How I Expanded my Photography Business While Traveling
When I moved from the US to Australia six years ago, I would never have called myself a photographer. Not without cringing or feeling like a total imposter.
Back then, I referred to myself as a multi-passionate freelancer—dabbling in a bit of everything to keep learning, growing, and earning. I was surrounded by an incredible creative community in the US, one that inspired me deeply but also triggered a whole lot of comparison. I didn’t think I could ever be as talented as the people around me.
But moving to Australia gave me a blank slate—my “anything is possible” moment. Starting over in a new country, where I didn’t know a single soul, was equal parts terrifying and liberating. Rebuilding my community and career from the ground up wasn’t easy, but it forced me to get really clear on what I loved doing.
And that was photographing creative brands and working with embodied women in business. Nothing felt more aligned or more fun.
Fast forward to late last year: I returned to the US and finally stepped fully into my identity as a photographer. It felt stretchy and a little outside my comfort zone—but I knew it was time to show up, own it, and expand my brand.
Here are four key things I did to grow my visibility and connect with new clients while traveling:
1. Created a Shareable PDF:
I designed a branded PDF in Canva outlining my services, pricing, and contact details. I shared it with friends and family, along with my travel dates and shoot locations, and asked them to pass it on to anyone who might need a brand, family, or lifestyle photographer. It was an easy and professional way to get the word out.
2. Cross-Promoted on Personal and Business Instagram Accounts:
For the first time, I started sharing my photography work on both my personal and business Instagram accounts. I’d previously kept the two separate, but most of my personal followers are US-based, so it made sense to cross-promote. It massively expanded my reach—and I’ve kept the habit up ever since to build awareness for future US visits.
3. Pitched to New Brands:
Before my trip, I reached out to values-aligned brands in both the US and Australia who might benefit from content captured in new settings. Traveling to the Northern Hemisphere gave me access to different landscapes, seasons, and vibes—perfect for brands wanting variety beyond the typical Aussie beach shot. One of those pitches led to an amazing job with Merry People!
4. Shared Behind-the-Scenes Content:
While traveling through Washington, California, and Hawaii, I consistently promoted my availability and gave people a behind-the-scenes look at my shoots and creative process. I tagged locations, used relevant local hashtags, and showed up in a way that helped people connect not just with my work—but with me.
This journey is still a work in progress. But little by little, I’m expanding my brand, deepening my connections, and laying the groundwork for future projects—wherever we land.
Our intention is to spend time in the US every year, and I’m so excited about the incredible brands I’ll get to work with along the way.
Are you building your brand across borders too? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.