What I Learned Photographing Nine Unique Brands This Year

This year, I had the chance to photograph some incredible businesses. Each one had a different story, audience, and vibe. But the biggest thing I noticed?

Every brand looks better when it feels like the person behind it.

Here are a few takeaways from this year’s branding sessions:

1. There is no one way to show up

Some brands are bold and playful. Others are calm and quiet. I worked in offices, homes, kitchens, studios, and even vet clinics. The setting matters less than the authenticity.

2. Confidence shows up in the planning

The more we took time to think through the story, audience, and goals; it showed in the photos. From wardrobe to location to energy, the prep work of the WHAT and the WHY made a difference.

3. People connect with people

(or in some cases, furry friends…) No matter the industry, people wanted to see the face behind the service. This creates trust. The client sees you, they know who they are working with and start to build that rapport. Your clients want to see you!

4. Small details help tell a bigger story

Monster Macarons brought delicious color. Divine Heart Enterprise brought intentional tools. Good Vets brought pups and kitties. What you include in your photos matters. Props, textures, and movement make the visuals feel more like you.

5. Growth looks different for everyone

Some clients were just starting out. Others were deep into their journey and leveling up. Wherever you are, your brand photos should reflect where you’re going next, not just where you are now.

To all the brands I worked with this year: thank you. It was a joy to help you show up clearly and confidently.

If you’re reading this and feeling like your current visuals don’t match where your business is heading, let’s talk. 2026 is a new year. Let’s get your brand ready for it.

Behind the Scenes: How I Build Your Branding Photo Game Plan

Brand photos aren’t just for looking good. They’re for telling your story, building connection, and selling your services.

That’s why every branding session I shoot starts with a game plan. Here’s what that looks like:

1. We Start With a Chat
Before we schedule anything, we talk. I want to hear about your business, your audience, and how you want to show up. Are you launching something? Updating your website? Need fresh content for socials? We build the plan around your goals.

2. You Fill Out My Branding Questionnaire
This part gets detailed—but for good reason. Your answers help me understand your brand personality, services, messaging, and style so I can start visualizing what your shoot should look like.

3. I Create Your Creative Guide
Think mood board meets strategy doc. It includes your photo goals, shot list ideas, wardrobe tips, and visual inspiration—all in one place. This is the roadmap for your session so we both show up prepared.

4. We Plan the Details Together
Location, outfits, props, timing—we go over everything so your session feels effortless. I help with wardrobe and styling decisions, and we pick locations that support the story you want to tell.

5. Shoot Day = Confidence + Clarity
You show up relaxed because we already did the prep. I guide you the entire time so you’re never wondering what to do. We capture images that look and feel like YOU.

Brand photos don’t need to be stressful or stiff. With the right plan in place, they’re intentional, fun, and effective.

What Your Branding Photos Say About You (Before You Even Say a Word)

You already know first impressions matter. But here’s the thing: your branding photos are the first impression. Before anyone reads your copy, clicks your About page, or even learns your name, they’ve already formed an opinion based on your photos.

Visuals hit the brain faster than text. In less than a second, people are scanning your images and making assumptions about who you are, what you do, and whether they connect with you.

That means your photos aren’t just about looking good. They’re about showing the right things: authenticity, professionalism, confidence, approachability, creativity, or whatever traits matter most for your brand.

Here’s what your photos might be saying:

• You’re confident (or you’re not).

• You care about your business (or you’re winging it).

• You’re approachable, warm, and easy to connect with.

• You’re professional and prepared.

• You’re detail-oriented and thoughtful.

• You understand your audience and how to speak to them.

And here’s what they should never say:

• You don’t know who you are.

• You aren’t serious about your business.

• You’re trying to be someone you’re not.

So how do you make sure your photos are saying the right things?

Start with clarity. Know your brand personality. Are you bold and direct? Soft and calming? Strategic and sharp? Fun and quirky? Your photos should visually echo that vibe.

Plan with purpose. Every image should serve a function. A headshot that builds trust. A behind-the-scenes photo that reveals your process. A lifestyle image that reflects your values. These visual cues fill in the blanks before your words do.

And most importantly, be yourself. You don’t need to pose like someone you saw online. You need to show up as the best, real version of you.

Because at the end of the day, branding is personal. And your visuals are the fastest way to show people who you are.

Why the Creative Guide Matters (And Why I’ve Been Loving the Process Lately)

The past few weeks have been full of questionnaire deep-dives, brand voice sleuthing, Pinterest rabbit holes, and the best kind of back-and-forths with clients who are ready to show up and stand out. These guides are the secret sauce to a strong branding shoot—and lately, I’ve found myself really enjoying putting them together.

If you’re new here, the Creative Guide (aka the branding brief) is basically our visual roadmap. It’s how we go from "I want new photos" to "This feels like my brand." It covers everything from location ideas to wardrobe suggestions to how you want your brand to feel when someone lands on your site.

Yes, it’s strategic. But it’s also collaborative and creative. We get to play with color palettes, think about how you want to connect with your audience, and brainstorm visuals that make your brand personality shine. It’s the phase where I learn your quirks, your goals, and how you want to show up in your space—then translate that into photos that work across platforms.

Is it nerdy that I get excited about brand adjectives and prop lists? Maybe. But this step really does make a difference.

So if you’ve got a session coming up: don’t skip over the Creative Guide. It’s not just pre-work—it’s where the vision starts to come together.

You’re More Than a Headshot: What Branding Photography Really Captures

Let’s get this out of the way: yes, you probably need an updated headshot. But no, that’s not all branding photography is about.

Branding photos are about connection. They’re about story. And most importantly, they’re about helping your dream clients feel like they know, like, and trust you. (even if they never met you)

You Are the Face of Your Brand

Whether you're a service provider, coach, creative, or small business owner, people want to see you. The real you. Not just a stiff smile in front of a white backdrop, but the version of you that shows up for your clients. Branding photos let you step into that role with confidence.

More Than a Smile: Your Personality Matters

The goal isn’t to look like everyone else in your industry. The goal is to look like yourself so the right people say: "Ooh, I want to work with her." Branding photography captures your quirks, your energy, your vibe; so that the images don’t just look nice, they feel like you.

Context Is Everything

A great headshot says, "Here I am." Branding photography says, "Here’s what I do, how I do it, and why it matters." We shoot in environments that tell your story- your workspace, a favorite coffee shop, a location that resonates with your brand style- and include props, outfits, and poses that speak to your daily life and deeper mission.

Photos That Work as Hard as You Do

These aren’t just pretty pictures to sprinkle on your about page. Branding photos are strategic tools you can use across your entire marketing ecosystem: Instagram, newsletters, lead magnets, service pages, launch graphics, even your Zoom profile pic.

Your Brand Is Personal—Your Photos Should Be Too

If your current visuals don’t fully reflect who you are and what you do, it might be time for an upgrade. Think of your branding session as a confidence booster, a clarity moment, and a creative celebration all in one.

Ready to go beyond the headshot? Let’s create brand imagery that actually tells your story.

5 Things You Didn't Know You Needed in Your Brand Photo Library

When most people think of brand photography, their minds jump straight to the classic headshot. And sure, that photo of you looking polished and professional is great—but it’s just the beginning.

If you want visuals that work—images that not only look good but also tell your story and connect with your audience—you need more than just a pretty portrait. Here are 5 types of photos you may not have thought about, but absolutely need in your branding photo library:

1. Hands at Work

There’s something incredibly authentic about showing the process behind what you do. Whether it’s typing on your laptop, sketching ideas, mixing ingredients, or writing in a notebook, these images bring your story to life. They give your audience a behind-the-scenes look and say, “Hey, I’m in the thick of it, just like you.”

These are gold for website banners, sales pages, and reels. They’re also perfect for reinforcing the action side of your business—not just the polished results.

2. Tools of Your Trade

Props aren’t just “extras”—they’re part of the story. Including items that represent your work adds depth and personality to your photos. This could be anything from your favorite camera or microphone, to your planner, your product, or even your morning latte.

When done right, these details can create connection points for your audience. They recognize a part of themselves in the way you work, and that builds trust.

3. Personality-Filled Portraits (Not Just Smiles!)

Yes, we’ll get the smiling-at-the-camera shots. But don’t forget the other expressions—joy, curiosity, calm, boldness. Different moods give you range in your content. Maybe it’s a power pose. A moment of reflection. A laughing-out-loud frame.

When you’re showing up across multiple platforms, having images that match your message and your mood is essential. Let’s capture the full spectrum of YOU.

4. Movement and Interaction

Still images can have motion, too. Think walking confidently through a city street, sipping coffee mid-conversation, or twirling in a flowy dress. These types of photos create visual interest and tell dynamic stories.

They also add energy to your website and socials—great for grabbing attention in a scroll-happy world.

5. Space and Setting Shots

This one’s often overlooked, but so useful! Wide shots of your workspace, desk setup, or the environment around you (even if it’s styled just for the shoot) give your audience context. It’s not just about where you are—it’s about how you work and what your brand feels like.

Plus, these make amazing background images, header images, or content buffers when you want to switch things up.

Your Brand Photo Library Should Work for You

The more variety and intentionality you have in your photo collection, the more you’ll be able to use them to tell your story, market your offers, and connect with your audience.

So the next time you're planning a branding shoot, don’t just think "headshot." Think library. Let’s fill it with images that make your brand come alive.

Want help building a photo library that’s personal, purposeful, and packed with personality? Let’s chat about your next branding session!

A Peek into The Branding Photography Process!

Want to know more about the branding process? Here is the step by step breakdown!

Step 1: The Chat

Before we dive into the world of lenses and lights, let's chat about your brand. I want to know all about your story, your quirks, and what makes your business stand out in the crowd. Whether you're a solo hustler or a thriving team, understanding your brand DNA is key to creating visuals that scream "YOU." We’ll think through what type of branding session you need and look at potential shoot dates to begin planning!

Step 2: The Questionnaire

You will fill out an in-depth questionnaire so I can learn everything possible about you and your business. It is the cornerstone to sharing everything I need to know, so the more thoughtful the responses, the more on point your session will be! It’s also a great exercise in thinking more about your brand and how you want to portray it!

Step 3: The Creative Guide

Now that we've had our heart-to-heart, it's time to dream big! I'll create a detailed Creative Guide that encapsulates the essence of your brand. Think of it as a mood board on steroids – a visual roadmap that guides our creative journey. This is where your brand story starts to take shape in images. Get ready to be inspired and excited! Read more about it here!

Step 4: The Game Plan

I'll craft a customized strategy that outlines the who, what, when, and where of our photoshoot. From locations that speak to your brand's personality to the perfect time of day to capture that golden-hour glow, every detail is meticulously planned. We want your images to not just tell a story but to scream it from the rooftops!

Step 5: Shoot Day

The big day is finally here – time to step into the spotlight! Whether we're shooting in your workspace, my studio, or a lush natural backdrop, I bring the creative energy and technical expertise to capture the magic. Don't worry about striking the perfect pose; we're all about authentic moments that reflect the heart and soul of your brand. I will direct you and keep us on track throughout the day.

Step 6: The Grand Reveal

I'll curate a stunning gallery that showcases the highlights of our shoot. Prepare to be wowed as your brand comes to life through vibrant, captivating images. This is your chance to say, "Yep, that's me, and that's my brand – unapologetically awesome!"

Step 7: Choosing and Using

You have the freedom to choose the photos you’d like to include in your package that reasonate most with you. You can download and start putting them to use instantly! Go here for tip on how to start using your images right away!

Are you ready? Let's chat, dream, and create something extraordinary that sets your brand apart. Your story is waiting to be told, and I'm here to capture every frame of it!