Brand Photography - what sets you apart and what is your visual identity?
Your brand, through your business visuals is how you communicate your what, where, when and how you do what you do, how you connect with clients and most importantly, how your business generates your income. Your value is in what you can offer to someone who needs it, brand imagery conveys this message. A brand content session will provide you with content for social media, your website and marketing that will elevate your business by setting you apart. You can DIY or invest in professional photographer to collaborate with and achieve an amazing gallery of images that shows exactly who you are and what you can offer. I've listed below some DIY tips and also how I approach brand photography - to get the best for you, my approach is to understand you, yourr business and the identity you want to build - then we create the magic!
Position yourself through your visual identity and brand voice, otherwise other people will do it for you. Your value is in how you present yourself and business to the world.
How can I help elevate your business?
The approach? Discovery: find out who you are and convey this through engaging visuals and detailed content imagery. My background in graphic design and creating brands through design elements, marketing and understanding these connections. I have designed logos, marketing materials and helped small business build their identity through a process of discovering their why, value and identity. After an initial discussion we begin with a questionnaire, I research (alot!) and then provide a summary of your brand position and we then prepare our plan. Then its a two way street with input and ideas honed through my creative process, with attention to detail and having fun are both important factors in planning your content to ensure an epic gallery that speaks to you, your business and your market.
The direction? Focus on personal connections and building trust through authenticity - all of my sessions are relaxed and easy going, I will give lots of direction where needed, provide guidance and ensure a comfortable environment. Through considered and planned imagery your clients can experience what it would feel like to work with you, to envision how you could help them or why they need you and form a connection.Want to find out more? I'd love to talk about your project, take the first step and say hello here. Ready to DIY? read on below...
How to DIY brand photography - Tips
Creating a visual identity, or brand imagery is all about consistency - your 'voice' is your content, message, social media and website etc. Thats not to say it all needs to look the same but it does need to be cohesive in order create recognition, your clients needs to relate your style with your business and connect through that in order to 'trust' in your business. These tips will focus on images only, there is a whole other world on marketing, but for now, you can get started with my tips below:
- Lighting in any image will be make or break it! Look for natural, open sources, ie windows, doors, outside look for open shade or utilise golden hour (1 hour before sunset) for soft, dreamy light. Turn off overhead lights (especially fluorescents) to avoid colour casts (unwanted colour tinge to your images), open all curtains and doors and plan for the best time of day that suits your area/room/space. Want a short intro into photography lighting? Book a one on one with me here to learn all you need to know to get started!
- Equipment A phone or a DSLR camera is an obvious must, additional items I suggest are tripod, remote control and an editing program for your final images. A large mirror behind the camera set up can be a huge help too to help see yourself for portraits!
- List write down your shots, plan the timeline and check off as you go
- Consistency always strive for balance in your images, recognisable but stand out is the goal, choose your 'light colour' namely, cool or warm - which represents your business most? What message are you trying to convey, warm generally equals welcoming, safe, comforting, inviting, cool equals modern, spacious, open etc. The time of day will affect your type of light.
- Props/Location what do you need to tell your story? A display of tools, flowers, products etc. A chair, open paddock, warm inviting space - elements that tell your audience who you are. Don't forget the detail shots, B-roll (or secondary images) that help tell your story.... consistency is key here as well!
- What are your current brand elements and how can you elevate them? Be intentional and refer to your business strategy to stay clear on your message.
- You/Your Team be confident in who you are, show your authentic self or yourself in the moment, a standard headshot has its place but there are also many ways to be in the imagery without being the focus or creatively expressing who you are. Hair and Makeup sometimes can make all the difference to your confidence and final gallery outcome!
- Reach out Perhaps you need a coaching call, help with camera settings or just want it all done for you, I'm here to guide you throughout the process, I'd love to help and you can contact me here. I also offer one on one coaching calls and can walk you through camera settings, lighting and set up if you need help with your DIY branding.
Branding gallery idea list:
headshot, in action shot/s, images that include your branding/logo, your products/services, behind the scenes, client interaction, your space (office/workshop etc), your clients with their product/service, the details (creatively capture the essence of the details).
NOTE make you/your team the hero of the gallery, with a focus on genuine moments, elevate through engagement and relatable content.
