What Happened to My Blog?

The last time I sat down to write a blog was January and I have struggled to write anything since.

So; Hello everyone, I hope you're doing well, and thank you for opening and reading this post.

This is just an informal catch-up to let you know that it's not you, it's me.

2 months ago was when I wrote my last blog post, yeah, not great for what is supposed to be a monthly thing.The problem is quite simple, I didn't feel like I had anything of value to say and the more time that passed, the more pressure I felt to write my next thing and the feeling of "does anyone actually read this" played a big part.

I am far too self-critical and did not want to write a post just for the sake of it and I certainly didn't want to try and sell something in the post after not giving anything of value to the reader.

The easiest thing was to do nothing and take a break.But then the same idea came back to me one that has been repeated over and over again on every variation of social media; "Do it for you and enjoy it, if people enjoy it also then thats just a bonus"

I considered using AI to generate interesting topics of discussion, but this felt borderline fraudulent. In a nutshell, I'm in limbo of confidence and nothing to say.

What has been happening since January?

Well, my photo work has kinda slowed down but I recently I have taken on a black and white approach to my landscape work. It is a nice break from the normal “Golden Hour” photos I see on a daily basis. Also it is opening me up more to shoot during the day as it can allow itself to high contrast images.

I have manage to do some private work for clients which is what I would love to steer into more as I get to sit down with the clients and talk through a creative process, knowing that the out-come is going to blow them away.

have taken on powerlifting again as a sport. I have to say I am enjoying the strength training and the community that is in it. It is hard training and wrecks me from time to time but it is good to have training going on the benefits will be long term also.

That’s really the most that has been happening since January. Apart from my 9-5 which is going well.

What's Next?

Ok here me out this is what I’m thinking:

I’d Ilike this be a place where I freely share whatever I want and whenever I want. It might be images and stories from behind the scenes, it might be personal stuff, it might be sharing the work of others that have inspired me, it might be details of projects that I am doing, basically anything that I think you might find interesting.

This blog will be far less structured, however with that breakdown of structure comes freedom and breathing space. This will allow the blog to find its purpose. I’m hoping this will release some of the pressure I put on myself and I hope this way interests you more but I want this to be a fresh start to the other chapters I have written.

Here are some of the images that I have shot this year

Slan Seán

The Challenge of Branding My Photography: Learning, Struggling, and Finding My Path

For a long time, “branding” was one of those buzzwords that felt distant and, honestly, a bit daunting. I knew it mattered in business and marketing, but as a photographer, my focus has always been on capturing raw emotion, moments, and beauty through my lens. Trying to squeeze all of that into a brand? It felt restrictive, like something that might water down the authenticity of my work.

But recently, I watched a YouTube video by Jonas Paurell titled “How to Brand Your Photography,” and it hit me differently. Watching Jonas talk about the importance of personal branding for photographers, I started realizing that branding isn’t about putting myself in a box; it’s about curating my story. And now, more than ever, I’m curious about where this could take me. But it’s still not an easy journey, and I wanted to share some of my struggles, the pros and cons I see, and my determination (and hesitation) to stick with it.

The Struggle with Branding: Finding Authenticity and Consistency

When I look at branding through the lens (pun intended) of photography, I realize that branding is about more than just a logo or a catchy tagline. It’s about having a consistent message, tone, and aesthetic that makes my work instantly recognizable to others. But here’s where the struggle comes in: my style has evolved over time, and I want to keep the freedom to explore new ideas and techniques without feeling locked into a specific “look.”

Watching Jonas’ video made me question if I’ve been letting my fear of commitment hold me back. He talked about how a strong brand doesn’t restrict you; it gives you a foundation from which to experiment and grow. It’s more like a framework than a fence. Hearing that gave me a fresh perspective on branding—I realized I could create a brand identity that would still allow for change, evolution, and spontaneity. But there’s a difference between understanding the value of branding and actually committing to it, and that’s where I find myself still hesitating.

Pros and Cons of Branding: Why the Pros Outweigh the Cons

As I’ve been diving deeper into the idea of branding, I’ve started to weigh the pros and cons more seriously. Let me break down some of the big ones I keep coming back to.

Pros:

• Recognition: A strong brand means that people recognize my work right away. Think of the photographers whose work we can pick out just by seeing an image—branding has played a huge role in making that possible.

• Trust and Professionalism: Consistent branding builds trust. When people see a well-defined brand, it communicates a level of professionalism and commitment that can make clients more comfortable investing in my work.

• Clear Storytelling: Branding forces me to be intentional. It helps me refine the story I want to tell with my work, which in turn gives my portfolio more impact and cohesiveness.

Cons:

• Perceived Limitations on Creativity: The biggest fear, of course, is that I’ll feel boxed in. I love experimenting with different styles, techniques, and subjects. What if a set brand identity stops me from exploring new ideas?

• Time and Effort: Building a brand isn’t easy—it takes time, dedication, and, quite frankly, patience. It’s a process of trial and error, and in the fast-paced world of photography, that can feel like a frustratingly slow journey.

Despite these cons, I’ve come to believe that the pros do outweigh the cons. When I look at the photographers who have left a lasting impression on me, it’s clear that their brands are part of what has made their work memorable. A well-defined brand won’t just make my work more recognizable—it could also give me a new sense of direction and purpose. And as I consider branding as a tool that I can use to grow, not a barrier that will keep me from evolving.

The Hardest Part: Sticking to the Path

While I’m starting to see branding in a more positive light, I’m also fully aware that it’s not going to be easy. There’s a part of me that wants to dive in headfirst, but another part that worries about staying consistent once I start. Building a brand is a long-term commitment, and it’s going to take discipline to create something that’s both authentic and consistent over time.

What I found most reassuring is that branding doesn’t have to be perfect from the start. It’s a journey of refining and defining over time, allowing the brand to adapt alongside my work. I’m trying to keep that in mind as I take these first steps, and I’m realizing that it’s okay if the path is messy or if I stumble along the way. I just need to stay on it.

Moving Forward: My Plans for Branding My Photography

So where do I go from here? After all, branding doesn’t happen overnight, and I’m still very much at the beginning of this journey. But here’s what I do know: I want to start small, taking time to reflect on what my photography stands for and who I want to reach with my work. I’ll focus on finding a consistent visual style that resonates with my audience, and I’ll work on crafting a message that feels true to me.

I’m also giving myself permission to take this one step at a time. Branding isn’t an all-or-nothing process. There will be moments of doubt and days when I might want to throw it all out and start fresh. But in the end, I believe this journey will make my photography stronger, more focused, and ultimately more impactful.

For those of you reading this firstly thank you for getting this far & for those who might also be struggling with the idea of branding your work, I hope this post shows you that you’re not alone. The journey is full of questions, challenges, and sometimes even frustrations. But from what I’m learning, it’s worth it. It’s about building something that lasts, something that people can connect to and remember.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to figuring it all out, one step at a time.

Seán