Part One: The Power of Brand Photography: Real Stories from Real Clients

Words by Helen Rowan

As a photographer, I witness first-hand the transformative impact of brand photography on businesses. But rather than just telling you, I wanted to show you, through the voices of the incredible women I’ve worked with.

The idea had been brewing for a while. Many clients tell me how a shoot boosts their confidence, how their new images elevate their brand, and how it all translates into business growth. But I needed an authentic way to capture these insights without prompting rehearsed responses.

Then, I had a brainwave!

Charlotte Wilkinson, a talented Virtual Assistant supporting small businesses with words, strategy, and organisation, was the perfect person to bring this vision to life. We met through Loop Chesterfield, the networking group I co-host, and I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her a few time over the past few years.

I asked Charlotte to interview three of my clients to get an honest perspective on their experiences:

Mel Archbould from Cloud-Busting
Rachel Smith from The Hut Eyam
Becky Lovatt from The Humble Warrior

When Charlotte sent me their responses, I had to read them multiple times to take it all in. Their words were powerful, emotional, and reinforced what I already knew, brand photography is about more than just images. It’s about confidence, connection, and telling a story that resonates with the right audience.

Over the next few blog posts, you’ll hear directly from Mel, Rachel, and Becky about their journeys. Why they invested in brand photography, how they felt before and during the shoots, and the lasting impact their images have had.

A huge thank you to Charlotte for leading this project so beautifully, and to Mel, Rachel, and Becky for sharing their experiences so openly. I hope you find this series as inspiring as I have.

Part One: The Power of Photography Beyond the Lens

Words by Charlotte Wilkinson

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but in the hands of Helen Rowan, it does a thousand other things too.

Brand photography tells a story in a way that words alone cannot. It builds trust, relatability, and connection. Helping you attract the right clients for your business.

I started working with Helen in 2024 after finally taking the plunge to get professional images for my website. It didn’t take long to realise the true impact of her work. Through my own experience, and while interviewing three of her clients, I discovered that Helen’s work goes beyond photography.

She doesn’t just capture moments; she empowers business owners to embrace their brand identity. Her approach is deeply personal, ensuring that each client’s vision and personality shine through every image.

“Brand photography isn’t just about the images. It’s about confidence, connection, and telling a story in a way that resonates with the right audience.”

Three key themes emerged from my conversations:

1. Empowerment

Many of Helen’s clients start their sessions feeling nervous, but they leave feeling exhilarated. Helen has an innate ability to bring out confidence, allowing her clients’ true personalities to shine through the lens.

2. Creativity

Helen brings a unique identity to every shoot. No two sessions look the same, yet each perfectly reflects the individual and their brand.

3. Support

Helen is more than a photographer. She’s a cheerleader for the businesses she works with. Running a business can be isolating, and imposter syndrome creeps in. Helen’s warmth and encouragement help clients walk away feeling confident, seen, and valued.

It’s safe to say Helen is more than just a photographer. Her holistic approach, warmth and skill in empowering the businesses that she works with, all set her head and shoulders above the rest.

I had the privilege of speaking with three inspiring women – Mel Archbould, Rachel Smith, and Becky Lovett. They shared how working with Helen helped elevate their brands. Their stories illustrate just how powerful brand photography can be.