What Makes a Good Branding Photo? (Hint: It’s Not Just a Pretty Backdrop)
We’ve all seen the glossy brand photos in front of pastel walls and neon signs that say things like “girl boss” – and hey, no shade if that’s your vibe. But here’s the truth: a good brand photo isn’t just about the background. It’s about you.
A good brand photo tells a story. It shows your energy, your values, and the way people feel when they work with you. It’s not about forcing a smile – it’s about capturing the real, confident you that shows up for your clients every day (even when you’re low-key sweating under that blazer).
What makes a great brand photo?
Here’s what I think really makes brand photos shine – and a few examples from my clients to show you what I mean:
Connection – between you and your photographer. That sense of ease and trust translates directly into your photos. One of my clients, a breathwork coach, told me she’d always hated having her photo taken – but after our shoot, she said she actually enjoyed the process and loved the images. That connection shows up in her marketing now and helps her attract clients who feel aligned with her energy.
Context – visuals that make sense for your business. A London-based estate agent I worked with didn’t want another stiff corporate headshot. Instead, we captured her walking through the neighbourhoods she specialises in, pointing out her favourite local cafés and smiling with clients outside dream homes. That’s not just a headshot – that’s a story.
Character – letting your personality come through. I always encourage a few playful, relaxed shots in addition to the polished ones. For a personal stylist I photographed, we leaned into colour, movement and laughter – and guess what? Those were the images that got the most engagement on her Instagram. Her audience loved seeing the real her.
Before-and-After Brand Vibes
Let’s be honest – we’ve all got that one “meh” photo we’ve used for years because it’s the only one that’s vaguely okay. But updating your brand photography can genuinely shift how people perceive your business.
A brand designer I worked with swapped tired, outdated photos that didn’t feel like her anymore for a fresh set of images shot in the vibrant streets of Shoreditch, showing authenticity and her colourful vibes, with her funky cloths, some of her work in progress and having fun despite sometimes needing a cane during a particulary bad flare up. The result? Showing up as her true self has helped her with views and engagement as well as her confidence, which has helped her with getting new clients and landing dream projects.
Bonus Tips for Better Brand Photography:
Authentic brand photos build trust faster than stock images ever will.
Investing in a professional branding photoshoot pays off across platforms – from your website and social media to press features.
A great personal brand photographer (hello 👋) can help bring out your story in a way that feels like you.
So if you’re thinking about updating your visuals, go beyond the pretty background. Look for images that feel like you, support your message, and invite people into your world.
Because a good brand photo doesn’t just show what you look like – it shows who you are. (Hint: It’s Not Just a Pretty Backdrop)
We’ve all seen the glossy brand photos in front of pastel walls and neon signs that say things like “girl boss” – and hey, no shade if that’s your vibe. But here’s the truth: a good brand photo isn’t just about the background. It’s about you.
A good brand photo tells a story. It shows your energy, your values, and the way people feel when they work with you. It’s not about forcing a smile – it’s about capturing the real, confident you that shows up for your clients every day (even when you’re low-key sweating under that blazer).
So what makes a great brand photo?
Connection – between you and your photographer, and between the photo and your audience.
Authenticity – that slightly messy desk, the way you laugh when you think no one’s watching, the coffee mug you use every morning.
Intention – choosing props, poses and locations that mean something to your brand.
You don’t need to be a model. You don’t need 17 outfit changes. You just need to show up, let yourself be seen, and trust the process. The right photographer (hi 👋) will guide you every step of the way.
