A Different Side of the Lens: My Brand Shoot with Barbara

As most of you know, my usual environment is a racetrack, cars roaring, tyres squealing, and my camera pressed firmly against my face, capturing the drama of motorsport. But recently, I swapped petrol fumes for a personal brand shoot when I had the chance to work with Barbara, an incredible professional corporate and portrait photographer.

Now, if you’ve ever met Barbara, you’ll know she has this calm, confident energy that immediately makes you feel like you’re in safe hands. And honestly? I needed that. Being the one in front of the lens isn’t exactly my comfort zone. I’m so used to being the person directing, framing, and shooting, that relaxing and letting someone else take control felt… odd at first. But thanks to Barbara’s guidance (and patience!), I settled in, loosened up, and actually had a lot of fun

Professional respect across different niches

What struck me most about the shoot was how different our niches are. Barbara is all about capturing people at their best, while I’m chasing motion, light, and machines in fast-paced, often unpredictable environments. Yet, despite those differences, the underlying skills and respect are the same. We both understand the importance of timing, of putting people (or cars!) at ease, and of capturing the essence of a moment. Working with Barbara reminded me how much variety and talent exist in photography, and how we can learn so much from each other when we collaborate.

Why headshots matter (and why you shouldn’t put them off!)

One of the key things Barbara specialises in is professional headshots, something every business owner, freelancer, or professional really should invest in. Think about it: your headshot is often the first impression people have of you. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your website, or even an event programme, that photo speaks volumes before you even get to say a word. It’s about looking approachable, trustworthy, and confident. And trust me, it’s worth having a photographer like Barbara who knows exactly how to bring that out of you.

Adding Liz to the mix

To make the day even more special, Liz (my mum and business partner at Escape the Village) joined in for some joint photos too. Since we work together on many projects and joint ventures, having those professional shots of us together feels like a brilliant way to showcase our collaboration. Plus, it was nice to capture something that reflects not just business, but family, too.

Stepping outside my comfort zone

I’ll be honest, I went into this shoot a little nervous. But walking away, I felt inspired, confident, and strangely refreshed. Being in front of the camera gave me a new perspective on what my clients feel when I’m photographing them, that moment of vulnerability before the trust and fun kick in. It’s made me even more mindful about how important it is to put people at ease in my own photography, no matter the subject.

So, thank you, Barbara, for making me feel comfortable, for showing me the importance of slowing down and enjoying a portrait session, and for capturing me in a completely different light (literally). And to anyone out there still using a cropped holiday snap as your LinkedIn photo, take this as your sign. Book the headshot. Trust the professional. It’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your business.