Meet Paulette Brown

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paulette Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paulette below.

Paulette, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Confidence and self-esteem aren’t things you simply wake up with one day. For me, they were skills I had to develop. When I started taking photos, I was comfortable observing and capturing the world from a distance. Photography felt safe because it allowed me to create without directly interacting with people. But staying in that comfort zone wasn’t enough. To grow as a photographer—and as a person—I had to push myself further.

A pivotal moment came when I realized photography is as much about connection as it is about creativity. My first big step toward confidence was learning to approach people and ask if I could take their photo. I’ll admit, the idea terrified me at first. What if they said no? What if they were annoyed? But I quickly discovered that most people are kind, even if they decline. On the flip side, if they said yes..it was amazing the things that I would learn about them, a persons interests and vulnerabilities can be a new idea or way of thinking. Meeting new people always meant new sparks of creativity on my end. Those moments of connection helped me realize the fear I felt was much larger in my head than in reality.
More importantly, these interactions taught me that people genuinely appreciate being seen. These moments built not only my confidence but also my understanding of what it means to engage with others.

Building on those experiences, I began focusing on more structured photography. I took classes, joined workshops, and learned to pose people intentionally. Directing someone during a shoot was a huge leap for me. At first, I worried about sounding bossy or unsure. But I quickly realized that clients look to you as the expert. They aren’t expecting perfection—they’re trusting you to help them look and feel their best.
Learning how to pose people, guide their expressions, and frame shots didn’t just improve my photography skills; it also boosted my self-esteem. With each shoot, I grew more comfortable speaking up, offering suggestions, and taking charge of the creative process. Those small victories snowballed into a deep sense of confidence—not only in my ability as a photographer but also in my ability to lead.

The biggest breakthrough came when I finally embraced my role as the professional during shoots. Confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything, but it comes from knowledge and preparation before the shoot. I practice with my gear so I know how to use my equipment in all scenarios, and I use shot lists so I know what most of my shoots will entail before they happen. When I step into a session now, I start by explaining how things will go. I set expectations and assure my clients that they’re in good hands. I slow down, and take my time allowing myself to not be rushed during sessions, this makes it so that I know I’ve left the session and got the shots that I wanted before even looking over my files and hoping I got the look I was going for. My role is to use my experience to guide the session. They’re working with me for my expertise, and they trust me to bring out their best. Once I embraced this mindset, my confidence grew exponentially.

My journey to self-esteem and confidence wasn’t about flipping a switch; it was about taking small, consistent steps. Whether it was connecting with strangers, taking classes, or directing clients, every step built on the last. I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself to show up, communicate clearly, and do the work.
Now, when I think back to the person who was afraid to approach someone or give directions during a shoot, I barely recognize them. Photography didn’t just teach me how to take better pictures—it taught me how to believe in myself. Confidence, like any skill, can be developed with time, practice, and a willingness to grow. And that lesson has been the most valuable one of all.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Paulette is a passionate photographer with a talent for capturing people and stories. Specializing in portrait photography, she focuses on showcasing individuality and emotion in every image. She also enjoys working behind the scenes, documenting the creative process for businesses and musicians, particularly on music video sets. Her ability to capture the energy and artistry of these moments brings an authentic perspective to her work.

In addition to traditional portraits, Paulette has a love for fantasy and cosplay photography. She brings imaginative concepts to life, blending creativity with technical expertise to craft striking, story-driven images. Whether it’s transforming someone into a favorite character or creating an entirely original world, she thrives on capturing the magic of these unique portraits.

Beyond photography, she is a devoted mom to an amazing 11-year-old son, Oliver. Paulette also works closely with her partner, Jonathan, a talented videographer, combining their skills to deliver stunning visuals and storytelling.

Currently, Paulette is engaged in a deeply personal project about grief, using photography to explore its many layers and expressions. Whether at a professional photoshoot or capturing quiet, meaningful moments, she is driven by a desire to create images that resonate and inspire.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful areas in my photography journey were learning the basics, embracing a mindset of continuous learning, and taking action, even when it’s scary!

First and foremost, understanding the basics is crucial. Mastering foundational skills like composition, lighting, and camera settings gave me the tools to improve and build upon. Without that solid base, it would have been much harder to grow creatively or technically.

Second, it’s vital to stay curious and committed to learning. Photography—and any art form—is constantly evolving. By exploring new techniques, experimenting, and practicing consistently, you refine your skills and stay inspired.

Finally, the most transformative lesson was learning to take action. Fear of failure or waiting until you feel “ready” can hold you back. The truth is, the best way to grow is to simply start. Whether it’s reaching out to potential clients, trying a new genre, or entering a photography contest, getting out there and doing what you love will teach you more than any amount of overthinking.

For those just starting out, my advice is to focus on learning the basics first. Once you’ve got that foundation, keep practicing and never stop seeking new knowledge. Most importantly, don’t wait for the perfect moment—create it by stepping into the things that excite you. The journey may feel daunting at times, but every small step forward builds confidence and skill.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I grab my camera and head outside for a walk. It’s my way of hitting the reset button. Being outdoors, camera in hand, shifts my focus away from the things that are weighing me down. As I walk, I often spot something worth capturing—a beautiful scene, an interesting texture, or a fleeting moment.

Even if I don’t take many photos, the act of looking through my lens frees up mental space. It gives me permission to let go of the thoughts that are overwhelming me. By the time I return from a photo walk, I usually feel refreshed, and have a more positive attitude.

My advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed is to find something that lets you disconnect from what’s stressing you out and reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s photography, a walk, or any creative or calming activity, giving yourself that time and space can make all the difference.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Portrait of Paulette Brown by Daniel Valentin

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than

Highlighter Series
Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?

We asked some of the most interesting entrepreneurs and creatives to open up about recent

Highlighter Series
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

Brandi Lilley I’d tell my younger self to stop trying so hard to be understood