What's all the fuss about branding photography?

12 May 2024

Why Personal Branding Photography is crucial for small business owners

So, I’m guessing the reason you are reading this is because you’ve heard other business owners or photographers talking about branding photography and branding shoots and are keen to know whether it is worth considering.  You want to know what is it, why is it important, why you need it and where on earth would you use all these images anyway.

We’ve all heard the phrase “a picture paints a thousand words” and nowhere is that truer than in personal brand photography.

Tell me do you pick up a magazine and flick through looking at the pictures first before deciding what to read … or do you scroll through social media and only stop to read a caption if the image has caught your eye? If the answer is yes to either of these, you are not alone; in fact, most of us will shop with our eyes and make decisions based on our first impressions.  So, it goes without saying that visuals play a crucial role in how you portray your personal brand to your customers and clients, and how potential clients see you. First impressions not only count but last too.

Personal branding involves influencing the way potential customers see you and view your products or services, which is why personal branding photography can have such a massive impact. You are probably already aware of how important it is for customers and potential customers to see you to get to know you, like you and trust you.  Being consistently visible in your business not only helps to build that trust but increases the visibility of your brand.

Having a professional branding shoot will provide you with high quality photos that will be an asset to you and your business. Professional, on brand, bespoke photos will not only make your business more memorable but will save you time and stress in your marketing.  As well as helping you to attract more of the right clients enabling your business to thrive and grow.

Here are just some of the ways you can use professional branding images to benefit your business.

Website – Having a real person on a website inspires more trust than those that rely on stock photos. Real life bespoke photographs, that are personal to you and your brand, also help tell your business story more authentically.  Make you look more professional and also help with SEO

Profile pics – Use a picture of you rather than your logo to connect with your followers and be more memorable. Not everybody remembers a name but almost everyone can recall a face.

Printed Marketing Material – Brochures, catalogues and leaflets, all benefit from professional imagery. Take leaflets to networking events, that feature pics of you and your work or products. No need to explain what you do, the pictures say it all and people will have something to remember you by, long after you’ve left the event or meeting.

Social Media – If you have a batch of on brand imagery to choose from, you will be able to consistently tell your story, reflect your brand and engage your audience.

Press Releases – Having professional photos will make you stand out, give your press release credibility and be more likely to be used by the publication you’ve sent it to.

Presentations / Speaking events – Use your branding images to create a standout bio to send out ahead of the event and to use in your presentation slides.

Email marketing – make your email marketing campaigns more personable and interesting by including your brand photos.

Having a batch of personal, on brand images means that you never have to scramble around trying to find or take the right photo for each of the activities above, you always have the appropriate picture for whatever marketing activity you are involved in.

So, in conclusion the overall benefits are: -

1. It saves you time and stress in your marketing.
2. You look more professional, which elevates your brand.
3. You become more visible and so will engage and attract more customers.
4. Your brand message is consistent and more trustworthy.
5. You stand out from the crowd and become more memorable.
6. It helps to present you as the standout expert or go to brand in your niche and will increase your sales.

But don't just take my word on how valuable having a brand shoot is to your business ... here are just some of the things my clients have said following a brand shoot with me.

The images have been indispensible for our brochure, social media and website. Jemima (Kali Stileman Publishing)

One of the best investments in my business I have made. Karan (Amica Financial Wellbeing)

My website looks so much more professional with the photos and I have had so many referrals since adding them Jenna (JM Therapy)

I hope this blog post has given you a little bit of an insight into how branding photography is not a marketing luxury but a crucial investment for small business owners. One that will give a return on investment for years to come.

If you have any questions about branding photography, what’s involved in a shoot, how to choose a branding photographer etc. please feel free to get in touch. 

Click here to contact Bev Cunningham, Specialist Branding Photographer.