05/01/2026
Nature, floral, harmony, peace, happy.
These were a few of the words that Ruth Morgan described for herself and her new homemade skincare business. They guided me in how to approach and style her portrait shoot, right down to the location and outfit. We kept the process simple but intentional.
Thinking about the words that resonate with who you are, is a simple but very important exercise to undertake from time to time. All you need to do is take 5 minutes alone, with no distractions. Think about the top 5 words that feel like you in a professional capacity. The ‘feel like’ part is essential for your mind to do the right work and for those words to ring true. You also often find there will be an overlap of you at home and at work.
Some wonderful and transformative things happen to you when you perform this exercise. It allows you to be in the moment, creative and even get a bit bored. The mind gets a much needed rest, it recovers, it creates and it provides insights that maybe you weren’t aware of or have chosen to ignore. And if it doesn't come to you now I guarantee it will, at some random moment when you’re driving or performing another day-to-day task.
When you've thought about your words, write them down - and then consider that in two contexts, not just your photo, but indeed what you do.
Is everything aligned – or at least mostly? If not, maybe a goal for 2026 is think about next steps you could take or professionals you could speak with to get you on your way. I used to worry about the outcomes of this exercise a little, but now I view it as an opportunity.
I'm curious to hear what your 5 words are - if you’re game to share.
