The Business of Personal Brand Photography

Is the idea of jumping back into your business after a break feeling heavier than it used to? Are you tired of making the same decisions over and over, or feeling like you’re always reacting instead of leading? I’ve been there, and I know it’s not about being unmotivated - it’s about wanting more from your business. In this episode, I talk about the shift from winging it to building a business with structure and clarity. I’ll share how branding (yes, your own!) can help you attract better clients, have easier conversations, and stop reinventing the wheel every season. If you’re ready to move from hustle to harmony, and from being hired for a job to being chosen for your brand, tune in!Main topics covered:- Why “winging it” stops working- The difference between jobs and brand relationships- How structure supports creativity- Steps to get clarity and momentumLINKS :Learn more about learning inside of Academy HEREWanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with moi? Book HERE

Why So Much Good Work Never Gets Seen? Why We Always Think We’re Not Ready Yet?Ever find yourself waiting for the “right” moment to put your work out there?Maybe you’re tweaking your website for the hundredth time, or perfecting your offer until it’s just so.I get it—I've been there too!But here’s the honest truth: there’s no magic moment when you’ll suddenly feel ready.In this episode, I share stories from my portrait studio days and the countless women who wished they’d stepped in front of the camera sooner.Are you holding back, waiting for confidence or clarity to arrive?What if the version of you right now is already enough?Let’s talk about why marketing isn’t about perfection, but about presence and connection.I’ll gently challenge you to stop hiding your beautiful work and start letting your audience in—even if it feels a bit scary.Remember, you’re allowed to evolve publicly and make mistakes along the way. The world needs to see what you do, just as it is.Main topics covered:- The myth of “readiness” in business- Why waiting for perfection keeps you invisible- The difference between urgent and non-urgent photography- How to build confidence by showing up- Embracing imperfection and evolving in publicLINKS :If you're ready to turn this reflection into a clear, practical plan, join my live - Your 2026 Photography Business Plan Workshop.Save your seat HERELearn more about learning inside of Academy HEREWanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with moi? Book HERE

Join Free Workshop 13/14 January HERE2026. Less Chaos. More Direction.The end of the year can leave us wired, reactive, and carrying more ideas than clarity.And then the holidays happen.Space.Breathing room.A chance to step back and remember what actually matters.In this episode, I invite you into a quieter way of starting the year - one that’s less about pushing forward and more about choosing your direction with intention.This isn’t a conversation about doing more.It’s about deciding who you want to serve, what kind of energy you want flowing through your work, and how focus can create freedom rather than limitation.If you’ve ever felt pulled between genres, overwhelmed by marketing noise, or tired of feeling like you’re always reacting instead of leading - this episode will feel familiar.I also am sharing the same planning framework I use with her students - designed to help photographers simplify, refocus, and create a year that feels sustainable on paper and in real life.If you’re craving a calmer start to 2026, this episode is for you.

Ever feel like you’re blending into a sea of sameness, scrolling through Instagram and wondering what makes you stand out as a photographer? Are you struggling to pinpoint your unique magic, or maybe you’re not sure how to communicate it to your clients? In this episode, I dive into the idea that your personal brand is a lot like your love language—deeply personal, authentic, and the real reason clients come back for more. I share my own journey of discovering my “special sauce” and how I weave it into every client experience, from the way I connect on shoots to the little thoughtful touches that make people feel seen and cared for. If you’re tired of trying to look like everyone else and ready to embrace what makes you, YOU, this episode is for you.

Ever felt like you’re drowning in work, missing out on family moments, and wondering if you’ll ever get your business-life balance right? Or maybe you’re stuck in that guilt spiral—should you be editing, or should you be playing with your kids? I’ve been there, and in this episode, we dig deep into the real struggles photographers face, especially when you are also juggling the needs of family. My guest, Johl Dunn shares how shifting mindset—not just business tactics—transformed his life, and how setting boundaries (and sticking to them!) can actually make clients respect you more. We talk about the courage it takes to raise your prices, the power of community, and why you need to stop waiting for confidence and just take that first step. If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure about your worth, this episode is for you.Main topics covered:- Mindset shifts for photographers- Managing guilt and work-life balance- Setting boundaries with clients- Pricing and self-worth- The importance of community and mentorshipJoin us for a FREE live workshop with Johl Dunn and Paula Brennan to learn simple mindset shifts and marketing strategies that help photographers cut through the chaos and get more bookings with less burnout.Wednesday 8th October, 6:00 AM AEST, on Zoom.Limited Time Replay available.Find out more and sign up at: https://www.paulabrennaneducation.com/free

Are you feeling stuck, like your business has lost momentum, or maybe you're questioning if you're the problem?I see you, and you're definitely not alone. So many photographers are feeling the pinch right now, especially in the luxury family and boudoir markets. In this episode, I get real about what's happening in our industry and why it's not your fault. The world has changed, and so have our clients' priorities. I'll share some honest, actionable ideas to help you shift with the market—without losing your passion or your sanity. We'll talk about offering digital-only packages, blending family and business sessions, and how a little diversification can open up new streams of income.Plus, I'll remind you that it's okay to ask for help and that your business isn't stuck forever—it's just evolving.Main topics covered:- Current challenges in portrait photography- Emotional impact of market changes- Creative sales strategies for tough times- Combining personal and business branding- Embracing change and seeking support

Ever felt like the photography industry is changing faster than you can keep up? Or maybe you’re wondering if personal brand photography is really a sustainable path, especially when everyone’s talking about AI, economic downturns, and “the death of photography”? I get it—these are the questions that keep us up at night, especially when you’re trying to build a business that feels both creative and secure.In this episode, I chat with the wonderful Sarah Morgan, a portrait and brand photographer from San Diego who’s seen it all—from shooting weddings on film in the 80s to navigating the digital revolution and now thriving in the world of personal branding. We dig into the real challenges of shifting genres, pricing your work with confidence, and how to create an experience that clients rave about (even when things go sideways on shoot day). Sarah shares her honest journey, including the moments she was sweating bricks and the lessons she’s learned about rolling with the punches and building trust with clients.If you’ve ever wondered how to weather industry storms, find your niche, or just want to hear how another photographer has made personal branding work for her lifestyle (hello, no more schlepping gear to the beach at sunset!), this episode is for you. We also talk about the power of automation, why ongoing learning matters, and how to create a collaborative, creative process that lights you up.Main topics covered:- Navigating industry changes and economic downturns- Transitioning from weddings/families to personal brand photography- Building client trust and handling shoot-day curveballs- Pricing strategies and confidence- The impact of automation and ongoing education

Feeling a little behind?Like you’ve been working hard behind the scenes… but not showing up as much as you “should”?Same. And you’re not alone.This episode is a soft, honest reminder that your value isn’t measured by how visible you are.If you’ve been building quietly, holding everything together, or just doing your best with what you’ve got — this one’s for you.Learn More in PBE Academy - CLICK HERE

 Have you ever lowered your prices in an attempt to stay competitive? While this may seem like the right move, it can actually be detrimental to your business. Too often, photographers undercharge due to fear or self-doubt, but this can damage your professional reputation.In this episode, I dive into:Why charging too little can make your business seem unprofessionalHow underpricing impacts your brand imageThe common pitfalls of low pricing and how to avoid themHow to confidently price your work to reflect its true valuePricing is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a photographer, yet it's also the most challenging.  So if you've ever felt like you're not charging enough for your photography, or if you're worried about pricing yourself out of the market, this episode is for you. LINKS : Learn more about learning inside of Academy HERE Wanna get a one-on-one FREE strategy call with moi? Book HERE

“I wish I found you before I bought that course,” It’s a shame when I hear this from others in my industry but it can be the downside of cookie-cutter coaching programs—those well-meaning, step-by-step systems that ignore your personality, learning style, or life context—and how that can leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed.This episode is for any photographer who's ever bought the course, downloaded the templates, and followed the steps… only to feel like something just didn’t click. I’ll show you why that’s not your fault.🎯 You’ll learn:Why business coaching should never be “one size fits all”How the right guide can nurture your growth, even when you resist at firstWhy it’s okay to skip the parts of a system that don’t suit you

LEARN PERSONAL BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY WITH PAULA & GET THE WHOLE BUSINESS SYSTEM BUILT OUT FOR YOUThis week I chatted with my VIP client and friend, Katie Lawrence, a salon owner who has booked multiple shoots with me over the years—and who’s proof that branding photos aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity for any business that wants to grow and evolve.Katie runs a successful salon and has booked multiple branding shoots over the years as her business expanded. She shares how each session has reflected a new stage in her journey, from launching her business to building a team and refining her high-end brand identity. We also talk about how showing up consistently in polished, professional images has made her business feel cohesive—and how that’s translated into more bookings and brand trust.And Katie opens up about a major social media setback that would have crushed most businesses—but thanks to a strong brand presence (and a killer image bank), she was able to bounce back stronger than ever.If you want to learn how to educate clients on the long-term value of branding photography, this episode is packed with insights that will help you shift their (and shift your) mindset!In this episode, we cover:Why brand aesthetics are more than just "pretty pictures"How Katie used photography to elevate her business and attract premium clientsThe different types of shoots she’s done and how they’ve evolved with her brandThe hidden power of professional imagery in social media and marketingHow to help your clients understand the value of personal branding photography

After years of coaching photographers through big career pivots, I've seen the priceless joy that comes when someone finally finds their niche.I brought Brooke Cerny on to share how she transitioned her photography skills into a niche that provides freedom, creative input, and fulfilling client relationships... You guessed it... Branding!(And this is one of those conversations that just brings me pure joy to bring to you)You'll hear how she tackled the uncertainty of letting go of steady wedding bookings and built a consistent brand photography business—something many dream of but hey it can be scary, so many just don't try to do.If you've been searching for a more chill approach to photography that still keeps the lights on (and then some), Brooke's journey might just be what you need to hear today.In this episode Brooke Shared : * Confronting "safe" wedding work vs. new opportunities* Building genuine client connections in branding* The opportunities, conversations and rooms your camera can get you into* Letting go of fear to pursue a calmer photography lifeLEARN MORE ABOUT ACADEMY HERECheck out Brooke at Magnolia Studios HERE

BOOK STRATEGY CALL WITH PAULAWhat if one decision could completely change the course of your photography journey? They say big changes usually start as small ideas, but this one caught me by surprise and grew faster than I ever expected. In this episode, I reveal the unexpected turn I never saw coming and why it’s had such a massive impact on me—breathing new life into my photography work. If you’ve been feeling like you’re on the edge of something new, this might be the spark you’ve been waiting for. No spoilers here—you’ll have to listen to find out exactly what happened and why I’m so excited for what’s next.BOOK STRATEGY CALL WITH PAULA

Are you feeling the pinch in your bank balance after the holiday season?It’s easy to live large on your credit card in December & land in January with a big bill to pay (we’ve all done it)That’s why I thought to kickstart the new year I'd share three practical strategies to help you tap into areas of your business today, where you might be able to uncover some quick wins.I share my personal strategies for discovering hidden revenue opportunities lurking in your archives and inbox. And shedding light on these untapped areas of your photography business that can bring in immediate revenue.My aim is to help you rediscover the gems already in your business, and show you how a few small tweaks can have a surprisingly big impact on your bottom line. AND… you don’t need flashy tactics—just a willingness to revisit old contacts and a fresh approach to creating irresistible offers.In this Episode, I shareWhere to look for hidden revenueHow to re engage old leadsSparking momentum in an otherwise slow seasonGenuine connection vs fancy marketingLEARN WITH PAULA INSIDE OF ACADEMY

LEARN WITH PAULAAre you unsure how to find clients who value your work or how to focus your services in a way that feels both profitable and sustainable? It’s easy to feel like you have to say yes to everything just to make ends meet, but that’s not the only way forward.In this episode, I sit down with Lizzy Jacobs, a photographer who’s found her sweet spot in personal branding. Lizzy shares her journey of starting her business with a “say yes to everything” mindset and how she eventually transitioned into a focused, consistent, and highly successful branding photography business. We also dig into her biggest game-changer: networking.Lizzy explains how she made networking work for her—without it feeling salesy or overwhelming—and how those connections have fueled her growth. If you’re ready to take control of your photography business, this conversation will leave you inspired and motivated.Topics Covered:Why networking is one of the most powerful tools for photographers.The practical steps Lizzie took to build a steady stream of clients.How to simplify your business for more focus and better results.Check out Lizzy's website here

Get Free Guide - 50 Dream Clients for Personal Brand Photography HEREHave you ever wondered if the market for personal brand photography is already saturated? Are you struggling to find clients who truly appreciate the value you bring to their businesses?There is no shortage of awesome people doing really cool things who need YOUR help right now. In this snapshot I share just 10 pretty awesome clients from really diverse spaces so you can get inspired to think outside the box when it comes to discovering your future clients.Listen to the full episode here…Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-lens-celebrating-50-cool-personal-branding/id1619889445?i=1000621450874Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6RLZ0t9iumaN6TpDUUFE2eWatch the full episode on YouTubehttps://www.paulabrennaneducation.com/podcasts/50

Have you ever found yourself wondering how to create a photoshoot experience that clients rave about and want to come back for? Or maybe you've heard clients say they feel unsure about what kind of images they need for their brand, and you’re left trying to fill in the blanks. In this episode, I dive into how we can elevate our client experiences, creating photoshoots that not only meet but exceed their branding needs and expectations.Join me as I chat with Kate, a returning client, who’s experienced the transformation personal brand photography has brought to her business & personal self too. We discuss everything from planning and preparing for a session right through to the finished product and how she has used her images and video throughout her site to great success.And for those of you who’ve thought group sessions might dilute the experience, think again—I’ll be sharing why this setup might just be the magic touch your client needs!If you’re ready to learn how to offer a session that leaves your clients excited, confident, and ready to refer you, tune in. In this episode, we cover:The real value of personal brand photography from a client’s perspectiveHow to plan with the client’s future brand vision in mindFostering a welcoming environment for clients, even in group settingsCreating a structured yet relaxed experience for clientsCheck out Kate's Website hereLearn more about PBE Academy hereCheck out full course suite here

Are you looking at this upcoming holiday season and thinking mulled wine and leftover turkey sandwiches already?My friend this is the best time of year for us photographers to book sessions, and if you do not have some sort of marketing in place you might be missing out. I wanted to inspire you about what is possible in this snapshot of an older episode - all about planning for the holiday season :)Listen to the full episode here…Apple 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-planning-for-the-holiday-season/id1619889445?i=1000588236195Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/588e8xSvQr9CT82l2ST3vjLearn more about Done For You Campaigns 👉 https://www.paulabrennaneducation.com/dfy

Do you ever feel like you have been slightly taken advantage of with your photography? Sometimes this can happen, even though the parties may not be intentionally doing it to youBut it is easy to end up feeling undervalued or even a little used.If you are struggling to balance gaining exposure with protecting your photography work Or perhaps finding it challenging to negotiate fair deals This podcast episode is for you.In it I share a story from my early days as a personal brand photographer and a specific incident that led to a big lesson.One that I think you can profit from (which is why I am sharing it right!)In this Episode, I Share : How to set and maintain professional boundariesEssentials for building a sustainable & profitable businessNegotiation & Communication for compensation (that’s a lot of “tions”!)Want more help with shooting, marketing & selling personal brand photographyand/or generally getting paid for your photography?Great! Start here for these and other trainings:

Feel like your photoshoots are all looking a bit samey samey? I had a great chat with designer Delyse Wright about the kind of images that help designers to build websites and she gave me lots of inspiration how to shake up your shooting with some really simple and easily actionable ideas.Listen to the full episode here…Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/images-that-grow-your-clients-personal-brand-with/id1619889445?i=1000590100235Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3lYqKKwmnCOUREUjsmBAopWatch the full episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/2PSqxxHqkoA?si=59cGrZ4ujvgoBTYS