Have your say: Studio Porter
I thought it’d be really helpful to ask some of my past clients to share their experiences from a Personal Branding Shoot. Everyone takes away something different from a shoot, so if there’s anything that would be beneficial to me and also a future client, I want to share it!
Introducing the amazingly talented Hannah from Studio Porter. A creative studio based in London, that offers planning and styling for design-led weddings and intimate events across the UK.
Tell me in a couple of sentences who you are and what you do:
I'm Hannah, Owner and Creative Director behind Studio Porter. Studio Porter is a London based creative studio that offers planning, styling and coordination services for design-led weddings and intimate events across the UK.
Why did you feel having a branding shoot was important for your business?
As a wedding planner and stylist, it's important I fully gain the trust of my clients. By showing people who I am and putting a face to the name is a great way for people to have a good sense and understanding of my business and the person behind it before they've even reached out to me.
How was the experience for you? Was there anything that was unexpected or that you learnt from the process?
I'm incredibly camera shy. I'm much more comfortable behind the scenes as opposed to being the face of something. At first I was incredibly nervous, but I was made to feel so comfortable and at ease by Jade that I totally relaxed into things. In the end, I think I enjoyed it!
Was there anything that stopped you from having a brand shoot sooner? Or any hesitations beforehand?
I always knew when I had the opportunity to start a business that branding was key. It was one of the first decisions I made when starting this journey. I'm obsessed with branding and marketing, so I fully know the full value of having one done. For me, it was more about finding the right person to shoot with and someone who I felt comfortable around, all whilst offering the right look and feel I wanted.
How did you feel when you received your images?
All sorts of emotions! It was quite a surreal moment for me as my decision to start Studio Porter suddenly felt incredibly real! But being camera shy, I was also very nervous and anxious as to how I might look, from my perspective - I'm always my own worst critic! Overall, I loved my photos. I thought everything was captured exactly the way I had planned, so I was very happy.
How have you gone on to use your gallery of images and how (if at all) do you feel it’s impacted your brand?
The images provided me with a really good starting point for social media and my website. As I'm very new to my industry, it's taken me some time to build up a portfolio which ultimately provides me with lots of content. It's so important for me to allow clients into my life - I find it can be a really simple way to gain trust, especially when they're allowing me to plan the most important day of their life. I would always recommend someone to have a brand shoot, even just for self confidence!
If there is anything you’d like to change for a future shoot, what would that be? Anything you’d like to add into the session or perhaps leading up to it?
I thought the experience was great, Jade's approach is very relaxed and warming. In general, our style as people constantly evolves and grows, so if I were to have the opportunity of having another branding shoot I would probably change a few things. As much as I loved having it at home, I would probably organise one to be in a better location just in terms of lighting, space and flexibility. I would also probably ensure I looked a little more stylish and high-end, perhaps get my hair and make-up done professionally.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about a branding shoot, what would that be?
Prepare! With anything, preparation is key. Spend time looking at images you want to re-create and put together an almost storyboard of your shoot so you and the photographer have a really good sense of direction on the day. Try and relax! Perhaps get ready a bit earlier beforehand so you're not rushing and have time to breath before the shoot starts. I would also recommend having someone nearby to assist you on the day.
You can find out more about Hannah and her stunning work here:
I hope this blog post has helped you as you prepare for your Personal Branding shoot. If you have any questions or need further help, just send me an email.
