The Nanny McFee of Fundraising


When you're working to generate income in the charity sector, standing out is essential. Sharon Plunkett, a seasoned professional at Rush Hey Consultancy, knows this all too well. With a career spanning fundraising, marketing and lottery management, her expertise is invaluable. But Sharon isn't just another consultant; she's the Nanny McPhee of fundraising:

"When you need me, I'll be there - when you don't, I will go." Her unique approach to supporting charities and non-profits embodies resilience, innovation, and a touch of magic.

My Delightful Challenge


Enter Alison McMath Photography, where capturing the essence of Sharon's persona became a delightful challenge. Drawing inspiration from the whimsical charm of Nanny McPhee, I embarked on a journey to encapsulate Sharon's essence—her professionalism laced with quirkiness and elegance. With textures and an earthy Scottish vibe setting the mood, our collaboration aimed to create visuals that spoke volumes about Sharon's personality and professional ethos.

But beyond the theme and setting lies a crucial element: the importance of professional styling. Gemma of Gemma Marie Makeup in Longton worked her magic, ensuring Sharon looked her absolute best. In the realm of business images, professional makeup and hair styling aren't mere luxuries; they're essential. Here's why:

  1. First impressions matter: In the competitive world of business, first impressions are paramount. Professionally styled hair and makeup enhance one's appearance, exuding confidence and competence.
  2. Consistency in brand representation: Your personal brand extends beyond your logo and website; it's also reflected in your visual presence. Consistent, polished images reinforce your brand identity and leave a lasting impression on clients and stakeholders.
  3. Attention to detail: Just as you pay meticulous attention to detail in your work, the same should apply to your appearance in professional photographs. Professional stylists ensure every aspect, from makeup application to hair styling, aligns with your brand's image and message.


Now, let's delve into the intricate planning and preparation that goes into a photoshoot at my garden studio in Chorley:

  1. Initial consultation: Every successful photoshoot begins with a thorough consultation. Understanding Sharon's goals, preferences, and brand identity was paramount. From discussing the theme to determining wardrobe choices, every detail was meticulously planned.
  2. Moodboard creation: Translating Sharon's vision into visuals required a collaborative effort. Together, we curated a moodboard encompassing textures, colors, and themes that reflected her personality and professional ethos.
  3. Setup: Sharon's desire for a unique, earthy Scottish vibe set me a great challenge within the studio that complemented our theme. From selecting backdrops to arranging props, attention to detail was key.
  4. Stylists: Collaborating with Gemma for makeup and hair styling ensured seamless integration of Sharon's vision into her overall look. Gemma's expertise added an extra layer of sophistication and elegance to the final images.
  5. On-set direction: During the photoshoot, my guidance and expertise ensured Sharon felt comfortable and confident in front of the camera. From posing to expression, every detail was fine-tuned to capture Sharon's essence authentically.

In conclusion, personal brand photography isn't just about capturing images—it's about storytelling. Through meticulous planning, collaboration, and attention to detail, Sharon's professional persona was transformed into captivating visuals. With the perfect blend of quirkiness, elegance, and personality, Sharon's images now serve as a testament to her expertise and uniqueness in the world of income generation and charity consultancy.

I love working with businesses to better connect them with their customers. Book your own personal brand photoshoot with me and let's work together to create something beautiful.