We’re all familiar with the term “headshots”. The origin of headshots could be traced back to the very beginning of photography itself. And they have really evolved for the better throughout the years. Now we see this facet of photography evolving into branding photography. 

But it brings up the question, “What can I even use my branding photos for?” And, “Are they worth the investment if they are just for professional use?”

four photos of women in professional branding photography shots to promote their businesses.

BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ASSET FOR YOUR BUSINESS

You read that right. Branding photos are an asset of any good business. 

Because consumers often make buying decisions based on first impressions, having high-quality photos, to make a great first impression, is a must!

When you have a library of branding photos to use, you can mix, match, and shuffle the use of images in your marketing to keep things fresh and interesting.

Another great thing about branding photography is that you get more variety in your images than with headshots. You’re then able to incorporate props and tools of your specific trade, which allows you to better connect with your audience!

Plus the multiple outfits and wardrobe changes allow you to breathe life into the session! You can show off multiple aspects of your professional and personal life in a customized branding photo session.

two side by side branding photos of a guy with dark brown hair wearing a forest green vest
Branding photos can be as professional or as laid-back as you’d prefer. However you want to come across to your ideal client, dress and look that way. Be authentic to who you are!

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY

While I do love that branding photography offers so options, this isn’t my favorite thing about them. My favorite thing is how they go beyond typical photography. They help create a human connection.

Especially in the fast-paced digital world we live in. We all want connection now more than ever, and that was proven to be true after the madness of 2020. Why not use photography to bridge that gap between you and your ideal client?

With custom branding photography, you show your target audience who you are and what you do – visually. When words are hard to find in writing captions for social media, let your photos do the speaking for you. 

There are many ways to maximize the way you use your branding photos so that people start to recognize you as the face of your business. 

branding photography of an older gentleman wearing a blue suit jacket and khaki pants.
With a little variety in posing, background, and expression, you can show different facets of who you are!

20 WAYS TO USE BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN YOUR BUSINESS

When I work with clients, we have a style and design consult so I can understand exactly what you need. I can extend the backgrounds of images for your Facebook or website banners to provide plenty of room for you to add your logo and text. 

portrait of a woman in a black dress posing for a portrait to advertise on her website.
We took this portrait and extended the background on the right side. So the final product could look like this for her website, FB page, or LinkedIn account!

To maximize the use of your new branding photos, use them across all of your marketing (yes – all of it!)

Some places seem like a no-brainer, like your website. But beyond your website, think about creative ways you can add photos of yourself into your marketing. This could be as simple as adding a new photo to your email signature. 

photo of a mock-up email signature showing a branding photo on the left side of a woman in a dark blue long sleeve shirt.
Adding a professional photo to your email signature gives an extra touch of professionalism!

The list below should get your creative juices going, and give you some ideas on where you can leverage your new branding photos.

20 Places to Use Your Branding Photos

Without further ado – the list!

  • Website – Home Page
  • Website – About Page
  • Website – Inquiry Page
  • Website – Landing Page
  • Pricing Guide
  • Welcome Guide
  • Email Signature
  • Email Newsletter
  • Business Cards
  • Flyers
  • Billboard
  • Facebook Profile and Banner Photo
  • Instagram Profile
  • LinkedIn Profile
  • Pinterest Profile
  • Twitter Profile
  • TikTok Profile
  • Zoom Profile
  • Google Profile and Google My Business Listing
  • Chamber of Commerce

When you’re the face of your business, repetition is key! The more you show up as a repetitive face, the more familiar you become with your leads!

Do you send out newsletters? Highlight a new photo every quarter in your newsletter. 

For some businesses, like realtors, it’s important to use a great headshot on printed marketing materials such as flyers, business cards, and maybe even a billboard if that works for your field!

But don’t forget about social media! Whether you are active on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Pinterest, or Twitter, use your new photos! It’s been proven that profiles with professional headshots get more traction than those without. So go ahead – be the scroll stopper you are!

There are many ways to incorporate your branding photos into your life because of how flexible they can be. So go for it! Use those photos from everything from Instagram stories to your Zoom and Google icon photos.

two personal branding photos of women in a nashville portrait studio

If you only take one thing with you to your branding shoot, remember to be yourself and have fun with it.

I know how cliche that can come across, but the camera picks up what you put down! Make sure to give the camera exactly what you want to give your audience.

Let’s form those human connections through the camera lens!

portrait of fizzah raza, photographer in Nashville, TN. She is sitting on a black stool holding her camera as a branding prop in her hand.
This blog wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t add my own branding photo to the mix, would it? With a single prop in my hand, you would be able to tell what I do without asking me. That’s the power in branding photography and messaging!

If you’re in the Nashville or surrounding areas, and you’re ready to book your session, start here! We’ll have a phone consultation to talk about your needs, and to see if we’re a good fit!

Ready to plan your branding shoot? Grab a copy of my FREE Branding Photoshoot Checklist! It will help you plan ahead so you get all of the shots you’ll need to use in your marketing!

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