As small business owners ourselves, we already know you’ve poured your heart into your brand. Between creating your offerings, designing your logo, building a website, there are so many important details that go into small business ownership. And there’s one that too many small business owners overlook: professional branding photography.
In our ever-scrolling society, if you want your brand to stand out, you better have the photos to do so. Thoughtful brand photography isn’t just about looking polished; ideally, it tells the story of your business and the brain behind it. Done well, your professional branding photography should make potential clients stop, feel something, and want to connect.
This begs the question: what story are your brand photos telling, assuming you even have them?
At CYV Photography, we help small businesses across New England show up visually in a way that feels authentic to who they are. Kind of like writing your own bio, figuring out what your brand photos should say can be daunting. When you partner with us, you get a team who will help you visually convey your message, clearly, through compelling images.
Our experience with branding photography in NH has taught us a few things; not the least of which are the five key elements your brand photos should represent.
1. Your Identity and Values
Every small business is rooted in personality; naturally, your brand photos should reflect yours. Are you bold and edgy? Warm and nurturing? Precise and professional? These qualities can be conveyed through everything from your facial expressions to the colors you wear, the props you use, and the locations you choose.
Whether you’re a wellness coach, florist, or designer, we’ll tailor your shoot to authentically reflect who you are and not just what you do. This is important because, let’s be honest, there are probably lots of people who DO what you do, but they’re not you. Right?
We admit, there’s no shortage of professional photographers in NH, but we rock a vibe all our own. If that vibe jives with a potential client, well… they connect!
Regardless of the details and no matter how polished, your written bio only gets you so far. Depending on your business, certain credentials are expected, which doesn’t distinguish you from your competitors.
Check out our team’s About Us page, where you’ll see we’ve listed our accomplishments and professional affiliations, and also posted corresponding photos that represent our grounded, approachable, and friendly demeanor.
2. Photos Curated to Connect with Your Ideal Client
Good branding isn’t about appealing to everyone — that’s a fool’s errand. In the words of entertainer and entrepreneur, Dita Von Teese, “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be someone who hates peaches.”
Instead, the goal is to present yourself in such a way that you attract your ideal client. In order to do this, your photos need to speak directly to them.
Close your eyes and focus on who your business serves.
- A therapist whose photos feel grounded and calming
- A fitness instructor whose images are energetic and powerful
- A coffee shop that looks cozy, community-driven, and full of life
Depending on your answer, your photos should somehow mirror a similar aesthetic because when your visuals resonate with the people you’re trying to attract, they’re more likely to trust you and take action. In other words, they stop their scrolling and start connecting.
3. The Experience of Working with You
Beyond headshots, brand photography can give people a sneak peek at the experience of working with you or stepping into your space.
This might include:
- Behind-the-scenes shots of you in action
- Your workspace or studio
- Interactions with clients, products, or tools of your trade
The goal here is to reduce uncertainty and lay the groundwork for connection before they ever reach out — and that’s a lot to expect of a single headshot!
4. Dedication to Detail
Crisp, well-composed brand photography communicates professionalism, even if your vibe is laid-back or playful. Professional brand photos should signal that you care about quality and take pride in your work, whatever that work might be. If you sell handmade goods or offer a high-end service, your photos should express a commitment to your clients and your craft.
Do you know what undermines this messaging? Blurry selfies or inconsistent images, which do nothing more than create confusion and even immediate mistrust.
Take it from our team: Don’t let DIY visuals undermine your brand.
5. Why You Do What You Do
You created your business for a reason. Why was that? Yes, of course, to make money and pay bills. Sure, but there are a million things you could do in order to satisfy those demands. Instead, you created something of your own. So, what motivated you? Do you want to empower others? Create beauty? Build community? Change the way people experience something?
These are the intangible things that set you apart and professional brand photography illustrates them through creative composition, meaningful context, and authentic emotion.
If you’ve never considered brand photography before, you probably have more questions than this blog post addressed. The following are a few we hear a lot and, of course, you’re always welcome to contact us with any other inquiries or concerns you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Branding Photography at CYV Photography
Yes! We offer creative direction, location scouting, outfit suggestions, and shot list development to ensure every detail supports your brand’s message.
From solopreneurs and startups to boutique shops, coaches, makers, and creative professionals, if you’re passionate about your business, we want to photograph it!
Brand sessions go beyond the standard headshot. We’ll capture you in action, showcase your space, products, tools, or services, and tell a visual story that communicates your brand personality and values.
Let’s Tell Your Brand Story
You’ve worked hard to build YOUR business and you deserve to show its story to the world with brand photos that are personal, powerful, and purposeful. Brand photos that start a conversation. After all, as Alice said in Wonderland, “What is the use of a book without pictures or conversation?”
No matter where you are in your small business journey — set to launch, rebranding, leveling up — our team will collaborate with you for a custom experience that brings your brand’s essence to life.Let’s get the conversation going! Book your brand photography session today.
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