How to tell the story of your business through brand photography.
Every business has a story, even if you don’t know how to put it into words.
If you are a business owner in Huddersfield, West-Yorkshire or beyond chances are you didn’t start your business ‘just to sell a product or service.’ You started it because you care about what you do, the people you serve and the community that you are part of.
Enter Brand Photography……
Brand photography isn’t just about perfect poses or pretending your business is something it’s not. It’s about showing who you really are, how you work and what it feels like for someone to walk through your door or the process of your service.
Start with the heart of your business (Not the Aesthetics).
Before you start thinking about photos, it helps to step back and ask yourself:
Why did I start this business?
Who do I love working with?
What do I want people to feel when they find me online?
Your photos should reflect the experience you offer, not just what your space looks like.
Your brand photos for your business should feel like you on your best day not a version that is forced or uncomfortable.
People connect with people (So let yourself be seen).
One of the biggest fears I hear from business owners is:
‘‘I hate having my photo taken’’
Well welcome to my world because you are not alone, the great thing about brand photography is you do not have to just stand awkwardly at the camera and smile.
It’s about:
You doing what you do best
You in your own environment
You working, creating and welcoming
Showing the person behind the business helps to build trust. People want to know who they are booking, or the person who will be making their coffee, or welcoming into their space.
Seeing your face helps people feel like they already know you, and that makes a huge difference.
Show the process, not just the end result
The finished product is important, but the process is where the story really lives.
Behind the Brand photography might include:
Opening up in the morning
Preparing food or products
Setting up for a client
Working at your desk or in your studio
Small details that show you care and your craft.
These photos are incredibly powerful for:
Websites
Social Media
’’About’’ pages
They help potential clients connect and understand the value of your work, enabling them to see the effort that goes into it.
Location is part of your story
Show where your business exists.
Photographing your business location instantly adds authenticity and local connection. Your space, your surroundings and your environment they are all part of your story.
Style in a way that feels like you
Your clothing, your space and your colour palette these are all details that communicate your personality and business values.
You do not need to follow trends
You do not need to buy a new outfit just for your photos
You do need to feel comfortable and confident
If your business is relaxed and friendly, your photos should reflect that, if it’s polished and professional your photos should support that too.
Consistency helps people recognise you and again recognition builds trust.
Think beyond one photo on your website
A good behind the brand session gives you a library of images that you can use across:
Yor website
Social media
Linkedin
Booking Platforms
Marketing materials
This is especially helpful for businesses who want to show up consistently online without constantly scrambling for content.
It saves you time, energy and that ‘‘I have nothing to post’’ feeling.
Let your photos do some of the talking
When brand photography is done well it:
Makes your website feel welcoming
Helps people to stay longer on your pages
Builds trust before you’ve even spoken to a client
Your photos should quietly say:
‘‘This is who I am. This is how I work. You’re in the right place.’’
That’s what connection looks like.
You don’t need to should louder or look more polished than anyone else. You just need photography that reflects the truth of your business and the people behind it.