Reminder: The best posts are the ones that show who you are and what you care about.

Lately, I’ve been working on posting more consistent blogs and newsletters. My goal is to provide a human touch to the world of DIY brand photography—helping you look like a pro without actually needing to be a photographer.

Today, as I was digging through my image archives, I came across the portfolio I used to graduate from photography school. Looking at those images, I was instantly hit with ideas for stories and techniques I wanted to share with you. But one thing stood out to me more than the rest. It reminded me of something my instructor told me at the time:

“Hannah, I think your portfolio is the first one I’ve seen in a while that was mainly joyful photos.”

Some of the images frm that portfolio.

You see, many professional brand and headshot photographers aim for that “safe” look—the soft smile with the gentle eyes. I decided to go in a different direction. I focused on capturing the joy, the laughter, and the connection within.

The Story Behind the Smile

When you looked at my final portfolio, you saw genuine joy. But the kicker was that during that time, I was actually struggling with deep depression. Months prior, I had taken a severe blow to the head and sustained a concussion that caused lasting damage—an injury I still navigate the aftermath of today.

Even though I didn’t feel like smiling much myself, I wanted to ensure that those on the other side of my camera didn’t feel the way I did. My goal for every shoot was to ensure clients walked away with more than just a headshot; they walked away with a memory of laughter.

And don’t get me wrong, there is a section in that portfolio that also highlighted how I actually felt, and how many others feel when struggling with mental health. For more on that journey check out this post: Pics 4 Passion 

When we remove insecurity and replace it with happiness, it fundamentally changes how we view ourselves and the images we are in. Not a single person looked at their images and saw anything other than someone who was happy. Sure, there were small things they might not have liked about their appearance, but that wasn’t their takeaway. And it shouldn’t be yours, either.

Why Joy is Your Best Branding Tool

Your branding photos are no different. How many pictures do you see of professionals truly enjoying what they do?

If you show yourself having a genuinely good time, your clients will have no choice but to connect with you. Joy is contagious; it’s hard to look at a picture of someone genuinely enjoying themselves without smiling back. Joy resonates more than a forced “professional” smile ever will.

Think about the images you see on social media. If someone shares a staged, stiff photo, does it make you stop the scroll the same way a photo of them laughing with a client or their family would?

If you spend your day helping people, relieving stress, and providing solutions, your photos should reflect the pride and excitement you feel for that work. Don’t let the pressure of “perfection” steal that from you. It’s often said that “comparison kills the calling.” It’s time to stop letting perfection and comparison rob us of our light—especially when we are trying to bring light to others.

How to Capture the Feeling

I encourage you to step into the joy you feel when you’re building your business. It isn’t a flaw to show emotion; it’s the bridge to human connection.

If you’re unsure how to capture that feeling (or you’re just not feeling it in the moment), here is my best DIY prompt: start laughing out loud, awkwardly. Eventually, you will feel so silly that the laughter will turn from forced to genuine.

Don’t be afraid to look silly or have unflattering photos at the start. Not all of them will be keepers but the ones that are, will take you far.

This one a favourite from when when I took my camera with me as a repelled down the side of a high-rise as a fundraiser for a nonprofit.

And if you aren’t sure you can capture that joy by yourself, I would love to chat. I have spent many hours laughing in a room alone—partly because I think I’m hilarious, and partly because I’ve mastered the “fake-to-real” laugh transition through years of practice.

Whether you need someone to take the photo for you or just need a support system to help you share your joy, I am here to guide you.

Are you willing to let the joy of your business be shared online?