Valerie has been my client for a few years and she’s been MY health coach too! You know how they say to surround yourself with people that you can learn from? That’s Val. (click here to learn more about her work)
I was thinking about how a lot of the things I’ve learned from her to create a healthier and happier lifestyle can also apply to business.
So let's dive in!
I’m someone who tends to think that if I haven’t worked out for a season then what’s the point of starting? (or I start again by doing it 5 days a week and then burn out). But she taught me that
Progress isn’t built through perfection. It’s built through flexibility, consistency, and compassion for where you are right now
Same goes for your business! You don’t need to put pressure on a huge photoshoot to try and get everything you could possibly need one time. By doing them throughout the year you let yourself get more comfortable with the whole experience, find out what kind of photos you need more of as you use them and give yourself the opportunity to get photos that grow and change along with your business!
I was really good at telling myself that smaller habits aren't good enough. That they don't count because they're not big enough or sparkly enough. But I've learned first hand how small habits are often the things that anchor you!
When you do something new it can feel hard or nerve wracking. But when you keep practicing it not only does it become easier, but can also become something you actually enjoy doing! When you start to see the good things that it brings to your life it makes you want to keep it up.
Doing a photo shoot can feel like that too. It feels like it's this huge thing, but the truth is that it's layers of things. You’ll find out that it does actually get easier to plan and you get more comfortable in front of the camera each time. And the part that makes you want to do it again? The results make you proud, confident and make sharing your business more impactful.
A lot of us have things we want to start doing but we keep waiting until things settle down, or until we feel ready, or after we do XYZ first…
But the truth is
The perfect time is when we decide it is and decide to make a change
Same goes for doing your first branding photo shoot!
There will always be things you want to change about yourself, but who you are right now is who your audience wants to see. The real you, not your version of what you wish was different. I know it's easier said than done, but I'd encourage you to not let the thing you want to change about yourself be the thing that dims and hides you.
Or maybe it's your never-ending to-do list that keeps pushing a photo shoot to the bottom. But getting brand photos is one of those things that can at ease and flow to so many other parts of your business! When you have your own library of branding photos to use other things fall into place easier. Things like creating content, marketing, and giving future you exactly what you need when opportunities come along.
Now is the time to start building the visual foundations you need to share your business in a way that feels aligned with your business and connects to the right people!
When most people think about brand photography, they imagine beautifully designed websites, aesthetic Instagram feeds, or updated LinkedIn profiles. And yes, brand photos absolutely help your business reach people with photos that your clients connect with!
But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: brand photography isn’t just for your business. It’s for you.
Because underneath all the strategy and content planning, what photos really give you is more ease, more confidence, and more space to focus on the things you’re actually here to do.
Here are ten ways brand photography works for you (the human behind the business):
When you’ve got a whole library of photos ready to go, content creation suddenly feels lighter. No more long pauses staring at a blank Canva template. Instead, you have images that already tell the story, so you can focus on the words (or hit “post” and move on with your day).
When you’ve got a whole library of photos ready to go, content creation suddenly feels lighter. No more long pauses staring at a blank Canva template. Instead, you have images that already tell the story, so you can focus on the words (or hit “post” and move on with your day).
Let’s be honest: it’s hard enough to run your business, never mind thinking about fresh content ideas every week. Having photos ready means fewer excuses holding you back. You can show up with ease, without second-guessing how you’ll look or what you’ll post.
You’re already amazing at what you do. (That’s why you have clients!) But you don’t have to also be a photographer, stylist, and content creator on top of that. That’s what I’m here for — so you can keep doing your best work, while I make sure your photos support you.
There’s something about seeing yourself reflected clearly and beautifully that makes showing up online less scary. Your photos remind you: yes, you belong here. Yes, you look the part.
Most of us are our own harshest critics. But through the lens of brand photography, you start to notice the warmth, confidence, and expertise that your clients already see in you every day.
Instead of relying on stock photos or filler graphics, your visuals reflect your real personality. That makes everything you share feel more authentic, which is good for your business and good for your peace of mind.
When you’ve got photos that you actually love, you spend less time wondering, “Does this look okay?” and more time creating, connecting, and moving forward.
Think of your photo library as a cushion of support. On the busy weeks (and we all have them), you’ll have ready-to-go images that buy you time, energy, and sanity.
At the end of the day, brand photography is about collaboration. You don’t have to carry it all on your shoulders. We’ll figure it out together, so you walk away not just with photos — but with a lighter load, too.
Brand photography helps your business grow, yes. But it also helps you feel more supported, more confident, and more free. And that’s what makes showing up in your business sustainable for the long run.
It can be the start of an overwhelming adventure when you realize your business is in need of professional branding photography. Where do you even start??
You start googling things like “what to wear in brand photos” or find yourself scrolling through your Instagram feed to try and find that photographer you liked once, but now can’t for the life of you remember what their name is.
It can feel like you’re supposed to know how this all works, but here’s the honest truth: you don’t.
You’re allowed to come into this not knowing where to look when the camera is pointed at you because you’re a boss business owner and (probably) not a professional model!
You are really good at what you do in your own business. You know who you’re talking to, who you’re helping. You know what works for you and what doesn’t serve you.
A branding photoshoot is a totally different thing and it’s normal to feel nervous or out of your element. It’s also why it’s a team collab and we work together to combine your strengths and super powers with mine to create the best branding photoshoot ever.
Why don’t we start with
Where to look, what to do, how to not be awkward… any of those things!
There’s always those first few moments of panic, “what do you want me to do??”
Don’t worry I’ll guide you through it all during your shoot!
I like to go with the flow while also coaching you on where to place your hands, how to stand, when to smile. And it doesn’t take long before you’ll feel the flow of it too.
If there are certain poses you want to try we totally can! If you’ve been saving pictures that you love you can send them to me and we can create your version of them.
I’ll help you choose the location that fits exactly what you need and I always bring extra lighting incase
The lighting and setting up is part of your shoot so if your space is going to need it make sure to book extra time!
And if you have absolutely no idea feel free to send me some phone photos of your space and I can let you know.
Although I can light a basement to look bright, this takes a lot of time and doesn’t give as much flexibility in variety.
We can also chat about alternative locations like renting a studio space (I have reccs!) or my home-studio space.
Your job is to show up and be your wonderful self! I’ll take care of the flow of the day and keep us on track
Before your shoot we’ll have a Zoom call (or if you hate those you can just answer the questionnaire).
From there I’ll take everything we talk about and use it to create your personalized Shoot Plan which is the compass that guides your entire shoot.
It will have everything you need to know, bring, wear and do!
...of that pimple that showed up the morning of your shoot.
I individually edit all of the photos you choose so I will make you look like the best, most well rested, glowing skin version of yourself!
Whether you’re getting your makeup professional done or doing it yourself it is a good idea to bring powder and lip color to your shoot as most people tend to get shiny and your lip color wears off as we go.
Also make sure to lint roll your clothes (especially if you have pets!) and clean your laptop screen if it will be used as a prop.
Photoshop is great, but it’s always better to make things look as great as possible in real life!
Now that you know what you don’t need to know here are a few things you should have a pretty good ideas about before your brand shoot
What do you want to convey with the photos? What do you want them to communicate for you? Who do you want to connect with?
Knowing these kind of things ensures you get not just pretty photos, but impactful ones that you want to share!
When you book your shoot with me I will send you an in-depth questionnaire that will help you answer them. We can also have a call and chat it through if that’s your jam.
On the more hands-on side: are these primarily going to be used on your website, blog, socials?
If they’re for your website do you need more horizontal photos for full page backgrounds or banners?
Or if it’s for Instagram do you need more vertical for Stories and Reels?
Sure you can say “everything!” but when there’s a primary focus it’s much more powerful!
Is your brand light and bright? Soft neutrals? Or nature-filled and we need to find a forest to wander through?
Maybe you love bold color and don't want just a white-on-white room as your backdrop.
Lean into your branding aesthetic and colors to show you!
When you book a shoot with me we’ll go through all these questions and more so I can help you really figure out what kinds of photos you need, love AND will actually use in your business!
Pretty pictures are great! I’m a big fan.
But when you know the intention of your shoot it creates much more impact and purpose and, let’s be real, VALUE for you!