Headshot photographer in Alexandra Palace, London with Author Deborah Susman.
As a London Personal Branding Photographer, I love to help my clients showcase their amazing businesses and attract their ideal audience. So as well as creating eye-catching personal brand images, I also write a blog post about each of my clients and show off some of their new images to the world. So with that said…
In the “Self Made Spotlight” today is Deborah Susman.
Debbie is an Author who writes historical novels. Her most recent novel is inspired by the life of her great-grandmother who was shot in the thigh at age nine by the Tzarist police because she was a member of the secret Jewish revolutionary movement called The Bund. The Bund played a key role in the 1905 Russian Revolution. Debbie’s novel spans 1890’s Russia to 1911 Lower East Side, New York and is a story about what happens when you fall through the cracks of history and what it costs to survive.
A few months ago, local North London primary school Campsbourne held an auction, fundraising to enhance school life for the children and to create an inclusive school community. As I went to Campsbourne Infants and Juniors school myself during the 90’s I was excited to get involved with the auction. I decided to donate a portrait shoot and Debbie was the highest bidder!
Debbie is in the process of seeking publishers for her new novel and decided that having some professional author headshots was her “next step in becoming a professional writer.” She wanted her new brand portraits to showcase her as intelligent, interesting, creative, and a bit quirky.
So for her portrait shoot we spent an hour shooting around Alexandra Palace in Haringey. Ally Pally offered us some historic walls as well as lots of lovely greenery which was ideal for Debbie’s author portraits.
“I was quite nervous beforehand but actually enjoyed the shoot and felt a real sense of achievement when I received the photos.”
Since our shoot, Debbie has been using her new images as author photos alongside her manuscript when applying for publishers. Debbie says that when she gets a book deal she is also excited to use her new portraits…
“for any announcement in The Bookseller (trade publishing magazine), agent website, publisher website, ... for my own potential website and social media use. And potentially for a jacket/cover author image.”
When I asked Debbie if she had any advice for someone who’s considering having a brand photoshoot, she said…
“It’s worth spending the time in advance to really think about what you are trying to achieve and what kind of photos you want. I found looking at other author photos really helpful for example.”
Currently, Debbie is head-down on a new edit of her novel, following feedback from her agent. She says she’s very excited about the direction her novel is taking!
Take a look below to see a few of my favourite images from my Portrait Shoot with Debbie!
And check out my London Personal Branding Photography if you'd like to learn more about how I can help you.
If you’re in need of some professional brand images to help you be seen, I’d love to help!
As your personal brand photographer, I’ll aim to show off your unique personality & your specific offerings in a creative way through the beautiful brand images we create together.
I also want to give you more confidence to show up for the people who need your help, so you can build a strong and recognisable personal brand.
Personal branding photography can really help you stand out, make an impact, and get seen!
But don’t just take it from me, see what Debbie has to say:
“As someone who hadn't had a professional photograph taken before, Lisa immediately put me at ease and made the photoshoot experience an enjoyable one. And most importantly, I was really happy with the final result!” - Deborah Susman.
