How a brand photoshoot injected joy and confidence into Sara’s new
business
When Sara sought my support to launch her new language business, I simply could not say no. Sara and I go back more than ten years, during which we cemented our friendship
throughout all sorts of life changes – relationships, motherhood, holidays, work, and everything in between.
So, when we discussed the possibility of a brand photoshoot to improve visibility and awareness for her new business, I was genuinely excited. Make no mistake, though: just because Sara and I are good friends, it does not mean I skimped on my signature planning process – quite the opposite, in fact.
In the few weeks before the shoot, we discussed three crucial elements: the location, the outfits/vibe, and the props. It was not until we were both 100% happy and satisfied with our
choices that we (finally!) managed to set up everything we needed for the big day.
Yes, because this was not just a brand photoshoot: it marked the beginning of Sara’s new, exciting (and, in her words, “slightly overwhelming”!) journey to turn a lifelong passion into something real and tangible – something she could be proud of, and that would no longer be just a “side hustle” but a flourishing, profitable business.
Keep reading to find out more!
Meet Sara
As I said, Sara and I have been very good friends for over a decade now, but this is the first time we have collaborated on a work-related project – and I am sure it won’t be the last! Sara is a language specialist, fluent in four languages but specialising in English, Italian, and Spanish. For 15 years, Sara worked as a copywriter and translator in the marketing field, whilst cultivating her passion for teaching languages on the side.
However, in the past year, Sara decided to take the plunge and focus almost exclusively on teaching and tutoring – a step that, in her own words, felt “daunting and exciting at the same time.” During one of our pre-shoot conversations, Sara shared this with me:
“Since the arrival of AI, the marketing world has started to feel quite alien to me. It is almost like creativity and originality have disappeared and have been replaced by formulaic, samey-samey content that literally any brand could create. It feels robotic and impersonal – whereas the world of teaching feels exactly the opposite.”
Cue her decision to gradually move away from marketing and closer to the teaching and tutoring side of her business. This, though, meant that Sara had to start almost from scratch in terms of building a new brand: a new website, new social media pages, new marketing materials, and, of course, a new set of professional brand photos.
Whilst going through our brand photoshoot ideas and inspirations, the concept of the “Italian garden” came up, so I had to ask Sara why that was so central to her brand.
“There are two reasons behind this. On the one hand, I have always loved Italian gardens. There are many in my hometown of Piacenza, Italy – stunning places where gorgeous architecture blends with nature. Every time I go back, I spend hours walking through the city centre and peeking into these ‘secret gardens’, taking photos that I print and frame to decorate my home in London. They are like little pieces of Italy that I carry with me.”
A garden, though, is also a symbol of growth – in this case, the growth of a love for and knowledge of languages. As Sara explains, “Instead of relying on old, tired tropes and stereotypes, the idea of an Italian garden is something different, something more authentic, something that feels truly ‘me’ and that helps me connect with my Italian roots and convey my idea that learning a language is a nurturing, patient, caring process.”
That “magic space” where ideas take shape and come to life
Sometimes, brand photoshoots happen in pristine, beautifully put together and ideally lit professional studios. Other times, they have that imperfect, almost rustic, feel that only a natural, outdoor space can offer – and this is exactly what happened with Sara’s photoshoot.
We knew from the beginning that we wanted to have our brand photoshoot outdoors, but when we found The Bothy Gardens, in North London, I instantly realised that it was much more than I was hoping for. It is a truly beautiful garden tucked away within the beautiful,
spacious Stephen’s House and Gardens, a park that is local to Sara and where she will be running some of her Italian “walk and learn” classes.
This place ticked all the boxes: it was perfectly on brand, it offered excellent lighting, and it was that kind of hidden gem that authentically encapsulates what Sara and her brand represent – a “secret garden” where she grows and nurtures people’s love for the Italian language.
It is that kind of magic space where raw ideas and vision take shape, grow, and come to life. We were lucky enough to pick a day when the natural light was just right – not too bright, not too dark – and when the Bothy was extremely quiet.
This gave us plenty of time to set everything up, select the right outfits and accessories, arrange our props, and take many beautiful shots throughout the whole garden, finding nooks and crannies that provided the perfect backdrop for the photoshoot.
More than a photoshoot: a joyful confidence boost
Initially, Sara’s goal was to have a handful of photos for her new teaching and tutoring website. Instead, she walked away with dozens of beautiful, versatile shots that she can seamlessly use across her website and social media.
But there is more – something that is probably even more valuable and meaningful than the photos themselves. Sara left with a renewed sense that she could achieve great things with her new business, and found a level of confidence that she thought she had lost.
“The whole experience has gone above and beyond even my best expectations. From the support in choosing new brand colours to picking the right outfits and props, from scouting locations to find ‘the one’ all the way to taking absolutely stunning photos that truly represent me and my brand, I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking to inject confidence and joy into their business.”
If you would like to explore something like this for your brand, contact me and I will be delighted to help you bring your vision to life through a thoughtfully planned brand photoshoot.
