Want Clients to See the Real You? The Power of Authentic Brand Photography in London

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through your camera roll, skipping over every recent photo until you land on ‘that one’,  the polished, younger version of yourself? Maybe your face looked smoother, your body a little leaner, your confidence higher. You think that’s the me I want clients to see. The truth is, using outdated photos doesn’t just keep you stuck in the past; it can actually hurt how clients see you today.

As a  London brand photographer, I see this all the time. Business owners, coaches, consultants, and creatives often hide behind outdated headshots or heavily filtered images, worried that the “real” version of themselves won’t be good enough.

But clients don’t want to connect with the ghost of who you used to be. They want you, now

Why Do We Cling to Old Photos?

There are three main reasons professionals keep recycling outdated headshots or brand photos:

1. Fear of judgment.  “If I show up with more wrinkles or a few extra pounds, will people still take me seriously?”

2. Shame about change. We treat aging and evolving like something to apologise for, instead of recognising the resilience and wisdom we’ve gained.

3. Habit.  Reusing that one flattering image feels safe and easy, even if it no longer reflects who we are.

You’re not alone; I have felt each one.

 Why New Photos Can Feel “Wrong”

One reason recent photos feel uncomfortable is because they don’t match the face you see every day in the mirror. We’re used to our flipped reflection, so when a camera shows us the version everyone else sees, it feels unfamiliar, even like looking at a stranger.

👉 Quick tip: try flipping your photo in an app like Canva or in edit mode of your photo editing software. Sometimes that small shift helps bridge the gap between how you think you look and how you actually appear.

The message goes deeper, it isn’t in flipping the photo. It’s in flipping your perspective.

Why Authentic Brand Photography Matters

If you’re running a business, building a personal brand, or showing up online as a professional, your photos aren’t just pictures. They’re the first impression you give clients.

When you cling to old photos, you risk:

Looking outdated - A headshot from 2016 doesn’t align with your current brand or energy.

Breaking trust – Clients meet you in real life and feel a disconnect.

Holding yourself back – You hesitate to post, update your website, or pitch opportunities because your photos don’t feel like you.

On the other hand, authentic personal branding photography does the opposite:

✅ Builds trust by showing the real you

✅ Positions you as confident and credible

✅ Helps you stand out in a competitive market

✅ Gives you a library of images you’re actually proud to use

Ageing Isn’t an Apology — It’s Your Strength

Every year, you’ve gained more resilience, knowledge, and experience. Clients want to connect with that,  not a polished version of who you were years ago. We all know that People do business with people they trust,  and trust comes from showing up as yourself, not hiding behind outdated images or heavy filters.

Want Clients to See the Real You?

Here’s the challenge I set for myself  and for you:

➡️ Stop waiting until you’re “better” to show up.

➡️ Stop recycling old photos like they’re the only version of you worth sharing.

➡️ Start owning where you are right now.

Because this is who you are. And that’s more than enough.

How Can I Help?

As a London brand photographer, I specialise in helping business owners, coaches, and professionals capture the real version of themselves with confidence and ease. When you work with me, you’ll:

* Get images that reflect who you are today, not five years ago

* A confidence boost and feel comfortable in front of the camera (yes, even if you  normally “hate photos of yourself”)

* Walk away with a gallery of authentic photos you’ll actually want to use  on your website, LinkedIn, social media, and beyond

So the next time a client searches for you online, they’ll see not the ghost of who you were,  but the professional, approachable, real person you are now.