Meet: Lisa Gilby, a personal branding photographer
- Written byEleanor Harvey
- Published date 09 January 2024
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Lisa Gilby specialises in personal branding photography. Whilst studying a Foundation course at London College of Communication, UAL she discovered her love for photography. She’s since gone on to set up 2 businesses to help other creatives; Freshest Frames which offers headshots and dance photography for performers; and Self Made and Seen, where she takes personal branding photography for small business owners.
She spoke to us about setting up her businesses and how she's combined her knowledge of personal branding with photography.
You studied at London College of Communication (LCC); what was that experience like?
I was on the Art & Design foundation course at LCC. I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in, but the course helped me to realise I wanted to focus on photography. There was an exciting and creative atmosphere at LCC, and it had great facilities, which all helped to motivate and inspire me at a valuable time in my education-to-career journey.
What did you do after graduating?
I went on to complete a BA in Contemporary Photographic Practice and then I set up as a freelance photographer and videographer. In the early days of my career, as with many freelancers, I took on a variety of work, including photographing / filming events and documentary. But my passion then was working with dancers and performers, so I soon set up my first business ‘Freshest Frames’ specifically for this.
Over the next 10 years I developed a lot of experience working with individuals on their promotional needs, including headshots, dance photography, and portfolio content. I also developed my business and marketing skills, as there's a lot else that goes into running your own business.
Alongside this, for a few years, I also worked freelance creating short form social media video adverts for big name brands. This is where I started to develop my understanding of the importance of branding, how to portray clear messages, and how to grab customers' attention.
You now have your own Personal Branding Photography business, Self Made and Seen; can you tell us more about this?
During the pandemic, as I couldn’t photograph in person with clients, I decided to develop my skills in other areas. I undertook online training as a graphic, web and brand designer and then started working remotely with small businesses on their branding.
When things opened again, I knew I wanted to get back to photography, but I wanted to utilise my new skills and knowledge about branding. So, I decided to set up my second photography business ‘Self Made and Seen’ where I specialise in Personal Branding Photography for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
In this new business, I’m able to bring together my experience of photographing individuals creatively, with my branding knowledge. This enables me to highlight my client's unique personality and their specific offerings through beautiful brand images that help them attract their ideal audience. To do this well, I spend a lot of time prior to the shoot getting to know my clients, their brand, and their marketing needs.
Now I’m a London Personal Branding Photographer, I really enjoy working closely with other small business owners and I’m passionate about helping them stand out, make an impact, and get their businesses seen!
What was the process of setting up Self Made and Seen like?
Before launching Self Made and Seen, I spent time building a new brand and website specifically for this new service. I feel it’s important to separate my two businesses so that they can both speak to the right clients and address their specific needs. I also took time to develop my portfolio, so that I could highlight specific examples of this new style of photography. Alongside this, I’ve also undertaken further courses to develop my business processes and workflow because it’s crucial to create a great client experience and find ways to be efficient with my time.
Since setting up, I’ve really got into networking too, because it’s a great way to meet potential clients and people I could potentially collaborate with. I really enjoy going to the monthly UAL alumni networking drinks and have now worked with a few alumni through this which is great!
As a business owner what challenges have you faced and what advice would you give to someone wanting to set up their own business?
As a small business owner there is an ongoing challenge to constantly gain new clients. But every successful job leads to potential new work. One piece of advice would be to continually improve your skills and try to ensure a great client experience, because happy customers are your biggest marketing tool!
Also, create a workflow system for efficiency, have contracts to protect you, and learn about marketing and SEO because it’s important for business growth.
You mentioned you’ve worked with some UAL alumni, what can you offer anyone else who might want to work with you?
If you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, a creative, or you have something to promote, then I’d love to help you with personal branding photography and advise you on how to use your images for best impact. Learn more about my London Personal Branding Photography.
Alternatively, if you’re a dancer, actor, or any kind of performer and need headshots or portfolio content, then please visit my other business, Freshest Frames.
I’d also love to offer UAL students and alumni a discounted rate!
