Victoria Sponge Creative Brand Photography

My job is a constant education!!!
I have the privilege to meet some exceptional individuals and be given an insight to their stories and inspirations into business.
I had the pleasure of working with Ekua Cant, Author of ‘Be your No 1 cheerleader’ a motivator, keen to encourage women to for fill their own potential.
A couple of months back Ekua traveled up from London to have her portraits taken, but to captured in the presence of Dr. Martin Luther King!

"I studied Political Science at Brunel University. One thing that I've always been passionate about is every citizen having the right to vote and participate in their country and society freely. So much so after University, I saved money applied for a non-paid internship at Non-partisan, Non-profit Civic Participation organisation called FairVote where I worked there to educate college students on how to exercise their right to vote in the historic presidential elections of 2008, in which Barack Obama became the first African American President. Meeting and being in the same place as Dr. Martin Luther King received an honorary degree from the University of Newcastle in Nov 1967. In which he gave a rousing and inspirational speech on the fight against racism. He said, "As you well know, racism is a reality in many sections of our world today. Racism is still the coloured man’s burden and the white man’s shame. And the world will never rise to its full moral or political or even social maturity until racism is totally eradicated." It was important for me to remember and to be part of the history of Dr. Martin's Luther King's visit to the University, by taking photos with a man that I hold in great esteem. "

Little Movers!
Where do I start?

…I had the fortunate opportunity of meeting founder Mel right at the beginning of VSP.
She was a champion from day one, inviting me capture classes Christmas portraits, promoting my business at events.
And now I have a privilege of working with the franchisees in their branding! I’m sure you can see why I love being in and photographing their classes 💕 filled with energy, variety and fun - every child is involved (the parents are probably having the most fun)
And theirs more to come…I’m off to my next class today!

Photos:

HONESTLY…

I understand what it is feel uncomfortable in front of the camera!
I know like many other woman I’ve never felt represented or reflected as a ‘curvy’, glasses wearing, Northern woman! (Wey apart from Sarah Millican, marvel that she is!) This in turn for years made me feel ugly, unworthy and as thought I should hide behind my work and let my imagery do the talking!

However something changed soon after having my son…
pride in what my body had achieved, slow realisation as I’ve set up my own business that people are responding to me first NOT JUST my photography!

I’ve gradually realised the powers of people seeing my face, making a connection and building trust with their photographer.

This is why I will keep stepping in front of the camera! AND you know what? Each time you do I promise it gets easier.
Don’t hide ladies, you’ve got so much to gain from being seen, I hope I can help you on your journey.

SHOW FACE!

People are hardwired to respond to faces. FACT.
Yet they’re absent in so many businesses branding. Instead, many companies choose to focus on the product rather than the people, missing this vital human connection!

My top 3 reasons to include your face…

🤓Face capture attention!
It’s as simple as switching from a product shot to a frame with people using it will be enough to hold the viewer’s attention longer!

😇Build trust!
It’s about gaining personal connection with your customers over time. Have the same person communicating so that your audience can start to develop familiarity so your viewers will start to feel like they know that person/ brand

🥰Evoke some feeling!
Smiling is contagious! If you’re happy and smiling in your imagery your audience naturally mirrors that. Happiness will be associated with you and your brand. All because you showed face!

Photo: Lorraine

What’s your why?

With a busy week ahead, I needed a reality check tonight… a reminder to myself why I do what I do!

For me, I obviously adore photography, I love helping small businesses sing about theme selves but I have worked to maintain this lifestyle for my family… so I can be there for them whenever possible.

I see this as strength that I recognise this in my business and also sing about it! People are nosey generally but also love to understand how you work- I say give them a glimpse into how you make business work and let them peak behind the scenes!
Your audience may have families too and this simply makes you more relatable!

What’s your why? Share in the comments!

Meet Annie! Eco warrior! 💪🏻🌿

I had the pleasure of working with Annie late last year as she looked to grow business and become more aware of the her branding.
Her work as Ligestyle personal trainer is to help others with their environmental impact, helping them make quick and easy changes to their homes and routines.

It was important to her to reflected a green lifestyle, be approachable (it can be an intimidating subject) and produce images full of warmth, inviting her audience to join her!

A exciting 30 minute creativity call and 30 minute photoshoot later, Annie is on her way to welcoming her aspiring audience with her new professional headshots!

If you’d like to know how your business can be if it from professional head shots or branding
imagery drop me a DM and let’s start the conversation!



Photos: Annie

I SEE you small business owner!

Setting off to work on a cold Saturday morning whilst your loved ones bask in their pjs!

YOU GOT THIS!

Remind yourself, you’re not only making your dream working but you’re delighting customers!
Remember why you started and your purpose and know YOU have the power to give both you and your customers a better experience! 💪🏻

Have a great weekend x VS

WOAH THERE!
With all these new year resolutions and goal settings flying around it’s easy to get swept away into ‘implementing changes’ that actually aren’t relevant or don’t benefit YOU long term.

Anything worth investing in is also worth investing time into first making sure it’s the right fit to you, your life and your business.

If visual branding is on your agenda this year, drop me a line and start a conversation… I offer free creativity calls to explore how your business can gain from branding imagery!
Lets see how we fit!

Client Photo

aaaaand I’m back in the room!

I’m coming out of my winter hibernation (aka Christmas mini season and break) and ready for action.

It’s always a treat in January to get back to branding side of work, as for me it’s my most creative area Hearing business stories, working on briefs with excited entrepreneurship freelancers and artist!

Tonight I’m looking forward to my ‘warm up’ speaking with a group of business women about how they can Enhance their branding photography! Candy Randall Suzanne Morley Box Clever

HELLO! I am in fact alive and well!

I haven’t stopped working but have dedicated the summer and autumn months to weddings- which as you can imagine has been barmey!

BUT I’ve still been speaking with branding clients and today had my first go pro shoot session in a few months… I HAVE MISSED THIS SOOO MUCH!
Hearing others stories of how and why they set up shop and do what they do is such a lovely practice and a gorgeous way to connect with a client before we even start working together! So I can understand you, your message and portray your personality justly to your clients, and sell your best qualities!

Take Sarah, she is as fun and full of as much bouncey energy as her balloon creations- so why would you not show this off?
Be you and you’ll always stand out!

Taking 5…
Literally will be back in 5 days!

It’s been a truly bonkers couple of months and It’s time to take some well deserved time with me family. (Not sure batteries will be recharged with activities like flamingo land on the agenda- but it’s us time!) a little pre birthday treat!

Please if you have any queries, or want to book, DM as usually just be aware there will be no response til next week!

In the meantime I’ll leave you with the lady that created my new brand look! The extremely talented and hilarious - check her out, her works just gorgeous and brimming full of personality!

See you next week!

It’s time to up the Re-brand celebrations across my Victoria Sponge pages with GIVEAWAYS!
How would you like to win one of my Go pro headshot shoots? Great for any professional, creative or entrepreneur who needs or fancy’s an Bonny portrait!

One lucky winner will receive a 30 minute bespoke photo session worth £125, along with their choice of 5 digital photographs to use as they please!

Here’s how to enter...
❤️Follow me

❤️ Like this post
❤️ Tag a business friend in the comments below.
(Every tag on separate comments will count as an extra entry!)
…And if you’re feeling super lovely share this post to your story!

For more chances to win this prize head across to VSBP Insta page and enter again!

🥳 The winner will be announced on Friday 6th August!

🤞🏻Good luck! 🤞🏻

YOU DON’T WANNA MISS THIS!!!

Whether you are a one gal band setting up or an established brand looking for new photography, keep you eyes on both my Insta & pages tomorrow!
I have a GRAND GIVEAWAY to celebrate my rebrand! 🎉

I’ve honestly never met a woman as much business drive as Melanie Buck!

I’ve known and watched her grow her franchise over 3 years, the sacrifices and lengths she’s gone to ensure her business succeeds!
Today it was a pleasure to capture more of her franchisee headshots and she her leading a ‘little movers conference!’ Meeting new faces and seeing gorgeous familiar ones who have also helped me so much in my business growth!
Little Movers UK I love ya, keep doing what you do best and inspiring little ones to move!

It’s good to be back! 👋🏻

I’ve had a week off my Brand social pages but I’ve been beavering away behind the scenes editing some gorgeous brand shoots!

One of these was for Sarah if @ compter assistance uk (check her out on insta)
She wanted to create some welcoming photography for her website that gave a impression of what her service included.
I really wanted to portray her warmth of character too, to help potential customers feel un-intimidated by her service and enticed by her personality!

Does your business photography do all this?
If you’d like to step up your business identity, message and let’s start a conversation!

⚡️QUICK WINS! ⚡️
Why to include your face in branding...

👩🏾‍💻Having your face be a part of your brand isn’t necessarily making it about you, but rather it gives a human touch that your customers can connect with!

👩🏼‍🔧A face appearing through your connect will make your brand seem more personable, regardless of your size.

👩🏽‍🎨Some smaller businesses pretend that they have a big team when it’s just one person, and that can feel deceptive. Sometimes being small is an advantage!

💪🏻You’re in control of your brand’s image and the narrative around your story, that puts you in an incredibly powerful position. No one will be able to sell your business as well as you!

Feeling daunted? Want help creating authentic business portraits?
⚡️DM to book your free Creativity consult call!

“Soo what is it you do?”

Where do you start to explain what you do!?
Or how long do you have to explain your job role before your audience turns off?

SHOW THEM! Branding photography can visually explain your service and help your ideal client find you!

Part of my service is to learn about your service, help pin point how to effectively explain your business story and portray you and your brand personality!

With my 3hour Branding sessions all of this can be achieved, you’ll have a bank of professional and informative images to use as you please making business marketing and sorting content ALOT easier!

📸 Ready to connect with your audience, DM to discuss or book your Branding photography session.

Photo of North east Celebrant

You only have one chance to make a first impression...
what do you want that impression to be?

Think of your headshot as your introduction, a virtual handshake.
If taken right a great headshot makes you look professional, and a really great shot shows your personality!
It can be the difference if ‘she looks good’ and ‘I want to work with HER!’

Don’t waste your opportunity, Message today to book you headshot shoot!

Anyone else feeling a little stir crazy?

Maybe it’s due the kids being off, maybe it’s the anticipation of work being able to restart in just over a week?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by business, it’s ok to pause!
Or if you can’t do it all, don’t be afraid to look at your weaker areas and ask for help, there’s lots of support out there!

If creative content and brand presence is something you’re struggling with I can help you, RIGHT NOW!
I offer FREE creativity consult calls to all those wanting to create brand presence and don’t have a clue where to start!

DM and avoid the ‘mental straight jacket!’

Pssst want to know a mint tip when planning your branding imagery?

SHOW US YA TOOLS! Seriously! Whether it’s in the small details shots or lifestyle shots you’re postinf or in the head shot you have splattered across social, including the tools of your trade really helps your audience visually identify with what you actually do!

It always gets a giggle introducing a prop into any shot and asking the sitter the think of different ways to model it, some of the ‘silly’ shots can produce the most organic smiles and really get across your fun side!

What trade objects would be your tool choice? 📸

No way, I'm too fat!”
“Oh I’m too old for that!”
“Me? Oh I’m not pretty enough!"

So many women say this to me when merely suggesting the idea they should step in front of the camera! Ladies we need to stop putting ourselves down! It is not vanity having your portrait taken,
it’s business strategy!
⭐️Celebrate what makes you different!
⭐️Connect with your audience, trust me they wanna know all about you!
⭐️Empower yourself! Trust a professional to show you at your best, capture your essence and produce photos of you feel proud to use, and want others to see!

Inspire yourself to take action, and check out my latest blog @ www.victoriaspongephotography.co.uk or DM to book your taster session!

Photo: throwback to an image I took for over 10 years ago!

I’ve worked with lots of ladies in business over the years and I've come across reems of excuses why women haven’t plucked up the courage to book branding shoot...
Check out my latest blog and let’s face those fears and get you excited about your branding potential!

4 Reasons why you haven't booked a Branding Photoshoot! After a year of networking purely online (thanks COVID) and talking with lots of business women I've come across the same 4 reasons time and time again reasons why they haven’t felt confident enough to book branding shoot... I say lets confront those fears and get you excited about your branding p...

How do you connect with your audience?

That’s simple, show them what you do and how you do it... although in practice that’s sometimes a little trickier than it sounds!

Think about how you can show them a glimpse into what it is to work with you, in time your audience will come to know you, recognise your brand and trust your service.

That powers lies in your photographs!
Get your brand imagery right and transform how you communicate with your ideal crowd!

Would you like to know more about how branding photography can transform your business?
DM or visit my website via my bio and book your free creativity call!

Just like Taylor and associates did!

Are you on Insta? Me too! Come follow me 📸

victoriaspongebrandphotography on Instagram: Branding Photography will no doubt impact your pulling power when online networking and attracting clients... but don’t just take take my… victoriaspongebrandphotography • Original Audio | Green Screen Effect

📸 LET’S DO THIS! 📸

I’m so excited about these shoots! Services will resume as normal soon enough and I want to help you create buzz and excitement around your brand!

If you’ve been unsure about investing in brand photography, NOW is your time, try my service and see what’s possible!

Bespoke portraits, here to authentically capture you and celebrate your awesomeness 💛

Share and tag your business friends,
DM me if you’d like to discuss or book your mini session! 📸

4 weeks and business resumes as usual! 🥳
Are reopening soon? What are you excited for most?

To celebrate, for the first time EVER I’m offering MINI BRANDING TASTER SESSIONS!
Wanna try my service before investing in epic branding photography and a full photoshoot?
DO IT...
£50 30 minute session, 5 digital photographs!
Good eh? These are only available to book until April 4th and limited spaces!

Whatcha waiting for? DM to find out more! And Please SHARE! 😘

((1:1 sessions, additional charges for more than one sitter))

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS...

This squad of lasses are belta! are an unstoppable force, inspiring children to learn, play and dance and encouraging the youth of tomorrow into better health!

It’s an honour to be associated with them and always love our branding shoots! Full of energy and it’s been amazing to see them continue to support families virtually through lockdown! ✌🏻 GIRL POWER!!!