Overhead branding session image with laptop, coffee and warm leather chair

LightUp Photography

Branding Photography and Content Creation in Brighton, London, West Sussex

Who it is for

Thoughtful visuals for founders and personal brands who want to be clearly seen.

For business owners, creatives, coaches and wellness professionals who want to build a strong visual presence and connect with their audience through authentic, thoughtful content.

What you get

What you get

More than just a photoshoot, a strategic content experience.

The process is built to support the business behind the visuals, so the final content is not only beautiful but genuinely useful after the session too.

  • A marketing-led strategy and content plan for your social media
  • A personal branding shoot guide to help you prepare with clarity and confidence
  • Support with planning, outfit choices and creative direction
  • A gallery of high-quality, high-resolution personal branding images
  • Reels, videos and behind-the-scenes short clips
  • A presentation video for your website or social media
Julia holding a camera during a branding session

My Approach

My Approach

Through photography and visual content, I help you show the world you are: real, confident and full of energy.

With years of experience working with talented, inspiring people, I have learned that photography is about much more than light, composition or perfect poses. It is about feeling people, understanding their energy and helping them shine in their own way.

I do not put you into uncomfortable poses or try to make you look like someone you are not. My focus is simple: to highlight your talents, your personality and your natural presence, then translate them into visuals that feel effortless and alive.

Every shoot is carefully prepared, with clear ideas and creative direction, but there is always room for spontaneity, movement and real moments. That is what makes the process easy and enjoyable, and the results dynamic, varied and full of life.

LightUp Photography is about lighting up your energy and sharing it with your audience. It is about showing your values, your vibe and your power, then letting the world see what makes you unique.

Testimonials

Kind words from recent clients.

The whole experience felt calm, guided and genuinely strategic. I came away with visuals I could use across my website, launches and social content.

Founder

Personal branding client

I usually feel awkward in front of the camera, but the session felt easy from start to finish. The images finally looked like my brand.

Coach

Discovery session client

The direction was thoughtful without feeling forced. I now have a bank of content that feels polished, natural and useful.

Wellness professional

Brand shoot client

Julia understood how to make the visuals feel aligned with the business, not just pretty. That made the final gallery far more valuable.

Creative consultant

Content creation client

I loved how supported I felt before and during the shoot. The final images gave me clarity about how I want to show up online.

Service-based founder

Personal brand client

It felt like a strategic collaboration rather than a simple photoshoot. The images and short video content gave me much more to work with than I expected.

Studio owner

Visibility refresh client

The whole experience felt calm, guided and genuinely strategic. I came away with visuals I could use across my website, launches and social content.

Founder

Personal branding client

I usually feel awkward in front of the camera, but the session felt easy from start to finish. The images finally looked like my brand.

Coach

Discovery session client

The direction was thoughtful without feeling forced. I now have a bank of content that feels polished, natural and useful.

Wellness professional

Brand shoot client

Julia understood how to make the visuals feel aligned with the business, not just pretty. That made the final gallery far more valuable.

Creative consultant

Content creation client

I loved how supported I felt before and during the shoot. The final images gave me clarity about how I want to show up online.

Service-based founder

Personal brand client

It felt like a strategic collaboration rather than a simple photoshoot. The images and short video content gave me much more to work with than I expected.

Studio owner

Visibility refresh client

Why Personal Branding

Why personal branding is more than just a photoshoot.

Everything starts with a Discovery Call. That first conversation helps me understand your brand, your audience and what you want your visuals to do for the business, so the direction is thoughtful from the beginning.

This is not only about creating beautiful photographs. Depending on what you need, the process can also include marketing strategy support, content planning and a clearer visual direction, so the final assets are easier to use well after the shoot itself.

You can work with me in different formats, from focused photo and video shoots to a more complete collaboration that supports launches, visibility and the everyday content your brand needs to stay consistent.

The process is structured but natural, with enough planning to feel clear and enough flexibility to let real expression come through. That balance is what makes the final visuals feel polished, human and genuinely aligned with you.

Colour consultation and brand guidance in progress
Styling and calm shoot direction during a branding session
Planning notes, laptop and coffee during content preparation
Discovery conversation during brand strategy planning

Instagram

Recent moments from LightUp.

Open Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions.

How should I prepare for a personal branding photoshoot?

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What should I wear for a personal branding photoshoot?

What you wear plays an important role in how your personal branding photos look and feel. Your outfits help communicate your personality, professionalism, and the overall message you want your brand to share, so choosing the right looks really matters. The good news is that you won't have to figure it all out alone. After we discuss your brand, your goals, and the concept of the shoot, I'll send you a personalised preparation guide with clear advice on what to wear.

I'll help you choose outfits that work beautifully with your location, brand colours, visual style, and the impression you want to create, while still feeling natural and true to you. If you'd like extra support, I can also recommend a trusted stylist Michaela Sargeant who can help with your colour analysis, outfit planning, colour choices, or shopping for the shoot.

My goal is to make sure you feel confident, polished, and fully aligned with your brand on the day of the session.

I don't know how to pose, and I'm worried I'm not photogenic — will you guide me?

Absolutely. Most clients I work with are not professional models, and many tell me before their personal branding photoshoot that they feel awkward in front of the camera or worry they are not photogenic. The truth is, being "photogenic" is often much more subjective than it seems. My role is to guide you in a way that helps you feel comfortable, confident, and naturally yourself.

During the shoot, I'll direct you with flattering poses, angles, and small adjustments, but I also keep the experience relaxed and natural so you don't feel stiff or overly posed. I combine gentle guidance with movement, expression, and real moments, because that balance creates images that feel both polished and alive. I also take your preferences into account, so if there are angles, expressions, or little details you feel more comfortable with, I'll always listen.

You do not need to know how to pose before your session — that is part of my job. My goal is to help you feel supported throughout the process and create a wide variety of natural, professional images you will feel happy to use for your brand.

Can I get both photos and short video content during the shoot?

Yes — absolutely. I offer both photography and video content as part of your personal branding session, so we can create visuals that support your brand across different platforms. This may include professional presentation-style video filmed on camera for your website, as well as short-form video content captured on a phone for Instagram Reels, Stories, and social media.

During your discovery call, we'll talk through what will be most useful for your business and shape the session around your goals, whether that means focusing more on photos, more on video, or a balanced mix of both. You can find more details in my Packages, but if you don't see the right option for you, I can always create a bespoke package tailored to your brand, content strategy, and the way you want to use your visuals.

What's included in the shoot, and when will I receive my photos and videos?

After your personal branding photoshoot, you'll receive a gallery of the best successful images within a few days, so you can comfortably choose the ones you'd like me to edit. If you feel unsure about your selection, I'm always happy to help and guide you. The number of edited images included, as well as the editing and delivery timeline, depends on the package you choose and is clearly outlined in my Packages.

Once your final images are ready, you'll receive them in two formats: high-resolution files suitable for print, and web-sized files that are already prepared for use on your website and social media. If you need a few images sooner for social media, a website update, or an announcement, I can usually prepare a small priority selection shortly after you've made your choices.

My goal is to make the whole process feel smooth, clear, and supportive — from the shoot itself to receiving polished, professional visuals that are ready to use for your brand.

How to choose the right location for photoshoot? Do you have a studio, and will you help me find the right space?

The location is always chosen based on the goals of your personal branding photoshoot and the kind of content you need to create. Once we've discussed your brand, the purpose of the session, and the message you want your visuals to communicate, I'll recommend the most suitable options for you. I work with several studios that are comfortable, visually strong, and well suited to different types of shoots, and I can also suggest other locations depending on your brand and where you are based.

This could include photo studios, coworking spaces, cafes, city streets, or your own workspace if that feels like the right setting for your business. I'll also plan the route and timing of the session, so the experience feels smooth, organised, and easy for you from start to finish. Please note that studio or venue hire is arranged separately and paid for by the client in addition to the session fee.

What's the difference between personal branding photos and headshots?

Headshots are a great option if you simply need a few polished, professional portraits for your LinkedIn profile, website, or social media. Personal branding photos, however, go far beyond that. A personal branding photoshoot is designed to tell a fuller story about you and your business — not just how you look, but how you work, what you offer, and the feeling behind your brand.

That usually means more preparation, more intention, and much more variety in the final gallery, from portraits and lifestyle images to brand details, products, and content for your website and social media. If you only need a small set of professional portraits, an express session is often the best fit. But if you want visuals that help your audience understand your brand, trust your presence, and connect with what you do, personal branding photography is the stronger and more strategic choice.

Julia with her camera during a LightUp Photography session

Ready to Talk

Ready to discuss how to LightUp your brand?

Get in touch to talk through your brand, your goals and the type of shoot or content support that would help your LightUp presence feel clear, strategic and aligned.