Maybe you loooooove your logo — and that new website? It might be your dream virtual storefront. But your logo and your website are just two parts of the visual branding equation. You could be missing a key element necessary to communicate with your dream client.
Do you love your Brand Photos? Do you even have Brand Photos?
If you’re scratching your head right now, wondering what the heck I’m talking about… OR if you just realized that you missed a vital step in the visual branding process, don’t worry friend. You’re in the right place. This Ultimate Guide to Brand Photos is gonna get you super savvy about this very necessary part of your branding — and quick.
In simplest terms, Brand Photos are the images or photography that you use to represent your brand and business. In my own business, I offer three types of Brand Photography experiences for my clients:
Headshots are the most basic type of brand photos — at the very least, every solopreneur, or small team, needs a good headshot to share the “face of the company.” If you’re a personal brand using “I” or “we” in your brand communications, then I wanna see who’s talking. Because remember girl, you’re just a stranger on the internet. Good branding is going to help build trust with potential clients — and a good headshot is like a friendly “hello.”
Brand Portraits take headshots to the next level (and they’re actually my favorite type of Brand Photography session). They are lifestyle-type images that feature you in a ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse at your business. They’re a stylized version of you doing your boss lady thing. This way, clients can get a look at your space, your process, your brand, your experience, and you. And ideally, get super excited about working with you!
Just like Brand Portraits, Custom Styled Stock Photography offers a behind the scenes peek into your brand. But it removes you from the equation. These images are highly stylized scenes that represent your brand and your brand experience. They work great in conjunction with headshots and/or brand portraits — because as much as we want to see your gorgeous face, it shouldn’t be in every. single. Picture. (or you might come off as a little vain…)
Okay, okay. Now you know what brand photos are. But do you really need them?
Yes. Absolutely.
Here’s why:
Listen, if you wanna be successful, girl — you have to SHOW UP. That means online too. You can’t hide behind a pretty logo and perfect website.
You know what I hate? Scouring a fabulous website, of a fabulous female creative — only to find there’s no photo of her. What I’m really left wondering is — why is she hiding? What is she afraid of?
Whether you like it or not, as a solopreneur, YOU are the face of your brand. Whatever you think you’re selling (wedding photography, coaching, design…) you’re not. You’re selling yourself. You’re selling an experience with you — your brand experience — and it’s one of a kind, just. like. you.
So, you need to represent yourself as a professional, and show up — then ideal clients can fall in love with you! one of the best ways to do this is through your brand photos. The right brand imagery should show you as confident, proud and absolutely in your element. This is going to legitimize you as a professional, in the eyes of your client.
Guess what, friend… To all of those would-be clients landing on your website, you’re just a stranger on the internet. So you need to establish trust. Let them know you’re a real person. Not just some faceless internet company. And you do this by sharing photos of yourself.
You definitely need a good headshot, but the more you can share the better! Show yourself in action and behind the scenes. Let visitors get a glimpse into your life and your business. Make it feel legitimate and easy to get in touch with you.
Through curated brand portraits you can show a day in your life, share your brand’s aesthetic, and show the Internet that you have a personality. You also seem more trustworthy.
When I was little, I used to spend hours pouring over the Pleasant Company catalog — dreaming about owning my own American Girl doll. The catalog was massive — the dolls were printed at their actual size. You could see every outfit, every accessory, in perfect detail. They even had photos of their packaging… which let me imagine how one day, my own doll would arrive.
One Christmas I finally got my Molly doll. And while I’m sure I played with her — I am certain I spent waaaaaay more time dreaming with my nose in that catalog.
I didn’t really want the doll. I wanted the American Girl experience.
Instead of always telling would-be clients why your brand experience is awesome — show them. Carefully curated brand portraits and custom styled stock images can give visitors and followers a glimpse into your world.
So give them something to dream about.
So, we’ve talked about what brand photos are, and why you need them. Now let’s get practical.
Here’s how (and where) you’re actually gonna use them:
Probably the most obvious answer, but you should start with your website. Like I already mentioned, your website is your virtual storefront. Your home, online.
So if you don’t just want a pretty website — but want to turn a profit — you need to make that home inviting.
Put out the welcome mat. Give a little handshake. A friendly hello.
How? Your photo. Home page. Above the fold.
If I’ve just landed on Suzy Smith Photography’s website, I want to see a photo of Suzy Smith.
Then I want to see her work.
And while you’re at it, why not give your visitor a peek into the “Suzy Smith Experience?” Treat that website like it’s an American Girl catalog.
No offense, friend, but wedding photographers (or insert your passion here) are a dime-a-dozen. I’m convinced every market is a “saturated market.” So if you’re counting on your portfolio, or your services to save you, you’re gonna be hurting for clients. I don’t care how talented you are.
But guess what — dolls are a dime-a-dozen too. So why did I spend hours studying the American Girl catalog, instead of a Barbie ad?
Because I didn’t want the doll. I wanted the American Girl experience.
Those ideal clients don’t want wedding photography. They want the Suzy Smith experience.
Curate your website with gorgeous brand photos — and treat it like your brand’s virtual catalog.
Again, give them something to dream about!
Ever just stare at your Instagram feed, wondering what to post next?
Wouldn’t it be great to have a library of branded images, just for your biz?
That’s what you get with brand photos — in fact I’ve had clients hire me, specifically for this purpose.
Is your selfie game leaving something to be desired? Girl, next time #fridayintroductions rolls around, you could have a full gallery of brand portraits to choose from. The best part is, you look like a pro. And that gives you confidence — and when you feel confident you can share your talent with grace and ease.
Have a big announcement coming up? How about that blog post, you just know is gonna go viral on Pinterest?
Insert: Brand Photos.
Great brand photos will give a visual consistency to your feed, which helps followers and potential clients know what to expect from you. When expectations are met, consistently, that builds trust.
And also, have you ever followed an account, simply because you like all their pretty photos?
Boom. Brand photos.
Here’s a short list of other ways and places to use your Brand Photograpy:
So, boss babe, now that you know what they are, and why you need them, are ready to rock your own Brand Photos?
Contact me today to get more info about Headshots, Brand Portraits, and Custom Styled Stock Photography — created just for you and your fabulous brand!
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