Your brand identity is more than your logo, color palette, and fonts. Images play a huge role in conveying your vibe and style to your clients, which is why I’m such a huge fan of having professional brand photos taken.
Although a quality photographer that specializes in branding shoots can seem a bit expensive, I believe that well-done branding photos that accurately reflect you and your brand are worth their weight in gold! They truly are a long-term investment in the growth of your business, and will often serve you for many years to come.
Here are the top three reasons to do a brand photoshoot, plus my tips for getting the most bang for your buck!
1. Professional Photos Make Your Brand Personal
Stock photos are great when you are in a pinch and need an image for your blog or social media, but they can only get you so far. The best thing about brand photos in my opinion is that they help make your brand personal by showing real imagery of you and your products or services.
Have you ever noticed how pictures of yourself tend to perform better than any other content you share on social media? That’s because your audience wants to connect with you, the person behind the brand. While you can get by using photos that friends and family take of you for a while, nothing beats having a professional photo shoot to capture yourself in your element, looking your best!
2. The Right Photos Can Level Up Your Content
With so many visual elements to marketing these days, you need access to a lot of photos. From Pinterest to Instagram to your website, having a solid library of on-brand photos to use for any occasion is no easy task!
That’s another reason I love brand photos so much. Rather than scouring the internet for the right stock photo to fit a caption, you can pick from your library of existing brand photos. And, a single photoshoot (with multiple outfit changes) can last you for months or even years. I have photos that I took two years ago, like the one below, that I’m still using today!
Using brand photos in your content marketing will look more professional and “on-brand” than stock photos. If you want to create a true connection with your audience, brand photos are the way to go.
3. Images Tell Your Brand Story
They say a picture is worth a thousand words – and sometimes the best way to communicate your message and connect with your audience is through showing, not telling.
A professional brand photographer can help you capture your business in action by showing you working directly with your customers. They can also capture some of the less tangible aspects of your brand, like your love for the outdoors or family values.
This is something that stock photos can never do.
How to make the most of your brand photoshoot
Now that you know why brand photoshoots can be so beneficial for your business, let’s talk about how to make the most from them. Here are a few things to consider when planning your brand shoot.
- What’s your goal for the photos? Do you have specific uses in mind for them? Make sure to communicate these with your photographer.
- Seek out inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram, and share with your photographer in advance.
- Plan a shot list (it can be a basic outline) so that you get everything captured that you are looking for.
- Choose your wardrobe to complement or reinforce your brand colors.
- Plan multiple outfits to get variety in your photos, which helps you be able to use them for multiple purposes.
- Pick a location, or locations, that reflect your brand and your values.
Now that you know how to make the most out of your branding photos, it’s time to schedule your photoshoot. Research a photographer in your local area, or ask friends or other business owners for recommendations.
Strike a pose and good luck!
