Look, I'll be honest with you. I'm writing this with my trusty Coke Zero in hand, my toddler thoroughly engaged with his iPad (no judgment, please, we all do what works), and my Frenchie snoring contentedly at my feet.

As a boy mom who finally found her groove in her mid-30s while replacing my corporate income doing what I actually love, I know a thing or two about evolution and finding your sweet spot.

Let me paint you a picture of what typically happens. You're crushing it on Instagram, building a loyal following, getting consistent DMs about your services. Everything feels great until... the algorithm changes. Suddenly, your posts are reaching half your audience. Or worse, your account gets hacked or disabled. I've seen this happen to too many business owners, and let me tell you - watching years of hard work disappear overnight is not a fun experience. Here's what nobody tells you about relying solely on social media: you're building your business on rented land.

Picture this: You're shopping online for a wedding dress (stick with me here). You click on a boutique's website, and all their dresses are photographed with an iPhone in dim lighting. Would you trust them with one of the most important purchases of your life? Probably not.

The same goes for your business. Whether you're selling services or products, your website is often the first impression potential clients get of your brand. And let me tell you - they can spot smartphone photos faster than I can spot the last Coke Zero in my fridge (which is pretty darn fast).

Let's cut to the chase—if you want to come off as a professional and an expert in your field, branding photos aren't just nice to have; they're essential. Don't believe me? Let's take a quick tour through the world of successful brands.

Let's chat about personal branding – and I promise it's not as intimidating as it sounds. As a branding photographer and web designer who left the corporate world to be a more present mom, I've seen firsthand how powerful a strong personal brand can be.

As someone who's juggled client photoshoots, web design projects, and motherhood (all fueled by an unhealthy amount of Coke Zero), I've learned a thing or two about this balancing act.