4 Types of Brand Photos Every Business Needs
MUST-HAVE PHOTOS
If it’s your first or second time working with a branding photographer, it may feel a little overwhelming to prepare for your session.
You know you need fresh professional images, and you want to make sure your investment feels worth it.
I’ve spent years working with business owners, and every session has taught me something. There are similar goals that all business owners share when it comes to marketing their brand, and those goals can be directly translated into the photographs you’ll want from your session.
The Brand Photos Every Business Needs
When it comes to ‘must-have’ images, I’ve compiled a list of 4 images every business owner needs to walk away with at the end of their branding session.
And this goes for product-based AND service-based businesses, alike. If you have a session with me, you’ll leave with an entire gallery of beautiful, curated images, but this is a great place to start as you brainstorm the goals for your brand images.
#1 - Vertical Headshot
This is the most obvious (and important) photo you’ll need from your branding session, and for good reason. This traditional style headshot can be used a dozen different ways and is nice to have on hand to update all your online profiles. This is why I recommend having at least one clean and professional headshot of you looking directly at the camera. If you have a team, this should also include a headshot of each member.
#2 - Horizontal Image (with lots of negative space)
This style of photo is key for your website and, if you’re working with a web designer, they will most certainly love this shot! An image with plenty of negative space on the left or right of you will allow for more personalization such as adding graphics or text. This can really strengthen your brand message in print or online.
Your horizontal image can be a picture of you, your office/physical space or maybe you in the field doing your thing!
#3 - Behind The Scenes
Here’s the truth: people love to see behind the scenes shots (of anything) and these types of photos really aid in building a connection with your potential clientele. I urge you to capture a few of these photos - even if it’s just you behind the computer working! If your business involves interacting with clients, it would be ideal to get some images of you doing that. This will help potential clients/customers imagine what the experience would look like for them.
#4 - Don’t Forget The Details
If you are a product-based business, having beautifully styled images of your products is a no-brainer. If you’re a service-based business, you might grapple with how to capture detailed shots - but believe me, it’s possible (and just as important).
Creative details for service-based businesses might include styled shots of your office, computer, planner, or phone. Incorporate things that matter and are unique to you. For example, use one of your brand colors in a coffee mug and have your photographer take pictures of it next to your computer. These will be on-brand (and cute) images to use on your social platforms, website, or newsletter.
Committing to professional brand photos is a big step. So go into your session prepared. Your photographer should guide you, but make sure to let him or her know that these four image styles above are must-haves. If you’re a business owner in Southern California in need of fresh brand photos, check out ways we can work together.