The photos I didn’t want to take (but needed to)
If you’re anything like me, the thought of standing in front of a camera probably makes you want to run a mile. I’m an introvert–extrovert mix: I’ll happily jump on Instagram Stories bare-faced, but put me in a studio with a photographer and suddenly I feel completely out of my comfort zone. In my case recently, it was in a co-working space, with people just like me trying to work while I had my photos taken in FULL VIEW of them.
But here’s the thing - brand photography matters.
Back when I ran my shop, I made sure to book photography every year. Not just of the products, but of me, the shop, the little details. At the time it felt indulgent, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made. Those images weren’t just pictures - they became the backbone of my marketing. They told the story of the brand and gave people something real to connect with. One picture would be used in press, social, emails and on the website. Each and every one getting worked hard.
Fast forward to Room 4 Marketing, and the principle is exactly the same. People want to see who they’re working with. They want to know the face behind the advice, the strategy, the services. And good photography makes that connection so much stronger.
Does it feel uncomfortable? Absolutely. Nobody loves posing in front of a camera. But stepping outside that comfort zone pays off in so many ways:
You instantly look more professional.
You build trust faster.
You’ve got a bank of content to use across your website, emails, and socials.
Most importantly, you look like you.
So this year, I booked the shoot. I showed up, did the awkward smiling, and ended up with a set of photos that I genuinely love. Photos that make showing up in my marketing easier, more consistent, and more authentic.
If you’ve been putting off investing in photography for your business, take this as your sign. Book the shoot. Step into the frame. You’ll thank yourself when you see how much easier it becomes to show up and tell your story.
I used and can whole heartedly recommend Martin Bamford (the guy who did my shoot) for your photography needs. He’s based in Surrey. If you need product or remote based photographers for your business - let me know. No gatekeeping here.