Creating authenticity with your brand photos doesn’t have to feel like rocket science.

Raise a hand if you’d had this moment…

You’re scrolling through your social media feed, and an image stops you, and the woman looking back at you is basically glowing, and it’s not just your phone backlighting. 

There’s a joy you can almost feel through the screen. 

You make your way over to her feed, and you can see her personality shining through the words she’s saying AND her photos! You instantly feel like you know her a little better, and while you’ve never met her in person, you feel like you can trust her a little more than a few minutes ago.

What is that? 

That, my friend, is the magic that happens with a well-planned session and a woman who knows what she does. Even better, she knows precisely WHY she does it! 

When creating imagery for your business, you want your photos to speak to who you are as a business owner and what your business has to offer! 

The goal is to be able to communicate through images who you are (even if only a tiny glimpse), your personality, and what the experience might be like to work with you! Because, as you’ve probably heard – People don’t just buy what you make or offer. They want a tiny piece of you as well! 

One way to achieve this is to know what your brand is all about. You’ll need to do a little digging to get to the heart of what (and why) you’re doing what you do. Sharing that with your audience is a must. Knowing the answers to this soul-searching will also help you look and feel like the best version of YOU in your photos. Not the watered-down version of what someone else is doing and this is SO doable! 

Here are a few of my favorite ways to bring it all together and a few of the steps I walk clients through for more authentic photos

What sets you apart from others in your industry 

Do your own clients care about where things come from? Are they super curious about your process and want to know more? Are there words they’re using in testimonials that stand out or appear often? Chat with your photographer about what makes YOU different in your industry. 

Don’t be afraid to let your own personality shine through 

Do you have random dance breaks in the middle of your workday? Are you super composed and put together for work daily, or do you mostly rock your favorite black yoga pants? 

Consider your location 

What space makes the most sense for your session? If you aren’t a coffee drinker, please don’t do your entire session in the cute coffee shop down the street. Are you more into cozy spaces or vast, open studios? Do you have your own space that would let people behind the scenes? 

Wardrobe 

I’ve had a change of heart about wardrobe lately. We just finished the Schitt’s Creek series and followed it up with their behind-the-scenes documentary (imagine – me wanting to know more about behind-the-scenes) and their emphasis on the wardrobe. Honestly, it blew my mind a little. If you’ve seen the show, you know what I mean.

A wardrobe can say so much about your values. It’s such a fun way to express yourself. For clients, it’s always something we chat through, and I want to encourage you to put thought into your wardrobe. What do the pieces you’re choosing say about you?

How are you connecting with the person behind the camera? 

This is one of the most important things for me on a shoot day. I want my clients to feel relaxed and be able to show who they are in front of the camera. It’s not about placing people in poses and asking them to smile. There’s a flow to a session, and it’s imperative that this be the main focus over even the most seemingly essential pieces. 

I’d love to encourage you to review the images you share and ask yourself if you’re creating authenticity with your brand photos.

What do they say about you? Do they “feel” like you? Do your photos share who you are?

What do they say about your business? Do they share what your business is about beyond what you’re offering? 

Are you just saving and recreating what others are doing? 

Do they convey the message you want them to? 

A fun bit of homework for the week ahead to ensure you’re sharing the message you want to share with your images! 

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!! 

Did you enjoy these Tips For Creating Authenticity With Your Brand Photos? If so, you’re more than welcome to reach out if updating your brand visuals has been on your to-do list. I’d love to walk you through my Signature Brand Photography Process and help you create intentional imagery for your creative business!