As a small business owner, it’s easy to rush from one project to the next without pausing to reflect.
Looking back on 2025, I’m struck by just how much last year was about clarifying who I serve, deepening relationships, and focusing on work that genuinely adds value to Aberdeen’s business community.
At the heart of my work is professional portraiture, and in particular, headshots and branding photography for business owners, professionals, and students. But 2025 reminded me that photography is as much about people and confidence as it is about images.
Strengthening Local Connections
One of the highlights of this year has been working even more closely with Aberdeen-based businesses and organisations. From solo founders and creative professionals to corporate teams, I’ve seen first-hand how strong visuals can quietly but powerfully support reputation, credibility, and growth.
Many of my clients come to me feeling unsure about being photographed. Watching that hesitation turn into confidence, and then seeing those images used on websites, LinkedIn profiles, and marketing materials, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the year.
Aberdeen has enormous talent, and I’ve loved playing a small part in helping that talent show up visually at its best. One of my clients, Judith Mackie, has grown her business, Selling Granite Estate Agency, as a thriving company in the past year. It was an immense pleasure to see her use the branding images our shoot to launch herself as a fully independent estate agent.
Supporting Emerging Talent
Another important strand of my work in 2025 has been supporting students and early-career professionals, particularly those in the performing arts and creative industries. For many of them, a professional portrait marks a real milestone: the point where they begin to see themselves as professionals in their own right.
Helping people step confidently into that next chapter has been a recurring theme throughout the year, and one that aligns strongly with my background in education as well as photography.
For instance, I launched a ‘Creative Headshots’ promotion and as you can see from my portraits of Lewis and Orla, they got to show their unique personalities!
I also had the immense pleasure of photographing most of the second year students for their headshots. Once again, capturing their unique personalities and their range through the medium of studio headshots was truly invigorating.
Adapting to Challenges
Like many businesses, I’ve felt the effects of a challenging economic climate. There is understandable caution around investment. At the same time, 2025 has reinforced just how vital strong online presence and visual communication have become.
Recommendations, first impressions, and credibility now happen largely online. This has created meaningful conversations with clients about intentional marketing. By that I mean not more noise, but better representation which gives your audience the sense of what your brand is, and what you represent. It’s been encouraging to see businesses recognise that thoughtful visuals are not a luxury, but a practical tool for standing out.
And making those connections was exactly what happened at the Women in New Energy conference. It was brilliant to be able to photograph women across all stages of their careers, from early entrants to seasoned professionals,
Looking Ahead
As I move into 2026, my focus is on continuing to serve Aberdeen’s business community with care, clarity, and creativity, and I’m excited to have joined the Chamber this year. I’m keen to deepen collaborations, support more local professionals, and keep championing the idea that showing up well visually can have a genuine impact on confidence and opportunity.
2025 has been a year of steady, purposeful growth. It’s been rooted in community, trust, and the belief that businesses thrive best when they support one another. I’m excited to see what will happen next.