• Home
  • Art
  • Workshops & Retreats
  • About
  • Blog
Menu

Paint with Magdalena: Intuitive Abstract painting workshops & retreats, Cheshire UK

  • Home
  • Art
  • Workshops & Retreats
  • About
  • Blog
Personal Brand Portriat Photographer - Magdalena Smolarska Photography based in UK, London & Brighton-9.jpg

How to envision your 2020 - Female Personal Brand Portrait Photographer UK London & Brighton

January 3, 2020

Everything starts with the vision!

 It's that time again to start envisioning. 

 I pause. 

 I go inwards. 

 I reflect. 

 I envision.

I dedicate my time and energy to reflect and envision year ahead of me, at the personal and professional level, as a Female Personal Brand Portrait Photographer and Videographer based in UK,  Sussex, London & Brighton.

Not a surprised that most of my clients, brave, passionate and ambitious women who creates their purpose driven life, are following similar process. 

Women from all over the world who are ready to take their next step, soulful creators who are looking for that deeper expression and connection, wanting to connect to their purpose and inner power so they can flow authentically.

Are you one of them?

We all want to be inspired and not instructed!  Hence, my approach is moving away from the formal corporate goals setting and follow four simple visioning steps:

1.     FIND TIME TO REFLECT 

Every year I am making sure to spend quality time with myself, away from laptop and camera to truly go inward and reflect on my professional photography journey so far.

“ So, I close my eyes to old ends….. And open my heart to new beginnings!”
International Personal Brand Photographer and Videographer for Females Entrepreneurs based in UK

By doing it, I am able to recognise:

  • What worked for me and what didn’t…..

  • Who I enjoyed working with the most….

  • Who I would like to deepen the connection with….

  • What truly inspire me ….motivate me…. energize me….and what drains me ….

  • What I am grateful for?

By answering those questions, I can pivot and adjust my vision for next year and continue to create portrait photographs and brand videos to celebrate inspirational women and their passion and businesses in the most effortless and nourishing way.

2.     LEADING WORD FOR 2020

Have you found your leading word or words for 2020?!?!

Every year, I choose a magical word or words as a guiding light for the year ahead of me.  A word can be embraced as a reminder, an intention, a goal, a promise, a desire, a mantra, a guidance, an anchor….

 Last two years were all about:

  • courage

  • visibility

  • integrity

  • self-love...

For 2020 I have decided to choose “ONENESS”, “EXPANSION” and "ENVISION".

3.     VISION BOARD

As a very creative and visual person, I love creating vision boards!

Such a great tool to concentrate all ideas on one page! 

I start the vision board process with a clear intention: 

  • What I desire? 

  • What hold value for me? 

  • What my deepest longings are?

This is a form of manifestation.

Think bold. Be bold! Go outside of your comfort zone….

There are so many forms and ways of creating vision boards:

  • images

  • words

  • phrases

  • quotes

  • art

  • doodling

  • drawing

  • souvenirs

  • intentions

  • goals

  • list

You can have many vision boards, each dedicated to different aspects of your life: passion, dream job, family, travels... list is long! 

Make your own vision board process!

International Personal Brand Portrait Photographer for inspiring women in UK London Brighton Sussex

My preference is a combination of drawing/doodling and list writing style directly in my journal. I only have one journal. I carry this journal every day in my handbag and I take it with me when I am traveling too. 

Wonder why?

Vision boards are a work in progress and will evolves with you over the time. Seeing my vision board regularly helps remind me in which direction I should walk and on what I should focus my energy on. 

I applied the same envisioning process during personal brand photo session design for my clients. We either do it together or I let my clients be creative. 

In our “ branding vision and mood board” we include: intention, emotions, feelings, actions, story, place, location, outfit/look, branding colours, props, time of the day and other items related to the branding photo session….. 

4.     EXPRESS GRATITUDE

 As freelancer, solo-entrepreneur, creative individual, event organiser, mentor, coach, photographer, videographer I often forget to reflect and express the gratitude for all wonderful events I am involved, for all wonderful things that surround me and for all wonderful people who really care about me.

Do you practice expressing the gratitude?

Lifestyle Personal Brand Portrait Photographer UK London Brighton Sussex

I am grateful for each thing each day no matter how little… 

I am grateful for all the experiences I have had that have lead me to this point! 

I am grateful for the beautiful women and their stories that I have had met through my personal & photography and videography journey! Every branding portrait photo shoot is inspired by their stories!

I am grateful for infusing my work with inspirational women, nature and travels…

I am grateful for the sisterhood…. women circles… hear-centred collaborations!

I am grateful for nourishing and balanced lifestyle!

As conscious entrepreneur, I am grateful for shifting even more into more heart-based, heart-conscious, heart-connected world.

Gratitude and the Universe is sending you exactly what do you need at the time you need! I truly believe in that.

Whether you are a creative individual, entrepreneur or freelancer, I love being part of your journey, seeing you growing, equipping you with a stock of personal branding photos for social media usage and helping you to go through a fear of being in front of a camera and not only!

Right… now is your turn. 

Sooooo tell me, what's the best thing about your job? 

Have you found your word or words for 2020?!?! 

You might enjoy my other blog posts on branding, visibility on social media:

1) HOW TO MAKE YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT STAND OUT WITH BRANDING PORTRAIT IMAGES

2) SOCIAL MEDIA VISIBILITY AND MY APPROACH AS FEMALE PERSONAL BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER FROM LONDON & BRIGHTON

3)8 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR BRAND IMAGES - UK BRANDING PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

4) HOW SHOWING YOUR FACE WILL HELP YOU ATTRACT CLIENTS AND WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT - BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

Let me know if you found it useful and what else you wish to learn when it comes to branding photography? 

Share your feedback in comment section below.

Magdalena

UK Personal Brand Photographer & Videographer, based in London, Brighton, Sussex


Thinking to start new business in 2020?

Fancy rebranding and refreshing  your website?

Spend January planning and envisioning and join tribe of wonderful, inspirational and ambitious clients. 

I am fully booked till March time! If you wish to update your website in the SPRING  or Summer time  with beautiful brand pictures or videos of you and your passion, let me know and I will add you to the waiting list…


Female Portrait Photographer for rebranding website based in UK London Brighton Hove Sussex

My mission is to empower and inspire through my camera. Working with women stepping into their power and fullness is sooooooo satisfying. To know that I can be an inspiration, a catalyst for them to be visible, confident and authentic, infuses my work with purpose.

My name is Magdalena Smolarska. I am an International Personal Brand Portrait and Retreat Photographer & Videographer based in sunny Brighton and London, Sussex, UK. 

I work with entrepreneurs, freelancers, business owners, bloggers, influencers, artists, holistic and creative individuals to promote their personal brand.

Together, we can create something impactful, distinctive and authentically unique.

Learn more
In Branding Photography, Brighton Photographer, Branding, Comercial Photography, Female Photographer, London photographer, London Portraits, Outdoor Portrait, Personal Branding, Personal Journey, Personal story, Retreat Photography Tags Branding, Personal Branding, Portrait Photographer, Outdoor Photography, London Photographer, Brighton Portrait, Brighton Videomaker, Brighton Photographer, Female Photographer, Website Photography, Personal Brand, Brand Story, Nature inspired, 2020 manifestation, Photographer life, Portrait Photoshoot, Lifestyle Photography, Lifestyle Photographer, Sussex Photographer, Brighton Networking
← Never feel good enough? My personal journey with Branding Photography – London & Brighton Female Portrait PhotographerWhat is the best time of the day for an Outdoor Portrait Photo shoot - Personal Brand Photographer Sussex UK →

Latest BLOG Posts

No results found

Featured
My First Solo Art Exhibition in Brighton, Sussex UK
April 13, 2026
My First Solo Art Exhibition in Brighton, Sussex UK
April 13, 2026

I’m over the moon to share that I’m holding my first solo art exhibition in central Brighton, and it still feels surreal to say that. For this art exhibition, I have carefully selected some of my favourite large scale intuitive abstract pieces.

Read more →
April 13, 2026
Beginners friendly abstract painting workshops in Brighton Sussex UK
July 29, 2024
Beginners friendly abstract painting workshops in Brighton Sussex UK
July 29, 2024

An intuitive painting it’s all about letting-go of how you “should" be painting. It about being open to the unexpected, exploring, experimenting and expressing yourself in the most authentic way with colour, shapes and texture. If that sounds like your kind of thing then make space in your calendar and paint with me this autumn season in Brighton art studio.

I’m running my most popular (beginner friendly) one day large abstract painting workshops for adults in the professional Lawrence Art Studio in Brighton & Hove (only 1 hour from London).

Read more →
July 29, 2024
How the idea of "Paint with me"  Brighton art workshop was born
May 22, 2024
How the idea of "Paint with me" Brighton art workshop was born
May 22, 2024

I’ve been told that “to paint, you have to be an artist,” but I never went to an art school. Yet, I wanted to create, express myself, experiment on a large canvas. I don’t know why? It just called to me…

Read more →
May 22, 2024
Paint your own abstract painting workshop Brighton
April 8, 2024
Paint your own abstract painting workshop Brighton
April 8, 2024

Have you ever done something that’s so therapeutic, you just can’t stop?

That’s how l feel about painting intuitive large scale abstract artwork.

Read more →
April 8, 2024
Why this Brighton abstract painting class is for you
December 28, 2023
Why this Brighton abstract painting class is for you
December 28, 2023

I spent years browsing art shops, buying supplies but never using them. I spent years focusing on a corporate career, success, recognition and things that didn’t fill me with joy instead of making space for creativity. 

Now, I feel incredibly lucky. I’m hosting the most experimental Large Abstract painting workshop in Brighton to jumpstart your creative process!

Read more →
December 28, 2023
Brighton abstract painting workshop with Magdalena
November 1, 2023
Brighton abstract painting workshop with Magdalena
November 1, 2023

This isn’t typical painting class in Brighton! Paint your own Large Abstract Painting on canvas intuitively, expressively, free-flowing. At this beginners painting workshop you have a permission to express yourself, be free, spontaneous, brave and messy. 

Read more →
November 1, 2023
You are not too old to have a brand portrait photoshoot for your business
August 30, 2023
You are not too old to have a brand portrait photoshoot for your business
August 30, 2023

As a professional female portrait photographer, it’s time to address it:

You are not to old, too young or too late to start (or re-launch) a business, website, or have a professional photoshoot!

Read more →
August 30, 2023
Lifestyle branding portrait photography with Buckinghamshire glass artist
August 22, 2023
Lifestyle branding portrait photography with Buckinghamshire glass artist
August 22, 2023

As a creative entrepreneur, portrait photographer and abstract artist, based in Brighton (often in London), I always feel over the moon to photograph other artist and creatives. Before the shoot we talked about what pictures Susanne needed for her website and social media and we both agreed to focus on: story-telling brand images and glamorous, full of personality, portraits.

Read more →
August 22, 2023
Why you need more then traditional headshots on your website
July 31, 2023
Why you need more then traditional headshots on your website
July 31, 2023

Having a handful of professional quality business portrait images is a good start to launch a new business and website. It’s certainly better than using stock images.

However it will not make you stand out from the crowd.

Read more →
July 31, 2023
Outdoor brand portrait photo shoot with Yoga teacher in Sussex countryside
July 27, 2023
Outdoor brand portrait photo shoot with Yoga teacher in Sussex countryside
July 27, 2023

Most yoga teachers would chose the yoga studio or gym as a location for a professional portrait photoshoot but Mara wanted to do something different, unique and authentic.

She includes the connection with nature into her yoga practice so we hoped into my car and drove from Brighton to the Sussex countryside (Devils Dyke) for her outdoor brand portrait photo session.

Read more →
July 27, 2023
'Paint With Me' large abstract workshop in Brighton Lawrence Art Studio
July 18, 2023
'Paint With Me' large abstract workshop in Brighton Lawrence Art Studio
July 18, 2023

When I first started painting this abstract piece on large canvas it didn’t feel like a “magical effortless dance of colours and shapes across the canvas”.

Quite the opposite!

The painting felt hard. It felt flat. Something was missing, but I didn’t know what!?

Read more →
July 18, 2023
Business headshots vs Personal branding portrait photography
July 8, 2023
Business headshots vs Personal branding portrait photography
July 8, 2023

What’s the difference between headshots and brand photography? As a portrait photographer I’ve worked with numerous women in business from the Brighton and London area and most of them ask me the same question.

So I decided to write this blog because personal branding portrait photography is so much more than just traditional business headshots…

Read more →
July 8, 2023
How I captured this epic brand portrait images. Brighton and London photographer.
June 27, 2023
How I captured this epic brand portrait images. Brighton and London photographer.
June 27, 2023

What if I tell you… this epic personal brand portrait photoshoot in London only happened because my client fully trusted me as a photographer.

She never questioned me.

She didn’t give me a massive list of the things I needed to capture.

She just said to me: I want you to do your thing!

Read more →
June 27, 2023
Calling all artist and creative entrepreneurs. Don't just showcase your work!
June 20, 2023
Calling all artist and creative entrepreneurs. Don't just showcase your work!
June 20, 2023

Calling all artists and creative entrepreneurs….

Don’t just showcase your artwork!

We want to see you, the person behind the artwork, in the creative flow, doing what you love, creating magic.

No award poses!

Promise.

As a Brighton based photographer I have the pleasure to photograph soulful brand portraits and expressive headshots for creative business owners, female entrepreneurs and artist who are ready to be more visible online.

Read more →
June 20, 2023
Don't forget to smile! Brighton portrait photographer
May 30, 2023
Don't forget to smile! Brighton portrait photographer
May 30, 2023

As an empath, introvert and camera shy myself (yes, professional female photographers can be camera shy too!) I take time on the day of photoshoot so you can relax, take deep breaths and let go of any stress, worries and concerns.

I love capturing spontaneous smiles, sparkles in the eyes and big generous hearts when I photograph women who follow their passion.

And no, I don’t say funny jokes to makes you laugh.

Quite the opposite.

I simply create a safe and welcoming space on the day of your personal brand portriat photoshoot so you can just BE yourself.

Read more →
May 30, 2023
4 tips to help you find your perfect brand colours for your upcoming brand portrait photoshoot
April 23, 2023
4 tips to help you find your perfect brand colours for your upcoming brand portrait photoshoot
April 23, 2023

4 easy yet powerful tips to help you find your perfect brand colours for your upcoming brand portrait photoshoot by UK Sussex Brighton based female photographer

Read more →
April 23, 2023
3 different locations for your business headshots
April 11, 2023
3 different locations for your business headshots
April 11, 2023

Let’s talk about headshots!

Let’s talk about those engaging, full of personality, relaxed business headshots - perfect for your LinkIn profile or social media or website. Those kind of headshots are my speciality!

I’m Magdalena…

Read more →
April 11, 2023
Relaxed small business headshots by Brighton female photographer
March 16, 2023
Relaxed small business headshots by Brighton female photographer
March 16, 2023

I am on mission to inject more personality into business headshots, reflect the image the culture of your business and unique energy of your team members.

For that reason I am saying “NO” to boring, bland, unimaginative headshots.

Read more →
March 16, 2023
"The Art of Breath" fusion of breathwork and art journaling event in Brighton
March 8, 2023
"The Art of Breath" fusion of breathwork and art journaling event in Brighton
March 8, 2023

As you might already know, I have a passion for photographing empowered soulful women like you! But that isn’t my only passion…

I am multidimensional creative soul. I am a professional personal brand portrait photographer, story teller, videographer and abstract artist based in sunny Brighton. I am visual artist… and this is my co-creation: "The Art of Breath" a one-of-a-kind event fusing breathwork and art journaling in Brighton.

Read more →
March 8, 2023
How to choose a hero image that makes your website stand out
February 27, 2023
How to choose a hero image that makes your website stand out
February 27, 2023

Did you know that it takes only 0.05 seconds for a prospect to form an opinion about your website? And can you guess what is the first thing your potential clients see when land your website?

The hero banner image on your website has a very define purpose: convert! And here are my top tips how to select your hero image for your website:

Read more →
February 27, 2023
Level up your business with a luxurious brand portrait photoshoot in Brighton and London
January 26, 2023
Level up your business with a luxurious brand portrait photoshoot in Brighton and London
January 26, 2023

I am on a mission to help those women in business level up and scale up their businesses with powerful (scroll-stopping) brand portrait images and promo videos. And this how I do it:

Read more →
January 26, 2023
3 easy ways to incorporate your business brand colours during portrait photoshoot
January 14, 2023
3 easy ways to incorporate your business brand colours during portrait photoshoot
January 14, 2023

The trick is planning ahead. Yet, don’t be the person who does absolutely everything in their brand colour. As a Sussex based professional brand portrait photographer I have photographed hundreds of online female entrepreneurs from Brighton and London and learned what works best on the day of the photoshoot.

Read more →
January 14, 2023
8 location spots you don't want to miss on your portrait photoshoot in Brighton and Hove Sussex UK
January 2, 2023
8 location spots you don't want to miss on your portrait photoshoot in Brighton and Hove Sussex UK
January 2, 2023

When it comes to your next business portrait photoshoot, location is a key!

As a professional female photographer, Brighton is a photographers dream city for colourful, unique and vibrant personal brand portrait photoshoots, business headshots and lifestyle portraits.

For that reason Brighton attracts, not only creatives, but many established online female entrepreneurs and freelancers who travel far for a business portrait photoshoot with me.

Read more →
January 2, 2023
6 secrets of good LinkedIn business headshots by UK Brighton based portrait photographer
August 17, 2022
6 secrets of good LinkedIn business headshots by UK Brighton based portrait photographer
August 17, 2022

Your LinkedIn business headshot is your online business card to connect and engage with your audience and potential clients. Yet as a professional portrait photographer (based in Brighton) I have seen thousands of LinkedIn accounts with:

  1. blank profile picture (this makes you less real in the virtual world)

  2. selfies (this sends a message of not being professional and serious)

  3. blurred low quality portrait image

  4. headshot with very distracting background

  5. very old cropped image from some sort of event or wedding!

Read more →
August 17, 2022
Increase your online business visibility with scroll stopping headshots photography Brighton UK
August 2, 2022
Increase your online business visibility with scroll stopping headshots photography Brighton UK
August 2, 2022

You scroll, you scroll, and you stop. Why? Because something evokes emotions within you!

Based on years experience as Brighton-based professional female photographer I know that sharing powerful scroll-stopping brand portrait and business headshot images of you (full of expression, emotions, authentic with explosion of colours) will do that! Your professional brand portraits and headshots MUST be powerful and eye catching to stop the scroll in 3 seconds.

Read more →
August 2, 2022
Personal branding portrait photographer in Shoreham beach with Brighton artist
July 22, 2022
Personal branding portrait photographer in Shoreham beach with Brighton artist
July 22, 2022

As a Brighton based professional female photographer I am always inspired by my clients stories. As an visual artist I am inspired by nature. Combining both elements perfectly defines my photography style: story telling, expressive, authentic, relaxed, documentary. Saying NO to boring traditional business headshots.

Read more →
July 22, 2022
Beyond the traditional headshot. Brighton Portrait Photographer with business coach for creatives.
July 11, 2022
Beyond the traditional headshot. Brighton Portrait Photographer with business coach for creatives.
July 11, 2022

“I don’t want anything too posed, I just want to be me!”

That’s what Andrea said when I arrived at her house for her personal brand portrait photoshoot in Hurstpierpoint Sussex, a 10 minute car drive from Brighton and Hove.

I took a deep breath and smiled, as Brighton based professional portrait photographer, this was music to my ears!

Read more →
July 11, 2022

© 2026 Paint with Magdalena, Intuitive Abstract Painting Workshops & conscious Creative Art Retreats in Malpas, Cheshire UK (near Chester, Manchester & Liverpool).

Let’s connect: paintwithmagdalena@gmail.com

Privacy Policy