Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | By: Monya
Some time ago, a potential client enquired about a photoshoot—but when I explained that I wouldn’t remove my watermark (which represents my brand), she chose not to book. Fair enough—each to their own.
My response at the time was pretty simple, perhaps a little blunt:
“We don’t buy a designer handbag and then remove the brand name, do we?”
Now, before we debate whether my response was right or wrong, let’s take a step back and ask: What is a brand, really?
A brand is a name, term, design, symbol, or any feature that identifies a seller’s goods or services and sets them apart from competitors. It’s more than just a logo or a catchy name—it’s the overall experience and perception that people associate with a business. A brand is built through consistent messaging, quality work, and a meaningful customer experience. In short: it creates value, not just for the business owner, but for the people engaging with it.
And no—branding isn’t just for luxury items. It’s everywhere. Whether you're shopping at Shein or buying beauty products at a local store, you're engaging with brands. Even “No Name” is, ironically, a brand.
I’ve worked hard on my photography business for over 10 years—wearing many hats, doing almost everything myself. I’ve learned the art of posing, lighting, colour, and styling. I’ve poured hours into editing and post-production. And that’s just the creative side.
Then there's the business side: pricing, budgeting, marketing, building websites, managing SEO, running Google Ads... there’s a lot that goes into running a photography studio. I've made mistakes, sure—but I’ve also grown tremendously.
Monya Photography, Monya Fine Art, and Monya—these are my brands. Each one is unique, but they’re all part of what I do. And I’m proud of how far I’ve come, both personally and professionally.
So yes—my watermark stays. It represents me. My name is on every book I’ve written. When I start painting my art, my name will be on those pieces too. Because that name, that mark—it’s not just a label. It’s a symbol of the passion, hours, energy, and creativity I put into everything I create.