My first career was as an actor. I trained at LAMDA, one of the best drama schools in the UK. I spent years working and at times not working, such is the nature of this industry. Mindset was everything and yet I didn’t really fully understand that I was capable of so much more. I let myself get affected by rejection, I found the periods out of work challenging and began to seek another way to be creative.

Luckily I’ve done a lot of work on myself since. I see that these years paved the way for me to become an expert on mindset and motivation, physical expression, body language. I combine all those expertise and focus on helping you to feel relaxed when having your photograph taken. 

I’m so excited to share my tips with you, here are a few to get started with.

Preparation: Feeling ready to show up and comfortable doesn’t start on the day of the shoot. It’s actually a much longer process and begins when you first book with me. I will help encourage you to prepare mentally with visualisation techniques….imagine you on your best day, in your best outfit. 

We’ll really drill down into your reasons why you’re having the photos, this is your motivation and that’s what we will keep returning to, as your anchor. It will help us with planning the most suitable locations and clothing options. And it will encourage those nerves to keep away….you’ll be too focused on what the photos mean to your audience, your tribe who need to hear from you.

 I will help you to understand how body language plays a significant role in communicating a natural confidence. I’ll lightly direct you on how to position your body, use gestures, and find yourself feeling as comfortable as possible. And we will keep moving - you’ll not be stuck in a position feeling awkward. And often you can ignore the camera completely!

Being able to adapt quickly is one of my superpowers. Occasionally during a photoshoot, unexpected situations or changes in direction might occur. For example due to weather. Fear not, I am very skilled at having to improvise and think fast, under pressure and still help you achieve the kind of photographs you have been dreaming of. 

As mentioned, this is crucial in feeling empowered and showing up, even when scared. I’ll help you focus on positive thoughts and place emphasis on becoming grounded and centred through taking deep and full breaths. When we feel relaxed, our body relaxes and we will capture photos that are full of personality and genuine natural moments. 

I cannot wait to help you with your photoshoot and if you’re feeling nervous, rest assured I am an expert in feeling the nerves and doing it anyway! 

Plus I’ll share with you some of my funniest acting moments during the shoot. Just say ‘boiling pasta’ to me when we meet in person!

Photo credit: National Theatre