Most of us don’t love being in front of the camera. The awkward posing, the what do I do with my hands? dilemma, and the constant questioning of whether that’s actually what our face looks like.
But personal branding thrives on connection, and nothing connects like great photos. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, creative, or entrepreneur, photography can make your brand feel polished, professional, and—most importantly—personal.
Brand photography isn’t just about headshots
When people hear “brand photography,” they often picture a stiff corporate headshot with a forced smile. No thanks.
Think of brand photography as a visual representation of your business personality. This includes:
✔️ Lifestyle shots – You in your workspace, doing what you love.
✔️ Behind-the-scenes photos – Your creative process, tools, or work environment.
✔️ Detail shots – Close-ups of hands typing, sketching, or arranging products.
✔️ Candid moments – Laughing, talking, or interacting with clients/customers.
👉 Example: If you’re a wellness coach, don’t just take a photo of you at a desk—get shots of you preparing a smoothie, meditating, or leading a client session outdoors.
Your photos should tell a story
Every business has a story, and your photos should show it. Instead of just having a collection of random images, think about how your visuals can:
✔️ Show your mission and values
✔️ Highlight your personality
✔️ Give people a peek into your daily life
💡 Action Step: Before your next photoshoot (or even your next DIY photo session), write down three words that describe your brand. Then, make sure your photos match that vibe.
👉 Example: If you’re a financial coach who wants to feel approachable, your photos should be warm, inviting, and relatable (not stiff and overly corporate). You might opt for cozy home-office shots rather than a formal boardroom setting.
The power of consistency: your photos should match your brand aesthetic
Ever notice how the most successful brands have a cohesive look? That’s because they’re intentional about colors, lighting, and composition.
✔️ Use a consistent color palette that matches your brand (soft pastels, bold jewel tones, warm neutrals—whatever fits your style).
✔️ Keep your editing style consistent—whether it’s light and airy, dark and moody, or clean and professional.
✔️ Make sure your backgrounds and props align with your industry and audience.
👉 Example: A modern interior designer might use sleek, minimalistic shots with clean lines, while a holistic wellness coach might opt for earthy tones and natural elements.
💡 Pro Tip: If you work with a photographer, show them a Pinterest board or mood board of images that inspire you—this helps them capture your vision.
You don’t need a pro photographer for every shot
While investing in professional brand photography is amazing, you don’t need to book a photographer every time you need content. You can capture high-quality branding images yourself with just a smartphone and good lighting.
Here’s how:
✔️ Find natural light – Stand near a window or go outside to avoid harsh artificial lighting.
✔️ Use a tripod and self-timer – This makes taking photos of yourself way easier.
✔️ Choose simple backgrounds – Clean walls, neutral tones, or workspaces look more polished.
✔️ Edit with consistency – Use apps like Lightroom Mobile to apply the same filter across your images.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan a monthly “photo day” where you set aside time to batch-create content for social media, your website, and marketing materials.
Where to use your branding photos for maximum impact
Once you have a collection of strong branding photos, put them to work! Here’s where to use them:
✔️ Your website – A great headshot on your About page and lifestyle shots throughout your site build trust.
✔️ Social media – People connect with faces! Share behind-the-scenes photos, personal stories, and day-in-the-life shots.
✔️ Email newsletters – Add a friendly, engaging image to make your emails feel more personal.
✔️ Speaking engagements & guest features – Having a polished headshot ready makes it easier to get featured on podcasts, blogs, and events.
✔️ Marketing materials – Business cards, PDFs, lead magnets, and ads all look more professional with well-branded images.
Your face is part of your brand—own it!
I get it—getting in front of the camera can feel awkward, but remember: people don’t just buy products or services—they buy connection.
Your audience wants to know who’s behind the brand. They want to trust you, relate to you, and feel inspired by you. And nothing builds that trust faster than authentic, well-branded photography.
So, whether you’re booking a brand shoot or DIYing your photos, embrace it. Show up for your brand the way you show up for your clients.
