Glamity-Jane

When you work in beauty, you get used to talking about products, treatments, and results. For the past 13 years as a beauty columnist and pundit, that’s been my world — skincare, makeup, hair, treatments, events, and the people who make the industry tick. I’ve spent plenty of time on camera too, whether on radio, television, or podcastsm, but here’s the funny part: I had never really thought much about my image in the sense of professional headshots or a “brand shoot.”

I’ve always shown up online in a real and authentic way. No filters, no façade, no pretending to be something I’m not. But when photographer Alicja Sweeney reached out about doing a photoshoot, I hesitated. Not because I’m particularly body conscious — but because spending a couple of hours in front of a camera, purely to capture me, felt outside of my comfort zone.

Getting Ready: Outfits and Personality on Display

Alicja, being wonderfully professional, emailed me a few days before with prep notes. One thing she suggested was bringing outfit changes. I’ll admit, I had initially thought, maybe I’ll just bring a few tops. But her words — “bring your personality” — made me think harder.

So, out came:

A classic LBD paired with red lipstick (because that’s basically my brand). A punchy pink dress (fun, bold, a little bit glam). And of course, leopard print. Because animal print has always been part of my DNA, even back when only Bette from Coronation Street was brave enough to wear it.

That mix of outfits gave me variety, but also authenticity. I wanted to feel like myself, the same way I would if I were meeting a friend for coffee.

The Shoot Experience

We shot in Alicja’s studio, which is perfectly set up for branding and headshots. She directed me through different poses — some worked, some didn’t. And that’s okay. I quickly learned that not every angle works for every body type, and that’s part of the process.

There were moments I felt a bit awkward, but Alicja kept me relaxed and guided me along. We even added in some small props, which gave the shots more personality (though in hindsight, I wish I’d brought a vintage bottle of champagne — maybe next time!).

Editing and Authenticity

When it came to editing, I was clear: I didn’t want to look flawless or airbrushed to the point of being unrecognisable. Yes, Alicja made small refinements (for example, my tan was darker than my face in some shots), but she kept me looking real.

The finished images strike that balance between professional polish and authenticity — exactly what I wanted. Out of the full shoot, we chose around 14–15 shots that really captured me. Unsurprisingly, the ones where I felt most comfortable, where the poses came naturally, were the strongest.

What I Learned

For anyone thinking about booking a headshot or branding shoot, here’s my advice:

Communicate with your photographer. Share what’s important to you — whether it’s patterns, colours, poses, or props. Bring variety. Don’t just think tops; think outfits that reflect your personality. Stay authentic. Professional doesn’t have to mean “not you.” Step out of your comfort zone. Some of the poses will feel odd, but trust the process.

Glamity Jane’s Guide: 5 Things to Bring to Your Branding Shoot

Outfits with Personality – Choose at least three looks that reflect who you are. Think classic staples, bold colours, or signature prints. Props That Speak to You – A notebook, coffee cup, lipstick, or even something fun like a champagne glass. Props add story to your shots. Comfortable Shoes (and a Backup Pair) – Heels look amazing, but you’ll thank yourself for having flats between takes. Touch-Up Kit – Powder, lipstick, hairbrush, and anything you’d bring on a night out. Quick fixes make a big difference. Confidence & Openness – Not everything will feel natural, but trust your photographer. The best shots often come from moments you least expect.

Final Thoughts

I’m so glad I went through with this shoot. Not only did I end up with a set of branding images I love, but I also pushed myself beyond a little comfort zone I didn’t even realise I had.

Alicja was professional, supportive, and genuinely interested in helping me create something authentic. I know she’s since been booked by others for branding shoots, and I’m not surprised — she has that rare ability to put you at ease while bringing out your personality.

So, if you’re on the fence about getting professional headshots or a branding shoot done — do it. Bring your personality, your quirks, your style. You might just be surprised at how much of yourself you’ll see reflected back in the best way possible.