Behind the Lens
Hello, I’m Yolande!
I’ve been working as a pro photographer for 12 years and specialising in personal brand since 2015!
A few things about me:
I’m from Namibia but I have been in the UK for over 20 years and I very much feel like this is my home, I can’t imagine living anywhere else
My background is in documentary photography and have BA Photojournalism from UAL
I LOVE coffee, an 8 cup cafetiere to start the day please!
Also 85% dark chocolate and partial to a Ferro Rocher ;-)
I suck at selfies (but I’m practising :-) so improving slowly.
I’m a 6/2 manifesting generator and learning Human Design.
Cold water sea swimming is my thing
It’s all about CONNECTION for me
Pretty much every woman I speak to tells me that they hate having their photo taken.
Or they say “I’m unphotogenic” or “I just can’t take a good picture”
So yes, I can agree that having a camera pointed at you makes EVERYONE feel a little uncomfortable but after 15 minutes (some may take a little longer to warm up) with a little bit of direction and a lot of fake laughing you might find that you are might actually be having fun or even enjoying yourself!
And I don’t believe that that being unphotogenic is a real thing.
Everybody CAN and deserves to look good in photos.
The best moment of my job is when my clients receive their proof images and they something like “I can’t believe thats me”
YES that is YOU.
And that is probably how most people see you.
Biggest compliment of my life!
It’s a privilege for me to work with women.
Especially women who are at defining moments in their careers.
Some are building businesses from scratch, while others are established and more accomplished.
They’re all linked by a desire to be visible.
To show up and stand out.
To use brand photography to ELEVATE their personal brand and professional profiles.
Impactful Images
I’m here to make a personal branding shoot work hard for your business.
When we collaborate together, we create a huge bank of shots you can use in all areas of your marketing.
From your website to your social media channels through to PR opportunities in print or online, you’ll have a set of brand images that show the confident and empowered businesswoman you are.
My goal is that each client has a unique set of photos that helps them create a big impact on their business. The shots look effortless and allow them to visually connect with their audience.
Mary Waring, Wealth For Women
“ In line with so many people I'm not keen on having my photo taken.
But I actually had a truly fun time with Yolande. We went to Brighton to take various shots on the beach and in the lovely side streets. It was like spending the day with a friend having a great time, rather than spending the day doing photos for my website.
The photos really captured the true me and the fun we had that day.
Yolande really knows how to put you at ease and help you relax.”
Protests and Fashion
I started at London College of Communication in 2005 working on a career in photojournalism, taking photos at protests on weekends and a regular shooting backstage reportage at London Fashion Week for various designers.
I adore fashion, its my first love after I crashed out of fashion school in the 1990’s. I love it when my Vogue magazine lands in my letter box. It’s where I discovered my love for beautiful fashion portraits and photographing people, which naturally led me to focus on brand portrait work.
You also might be surprised to know I’m an excellent seamstress, which could be useful if you have a wardrobe malfunction during a shoot.
Accolades
In 2023 I was delighted and honoured to be named part of F:entrepreneur #ialso 100 list. The campaign is run by Small Business Britain and celebrates female entrepreneurial talent.
My work is featured in The Times, Forbes, The Guardian, Metro, and The Daily Telegraph. I’ve also had work featured in Conde Naste Traveller and regularly contribute to Brand You Magazine, a magazine for female entrepreneurs and business women in the UK.
But the biggest kick I get is seeing my clients shouting loudly and proudly about their brand. Using the images from their brand shoots to launch campaigns or build their business. This is the reason I bounce out of bed each day.
Southern Africa to South London
I’m originally from Namibia, Africa where I had the honour of growing up and spending my holidays in the desert surrounded by blue skies and red sand. It is the most magical place on the planet and I encourage everyone to visit if they ever have the chance!!
These days you’ll find me splitting my time between London and the coast. London is life and I love the anonimity and energy of city but I also need to spend time near the sea and swim throughout the year.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
I’ll be working closely with you, collaborating to creating fantastic professional images I’ll be working closely with you, collaborating to creating fantastic professional images that will echo your brand and business.
I absolutely love working one on one with my clients, connecting with them and creating images that actually look like them. Resulting in confidence, both in themselves and in their work.
If you think we could be a good fit and would like to work together on creating some great images for your marketing and social media then please fill out my CONTACT FORM to book in a 20 minute discovery call.
I look forward to meeting you very soon!
