Your Custom Text Here
Your Brand Isn’t Your Logo, It’s the Human Behind It
In a world obsessed with visuals, it's easy to think your brand is your logo, your fonts, or your colors. But the truth? Your brand is YOU. Here's why showing up as the human behind the business is the most powerful move you can make.
You’ve got a great logo. The colors are vibing. Your fonts are carefully chosen. But something still feels missing.
Because your brand isn’t just the pretty visuals. It’s you.
It’s how you make people feel when they land on your website or scroll past your post. It’s the energy you bring into your business, the way you talk about your work, and the confidence in your smile when you show up.
People connect with people. Not logos.
So if you’re hiding behind polished graphics and not showing your face, your audience might be missing the most powerful part of your brand.
What Is a Brand, Really?
Your brand is the emotional connection people have with you. It’s the trust they build from seeing your face. The confidence they feel when your story resonates with theirs. It’s the quiet message behind every image that says, "I see you, and I get it."
In branding photography, we don’t start with a backdrop and poses.
We start with you.
Your story, your mission, and the kind of client you’re trying to attract.
Why the Human Behind the Brand Matters
Trust grows when people see you. A face builds familiarity. Familiarity builds trust. People hire people they feel connected to.
You become more memorable. Stock photos won’t stick in anyone’s mind. But you will. When clients can picture you in their inbox, on their Zoom call, or in their inbox, you're already winning.
You show what makes you different. Anyone can share a service list. Only you can tell your story the way you do.
You feel more confident showing up. When you have a library of on-brand images that feel like you, it becomes easier to show up, speak up, and be consistent.
What to Share Instead of "Just a Headshot"
Think of your brand photos like a behind-the-scenes invitation. They don’t need to be formal. They should feel like you.
Try:
You working or creating
Laughing mid-conversation
Interacting with clients or your tools
Showing off your space (even if it’s your kitchen counter)
Doing something unrelated to work that reflects your personality
Your photos don’t have to scream "professional" to be powerful. They just need to be true to you.
Your brand isn’t your logo. It’s your voice, your energy, your story. And the more you share the human side of your brand, the more you attract people who align with what you offer.
So yes, build the pretty website. Invest in the visuals. But don’t forget to put yourself in the frame. That’s the part people connect with.
Want help showing up in a way that feels real and reflects your brand?
The 5% Share: Why You Don’t Have to Bare It All to Be Relatable
You don’t have to share your whole life online to connect with your audience. The 5% Share is the simple branding principle that helps you stay relatable without oversharing.
The 5% Share: Why You Don’t Have to Bare It All to Be Relatable
One of the biggest misconceptions I see in personal branding is this idea that you have to share your whole life online in order to be relatable. And honestly? That’s exhausting.
Here’s the truth: your audience doesn’t need (or want) every detail of your personal world. They just need a glimpse—a slice of humanity—that helps them see the real person behind the business. That’s where the 5% Share comes in.
The 5% Share means intentionally choosing a small part of your personal life to bring into your brand. Just five percent. Not everything. Not the rawest parts of your story. Not every detail about your kids, your spouse, or your day-to-day. Just a light window into your world that builds connection without crossing into oversharing.
Why does it work?
Because people connect to people. Your quirks, your interests, your everyday moments—they remind your audience that you’re not just a service or a product, you’re a person they can relate to and trust.
Examples of a 5% Share could be:
Your love of a certain coffee shop or drink order
A funny hobby or guilty pleasure (like your obsession with The Office reruns)
Your gardening, baking, or DIY projects
The running playlist that fuels your creativity
A behind-the-scenes glimpse of your workspace or routine
Notice that none of these are overly vulnerable or deeply private. They’re simply conversation-starters that make you more memorable and approachable.
The beautiful thing about the 5% Share is that it gives you freedom. You can be strategic and intentional without feeling like you have to put your whole heart on display. It’s about showing just enough of your personality to make your brand multidimensional and deeply human.
So next time you’re stuck on what to post or how to connect, don’t pressure yourself to “bare it all.” Ask instead: What’s one simple, personal thing I could share today that would make me more relatable?
That’s your 5%. And that’s more than enough.
5 Signs It's Time to Refresh Your Brand Photos
Still using the same headshot from five years ago? If your visuals aren't keeping up with your business growth, you're overdue for a brand photo refresh. Here are 5 signs it's time to schedule a new session.
Your brand has evolved. Your photos should too. But many business owners wait too long before updating their imagery, using outdated photos that no longer reflect their current brand, offerings, or energy.
Not sure if you need a branding refresh? Here are five clear signs you do:
1. Your Photos Don't Match Your Current Vibe
You’ve grown, changed, and fine-tuned your message. But your photos still scream 2019. If your visuals feel off, it's because they probably are. You want images that align with how you want to show up today—not who you were five years ago.
2. You're Using Too Many Stock Photos
Stock photos serve a purpose, but they can't tell your story. If you're leaning on generic visuals, it's time to invest in custom images that reflect your personality, values, and process.
3. You Look Completely Different Now
New hairstyle? Glasses? Grown into your style? People connect with who they see online. If you're constantly saying "that doesn't look like me anymore," it's time to get new photos that actually feel like you.
4. You're Launching Something New
Rolling out a new offer, service, or course? You need visuals to match. Launches are the perfect time to create purpose-driven imagery that speaks directly to your target audience.
5. You're Not Excited to Share Your Website or Social Media
If you're cringing at your current photos or avoiding showing up because your visuals feel stale, that’s a sign. You should feel proud to share your site, posts, and content. Fresh brand photos bring that confidence back.
Your visuals should evolve with your business. Let’s create purposeful, personality-filled imagery that tells the story of who you are now.
