Your Business Needs Branding Photography. Here is Why.
“I really, really need better photos for my website”, “Can you do some quick images for me - I need something for social media”. Those are some of the most frequent reactions I get when people hear that I am a professional photographer working with small businesses.
And I get it - so many websites have sub-par images, people post cell phone camera shots and selfies on social media. Small businesses have cringe-worthy, dated headshots of their top talent on their websites. Not judging here, I know entrepreneurs and small business people have a lot on their plate - just reminding you that the kind of image you display online does reflect on how people value what you have to offer.
What is business and personal branding photography?
So what is the difference between branding photography and “some quick shots for social media”? What sets branding photography apart are the strategic approach, the story-telling approach, the constistent style and the subject matter.
Branding is the complete experience that you create around your business, and your brand’s photography is a big part of that overall experience.
Brand photography is imagery designed to visually represent
yourself
your business,
your team
your workplace
your tools
your clients
in a relatable and authentic way.
The images help potential clients to envision what working with you would feel like, they build trust and an immediate emotional connection. (Learn more about business branding photography here)
How can businesses profit from professional branding photography?
Branding images help you to:
STAND OUR AND ATTRACT ATTENTION: Creative, beautiful, images make people look and take notice of what you have to offer
ATTRACT HIGHER PAYING CLIENTS: High quality, custom images convey a sense of value and investment in your business – which will in turn attract people who want to invest in the best
BUILD A RECOGNIZABLE BRAND: When you create a consistent message—in words and visuals—your customers begin to recognize and trust your brand.
BUILD A CONNECTION: Show what makes your business unique, tell your story and you will start building a lasting bond with your target audience
SAVE TIME +ENERGY: With your custom vault of brand photography you don’t have to waste precious time hunting for generic stock images or try taking professional looking photos with your phone
FEEL PROUD of your business: Professional, high end images will make your whole team feel proud of working for your organization
Personal Branding in the News
But don’t just take it from me; see what the leading American business magazines have to say about the topic:
Entrepreneur Magazine, 2020: Personal Brand: Everything an Entrepreneur needs to know. Read it HERE
Forbes Magazine - Personal Branding In 2020: What, Why And How. Read it HERE
Personal Branding In 2020: What, Why And How - Forbes Magazing
Forbes Magazine - The Best Way to Grow Your Personal Brand In 2020. Read HERE
How Do you get started?
The benefits of branding photography are clear, but how to get there? It is a pretty fast and easy process: start with contacting the photographer to set up a chat where you can discuss your brand vision and goals (How to find the best branding photographer here).
During this brand discovery session you will develop a strategy, decide on brand stories to tell and find a visual language that supports your message. The next step will be the photoshoot . It can take place at multiple locations that relate to your brand and include your team as well as showing you off working with your best customers. Within a week you will typically get an online gallery of ready to use, on message branding photos for use on social media, website and any other marketing efforts.
Oriana von Specht is a business branding photographer in the Seattle area. She helps small businesses grow by creating engaging images of their people and places to grow an emotional connection with their ideal clients.