How to Reignite Your Passion for Photography and Attract Your Dream Clients
When was the last time you created personal work that truly inspired you?
Did it make you feel excited, passionate, and fulfilled? Or were you trying to mould your work into what you think others want to see?
For many photographers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of creating work that looks like everyone else’s. But chasing trends and trying to fit in can leave you feeling creatively drained—and far from the career you actually want.
If this resonates with you, keep reading. It’s time to rediscover your creative voice and build a portfolio that reflects your unique perspective.
The Trap of Trying to Fit In
Let’s be honest: if you want to work with top-tier clients like Chanel (as an example), your portfolio does need to align with their aesthetic. But here’s a critical question:
Do you actually love the Chanel style, or do you feel like you’re supposed to love it?
There’s a difference between curating a portfolio that resonates with high-end clients and losing yourself in the process of trying to fit in.
When you start creating work based on what you think others want to see, your creative spark dims. The work may look polished, but it won’t feel authentic—and that lack of authenticity often translates to clients, too.
Rediscovering Your Creative Voice
During my time at university, I was drawn to feminine, fantasy-inspired imagery. My ideas were dreamy and imaginative, but they didn’t fit the “cool” or “edgy” aesthetic that my lecturers praised.
Over time, the constant criticism and comparison to my peers left me feeling creatively defeated. By the end of my degree, I was burnt out, doubting my talent, and ready to put my camera down for good.
But creativity doesn’t just disappear.
After 2 years away from photography, my imagination reignited. Slowly, I began to explore again—but this time, I wanted to do things differently. Instead of chasing trends, I wanted to create work that felt like me.
The Turning Point: Learning to Tune Out the Noise
It wasn’t an easy process. For years, I found myself chasing trends, trying to match what I saw on Instagram, and feeling drained when I couldn’t keep up.
The turning point came when I had a consultation with Zoe Whishaw, a mentor who gave me advice that changed everything:
"Tune out the noise and focus inward.”
She challenged me to stop mimicking others and instead draw from my own creativity. That advice completely transformed the way I approached my work.
Today, I create concepts that excite me, ignite my imagination, and fill me with purpose. Not only has this brought me joy—it’s also attracted my dream clients. Why? Because the work I love to create naturally aligns with the brands and clients that inspire me.
The Power of Tuning Into Yourself
When you focus on creating work that inspires you, your portfolio becomes a true reflection of who you are as an artist. And when your portfolio reflects your unique vision, it speaks directly to your dream clients.
Here’s why this approach works:
• Authenticity Stands Out: Your creative voice will shine through, making your work memorable in a crowded industry.
• Passion Attracts Opportunity: Clients are drawn to photographers whose work feels purposeful and unique.
• Your Career Becomes Sustainable: Creating work you love prevents burnout and keeps you excited about your craft.
It’s a simple but powerful shift:
Trust your creative instincts, create work you love, and watch your career flourish.
How to Build a Portfolio That Reflects Your Vision
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your style, or disconnected from your work, it’s time to take action. A well-crafted portfolio is the foundation of your career—and it should reflect your unique perspective, not what you think others want to see.
Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Tune Into Your Creativity
Take time to reflect on what inspires you. Is it nature, bold colors, storytelling, or something else entirely? Let your interests guide the concepts you create, rather than trying to follow trends.
2. Plan and Execute Your Shoots with Intention
Every shoot you plan should align with the vision you want to convey.
• Create Moodboards: Visualize your ideas by pulling together inspiration for styling, locations, and color palettes.
• Focus on Storytelling: Think beyond pretty pictures—what emotion or narrative do you want your images to evoke?
3. Experiment with Sets and Locations
Step outside your comfort zone to experiment with creative concepts that excite you. This might mean designing a simple set, exploring natural landscapes, or even incorporating new mediums like AI or mixed media.
4. Build Confidence with Practice
Creating work you love often requires stepping out of your comfort zone, especially if self-doubt is holding you back. Start small, practice regularly, and remember that every shoot is an opportunity to grow.
Rediscover Your Creative Voice with Find Your Style
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to overcome self-doubt and reconnect with your artistic vision. That’s exactly why I created Find Your Style—a transformative 60 minute workshop designed to help photographers uncover their unique voice and reignite their passion for creating.
In Find Your Style, you’ll learn how to:
• Tune Into Your Creativity: Uncover the themes, concepts, and ideas that excite and inspire you.
• Identify Your Unique Style: Pinpoint what makes your work stand out and learn how to articulate it with confidence.
• Develop Meaningful Concepts: Craft 3 shoot ideas that align with your vision and excite potential clients.
• Embrace Your Authenticity: Build confidence in your creative instincts, so you stop second-guessing yourself and start trusting your artistic voice.
This workshop is packed with actionable steps, guided exercises, and real-life examples to help you go beyond trends and create work that feels like you.
Start Creating Work That Inspires You
When you reconnect with your creative voice and embrace your unique style, you’ll not only rediscover your passion for photography—you’ll create a portfolio that naturally attracts the clients and opportunities you’ve always dreamed of.
Let me guide you on this empowering journey with Find Your Style. It’s time to stop chasing trends and start creating work that feels authentic and inspiring.
With over a decade of experience as a fashion photographer, mixed media artist, and educator, Olivia helps photographers find their style, build client-winning portfolios, and pitch with confidence. Through her courses and resources, she empowers creatives to craft profitable, fulfilling businesses without the “starving artist” mentality. Olivia is also a passionate advocate for sustainability, blending her love of nature with her artistry to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world. When she’s not teaching or creating, she is out walking in nature with her dog, or reading a fantasy novel.
