Colour, Confidence & Change - Making Corporate Photography Fun

"We can't keep doing this. I can't keep advocating for change this way," Susie Palmer-Trew remembers thinking during that pivotal moment years ago. It was the catalyst that launched her consultancy, Everyday Change. Now, thanks to the vibrant branding created by designer Kayleigh Lloyd, Susie was in my Exeter studio ready to bring that carefully crafted visual identity to life through photography.

For someone who helps organisations navigate major transformations, Susie knows the importance of showing up at your best. She travelled from Milton Keynes and chose to stay at Exeter's Hotel Indigo, taking advantage of their spa facilities to ensure she arrived fresh and relaxed for her session. When someone plans their shoot day this thoughtfully, you know they mean business. But Susie, the self-proclaimed "Chief Change Brain" behind Everyday Change, isn't your typical consultant.

The Power of Partnership

This shoot was special because it brought together two elements of great brand building. Kayleigh Lloyd, a brand designer on a mission to pack more personality into female-founded businesses, had already transformed Everyday Change's visual identity with her signature high-energy, purposeful approach. Having experienced Kayleigh's magic firsthand with my own brand, I knew exactly how to complement her thoughtful design work with photos that would bring out the human element of Susie's brand.

"So many other consultants are white, middle-class males wearing Navy suits," Susie told me over coffee. "They're suitable and great for a certain type of people. But I wanted people to be able to see us and go, 'I think you're my person' because of what we look like." This vision was exactly what Kayleigh had captured in the brand design – now it was time to bring it to life through photos.

Where Design Meets Photography

Key Insight: Great branding is a partnership – design sets the foundation, photography brings it to life.

The shoot day was even more special because it was the first time Kayleigh and Susie had met in person. There's something magical about watching a brand come full circle – seeing how Kayleigh's carefully chosen colours and design elements could be translated into dynamic, personal images.

"Showing up and looking confident is the best way to attract your audience," Kayleigh often says, and that's exactly what Susie was ready to do. The brand colours Kayleigh had chosen weren't just background elements – they became an integral part of the photos, strengthening the cohesive identity she had thoughtfully built.

Behind the Scenes

Walking into my home studio, Susie brought not just her brand's rainbow-inspired colour palette but also her refreshing perspective on being the face of her business: "If you are putting your time and investing in your own business, your own offer, your own products – stand with it and stand proudly next to it."

Key Insight: When branding and photography work in harmony, your personality can truly shine.

Over the years, Susie has developed what she calls her "Harry years" confidence (named after her little one). "This is my body - it might not be perfect, but look at the amazing things it achieves." That body positivity mindset shone through in every shot, especially when we captured her signature "bum out, belly up, tits out, chin up" power pose – we had fun perfecting that chin position for the perfect shot!

The Results

The final gallery isn't just a collection of headshots – it's a continuation of the brand story Kayleigh has started. Each image works in harmony with Everyday Change's visual identity, creating a toolkit for guerrilla marketing campaigns, conference materials, and creative ways to stand out at events. From QR code-holding portraits to cleverly placed promotional materials (including, yes, conference bathroom doors – brilliant marketing if you ask me), each image builds on the strong foundation of Kayleigh's brand design.

Key Insight: The best visual brands combine strong design with authentic photography.

"I'm absolutely in love with the yellow and pink!" Susie beamed as she scrolled through her gallery, unable to contain her excitement. Each image captures a different facet of her brand – celebrating how Everyday Change supports organisations through periods of transformation, bringing out their best even in challenging times, showcasing her engaging speaking presence, and always staying true to the distinctive Everyday Change energy that Kayleigh has so brilliantly captured in the brand design.

What's Next

With her brand design from Kayleigh already making waves, these new photos will add another dimension to Everyday Change's visual storytelling. Susie's already buzzing with creative ideas for using them across LinkedIn, conference materials, and innovative marketing campaigns. Watching her and Kayleigh brainstorm future possibilities during the shoot - from strategic conference displays to creative promotional materials - was like witnessing a masterclass in brand vision. I can't wait to see how these two creative forces bring it all to life!

Final Key Insight: The most memorable brands are built on partnerships – great design and authentic photography working together to tell your story.

🔥 Find Susie at Everyday Change

🔥 Need a brand refresh? Find Kayleigh at Lloyd Creative

Ready to bring your brand to life through photography? If you're looking to complement your brand design with images that capture your authentic personality, let's create photos that align perfectly with your visual identity. Book your session in my Exeter studio today – and perhaps make a spa trip of it like Susie did! Nothing beats showing up relaxed and ready to shine. 🥰

Request more info about shoots by filling out the form below and telling me a bit about you!