The Secret to a Polished Online Presence (Even as a Busy Mum!)

Today, in 3 minutes or less, you’ll learn:  

1. Why I chose to have professional branding photos taken 
2. How you can make the most of a professional photo shoot 
3. How you can save money and still have fantastic photos 

Do you need help creating a professional image for your online business? You're not alone. Many mumpreneurs need help producing high-quality photos for their websites and social media.    

Without eye-catching visuals, your brand might appear amateur, potentially turning away clients and reducing your credibility in the online space. But who has the time or skills to create stunning visuals while juggling family life and a new business?  

I understand this dilemma all too well. When launching my website, I took the plunge and invested in a professional photoshoot. In today's newsletter, I want to share my top tips for this option, including: 

• choosing a photographer. 

• preparing for a photo shoot. 

• making the most of your investment. 

I chose to have some professional photos taken by Bethany Moriarty from Beth Clare Photo, with whom I already had a great relationship as she was our wedding photographer. Bethany is also a branding photographer, and I knew she would be perfect given the high quality of the images published on her Instagram and website.      

Before the photo shoot, I read through all the terms and conditions in the contract Bethany sent me, and I replied with my questions, including: did I need to give Bethany credit when I published the shots; will the photos be ready to use in website formats; and can I make changes later if I have requirements I don't realise now? Next, I emailed some examples of photos I like from websites and socials I follow. I also sent through a page of photos she took that appealed to me. Finally, the day before, I sent photos of the clothing I planned to wear. Based on the examples I had shown her and the backgrounds and props she had in mind, she also suggested clothing to bring.     

I brought props, jewellery, and shoes to match all my clothes on the day. I chose a package for the shoot, including having my hair and makeup done. The hairdresser was in a shop next door to the studio, and the makeup artist came to us.      

The photo shoot was not just a professional experience but a truly fantastic one. I felt so pampered and like a superstar, which we rarely experience in our regular mum-life routines. I also returned to the studio when the photos were ready, and Bethany created a viewing experience complete with chocolate and champagne. It was all so much fun!  

Professional photos are costly, but it has been so worth it. Working with a talented branding photographer was quite an experience, and I was so happy with the images she captured. My website went from 'meh' to 'wow!' it was so much easier to get inspired when creating my website with all the fantastic images I had to upload. The polished look gave me a confidence boost that spilled over into everything I did in my business. I've received so much positive feedback about the branding and aesthetic of my website, which significantly boosted my business credibility.    

While professional photos are an investment, there are ways to make them work for your budget and needs. I could pay for my photos over time, making it much more manageable. You can choose a package with fewer photos and do hair and makeup yourself to help manage the overall cost. You can also shop around and choose a photographer who charges less per image, particularly if they are newer to photography.  

Importantly, they are also not the only option—you could even start with stock images or photos that a friend or partner takes for you with a good camera (or even a good phone camera).    

Remember, you deserve to showcase your business in the best light possible. Let's make it happen!