So January is here and certainly underway, the last couple of weeks of December were all about wrapping up 2011, finishing off all the bits and bobs that I need to do in order to plough ahead with my plans for my business in 2012. For me it is really important to finish off the year in order for me to go into the next one with a plan, so for the past two weeks I have been with my Mentor reviewing 2011; identifying the positives and negativities, evaluating what worked and did not work, and ultimately creating an action plan in order to make changes before the season kicks off again.

This process of spending time with my Mentor is crucial in my development as both a creative photographer as well as a business woman. It is fundamental that I am creating my own path that is true to my art and my business. It is this unique relationship which I feel is so beneficial when it comes to learning and growth; last year I launched my Mentoring session in late summer and since then I have had my lovely students to go on to fulfill their dreams. My 1:1 Mentor sessions aim to create a bespoke programme for each photographer specifically designed to individual photographers need, ensuring that what we cover is relevant to you and your journey {I will ascertain all the details that I need to know via a questionnaire before the session} so we get kick off your session and get straight into it. In addition I provide a follow-up skype session, which is really useful for when you put the skills into practice and then think… I have forgotten something, or it would be really good to see where to go next, I am here for you.

Many people may not know but during my colourful career to date I trained to be a teacher in post-compulsory education specialising in Art and Design. I taught hundreds of young people reach their potential and inspire them and I know that in my experience of running workshops I quickly realised that some of the students were not confident enough to pipe up, or they did not get it, or the session was dominated by a loud student; it often happens. By having me all to yourself you can ask any question, see where I work, how I work, how I shoot & meet the cat, drink tea and eat cake. I really believe that everybody has a creative voice, which should be explored and nurtured I to enable you as an artist and photographer to reach your full potential. I am living proof that shooting from your heart and creating a viable business is possible. My teaching experience comes into play too as I understand about identifying needs and know how to achieve them and manage learning in a fun and interesting way and yes I will set you homework!!

I am totally committed to this, this is not a whim; this is actually me knitting my teaching skills and experience back into my business {I do miss it} It really is part of who I am I naturally like to nurture and facilitate growth you only have to come to my house to see this instinct when it comes to my garden.

I have 3 graduates that are flourishing already and more that are currently with me, here are a couple of reviews so far:

I had two Skype mentoring sessions with Joanna and it was really great to chat to her and discuss our thoughts about progressing my wedding photography business. The two sessions worked really well because we could have a follow up opportunity, and also there seemed to be loads to talk about! We talked about everything from my shooting style and how to interact with couples, to important business decisions like marketing and pricing. I found our sessions really helpful and afterwards I have felt really motivated to move forward with the projects we discussed – in fact one is underway right now! Joanna is also really fun and friendly and easy to chat to, and I love her style of photography. I would definitely recommend her mentoring sessions to anyone looking for creative fresh ideas for their photography business
Gemma Williams

I drove 250 miles today to share tea, tasty sandwiches and homemade cake with one of the most humble and beautiful souls I have come into contact with. Joanna is a photographer who knows how to make anyone feel at ease be that client or student and challenge that individual to push themselves into fulfilling a dream. I learnt an unbelievable amount yesterday and broken down some of my own personal barriers that have been holding me back. This unique photographer opens the possibility that you can make something out of nothing, and it’s ok to push yourself forward, to push you forward as a brand. This lady knows exactly where to look and how to reach in and grab that part of you. This lady knows what she is talking about, but she also knows that everyone needs to find there own style and run with that. That is ok and that is what is so exciting about being able to feel accepted as an art form. I would highly recommend spending some 1-1 time with this lady; it was great fun from start to end. This lady is exceptional. This lady is Joanna Brown
Emma Lievers

Whatever your background, previous experience, skills and dreams I want to help facilitate you becoming the photographer you dream of and for you to reach your potential it is that simple. If you interested in this email me joanna@browns-photography.co.uk I have limited availability and run mentoring between January-March and October- December.

So let’s get on with this gorgeous wedding it is a cracker, Becca & Dan are pretty much my idea of heaven they are quirky, funny, unique, up for pretty much anything and they love their dog!  Becca runs a pooch parlour in London {do take your dog there I urge you} it is amazing I might take the cat their just to have him washed and hang out.  Dan is an uber cool graphic designer and did the designs for the wedding he is one talented boy, and lastly by no means least snippy is their dog.  Becca stayed in the Zetter Hotel {god I was in heaven I loved a stuffed Kangaroo!!} it was the perfect getting ready place and really set the tone for this off beat London shindig.  The ceremony was at Hackney Town hall again amazing perfect with the Empire in site a real rock n roll location, Becca turned up in her mates old gorgeous vintage car and as she got out of the car she looked like a movie star from the 60s so glamorous and stylish.  After the ceremony we jumped in that car {I could have driven off with it} and we headed to Victoria Park for some portraits, we hung out at a block of flats, at a bandstand and walked through crunchy leaves.  Snippy the dog came and met us in his top hat it really was hilarious seeing them walk through the park together.  The reception was at the pub where tea and cake were eaten, pints drunk, hilarious speeches and Beccas amazing friend sang for them.  I totally loved every minute of this wedding it was a totaly reflection for them and their friends, at one point I think there were 5 dogs in the pub!!!

Thanks so much also to the brilliant Lisa who helped second shoot with me; you are aces.  I realise this year that I pretty much love hanging out at weddings whether they are in the city or in the woods, it is about all the lovely people I get to meet in beautiful locations.  Ultimately it is their stories that I have the desire to discover and tell.

Have a wonderful Christmas all snug with your families see you all in 2012, right need to get into this Christmas malarky first stop a tree me thinks….. x