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BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
A Brand Photography Guide for Your Site
Professional brand photography helps your website feel authentic, personal, and trustworthy. This guide will help you plan a photoshoot that gives us everything we need to create a beautiful, cohesive site.
How many photos do you need?
Ideal Range: 7-12 professional photos
Why: This provides enough variety to use throughout your site without repetition
When working with a photographer, it’s great to show them your vision, your website and branding (or work with your web designer and photographer at the same time ideally!), and give them some ideas of poses and your overall vision (just like you would your hairstylist).
Where do I get inspiration? Check Pinterest! See my links above for some shot ideas and send them to your photographer.
And remember: you don’t have to be a model. You just have to be you. Some of the best branding photos I’ve seen are the ones where the practitioner looks relaxed, natural, and genuinely themselves. That’s what builds connection.
Essential Shots
These are the must-haves that will make the biggest impact:
1-2 Headshots
Professional but approachable
Genuine smile and eye contact with the camera
Clean, uncluttered background
Good lighting (natural light is ideal)
Consider one straight-on and one at a slight angle
Consider adding plants or greenery or shadows if it fits your brand
2-3 Environmental/Lifestyle Shots
You in your workspace or natural setting
Actually doing your work (typing, creating, consulting, etc.)
Interacting with tools of your trade
These show personality and help people connect with you
1-2 Detail Shots
Hands working (typing, writing, holding your product)
Workspace details (desk setup, coffee cup, notebook)
Tools or materials you use
These add visual interest and tell your story
Nice-to-Have Shots
If you want to go beyond the essentials:
Behind-the-scenes moments: Candid shots of you working
Multiple outfits: 2-3 different looks for variety
Different settings: Indoor and outdoor if applicable
Action shots: Movement and energy
Collaboration shots: If you work with clients or a team
Before your photoshoot
What’s your brand personality? Warm and approachable? Clinical and trustworthy? Creative and intuitive? Your photos should match this vibe.
Where do you work? If you have a beautiful office or studio space, use it! If you work virtually, consider shooting in a home office, hotel, coffee shop, cozy corner, or outdoor setting that feels aligned with your work. Many cities have spaces to rent or your photographer usually has ideas where to go (if they don’t have a studio).
What do you want clients to feel? Safe? Energized? Calm? Empowered? Talk to your photographer about capturing that emotion.
Variety is key. Get headshots, full body shots, environmental shots, close-ups, working shots (with a client stand-in if appropriate), and some lifestyle images. You want options for different uses.
Get both horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) shots
Horizontal works best for website headers and banners
Vertical is perfect for sidebars and mobile views
Some close-ups, some full-body or three-quarter shots
Some with lots of negative space (empty space around you)
Maybe a shot where you’re off to the side with blank space (great to add a text overlay on a website!)
Different angles and perspectives
Bring props that matter. Your favorite journal, a mug of tea, your yoga mat, essential oils, laptop, handwritten recipes, books you love—anything that adds personality and context to who you are.
Bring a change of clothes: Bring a few outfit changes or jackets to switch up the look. Ideally go for colors that are similar to your website palette!
Lighting & Quality: Natural light is your friend (shoot near windows or outdoors). Avoid harsh overhead lighting or deep shadows. Ensure images are high-resolution (your photographer should do all of this!)
What to wear
Do:
Wear solid colors or subtle patterns that complement your brand colors
Neutral clothing options are great to go with most websites
Choose clothing that makes you feel confident
Bring 2-3 outfit options with you to the shoot!
Accessorize thoughtfully (watch, jewelry, glasses)
Avoid:
Busy patterns or logos (unless it's your own brand)
All white or all black (can be harsh on camera)
Anything too trendy that will date quickly
After Your Photoshoot
What to Send Me:
High-resolution files (full-size, not compressed)
10-15 of your favorites (I'll select the best ones for the site)
Both horizontal and vertical orientations if available
File Format:
JPG or PNG files
At least 2000px on the longest side
Upload to our project Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link
Working with a Photographer
Finding the Right Photographer
Look for someone who specializes in brand or headshot photography
Review their portfolio on their website or Instagram to ensure their style matches your vibe & your ideal website design.
Budget: $300-$800+ depending on location and photographer experience
Remember, you typically get what you pay for!
DIY Option
If we’re working together, I typically require professional photography because your site will be that much better! But if hiring a photographer isn't in the budget right now and you’re DIY’ing your own website:
Post in Facebook groups - Maybe there is a student or hobby photographer that could help or someone just starting out. My first branding photos were $50!! I helped her and she helped me.
Use a creative friend with a good camera
See if any design schools have interns or students that could help
Find good natural lighting (golden hour is ideal)
Use a tripod and self-timer
Focus on getting 3-5 really strong shots rather than 20 mediocre ones
Upgrade when you have the budget
Quality over quantity! Three excellent, professional photos will serve you better than fifteen mediocre selfies. If you're not ready for professional photos yet, we can create a beautiful site with stock photography and add your brand photos later as an update. But it’s typically worth the investment!
READY TO BOOK?
Let's Create Something Amazing!
I have website options for every stage of your business! Choose a website template if you want to DIY your site, template customization for a hybrid approach, or go fully custom with website design or brand styling services.
Save $250 when you bundle the website template customization with brand styling!