#62 - Personal branding for photographers: Why It Will Matter More Than Ever in 2026

I’m going to tell you something you might not expect from someone who’s been sharing her personal story in her content for years: I wasn’t really into personal branding myself. For years, I built De Donkere Kamer without ever putting a face to it. In this episode—part 1 of a two-part series—I’ll explain what made me change my mind and why personal branding matters more today than ever before. There’s never been so much content, never so much AI-generated clutter, and an audience that’s both more critical and harder to engage than ever before. I’ll talk about my own boundaries—what I do share and what I never will—about the conversation with my husband Rik that revealed just how much the platform has come to define “me,” and about the photographer who contacted me to travel to Patagonia with him, based purely on a single personal episode. Personal branding doesn’t mean showing off your home or your family. It means making your perspective, your choices, and your taste visible—because that’s the only thing no one can take away from you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode- Why Kaat resisted personal branding for years, and what ultimately changed her mind- Why people today seek trust in a face and a name before they buy, and what that means for you as a photographer- What personal branding is—and isn’t: not a selfie culture, not oversharing, but making your perspective, your choices, and your taste visible- Why photographers so often think their photos should speak for themselves, and why that’s no longer enough today- How Kaat sets her own boundaries in what she shares, and why those boundaries actually provide peace of mind rather than limitation- Why photography, as a medium in crisis, offers so much room to stand out precisely because of thatMy strategy dayThis week, I’m offering a one-time special on my strategy day: a full day of one-on-one work where we’ll tackle the topics you want to address, from positioning and personal branding to your portfolio or book concept. Normally 1,500 euros, but this week through Sunday at midnight, it’s 799 euros with the code “strategy.” All info here. Partner of the episodeAs a photographer, in addition to creativity, you also simply need the right tools—whether that’s a new lens or a camera you can rely on during a client shoot. The specialists at Cameranu work with you to find the best solution and provide honest advice. Visit their site and use code DDK10 for a 10% discount.