Discover the INCREDIBLE journeys of the women in our community.

In our Member Stories, we hear from our members about the experiences that have shaped them, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they are driving impact in their industries and beyond.

Hester Barnes

Hester Barnes

Founder & Photographer

Hester Barnes Photography & Film

Hester Barnes is a brand photographer and video content creator specialising in natural light imagery for brands and business owners. She runs Studio Content workshops and is the owner of Guildford Content House, a styled property for photoshoots, content creation, and creative workshops.

Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? Before running my business, I worked in a very fast-paced public-sector role, which was a tough environment and very different from the creative world I’m in now. It taught me resilience, how to read people quickly, and how to stay calm under pressure. It also made me realise how important creativity, independence, and working with good people were to me.
Starting my own business helped me figure out who I actually am and what kind of environment I want to be part of, and that has shaped how I run my business and how I work with clients now.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given? The best advice I was ever given was from my Grandpy: don’t spend what you haven’t got. It sounds simple, but it applies to business, life, and risk, and it’s something I’ve always remembered.
What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? Step off the cliff. You’ll never feel ready, and confidence comes from doing, not waiting. Also, put your prices up!
What does success mean to you? Success to me is building a business I genuinely enjoy, working with people I like and respect, having flexibility over my time, and feeling proud of the work I produce. It’s about building something sustainable and enjoyable, not just being busy or chasing growth for the sake of it. Oh - and long haul holidays!
How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit? I’ve learned that there’s usually been a red flag somewhere along the way, so I try to trust my gut and not ignore it. I’ll often check in with a few trusted business friends for advice and perspective, then make a plan and deal with things calmly.
I always try to handle challenges kindly and professionally, because how you deal with difficult situations really matters. I am also a Scorpio, so I’m very good at remembering who was lovely and who wasn’t.
Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? Running a business can be brilliant but also quite lonely at times, especially when you’re client-facing and working for yourself. Having supportive women around you makes a huge difference. I also think women are very good at collaboration, community, and lifting each other, rather than competing, and that’s when really great things happen.

60 Seconds with Hester Barnes

My inspiration is: Slim Aarons. I love his use of colour and composition, and how his images capture people, spaces, and lifestyle in a way that feels effortless, relaxed, and timeless.
My greatest fear is: Being too busy to stop and enjoy the ride.
The most courageous thing I have ever done is: Leaving a secure career to start my own business - building it from scratch.
I am most proud of: My kids. Without question.
Guiltless pleasure: Constantly moving furniture around and starting new projects before I’ve finished the last one.
Mantra I live by: Work hard, be kind, and don’t be a dick.
Female role model: My mum. She taught me to work hard, be resilient, and just get on with it!
Women-led brand I love: Champo. I love the branding, the attention to detail, and how the business has been built with a really clear identity and aesthetic.

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