What Your Brand Photos Should Feel Like (Not Just Look Like)
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how often we associate “brand photography” with a stiff headshot against a white wall. You know the one, arms crossed, half smile, blazer just so. And sure, there’s a time and place for that, but if you’re a small business owner or creative, your brand is probably… well, a little more human than that.
It’s in the way you talk to clients, the spaces you work from, the energy you bring into a room. That’s the stuff I want to capture.
A recent branding shoot reminded me of this
I worked with Bianca who is the founder of North Marketing. Bianca and I knew immediately we didn’t just want to “look professional,” she wanted to feel at ease in the images. She wanted photos that showed what working with her feels like.
So instead of worrying about perfect posture, we leaned into soft movement. She curled up on her sofa, scrolled through her phone like she would on any regular day. We captured quiet thinking moments, those tiny in-between gestures, and also a few more polished frames to round it out.
None of it felt forced, that’s when you get the good stuff.
Photos can still look professional without feeling staged
There’s a sweet spot between professional and personal, that space where your photos say, “Yes, I know what I’m doing,” but also, “You can talk to me like a real human.”
It’s about giving potential clients a sense of your energy, your vibe, your way of showing up, before they’ve even read your About page.
It’s not just about what people see, it’s about what they sense
You don’t need a full rebrand to elevate your visuals. Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing natural light over a studio, wearing something you’d actually work in, or showing a glimpse of your process.
If you’re building something from the heart, your photos should feel like that too.
Thinking about a brand shoot?
Let’s chat, I’d love to help you bring it to life.
