Who To Include in Your Business Branding Photo Session ~ Vancouver, WA

Your brand photography session is more than just an updated headshot—it’s about showing your clients/prospective clients who you are, how you work, and what it feels like to work with your business. For most of us, we are not an “island”. There are other people involved in our “Brand Story”.

Whether that’s a team member, clients, or even family that supports your business efforts, including these people in your branding photography session help transform the images to from “photos of you” into a visual narrative of your business in action!

Here are four different “people” you may want to include in your brand photography session—and how each one can elevate your images and progress your brand messaging!

1. Teammates/Staff

In order for potential clients to “know, like, trust” you, they also have to “know, like, trust” others who they may interact with when working with you. Whether that’s your receptionist who greets them at the door, admin assistant who makes your client calls, staff member who works the retail floor, or a colleague who offers services in the same space and may treat them when you’re on vacation—all of these people are important to include in your brand imagery so that you can introduce them on your social media and/or website!

2. Collaborators or Vendors

On the same page as teammates, you may also consider including collaborators or vendors who you work with often, especially if they are involved in the client-facing portion of your business. For example, my hair and make-up artists work directly with my clients, so I include branding images of them in my social media, website, and client consultation materials as well! Some other examples… a real estate agent who works with a specific mortgage broker, a contractor who subcontracts with a specific plumber/electrician/etc., a chiropractor who rents a space (and refers to) a massage therapist.

3. Customers or “Models”

A big part of “Behind the Scenes” photos for personal service providers (massage therapist, dentists, lash techs, etc.) is showing you doing the service that you do… and that requires a person to “do it” to! “Models” can come from a variety of places including current clients, friends, family members, or even your teammates (if the images can be taken in an “anonymous” fashion). When using a model for your marketing images, just make sure that you have them sign a photo release (your photographer can likely help you out with this).

4. Family or Pets

Part of your story may also be about the people (and pets!) who provide love and support. If it makes sense for your brand image, including images with you family and/or your pets is a great addition to your photo session. It humanizes you and shows a bit of the “personal” side of your business brand. Plus, you know, the “cute factor” doesn’t hurt, either!