"I Hate Being on Camera!" - Charlotte's Journey from Camera-Shy to Camera-Ready
You know those clients who make you belly laugh all day? That was Charlotte Hopkins. She travelled over from Cardiff for her headshots, and honestly? She was terrified. (Her words, not mine!)
“I found Rosie’s work 18 months ago, so I’ve been nicely stalking her since then. This was going to be my very first photoshoot for professional reasons, and I just KNEW it had to be Rosie.”
Meet Charlotte - The Reluctant Star
Here's the thing about Charlotte - she's absolutely brilliant at helping others shine. As co-founder of Kinbee, she works with the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales, supporting people who've been through trauma. She's a natural cheerleader, drawing out everyone else's talents.
But when it came to showing her own face? Not so much.
"I'm definitely somebody who's hidden behind the brand," she told me over coffee in my Exeter studio. "It's always been about Kinbee, never 'Charlotte Hopkins, here I am!'"
(Sound familiar to anyone else hiding behind their brand?)
Why Now? Big Changes Ahead!
So what finally got Charlotte to brave the camera? Her business is evolving in the most exciting way. She's launching a new venture in January that's all about one-to-one support, helping ambitious people rediscover themselves.
The irony wasn't lost on us - here she was, finding herself in front of my camera while preparing to help others do the same!
Behind the Scenes with Charlotte
Want to know how she prepared for the shoot? "I went to yoga and expected to lose a stone in one class! 😂" (Honestly, the number of times I hear similar stories!)
But then she said something that really stuck with me: "I think I just needed to mentally prepare and show up as who I am. And yes, there may be your snaggle-tooth or a hair growing from the chin, but actually... that's who I am, warts and all!"
The Magic Happens
You know that moment when everything just clicks? When Charlotte tried on the red lipstick (which she was convinced she couldn't pull off), something shifted. Spoiler alert: She absolutely rocked it!
Throughout the shoot we laughed so much her belly hurt (her words again!). Between snack breaks and outfit changes, that nervous energy transformed into pure joy. This is why I love my job - watching someone go from "I hate photos" to "Is that really me?!"
The Big Reveal
Remember how Charlotte started the day dreading being in front of the camera? By the time we were reviewing her photos, she couldn't stop smiling. She chose shots she never expected to love - including that fierce red lip look!
But here's what really made my day. Charlotte realised something important: her business has grown through personal connections. People meet her, talk to her, feel that spark - and then they want to work with her. Now she has photos that capture that same authentic energy, ready to make those connections before she even meets people.
What's Next for This Not-So-Camera-Shy Star?
Charlotte's launching her new venture in January, and this time? She's not hiding. Her photographs will show exactly who she is - warm, professional, and yes, rocking that red lipstick!
P.S. Are you pulling a Charlotte and hiding behind your brand? Let's chat about creating some photos that show the real you. Promise there'll be snacks, laughs, and maybe even a red lipstick revelation of your own!
Find Charlotte at Kinbee
