PSSST- There’s an updated version of this blog post here!
You’re here because you’ve taken the leap and hired (or you’re thinking about hiring) a designer, WEEE! Congrats, friend, that is awesome! I just know your new brand and website are going to let the heart of your business shine while speaking directly to those clients you’re dreaming of working with. One of your next steps should be getting some professional brand photos taken!
What is brand photography?
Brand photos are just that – photos that showcase the heart of your brand! These photos are meant to show off your personality and behind the scenes of your biz (no boring headshots here!) Capturing what it’s like to work with *insert your brand name here* makes it even easier to share what makes you different from the others in your industry.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: having these photos on your website, and even on your social media platforms, takes your brand’s visual identity to the next level. You can show your potential clients what it’s like to work with you through beautiful imagery that will captivate your viewers’ attention. In a world where photography is so readily available, a website with iPhone images just won’t cut it.
So, what do I do now?
The first thing you need to do is find a photographer that resonates with you! Find someone not only whose photos match your brand’s vibe (aesthetic is important here), but who you can genuinely connect with, and is within your budget. You’ll most likely ending up taking brand photos more than once since you don’t want to be using the same photos two years from now, and it would be awesome if you could use the same photographer each time!
Next, you’ll need to plan for your shoot. Do you feel more like you indoors or outdoors? What kind of clothes feel most like you? Talk these things through with your photographer so you arrive at the shoot feeling comfortable and confident! While you’re planning your outfit and any props (i.e. computer, camera, notebook, coffee mugs, etc.) keep in mind what your brand colors are and what your brand messaging is. These are things that you want to be sure you’re carrying out through these photos so that they exude your brand! Don’t forget to let the photographer know how you intend to use these photos so they can guide you and make sure they’re a perfect fit.
Lastly, USE THEM! On your website, your social media accounts, your pricing guides, anything that has your brand should feature these images. Between your new design and photos, your dream clients will be knocking down your door! Check out a few of my most recent brand photos by Emily Veinberg Photography below!