Lucy And The Lens

Category: Advice

  • 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.

  • 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?

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 7 Common Mistakes New Photographers Make

    1. 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.
    2. Ignoring the importance of basic lighting and composition techniques and starting to do advanced techniques without learning the basics.
    3. Not asking others for feedback. Without feedback its difficult to know where you can improve so ask other photographers or mentors whar they think.
    4. 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.
    5. Refusing to take the camera off automatic mode. This limits your creative control and understanding of camera settings.
    6. Not paying attention to the lighting conditions and ruining your images as a result.
    7. 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.

  • Strategies For 2024 Success

    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?

    1. Foundations: Cultivate unshakeable self-belief, a growth mindset, and a healthy money mindset.
    2. Goals: Establish long, medium, and short-term SMART goals, ensuring they are Specific, Measured, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Share and document these goals.
    3. 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.
    4. 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
    • Potential obstacles: Address financial constraints proactively.

    If you resonate with these insights, connect with Anne Gwilliam to elevate your business success in 2024.