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You know that great visuals can make a huge impact on your customers, whether that’s through a beautiful shop window, a stylish office, or a slick website. But let’s be real, using subpar images just doesn’t cut it. Stock photos? Meh, they only take you so far.
What you need is brand photography—photos that truly reflect your brand and take your business to the next level.
In this article, we’ll dive into:
What brand photography is all about
Why it’s a game-changer for your business
Tips to make your brand photos pop
Different types of brand photography (with examples)
What to expect during a branding photoshoot
Once you’re done with these tips, you’ll be all set for a successful shoot and have a stash of high-quality images ready to elevate your marketing game.
What is Brand Photography?
Brand photography is a collection of custom images that represent your company and create a clear visual identity for all your marketing materials. Think product photos, team headshots, social media pics, blog images—basically any picture you use online or in print that’s unique to your brand.
Sure, you could use stock photos, but those are generic and lack the personal touch. Hiring a professional brand photographer ensures you get images that are tailored to your brand’s style, settings, and colors.
Why is Brand Photography Important for Businesses?
We live in a super visual world. The right photos can make all the difference between a visitor sticking around or clicking away. On social media, posts with visuals are way more likely to get shared. Your photos set the tone for your entire business.
Here’s why you should ditch stock photos:
Obvious Staging: Stock images often look staged and fake, which can make your brand seem insincere.
Relevance Issues: Finding images that perfectly match your unique industry needs can be tough.
Lack of Connection: Stock photos are generic, making it hard to connect with your audience.
Common Usage: Other businesses can use the same stock photos, making it difficult for your brand to stand out.
What Makes a Great Brand Photo?
The best thing about brand photography is that it’s unique to you and your business. But how can you ensure you get fantastic photos? Here are some tips:
Create a Brief: Outline what you’re trying to achieve. Consider where the photos will be used—your website, social media, blog posts, brochures, adverts.
Types of Photos: Do you need team headshots, personal brand photos, product pictures, office images?
Target Audience: Who are you trying to appeal to?
Messaging: What sort of messaging do you want to convey—professional, informal, abstract?
Types of Brand Photography (with Examples)
Headshot Photography
Headshots, or brand portrait photography, are common for adverts, websites, and email signatures. Professional headshots ensure a consistent style for all team members, avoiding the mismatched look of casual snapshots.
Product Photography
Product photos require a unique approach. Decide whether products should be pictured in situ or isolated, on a white, black, or colored background, and whether they should be shot straight on or at an angle. This style should be established before the shoot.
Workspace Photography
Shots of your office and team at work can form part of your brand photography library. Unlike generic stock photos, these images can capture the authentic atmosphere of your workspace.
Lifestyle Photography
Lifestyle photography shows customers or clients interacting with your products or services. These images should look natural and candid, even if they are staged.
Abstract Photography
Abstract photography focuses on details, creating an atmosphere that conveys luxury, relaxation, or professionalism. It requires a fine balance to avoid looking cheesy.
Personal Brand Photography
Personal branding photography is ideal for entrepreneurs and small business owners. These sessions blend corporate and lifestyle shots, primarily featuring the founder. However, this style can become limiting if the business expands, as the branding centers around a single person.
What Happens in a Brand Photo Shoot?
Before the shoot, you and your photographer will prepare a list of scenarios, locations, and props. You’ll also have a timetable to work through, ensuring all necessary shots are captured efficiently. Planning keeps the shoot on track and ensures everyone involved is ready.
By the end of the shoot, you’ll have a fantastic bank of brand photos that authentically represent your business.
Getting Started with Brand Photography
Brand photography sets your business apart from those using generic stock photos. It provides a significant visual impact with authenticity, inspiring trust by showing you and your team in your actual work environment.
Now that you’re well-versed in the essentials of brand photography, you’ll know exactly what to ask for and expect from your photographer.
Ready to elevate your business with stunning, unique photos? Contact Pod Shark Media for expert brand photo and video services tailored to your business needs. Our team will help you create impactful visuals that resonate with your audience and enhance your brand’s presence. Reach out to us today and let's get started!