Tag: photography

Your studio photoshoot survival guide (spoiler: It’s not that scary!)

Posted on by Lauryn Eliza

So you’ve booked your studio photoshoot—yay! Whether it’s a cozy family session, a personal branding shoot, or a mix of both, I’m so excited to welcome you into my space.

I know walking into a studio can feel a little intimidating (there are lights and backdrops and someone pointing a camera at you 😅), but I promise—it’s not scary at all. In fact, we’re going to have a lot of fun!

I wanted to share a few tips on how to prepare for your shoot, what to bring, and what to expect—so you feel calm, confident, and ready to shine.

✨ WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE

First things first: when you walk into the studio, take a deep breath. This is your time.

I’ll greet you (usually with a warm smile and possibly a coffee in hand) and we’ll have a quick chat before we get started. We’ll go over what you’re hoping to get out of the session—whether that’s a beautiful family portrait for the wall or fresh branding content for your website or socials.

The studio is cozy and relaxed, with enough space for outfit changes, snacks for the kiddos (or grown-ups!), and even a mirror for last-minute touch-ups. We also have a private dressing room space that’s just for you during the session—so you’ll have somewhere comfortable and quiet to change outfits, freshen up, or take a breather if needed.

I keep the vibe light, and my job is to guide you every step of the way—so you don’t need to worry about what to do with your hands. I’ve got you. 😉

📸 What to Bring With You

Here’s a little checklist to make sure you’re all set:

For Everyone:

  • Outfits: Bring 1–3 outfit options, depending on the session type. Keep it simple, comfortable, and something you feel good in. For branding shoots, think about the message you want to send (professional, creative, approachable?). For families, coordinated—but not matchy-matchy—works best.
  • Touch-Up Kit: Lip balm, a brush, powder, hair ties… just the basics. I also have a few essentials in-studio just in case.
  • Water + Snacks: Especially if little ones are involved. A hangry toddler (or adult) is no fun!
  • Special Items: A favourite toy or blanket for kiddos, or a prop that represents your brand (laptop, notebook, coffee mug, etc.).
  • Inspiration: If you’ve saved poses or looks you love, feel free to bring them! It helps me get a feel for your style.

💡 Quick Tips to Feel More Comfortable in Front of the Camera

  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before (easier said than done, I know!).
  • Hydrate and eat something before your session—trust me, it makes a difference.
  • Plan your outfits ahead of time, and try them on a few days before in case anything needs ironing or adjusting.
  • Tell me if you’re nervous. Seriously. I’ve worked with shy toddlers, camera-shy parents, and business owners who hate being photographed—I get it. And I know how to help you ease into it.

❤️ My Promise to You

My goal is for you to leave the studio feeling seen, celebrated, and totally yourself. Whether we’re capturing your family in all its chaotic glory or creating branding images that feel so you, I want you to look at your photos and go: “Yes, that’s me.”

If you have any questions before your shoot, I’m just a message away. Let’s make some magic together ✨

See you in the studio!

Shy girls can lead too: my journey to becoming a confident photographer

Posted on by Lauryn Eliza

I used to think that being shy meant I wasn’t cut out for leadership. I wasn’t the loudest in the room. I didn’t speak first. I avoided attention. And yet, somehow, here I am – running a photography business, meeting new clients every week, and confidently directing shoots.

The truth? It didn’t happen overnight. It was a journey – one filled with self-doubt, quiet wins, and the kind of growth that happens when you choose to show up anyway.

Photography Was My Way In

I didn’t start out photographing people. In fact, I preferred to stay behind the scenes, capturing light, movement, and stillness – anything that didn’t talk back or expect direction. But slowly, I felt the pull to try something more personal. To tell stories. To connect.

That’s when everything changed.

When I began working with people, I had to step into a new version of myself. One that wasn’t just behind the camera – but present, engaged, and leading the experience.

Leading Without Being Loud

At first, I worried I wasn’t the “right” kind of photographer. I wasn’t bold, chatty or commanding. But I soon realised something powerful – people don’t need loud. They need calm. Reassurance. Someone who sees them clearly and creates a space where they feel safe to be themselves.

Being soft-spoken became my strength. It helped me build trust. My natural empathy made people feel at ease. And my quiet confidence started to grow with each shoot.

Practice Built Confidence

Every time I said yes to a new session – even when I was nervous – I learned something. I learned how to read the room. How to gently direct someone who’s never been in front of a camera. How to navigate awkward silences with grace, not panic. And most importantly, I learned how capable I really was.

Now, I love the connection that comes with photographing people. I love hearing their stories, calming their nerves, and showing them just how good they can feel in front of the lens.

Confidence Can Be Quiet

We often think of leaders as the loudest voice in the room. But I’ve learned that leadership can look different. It can be soft-spoken and steady. It can hold space instead of taking it up. It can show up quietly and still make an impact.

If you’re shy or introverted, I want you to know: you can still lead. You can still build a business. You can still make people feel something powerful – with your voice, your energy and your work.

Photography helped me grow into a version of myself I didn’t know was possible. It helped me step into confidence – not by becoming someone else, but by embracing who I already was.

So yes – shy girls can lead too.

And we do it beautifully.

Creating Magic: Insights from Working with Artists across the uk

Posted on by Lauryn Eliza

Working with creatives is one of the best parts of what I do. Whether it’s artists, designers, musicians, influencers, or fellow photographers, every session brings a new perspective, a fresh energy, and a unique story to tell.

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to shoot with so many inspiring people across the UK, and each one has taught me something different. Some lessons were big lightbulb moments, others were subtle reminders—but all of them have shaped the way I work and how I connect with the people I photograph.

Here are a few of the biggest lessons I’ve learned:

⸻

  1. Preparation Makes Room for Play

Creatives often come to me with a vision—or sometimes just a vibe. But the best sessions happen when there’s room to improvise. What makes that possible? Preparation. When we’ve nailed down the location, lighting, moodboard, and outfits in advance, we create space on the day to be spontaneous and explore new ideas.

  1. Communication is the Real Superpower

Whether it’s understanding someone’s creative concept, adjusting poses mid-shoot, or giving space when needed—being a good communicator is everything. It’s not just about giving direction; it’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel seen, comfortable, and confident in front of the lens.

  1. Collaboration Over Competition

This one’s close to my heart. In a world that sometimes feels competitive, especially in creative industries, collaboration is what builds longevity. I’ve met incredible stylists, videographers, and makeup artists through my shoots—many of whom I now work with regularly. We lift each other up, recommend each other, and create work we’re proud of, together.

  1. Everyone Wants to Feel Understood

No matter how confident or experienced someone may be, we all want to feel understood. I’ve learned to listen more than I speak at the start of a session—to ask about their story, what they love, what they’re working on, and how they want to feel in their photos. That connection makes all the difference.

  1. No Two Shoots Are Ever the Same

Even with a similar setup or concept, every creative brings a different energy. That’s why I never go on autopilot. Instead, I stay open, curious, and responsive to what’s unfolding in real time. That mindset is what keeps this job exciting and deeply fulfilling.

Working with creatives across the UK has taught me so much—not just about photography, but about people, connection, and the power of creative storytelling. If you’re a creative looking to refresh your content or explore a new visual direction, I’d love to hear from you.