7 Must-Have Brand Photography Shots
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As a small business owner, you’ve probably heard a lot about brand photography in the past, and how important it is for your business.
There’s no doubt that brand photography is an investment – but the value it gives you is priceless.
You’ll have high-quality pictures that help you look professional, and give you a bank of social media content, but more than anything, it gives you confidence in who you are and what you do.
But if you’re not super comfortable in front of the camera, you might be nervous about booking a shoot and unsure of what will happen. For example – what kinds of pictures will be taken?
Let me reassure you, there is absolutely nothing to worry about, I’m here to guide you through the whole process! To help put you at ease, I’ve created this list of some key brand photography shots you can expect at a session.
1. A Headshot
One of the most popular shots in a brand photography session is the headshot.
A headshot is a portrait that is taken waist up, with a focus on your face. It will usually be taken in front of a plain background or backdrop, so the scene is not distracting.
Headshots are typically used as profile pictures on your social media – for example, LinkedIn. They are also great on your website.
2. A Portrait
A few portraits will also be taken during your brand photography session.
These are shots that can be taken in a wide variety of locations. Popular options are the workplace in or outdoors. These shots are great for social media and your website – particularly on your ‘About’ page.
Portraits help you connect with your prospective client. They help people get a sense of who you are and are a bit less serious than a headshot.
Make sure you have a big smile on your face – it helps people see how warm, friendly, and engaging you are!
3. A Picture of you working
Coaches, personal trainers, dog walkers, and writers all work differently. Your brand photography shots need to reflect your unique business.
Whether you work on your laptop, spend lots of time on the phone, or make products. Getting photos of how you work gives an insight into your process.
These images are staged to look ‘candid’ (ironic, I know), but their purpose is to show people how you do what you do, and the care that is taken in delivering your product or service. These pictures are great to use on your corresponding web pages.
People love to see ‘Behind the Scenes’ content. These exclusive peeks help your prospective client connect with you and imagine working with you themselves.
4. A Picture of your environment
Showing people where you work helps your target customer picture where they might meet with you.
You might work from home, have an office, or use a different kind of premises. If you don’t have this kind of facility, or don’t feel comfortable getting it photographed, a hired or public space can be used instead.
I always encourage my clients to get creative and show their personalities in these pictures. If you sit on the floor while you work, get a photo sitting on the floor! It’s a great discussion starter for social media.
5. A Picture of you with others
If you have a service-based business, showing how you interact with clients is key.
You don’t need to have your actual clients around for these images. Get friends or family involved instead – or even your pet!
These images are a must to use throughout your website, as they help to reassure people of your expertise and show how you communicate with others.
This could be the final nudge your prospective client needs to work with you, as they can put themselves directly in your customer’s shoes.
6. A Picture of you and your hobbies
People buy from people. So show more of the person behind your business with some shots that involve your hobbies.
You might love music, reading, sports, art – the list goes on. No matter what it is, a hobby shot helps people understand who you are. This helps them understand if you are the right fit for what they need.
These images are great to use on social media and in blog posts.
This could be the final nudge your prospective client needs to work with you, as they can put themselves directly in your customer’s shoes.
7. A Detail Shots
Finally, not every photo needs to include your face. Some planned detail shots help show off your high-quality branding and boost your credibility in the process.
These images will be great to use on web pages to break up the images of you. Plus, they can almost act like a blank canvas for your creativity. Perfect for posting on social media!
The little details matter. Your detail shots can include notebooks or mugs with your brand logo, stationary in your brand colours, and pictures of your product or workspace.
Bonus Tip – Get your furry friends involved
A picture with your animal can be the ultimate icebreaker! Everyone loves a cute photo of an animal…
Hopefully, this blog has given you some more information about the kind of shots to expect on a brand photography shoot.
The most important thing is creating a brand photography shoot around you. Think about the kind of images you might want. What kind of impression are you trying to put across?
If this blog has got you thinking that I’m ‘the one’ for you, please do reach out! I offer both one-hour and three-hour brand photography sessions, plus a seasonal option too. You can view my packages here.
I’m happy to have a no-obligation chat to see if we’re a perfect fit and answer any of your questions about brand photography.
Lots of Love,
Iska
xx
Not convinced yet? Head over to my blog on why it’s a great idea to invest in brand photography, or get in touch.