Headshots with Heart: Capturing a Psychologist's Mission to Help Healthcare Workers
What happens when a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in burnout and workplace trauma decides it's time to be more visible for her clients? Dr Paula Redmond makes the journey from Surrey to find out!
"I feel clear about my direction," Paula says as my in-house hair and makeup artist Giselle works her magic. We're chatting over morning coffee in my Exeter studio, where Paula has travelled down from Surrey the day before. "Part of it was about making it feel like a treat for myself," she explains, having chosen to stay overnight in Exeter to make the experience special. It's something many of my clients do – turning their personal branding photoshoot into a mini-retreat away from the usual routine.
Meet Paula
As a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of NHS experience primarily in older adult services, Paula brings exceptional depth to her work with healthcare professionals. The pandemic sparked a purposeful transition to private practice, driven by her vision to support those who give so much of themselves to others.
"I had the chance, when setting up my private practice, to focus on whatever I wanted," she explains, adjusting her signature sea green scarf (which perfectly matches her brand colours!). "What feels so important to me is helping people who give so much of themselves, personally and professionally, to help others."
The Motivation
What prompts this brand photography session? With her practice expanding to include her insightful ‘When Work Hurts’ podcast, online coaching, specialised ADHD assessments, and an innovative venture called Creative Restoration offering knitting-related courses and workshops, Paula needs a portfolio of professional headshots that speak to multiple audiences while maintaining her authentic approach.
"The photos I have were from the post office," she laughs. "I started my business in 2020 when there weren't options for proper professional photos. Now, with clarity about my direction, it feels like the right time to invest in relaxed headshots that really show who I am."
Behind The Scenes
As we begin capturing her colourful new business headshots, Paula shares an honest moment about the experience. "I feel nervous about having to look at myself for so long," she admits. "It's quite intense when the focus is on how you look rather than what you're saying."
But as Giselle adds finishing touches to her makeup, we chat about psychology, creativity, and the power of self-expression. We move through different setups for her personal brand photography, incorporating elements that represent her various roles - from podcast microphone to knitting needles - each prop telling part of her story.
Her brand colours play a starring role too. "These are basically the colours I wear," she smiles, showing me her coordinated bag, scarf, and purse in beautiful sea green shades. And the red in her brand palette holds special significance: "It represents both care and connection – I'm holding those elements together in my work."
The Results
When we review the images together at the end of the session, Paula's face lights up. "I'm really pleased with the results," she shares. "I didn't think I would come away with as many nice photos - I thought if I had one headshot, that'd be good! They're great – definitely worth travelling down from Surrey for!"
We create a comprehensive collection of creative business headshots for every professional need: warm, engaging portraits for her therapy work, dynamic personal branding photos for her podcast and speaking engagements, and artistic shots that showcase her unique approach to wellbeing through activities like knitting and creative restoration.
What's Next
These professional brand photos support Paula across multiple platforms – from her website redesign to LinkedIn professional headshots, podcast materials to workshop promotions. Each image reflects what her clients consistently praise about her work: "a combination of sincere compassion and expertise."
"They feel like I understand," she explains, speaking of her clients, particularly healthcare professionals. "I worked myself in the NHS for a long time. I understand the context... and having that clinical expertise and experience is really important."
Ready for Your Own Personal Branding Journey?
Are you a healthcare professional ready to showcase the full scope of your expertise? Whether you're expanding your services or evolving your brand, let's create relaxed, professional headshots that reflect both your excellence and authentic approach. Your unique vision deserves to be captured and shared.
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Thinking about having your own colourful photoshoot? Get started by filling out the contact form below!
