Case Study: Relaxed Branding Photography in Leicestershire: Donna’s Transition from NHS to Solopreneur Property Photography
Stepping away from a long, secure career to start your own business takes immense courage. But for many new business owners, stepping in front of a camera to promote that new business feels even scarier.
When Donna Bentley Carr reached out to me for branding photography in Leicestershire, she was exactly in this position. After an incredible 27 years working as a nurse in the NHS, she was taking the brave step to launch her own business as a solopreneur coach for ambitious mid-life women. She needed imagery for her new website, but she had a very common concern.
The Challenge: “I’m not a natural in front of the camera.”
Donna knew exactly what she needed for her website and social media: a great headshot and some relaxed, lifestyle images of her working—perhaps looking contemplative with a cuppa and a notebook.
However, her initial enquiry ended with a familiar sentiment: “Any advice would be appreciated. I’m not a natural in front of the camera.”
When you are a coach, your clients are investing in you. Donna needed photos that communicated her warmth, approachability, and deep expertise, but the nerves of a traditional photoshoot threatened to get in the way of her natural personality shining through.
The Solution: A Conversation-First Approach
To keep things as comfortable and authentic as possible, we decided to do the shoot right at her home in Leicestershire. I brought a simple lighting setup and we utilized her own living room and kitchen—spaces where she naturally felt at ease.
My secret to overcoming camera anxiety isn’t about rigid posing; it’s about conversation. While I was setting up and taking photos, Donna and I just talked. We bonded over our shared experiences working in the NHS, chatted about her family, and dove deeply into what a typical coaching session with her looks like.
By getting her to speak about her passion and her process, her “expert brain” took over. The camera simply faded into the background.
The Results: Warm, Welcoming, and Authentic
The final photos are a world away from stuffy, corporate headshots. They are relaxed, smiley, and incredibly welcoming.
By capturing Donna in her natural environment, her website now gives potential clients a genuine view of exactly who they will be working with. For someone seeking a coach, seeing a warm, approachable face helps them relax before they even book their first session.
What Donna Had to Say
I am always thrilled when a client not only loves their photos but actually enjoys the process they were dreading. Here is what Donna had to say about our time working together:
“Chris was great to work with. We met on an introductory video call, where he listened to my wants and concerns and answered all of my questions. During the photo shoot he completely put me at ease and gave good guidance for how I should move, stand, pose to capture the images I wanted for my website. I was very happy with the results. For someone who doesn’t like to be photographed, I can even say I found the experience an enjoyable one. Recommend you discuss your project with Chris, he will guide you through his services very clearly.”
Donna Bentley Carr
Looking for a Branding Photographer in Leicester?
If you are launching a new business, or if your current website photos don’t reflect the true passion you have for your work, let’s have a chat. Whether you need an updated headshot or a full behind-the-scenes branding shoot, I specialize in helping camera-shy business owners feel completely at ease.