Featuring insights from Sophie B Photography (and why “being real” matters more than ever in 2026)
Most business owners will happily spend thousands on a website… then upload blurry iPhone photos and wonder why enquiries don’t turn into clients.
If that’s you, you’re not alone. And you’re not “bad at marketing.”
You’ve just skipped one of the most important foundations of modern marketing: credible, consistent visuals that match your brand.
In this podcast episode, I sat down with Sophie Brown – photographer, marketer, and founder of Sophie B Photography – to talk about why photography isn’t just “a nice-to-have”… it’s often the difference between looking like a professional business, or looking like you’re still figuring it out.
Because today, people don’t just read what you say.
They judge what you show.
Why Photography Is Marketing (Even If You Don’t Think It Is)
Here’s the reality: your photos are part of your sales process.
Before someone books a consult, requests a quote, or even clicks “contact”, they’re doing a silent scan:
- Does this business look legit?
- Do they look trustworthy?
- Do they look like the type of business I want to work with?
- Can I picture myself buying from them?
Photos answer those questions instantly, often before a single word on your website gets read.
And if your visuals feel rushed, inconsistent, or low-effort… it creates doubt.
Not because your service is bad, but because your brand presentation doesn’t match your capability.
“But My Phone Camera Is Really Good…”
Sophie said something that nails the difference perfectly:
A phone can take a photo… but it’s the person behind the camera that creates the result.
Modern phones are incredible. But the difference isn’t the device.
It’s the skill behind it:
- composition
- lighting
- backgrounds and distractions
- positioning
- body language coaching
- editing choices
- consistency and brand style
A professional photographer doesn’t just “take photos.”
They shape the visual message your business conveys, and that message affects trust.
Why “Cheap” Photography Can Be the Most Expensive Option
This part hit hard because it’s exactly how I look at business decisions as an accountant:
Every dollar that goes out of your business must serve a purpose and bring a return.
I shared my own experience working with a cheaper photographer early on. The fee was lower… but:
- the shoot took more time
- I had to direct everything
- the quality wasn’t there
- only a small percentage was usable
- we wasted staff time
- and we still had to redo it later anyway
So the real cost wasn’t just the invoice.
It was the lost time, lost energy, and lost opportunity.
Sophie’s approach is the opposite: she asks questions before the shoot, researches the business, and makes sure the photos are unique to the client – not generic “stock-style” images.
That’s marketing thinking.
What Has Changed in Photography (and Why It Matters)
Sophie has been in business 17 years and said photography has shifted massively.
Back in the day, a photo shoot might deliver 1–3 “hero” images.
Now, businesses need quantity and variety because marketing isn’t “set and forget” anymore.
You’re showing up:
- on Instagram
- on Facebook
- on LinkedIn
- in reels
- on websites
- in email newsletters
- in proposals
- in media kits
- in event promotions
And people want real, not overly polished.
They want behind-the-scenes.
They want human.
They want to feel like they know you.
The 2026 Shift: “Be Real. Just Be Real.”
One of the strongest moments in the episode came when Sophie said:
“In 2026, if there’s anything I can say to you – be real. Just be real.”
And she’s right.
AI is making it easier for anyone to create content.
But that means the “new premium” isn’t perfect branding.
It’s authenticity.
Real people. Real stories. Real behind-the-scenes.
That’s what builds trust now.
“I Hate Being on Camera” – Here’s What To Do
If you freeze in front of a camera, Sophie’s advice is simple:
Turn up as you.
Wear what you’d wear to meet a client.
Don’t overthink the rules.
Because when business owners get overwhelmed, they do nothing, and that’s the real cost.
Sophie also runs training and workshops to help people build confidence on camera and improve smartphone photography (because not every business is ready for full professional shoots yet).
That’s the key: meet your business where it’s at – but don’t ignore the foundation.
The “Behind the Scenes” Effect
Here’s something business owners forget:
When someone is about to spend money with you – the higher the fee, the higher the risk.
So naturally, people want to know more.
They want proof.
They want credibility.
And showing behind-the-scenes content helps people understand the depth of what you do.
This doesn’t just apply to photographers.
It applies to accountants, builders, coaches, tradies, anyone in a service business.
People don’t just buy the service.
They buy the confidence that you’ll deliver.
A Brilliant Tool Sophie’s Using: Instant Event Photos via QR Code
One of the coolest things Sophie mentioned is the new tech she’s using at events:
✅ guests scan a QR code
✅ take a selfie / connect instantly
✅ photos deliver straight to their phone
✅ branded overlays included
✅ people can post immediately
That’s a game-changer for conferences and events where marketing teams want content now, not two weeks later.
Not Everyone Is Your Client (and That’s Okay)
This is a business maturity moment:
There are different photographers for different needs.
Different accountants. Different mechanics. Different advisors.
You don’t need to be everything to everyone.
You just need to be the right fit for the right people.
And when your brand visuals reflect who you really are, the right people find you faster.
Want Help Making Your Business Look as Professional as It Actually Is?
If you’re thinking:
- “Our photos don’t match the quality of our work”
- “We need to update our website images”
- “We want content for social media that feels real but still looks premium”
- “I hate being on camera and don’t know where to start”
Then Sophie is absolutely worth speaking to.
📍 Get in touch with Sophie B
She’s Sydney-based (Sutherland Shire), but also travels interstate and internationally – including Italy for retreats and projects.
Want Help From Me (Nathan) On the Business Side?
If you’re investing in marketing, branding, or content – but you’re not sure if your business can afford it, or how to make sure it actually delivers a return, this is exactly what we help clients with.
We’ll look at:
- cash flow
- pricing and margins
- marketing spend vs return
- business foundations (Profit First + profitability planning)
So your business doesn’t just look good… it stays profitable.
Reach out, and we’ll talk it through.