Why I Ask My Branding Photography Clients About Their Favorite Music
Discover how your favorite music can help you relax, feel confident, and get authentic photos during your branding photography session.
When clients book their branding photoshoot, one things I ask is:
“What’s your favorite music?”
It may seem like a small detail, but music plays a powerful role in helping you feel comfortable, confident, and authentic during your branding session. Here’s why it matters.
1. Music Helps You Relax in Front of the Camera
Most clients arrive with the same worries: What do I do with my hands? Will I look awkward? How do I pose? The truth is—you don’t have to figure that out alone.
Playing your favorite music instantly shifts the energy. You relax, smile, and feel more like yourself, which leads to natural, confident photos.
2. Music Sets the Tone for Your Brand Story
Branding photography isn’t just about headshots—it’s about creating images that reflect your personality and connect with your audience.
Whether your vibe is upbeat pop, smooth jazz, or acoustic coffeehouse tunes, your music helps set the atmosphere for your shoot. It’s a subtle way to bring your brand personality into the session.
3. Authentic Photos Come From Authentic Moments
The best branding images don’t happen when you’re overly posed. They happen when you’re laughing mid-song, moving naturally, or simply enjoying the moment. Music helps create those real, unscripted moments that make your photos stand out.
4. A Branding Photographer Who Leads the Process
You don’t have to show up to your session knowing exactly what to do…that’s my job. From music to posing direction, I lead you every step of the way so you feel comfortable, supported, and confident in front of the camera.
Ready to Book Your Branding Photoshoot?
If you’ve been putting off branding photos because you’re nervous about feeling awkward, I want you to know - you don’t have to do this alone. With the right music (and the right photographer guiding you), your session can actually be fun.
5 Things You Didn't Know You Needed in Your Brand Photo Library
Your brand photo library should do more than show your face. Here's what to include to make your visuals more powerful, personal, and purposeful.
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!
