London Photographer for People Who Hate Having Their Photo Taken
Hello, I'm Claire Ballard, the photographer behind byBALLARD.
I've loved photography for as long as I can remember. Which makes it all the more ironic that I've never been particularly comfortable in front of the camera myself.
It turns out that's been rather useful though.
Because if you're someone who feels awkward about being photographed, I understand completely. Not in a theoretical way but in a genuine, I’d-really-rather-not kind of way. Most of my clients say exactly the same thing: I hate having my photo taken. Or: I'm not photogenic.
Helping people feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera has become something of a speciality. It's why I'm known as the photographer for people who hate having their photo taken. As a London personal branding photographer specialising in headshots and event photography, I work with business owners, professionals and teams across the city.
WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT
Before I picked up a camera professionally, I spent more than 20 years working in marketing, advertising and media. With roles that involved managing reputations, overseeing PR and internal communications, organising corporate events, and working closely with senior leaders, entrepreneurs and business teams. I understood, from the inside, how organisations and individuals present themselves to the world and what that presentation actually costs when it's done badly.
London personal branding, headshot and event photographer helping business owners, professionals and teams feel confident in front of the camera.
That background shapes everything about the way I work today.
Most photographers think about how your photos look. I think about what your photos need to do. There's a difference, and it matters. Whether your images end up on your LinkedIn profile, your website, a press feature, a speaking profile or your social media, I'm always thinking about how they'll actually be used and what they need to say about you.
It's what I spent two decades doing before I ever held a camera professionally. I just do it differently now.
That experience also means I understand visibility from the inside. What it takes to show up consistently and professionally. Why it matters. And what quietly gets in the way for even the most accomplished people when a camera appears.
WHO I WORK WITH
Most of my clients are women running their own businesses across London who want to show up more confidently online but feel deeply uncomfortable being photographed.
They're brilliant at what they do. Often well-respected in their field. But when it comes to putting themselves out there visually, something always gets in the way and it’s never the right time.
By the end of a session, almost every one of them says some version of the same thing: that was so much better than I expected. Most of them say it was even fun!
That's always the aim.
WHEN I”M NOT BEHIND THE CAMERA
I'm based in South East London, with a small home studio in Penge (SE20). If you come to the studio, you'll also meet Poppy, my very loyal studio assistant. She takes her responsibilities extremely seriously, although they appear to consist mainly of greeting visitors and supervising biscuit breaks!
When I'm not behind the camera you'll usually find me out walking with Poppy, exploring different parts of London, spending time with family and friends, or indulging in my newfound love of gardening.
I also rescue old pieces of furniture and give them a new lease of life. Something that probably says quite a lot about my belief that things, and people, often just need the right perspective to shine.
If you’re looking for natural, professional photography and want someone who understands how to make the experience feel comfortable and relaxed, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking for personal branding photography to support your visibility, professional headshots for individuals and corporate teams in London, or photography to capture a business event, feel free to get in touch, and we can talk through what you need.
A few questions I get asked
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I'm based in South East London and photograph across the whole city. Recent sessions have taken place in Dulwich, Clapham, Battersea, Notting Hill, Islington, Hampstead and East London, among others. I have a home studio based in Penge (SE20). I also travel regularly to Kent, Surrey and Sussex, and I'm always happy to discuss shoots further afield.
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I've been a professional photographer for over 15 years, alongside more than 20 years working in marketing, advertising and communications before that.
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The majority of my personal branding clients are women, and much of my work is specifically designed around helping camera-shy women feel confident in front of the lens. That said, not feeling comfortable in front of the camera is not restricted to just women and I’ve also worked extensively with men.
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A discovery call is a relaxed, no-obligation conversation, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. We'll talk through what you need from your photos, how you want to come across, and whether a session with me is the right fit. There's no pressure and no hard sell. It's just a chance to get to know each other.
What my clients say