Meet Lisa Gilby, Founder of Self Made and Seen.
I help founders and business owners show up confidently with unique, impactful personal branding photography that truly reflects who you are, so you can stand out and be seen.
Hey, I'm Lisa, founder of Self Made and Seen!
I'm a North London brand photographer and visibility strategist, and I help you show the person behind the business, so the right people can find you, trust you and feel excited to work with you.
With over 15 years of photography experience, I work with founders and business owners across London, the UK and internationally. Whether you're launching something new, evolving your business, raising your profile, or ready to feel proud of the face behind your brand, I'd love to meet you.
See how my two experiences, The Brand Transformation and The Brand Refresh, work on my London personal branding photographer page.
Being visible isn't about showing more.
It's about helping people see who you really are.
Why clients feel at ease with me.
Many of my clients tell me they usually hate having their photo taken, and that's completely normal. It's exactly why we plan your shoot together first: your goals, your story, and a shot list and timeline made just for you. On shoot day I guide your poses and expressions and keep things relaxed, because confidence on camera comes from preparation and support, not from being "photogenic".
And when your gallery is delivered, I don't wave goodbye. Every client receives the Client Strategy Portal, which I developed so your images never end up sitting unused in a folder. It shows you where your photos should go, and gives you content ideas and tips to put them to work.
Don’t take it from me
See what my clients are saying.
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![Food writer Dominique Woolf, leaning on kitchen counter holding bowl of noodles and chopsticks]()
Dominique Woolf | Bestselling Author & Food Entrepreneur
“The photos convey the approachability I was after, and I absolutely love them. They've become my go-to for PR, events, and more.”
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![Female business owner smiling, sitting in chair, holding mobile phone]()
Alex Collis | Humanist Celebrant
“As someone who doesn't naturally enjoy having their photo taken, and often feels self-conscious, Lisa really put me at ease and took some absolutely brilliant shots.”
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![Female business owner sitting at home on sofa]()
Michele Anikitou | Reldm Ltd
“Lisa’s research and planning clearly showed she knew exactly what she was doing.”
A bit about me.
Throughout my photography career, I've focussed on one thing: helping people and brands stand out and show off what makes them unique.
My style and approach. I'm known for my authentic, vibrant visual style and my personal approach. I work closely with you to understand what you need and turn your vision into reality.
More than photography. I've spent years creating short social media videos and working in brand and web design, so I think about how your visuals will work in real life. Will they grab attention in a feed? Do they look right on your website? Do they say what you need them to say? It means you get visuals that are ready to use, not just nice to look at.
I know what it's like to be the face of a business. I've run my own business mostly on my own, so I understand the passion and hard work behind building one, and how it feels to put yourself front and centre. That understanding is built into how I work, so you feel supported and never just photographed.
Beyond the shoot. I also share ideas on visibility in my newsletter, The Visibility Letter, and I'm starting a local networking group for business women in Enfield and Haringey.
Who I work with and where I shoot.
I work mostly with established founders and service-based business owners, such as coaches, consultants, therapists and creatives, who are launching something new, evolving their business, raising their profile, or ready to feel proud of the face behind their brand. I also work with product-based businesses, always focusing on you, the person behind the product.
Although I predominantly work with women, I also welcome men and people who identify as non-binary.
I’m proud to run an LGBTQ+ friendly, anti-racist and body neutral business, and I try to represent as many people as possible in my work. You’re welcome here whatever your gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, faith or age. Whether you’re disabled, neurodivergent or have other access needs, tell me what would help and we’ll plan around it. And honestly, as long as you’re a nice person and we feel like a good fit, that’s all that matters!
If you're earlier in your business journey, I run mini sessions once or twice a year, and you can join the waitlist here.
Where I shoot. I'm based in North London and shoot across London, including Enfield, Haringey, Hackney, Islington, Camden, Shoreditch, Notting Hill, King's Cross, Chelsea and more, and I'm happy to travel across the UK and abroad.
Chat with me.
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to hear about you and your business.
Complete the enquiry form and, if we’re a good fit, I’ll invite you to a free connection call, where we’ll talk through where you’re heading and which experience is the right fit.
If you’ve ever second-guessed your brand photos or felt unsure how to show up online in a way that feels aligned, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created The Visibility Shift: a free 4-step guide to help you clarify your direction, align your brand visuals, and start being seen by the people who need your work.
It’s the first step I recommend for any entrepreneur ready to step into their next level.