Why I Used the Brand Photos I Didn’t Love — and Why You Should Too
I’m one of those rare photographers who actually likes getting in front of the camera herself.
I suppose that for a millennial, it’s not so surprising — I grew up in the age of putting on “shows” with my stuffed animals and friends for our parents to watch. The spotlight felt natural, and I demanded all of my performances be documented.
So before my last brand photo shoot, I was genuinely excited. I carved out time to get updated photos done on the eve of one of my biggest jobs of the year. My photographer and I had plans to shoot in Palm Springs and later in Joshua Tree State Park — two of the most iconic photo backdrops in California.
As a Los Angeles personal brand photographer, I’ve captured so many clients frolicking through the desert landscape, soaking up the magic of this location. This time, it was my turn.
When Confidence Doesn’t Come Easy
But when I saw the sneak peeks, I almost cried.
Before you start Googling who my photographer was so you can show up at her door with pitchforks — let me say this: It had nothing to do with her or the quality of the images. She did an incredible job.
The problem? My brain couldn’t see the beauty in the images — it only zoomed in on my insecurities.
I saw a face that looked puffier than I remembered. A jawline softened by time and stress. Arms that I didn’t recognize. And the one thing I’ve always struggled with: an apron belly that reminds me too much of my late father’s booze belly.
I could’ve trashed the whole shoot. Told her to delete the photos. Waited until I lost the weight to “deserve” a photoshoot again.
But I didn’t.
The Power of Body Positive Branding
Instead, I used those photos all over social media to launch a new program just a few weeks later. And now, I’m sharing them here with you — even the ones I initially didn’t like.
Because this is the truth of body positive branding: it’s not about waiting until you feel perfect. It’s about showing up as you are. It’s about honoring what your body has carried you through, how far it’s brought you, and the power it holds right now.
As a brand photographer and someone who works with creative entrepreneurs every day, I see how often people delay getting in front of the camera. They wait until their body “feels right.” Until their skin clears up. Until they drop the last 10 (or 30, or 50) pounds.
But your brand isn’t waiting. Your impact isn’t waiting. And your audience sure as hell isn’t waiting to connect with the real you.
Don’t Wait to Feel “Ready”
Confidence doesn’t always show up when the flash fires. Sometimes it arrives after the camera’s been packed up and you’ve posted the damn photos anyway.
You won’t see what others see. You’ll be too busy zeroing in on flaws. But your audience? They’ll see joy. Boldness. Power. Vulnerability. Fearlessness.
Your business is growing. Your voice is stronger. Your impact is deeper. And your body is the vessel that’s helping you carry it all.
You Deserve to Be Seen Now
My dreams aren’t waiting for me to be smaller — they’re happening now. I’m choosing to show up in the body I have today.
And if you’re reading this, maybe it’s time for you to do the same.
Ready to Book a Body Positive Brand Shoot?
Whether you're looking for a Los Angeles personal brand photographer who gets what it feels like to show up scared and do it anyway — or you're in the SF Bay Area and want someone to help you tell your story with empathy and empowerment — you're in the right place.
Let’s create brand imagery that’s rooted in truth, not perfection.
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MEET BERNADETTE
Hi! I’m Bernadette Marciniak, founder of Solhaus Media, a woman-owned brand photography and video production company. We work with coaches, healers, podcast hosts, educators and creative business owners to create powerful imagery that converts audiences into clients.
Bernadette is a cat mom of two, who loves good pizza, craft beer and red wine. She’s usually bingeing on the hottest new true crime documentary, or finding solace in the upteenth repeat of Ted Lasso or Friends.
Solhaus Media is based in Los Angeles, the SF Bay Area, and New York City.
Feeling nervous about booking a brand shoot because of body image? Los Angeles personal brand photographer Bernadette Marciniak shares her raw, honest journey with body positive branding—plus why your dream clients are not waiting for you to shrink first.