.

    So, if you want to achieve your goals, don’t let your subconscious mind hold you back. Use your willpower to take action and overcome your fears!

    Thanks for reading! Your insights on how your subconscious mind might be holding you back in business would be greatly appreciated. So please go give Mrs. Mindset a follow on linkedin or facebook if you want to learn more about how you can break down the barriers and strive for success.

  • How Have You Developed Your Skills As A Photographer?

    How have you developed your skills as a photographer?

    I have developed my skills as a photographer through experimentation, my photography society, masters, workshops, YouTube videos and books.

    Firstly I started off by teaching myself photography through experimentation and trial and error by planning my own shoots before I’d even picked up a book or learnt any techniques and learning how to use all the tools on photoshop.

    Then in 2015 I joined Preston Photographic society where my learning was enhanced through lectures and learning new lighting techniques at portrait evenings.

    My masters taught me how to find my own style as a photographer and it gave me an insight into some shoots in a variety of settings. I’ve attended workshops on how to use different lighting techniques, and I’ve watched YouTube videos on everything from camera gear to post-processing workflow. I’ve also read a number of books on photography, both technical manuals and works by great artists.

    All of this has helped me to develop as a photographer. For example, I learned how to improve my portrait photography after taking workshops with photography session days testing out different types of light and improving my confidence in interacting with models. I was also able to refine my editing skills by following along with tutorials on Photoshop.

    As a result of all of this, I’ve been able to develop my own style as a photographer. I’m now able to take great photos in a variety of settings, and I have a strong understanding of the technical side of photography.

    Ripple effect: Mastering the basic skills of photography makes you a better photographer overall.

    Thanks for following my journey! If you’ve enjoyed seeing my photos and watching my progress, please give this post a like or leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

  • Capturing Emotion In Photography

    Today I’m going to talk about the concept of capturing emotion in photography.

    Emotion is a difficult concept to capture in any art form, but particularly in photography. Images are two-dimensional and can often seem flat and lifeless. Yet, a good photographer knows how to use light, composition and timing to create images that evoke feelings in the viewer.

    One way to capture emotion in photography is through the use of light. Bright, natural light can create a feeling of happiness and vitality, while shadow and darkness can convey a sense of mystery or foreboding. The way light falls on a subject can also create a sense of drama or enhance the feeling of a particular moment.

    Composition is another important tool for evoke emotion in photography. A well-composed image can create a sense of balance and calm, while a more chaotic image can convey a feeling of energy and excitement. Framing a subject in a particular way can also help to emphasize certain emotions – for example, isolating a subject can create a feeling of loneliness or desperation, while including a lot of negative space can convey a sense of peace and solitude.

    Timing is also crucial when trying to capture emotion in photography. Capturing a moment just before or just after a key event can help to convey the feeling of that event, for example, a photograph of a child just before they blow out their birthday candles can convey anticipation and excitement, while a photograph of a couple just after they kiss can convey love and tenderness.

    Help us capture emotion in photography! Like and comment if you think light, composition and timing are key!

  • Creating A Strong Personal Brand as A Photographer

    Here are my thoughts on why it’s important to create a strong personal brand as a photographer.

    A personal brand is the way you present yourself to the world. It is the sum of what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Your personal brand is what sets you apart from everyone else. As a photographer, your personal brand is especially important. In a saturated market, it can be difficult to stand out. Your personal brand is what will make you stand out from the crowd. It is what will make people remember you. Creating a strong personal brand will help you to succeed in your photography career. It will make you more marketable and ultimately, it will help you to make more money.

    In order to do this start creating a strong social media presence. This means regularly posting high-quality content and engaging with your followers. It’s a great way to showcase your work and I find that more clients find me this way than any other way. You should also have a website where you showcase your work and make it easy to navigate.

    Secondly, you need to be active in the photography community. Attend industry events, meetups, and workshops. Get to know other photographers and build relationships. These connections will not only help you grow professionally, but they can also lead to referral business.

    Third, always be marketing yourself. Make sure potential clients know who you are and what you do. Attend networking events, hand out business cards, and connect with people on social media. The more people you reach, the better chance you have of growing your business.

    Creating a strong personal brand is essential for any photographer who wants to be successful. Comment below if you’re working on building your personal brand!

  • You Are Your Own Worst Critic

    Most of us can relate to the feeling of staring at a photo for too long, second-guessing our every move.

    For me, this happened just last night.

    I was trying to pick a photo for a competition, and two hours and 30 images later, I finally made a decision.

    Even then, I found myself acting as my own worst critic.

    In the moment, it can be tough to silence that little voice in your head that’s constantly critiquing your every move. But it’s important to remember that you’re the only one who knows what’s best for you.

    Also with social media, it’s become so easy to compare ourselves to others and to constantly strive for unattainable goals. It’s no wonder that so many of us are our own worst critics.

    But what if we could learn to love ourselves, flaws and all? What if we could be our own biggest fans? It turns out that there are plenty of benefits to being your own worst critic.

    Being your own worst critic can be healthy as it helps you to focus on areas which you need to improve. If you’re constantly putting yourself down, it’s likely that you’ll start to believe it. But if you’re constantly striving to be better, you’re more likely to achieve your goals.

    It can also help to keep you humble. It’s easy to get a big head when you’re constantly being praised by others. But if you’re your own toughest critic, you’re less likely to get caught up in your own ego.

    So trust your gut, and go with your gut instinct. Chances are, it won’t steer you wrong.

    If you’ve ever been in a similar situation, like or comment below!

  • Take Time To Relax

    It’s always good to take the time to relax and have a holiday.

    I do this a few times a year and here are a few reasons why you should too:

    Taking a break from work can help you to relax and recharge, which can in turn lead to increased productivity and motivation when you return to your job.

    Physical health is another reason to consider a vacation. Getting away from your regular routine and spending time outdoors can help to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality and boost your overall fitness.

    And of course, it’s always nice to have a change of scenery! So, whether you’re looking to boost your career, your physical health or your mental wellbeing, taking a holiday could be a great idea.

    So, what are you waiting for? A little break might be just what you need!

    Here’s just a little snippet of how I spent my last trip away:

  • What advice would you give to someone starting their first job as a Photographer?

    The most important thing when starting your first job as a photographer is to just be yourself. People buy from personality so show them what they will get when they choose you and the right people will keep coming back.

    Secondly be professional. This means being punctual, providing the client with what they asked for, being easy to work with, and respecting their wishes. Then make sure you deliver the images in the agreed time frame.

    Thirdly don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re unsure about something, ask the client. It’s better to ask and get it right than to try to wing it and risk making a mistake.

    Next, find a mentor or go to workshops and learn from more experienced photographers. A good mentor/ workshop leader will be able to teach you the ropes, answer your questions, and point you in the right direction when it comes to both the technical and creative aspects of photography. My favourite workshops are photography session days.

    Never be afraid to experiment. Photography is all about trial and error. The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about what works for you and what doesn’t. So go out there and start shooting!

    Take some time to do your research before the day of the job. Look up tips and tricks online, talk to other photographers, and get as much information as you can do you can do the shoot to the best of your ability.

    Finally, be patient. Learning photography takes time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Stick with it, and eventually you’ll start to see your skills improve.

    And that’s it! These are just a few tips to get you started on your photography journey. The most important thing is to have fun and keep on snapping.

    Like or comment if you’re excited to start your photography journey!

  • How do I manage my workflow effectively as a freelance photographer?

    As a freelance photographer, one of the most important things I can do is manage my workflow effectively in order to ensure timely and high-quality photos are sent to my clients .

    This means I have to prioritize my tasks, and stay organized. One way to prioritize my workflow is to break down my projects into smaller tasks, and then tackle the most important or time-sensitive ones first. This can help me to stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.

    Being flexible and adaptable is something that is necessary when maintaining a creative workflow as sometimes things can happen that can’t be planned for.

    Getting regular feedback from other photographers and also those who aren’t photographers is also something that’s beneficial to your productivity as a freelance creative.

    Staying organized is the most important thing when maintaining a efficient workflow. This means having a system for storing and organizing my files, as well as staying on top of my communication with clients is the top priority.

    By following these tips, you can make sure that your workflow is efficient and that you’re able to deliver high-quality work on time.

    Please like or comment if you found this helpful!

  • What is the best way to capture special moments at events?

    What is the best way to approach capturing special moments at events ?

    Some argue that the best way to approach capturing special moments when photographing events is to be as unobtrusive as possible. Others say that it’s best to be upfront and proactive, seeking out those special moments. There is no wrong answer, but there are some things to keep in mind when making your decision.

    If you choose to be unobtrusive, you’ll need to do some research ahead of time. Learn about the event you’ll be photographing and what moments are most important to capture. Then, position yourself in a spot where you’ll be able to get the best angle without being in the way. This may mean arriving early and staking out a spot, or it may mean moving around during the event to get different angles. The key is to be prepared and to know your gear so that you can be as unobtrusive as possible.

    If you choose to be upfront and proactive, you’ll need to be comfortable approaching people and asking them to pose for a photo. This approach works best if you’re already familiar with the people at the event, but it can also work if you’re quick on your feet and good at reading people. The key is to be respectful and to know when to back off. Again, research is important so that you know what moments you should be capturing.

    There is no wrong answer when it comes to capturing special moments at events. It’s all about knowing your gear, being prepared, and being respectful. But whatever you do, make sure you enjoy yourself – because that’s the most important part of any event.

    If you are simply aware of the key moments that are happening, be ready to photograph them. If you talk to people ahead of time, you can find out their expectations for the event and what moments they would like captured. You can also set up a specific photo area at the event.

    Here are a few examples of moments I have captured at events:

  • Collaboration

    Let’s Talk About Collaboration

    Why would anyone want to collaborate.

    To start with you need to find those collaborations that you feel will benefit you. Don’t collaborate with someone who appears on the surface to just be looking for a freebie. As one point of collaboration is that you hope to get some future work out of this person.

    I also like to do collaboration when I want to learn a new style of photography that I’ve never done before. This is offering a free shoot or a couple of free shoots to learn about and understand that photography style.

    Collaboration can be a chance for creativity you can collaborate with makeup artists and stylists to make something extraordinary.

    Additionally, it can lead to new and innovative ideas, as each person brings their own perspective to the table.
    -Furthermore, it can build relationships and foster a sense of community.

    Sometimes it helps to get a fresh perspective on the projects you’re working on so somebody can help you out.

    In short, collaborating can be very beneficial. It can make projects run more smoothly, lead to new and innovative ideas, and build relationships. So next time you’re working on something, consider collaborating with someone else.

    Here are a few of my photos from collaborations I’ve done with muas, models and actresses.