Have you ever taken personal brand photos?

It’s interesting what happens when you’re on maternity leave. You have a lot of time to think, especially in those early months when the baby is literally just eating and sleeping.

And while I put senior portrait photography on hold during this season of life, I have been thinking about what is next.

As you may or may not know, I took a sabbatical from photography while my son is little and instead of photographing people, I am a private photo editor for wedding photographers. It’s a great trade-off because I can stay home, appreciate beautiful photos, and contribute income to my family.

However, I haven’t given up photography for good. I still have photography on my heart. Enter:

Personal Brand Photos & Photography

One of the things I LOVE about being a creative entrepreneur and small business owner is that I can make changes to the vision and trajectory of my business on my own terms. It’s taken me a long time of exploring, trying different genres of photography, and a whole lot of trial and error to land here.

A little over a year ago, when I was at the tail end of my pregnancy, I discovered a “new” genre of photography called personal branding photography. And it clicked! It meshed together my love photography, styling, and business!

WHAT IS PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

Personal Branding Photography is a genre of photography for entrepreneurs and business owners. Personal Branding Photography shoots produce custom images to promote and showcase your business. These images let you elevate your brand, tell your story and connect with your audience on a more personal level.

These photos highlight an entrepreneur’s personality. You can use these photos in a variety of ways throughout your website, social media and marketing efforts!

Branding photoshoots are about capturing who you are, what you do, and what makes your brand and offering unique.

It’s much more than “just headshots”. Think headshots, lifestyle photos, your workspace, creative process, tools of your trade and so much more!

If you’ve been struggling with putting yourself out there, I’m sharing 5 benefits of Personal Brand Photos below!

5 BENEFITS OF PERSONAL BRAND PHOTOS

TELLS YOUR STORY

As a creative entrepreneur, you are your business and you are the face of your business.

Clients want to know your story. Your story is one of a kind, so share it with custom, branded photos throughout your online presence.

Whether it’s on your website, blog, in a social media post or through email marketing. Tying your message to a photo will make a visual impact.

Think about your story – are parts of your story inspiring, motivating, entertaining or educational? Be sure your images reflect that!

CREATES CONNECTION WITH CLIENTS

Sharing my passions, dreams, fears, and vulnerabilities attract like-minded clients more than any type of content I post! It’s amazing – it’s always the post I’m nervous to hit “publish” on that has the most traction.

Since most of us entrepreneurs run our businesses online, it’s hard to represent our true selves in the digital space.

What kinds of things do you enjoy doing outside of your business? Do you knit or paint with watercolors? Are you a TV junkie or an avid reader?

These qualities are ways that ideal clients can connect with us and you should incorporate these things into your brand shoot!

SHOWCASES YOUR UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION

As creative entrepreneurs, we want to stand out from the crowd. It’s so important to be able to communicate what makes us and our businesses different.

Personal brand photography allows you to do that!

You offer a one-of-a-kind experience, so let your brand photos show potential clients what that experience is like!

ELEVATES YOUR BRAND

Now, I love a great stock photo, but sharing consistent imagery that is custom and specific to you alone, will elevate your brand recognition!

People will think of you when it comes to the service you provide when you use custom, branded photos to promote and share your business.

PRESENTS A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS IMAGE

Professional, quality images throughout your platforms suggest that you take your business seriously. Position yourself as an expert in your field with a professional headshot, photos of your products/service, and you in your element.

Can you see how these benefits from personal brand photos all come together in elevating your brand and business? If you don’t know what type of images to have in your toolbelt, I’ve got a quick solution!

I’m giving you a Brand Photography Checklist so that you can start building your inventory (get your camera or iPhone ready)!

Check out these other resources:

How to Prep for a Personal Branding Photography Photoshoot