A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Creative Process

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "What's it actually like to work with you?"

The truth is, every brand is different, which means every project is too. But one thing always stays the same: I believe the best content comes from collaboration, thoughtful planning, and creating an experience that feels as seamless as the final results look.

Here's a little sneak peek into my creative process from our very first conversation through to the delivery of your gallery.

Shot for Lyle’s Golden Syrup (Social Media Amplification Package)

Step One: The Discovery Call

Everything starts with a discovery call.

This is where we get to know each other, chat about your brand, your goals, and what you're hoping to achieve through photography or video content. Whether you're launching a new product, refreshing your social media, or building an entire content library, this call helps me understand exactly what you need.

It's also your opportunity to ask questions, bounce around ideas, and see if we're the right fit to work together.

I want every client to feel excited and confident before moving forward. I’ll usually send over a proposal that fits your content requirements so you can review and share internally with your team to see if we’re the right fit for working together.

Step Two: Booking Your Project

Once you've decided you'd like to work together, I'll send over your contract, and invoice for the deposit to secure your slot.

Once your contract is signed and deposit paid, your booking is secured, and your shoot date is officially in the diary.

From there, the creative work begins…

Shot for Food Thoughts (Photography Package)

Step Three: Getting to Know Your Brand

Before I start planning your shoot, I'll ask for your brand guidelines (if you have any), along with a creative brief.

This gives me a clear understanding of your visual identity, messaging, audience, and overall goals. If you're still developing your brand, don't worry – we'll work together to establish the right direction.

The better I understand your business, the more intentional your content becomes.

Step Four: Building the Creative Direction

At least two weeks before your shoot, I'll create a personalised moodboard filled with inspiration images, colour palettes, styling ideas, backdrops, compositions and overall creative direction.

This isn't a one-way presentation. It's a collaborative process designed for a two-way dialogue and iterations if need be.

We'll discuss ideas, refine concepts, and make sure everything feels aligned with your brand before we ever pick up the camera. This stage ensures we're both excited and working towards the same vision.

Shot for Robert Welch (Videography Package)

Step Five: Planning the Shoot

Once the creative direction is approved, I move into detailed planning.

I'll map out a shot list covering the key images and video content we absolutely need, ensuring all your priorities are captured.

Then comes my favourite part: the creative freedom. Most of my clients trust me to build upon the brief and capture the moments, details, and storytelling elements that feel right for your brand or product. Often, these ideas on shoot day come from years of expertise and experience in knowing what’ll look and perform best.

That's where the magic usually happens.

Shoot Day

Shoot day is designed to feel organised, relaxed, and enjoyable.

Because all the planning has already been done, you don't need to worry about what comes next. You can focus on running your business, interacting naturally, or simply enjoying the experience while I guide you through the process.

Whether we're creating polished brand imagery, lifestyle content, behind-the-scenes footage, or campaign visuals, my goal is always to create content that feels authentic to you and connects with your audience.

Shot for Honi Poké (On Location Shoot)

Editing and Delivery

After the shoot, every image and video is carefully selected and professionally edited by hand.

Your final gallery will be delivered within 10–15 working days (although if you’re on a tight deadline, we can book in a rush job, or I can occasionally deliver assets earlier) via a secure online gallery protected by a personal PIN, making it easy to view, download, and share your content safely.

You'll receive high-quality files ready to use across your website, social media, marketing campaigns, and beyond.

For My Retainer Clients

For businesses on a quarterly or annual retainer, my role goes beyond creating content.

With over 10 years of experience in marketing, working both in-house and agency-side, I understand that great content is only valuable when it supports your wider business goals.

Rather than simply showing up on shoot day, I become an extension of your marketing team. As your business evolves, so does the content we create together.

We'll stay connected through email, and where it makes sense, we'll schedule quarterly catch-ups to review what's working, discuss upcoming campaigns, refine our creative direction, and ensure we're always aligned on your brand vision, and marketing and content strategy.

Because the best content isn't created in isolation. It's built through consistency, collaboration, and a clear understanding of where your brand is heading.

Over time, this means less time briefing, more efficient shoot days, and a growing library of consistent content that feels cohesive, intentional, and unmistakably aligned with your brand or business.

More Than Just Photos and Video

When you work with me, you're not simply booking someone to turn up with a camera.

You're investing in someone who takes the time to understand your brand, your audience, and your goals.

Every stage of the process has been designed to make your experience as smooth as possible while creating content that genuinely works for your business—not just content that looks beautiful.

My aim is to create visuals that tell your story, build trust with your audience, and give you a library of content you'll be excited to use long after the shoot is over.

If you've been thinking about investing in professional content but weren't sure what the process looked like, I hope this gives you a little insight into what you can expect.

I can't wait to bring your vision to life.