I tell you why I’ve had ENOUGH…
I’m just kidding I haven’t, not even close 😂
Being self-employed is such a unique journey. I’ll admit it – I sometimes feel embarrassed when people ask what I do. I catch myself wondering if they think I don’t work hard enough because I “just run socials and take photos.”
But here’s the truth: I work bloody hard. From shooting and editing content, learning new skills, and posting and marketing for other businesses, to running my own socials and managing my own branding – it’s full-on. Oh and don’t forget… HAVING A LIFE?! Some days are long and filled with juggling a million hats, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
As I start thinking about my goals for 2025, one of the biggest is to share the real side of what I do. Not just the fun, flashy parts like being behind the camera but also the nitty-gritty: the editing, the hours of planning, and the endless behind-the-scenes work that keep my business running. To help those considering going self employed in the near future!
Because those “less exciting” moments are just as important as the ones front and centre. They’re what make everything else possible. So, here’s to showing all sides of my business- open and honestly 🥂
#squareone #selfemployedlife #behindthescenes #contentcreation #smallbusinessjourney #socialmediamanager #brandphotographer #hardworkpaysoff #editinglife #planningcontent #socialmediatips #creativejourney #freelancelife
Your friendly reminder that this beautiful view is on our doorstep 🤍
So excited that Square One is now bringing in more drone footage… what’s the next thing we should film?
#socialmediamanager #brandphotographer #dronephotography #socialmedia
How to add a contrast layer to your Instagram story →
Sooo if I’m doing a few stories with the same background, or expanding on the previous story, it’s nice to have a contrast layer to differentiate the two!
I just recently tried to do it in my newest story and realised my fonts updated!! So I wasn’t able to do it the classic way of adding a background to a full stop on fonts.
The next way I’ve found to do it, is with the highlighter pen tool, selecting your colour and holding down the screen. It’s not the exact same as before but it’s the same idea for anyone who was a fan of this previous Instagram tool!
#socialmediamanager #brandphotographer #socialmedia #instagramstories
We’re officially bring mics on to Square One’s content ✨🙌🏼
Now I’m not gonna lie this is DANGEROUS because of the complex walking around with a mini microphone gives me… it’s addictive 🫶🏽
#socialmediamanager #socialmedia #contentcreation
Today is the one year anniversary of one of the teams I work with 😇
So I thought I’d put together a similar little video about what my years looked like too…
I’m very lucky to have the job I have, and it’s great fun working with different people every day! Here’s to many more years of Square One, and the businesses I work with!
Spring has officially sprung 🌷🌞🫶🏽🌊
I can officially say with confidence today was the day I left without a coat… crazy?!
But with spring in mind I thought I’d let you all know I’m now taking client bookings for the end of May. If you have any questions feel free to drop me a message !
#socialmediamanager #dorset #milfordonsea
Why I think everyone should take photos…
You take in and appreciate what’s around you more so than before.
I was having a busy day and at the end of it I didn’t think I could be bothered to pop out to get some beach content. But, with the weather being as lovely as it was I knew I couldn’t miss out on this opportunity (especially in February).
It was the best decision I could’ve made. It gave me an hour of sitting, enjoying the view and listening to Noah Kahan- what could be better? I’ve always said I’ve loved the beach and living by the sea, so add a lil bit of sunshine and some good music and my day was made 🫶🏽
#fujifilmphotography #fujifilmxt-30ii #beachreel #southcoast
The first step to upgrade your reels…
Like this to come back to for your next content day ✨
So you’re managing your own social media, and I get it, the reels don’t always hit!
You’re spending hours scrolling your feed, wondering what makes your content different from other, bigger businesses!
I get it. It’s so easy to compare…
Here’s the thing. Instagram has been in our lives for 14 years now. That’s 14 years of content development, photography improvement and visuals perfection. A lot has improved in this time! And it’s hard to compete with those brands who have been doing it for years, or, have hired someone like me to do it!
But, if you’re looking to elevate your reels… here are a few easy tips I’ve noticed people incorporating in their reels for an overall improvement;
+ VARY THE CROP…
Why? Because you’re trying to convey a story. And what provides that story? Details.
Picture this- you’re walking into your coffee shop, and what builds the ambience? The kettle boiling, coffee being poured, people talking, dogs barking.
All these little details add to the story you’re trying to tell. If you’re trying to tell a visual story through your reels- don’t neglect the details!
What else do you include in your reels that you feel elevates you from the rest? 😇
#socialmediaadvice #reels #hopsitality
Instagram update … ✨
Okay so Instagram has had a much awaited update…
Adding and locking layers to stories!
Anything you hold down can now be moved up a layer or down a layer. I use this lots when text accidentally goes behind an image or if I want images to go to the back of a post like this !
Love this update hack ✨ have you used it yet?
#instagramupdate #storiesidea #instagramhack
Congrats… you’ve made it TO 2024- now, how are you going to push your socials THROUGH 2024? 🥳
If your feed is anything like mine, it will be full of “how I grew in 2023, and how you can too…” or “5 unmissable brand growth tricks”. So, I feel your pain, sat doing all these things wondering why it isn’t working for you. 😅
But… there are still a few things you can do in 2024 that doesn’t involve copying someones strategy, but visually help make your account seem more ‘in’ with the times…
001. Cross post your content to Pinterest. How many inspiration shots or research images do you get off Pinterest? I don’t know about you; but I do ALL my visual browsing on there. 2024 is your year to put your images out there, and whilst you’re at it- add your instagram or website link to the pin! Those of you who already work with me know I’ve been subtly pushing Pinterest down y’all. 📸
002. Include the imperfect and real 🫶🏽. We’re moving away from the days of matching filters across our grids, and perfectly set up desks. Instead we’re moving towards the aesthetic of mess… textures, folds, shadows… all things which might’ve put us off posting in the years of 2016 are now what people are THRIVING for. Think about it… would you post your desk neatly and unrealistically set out with everything at perpendicular angles? Or would you prefer a notebook open, pen on top full of ideas and scribbles, a coffee cup half full with your Pinterest on your laptop screen? I know which I’d prefer, because one tells a story… the other doesn’t.
003. Lifestyle content with natural lighting 💡, as much as lifestyle was in for 2023 I definitely think this will carry us through 2024. However, like I said before, less of the clean lifestyle and more of the authentic lifestyle. Going hand in hand with the realness, I think playing with natural lighting is going to be huge- shadows, windows, light vs dark- bring it onnnn!
If you’re
@noahkahanmusic + @fujifilmuk is my vibe for 2024 😅📸
Comment if you want the recipe used for these cosy coffee shop shots ☕️
#fujifilm #fujifilm_xseries #fujiphotography #fujifilmphotography
