Although branding photography is not new, it has recently emerged with fresh popularity in the business realm. But how much do you really know about it—why is branding photography important to your success, and moreover, why should it be a priority investment for your business?
Here are FIVE reasons why all business owners should invest in a branding photo shoot:
1 // VISUALS ARE POWERFUL COMMUNICATORS
The goal of a branding photo shoot is to create a visual representation of your business that clients can easily recognize. According to a study done by 3M, images are processed 60,000 faster than text! In an age where people want information, and quickly, there is a lot to be said for using photographs as a means of communicating with your clients. Visuals are a fantastic way to educate your clients about who you are, what you do, and what you have to offer them—in very little time.
2 // STORIES CREATE CONNECTION
A branding photo shoot is about more than just capturing a good headshot—although we can do that too! However, the point of a branding shoot is to capture photographs that help to tell your story. The sessions focus on using locations, props, and poses that are authentic to you and your business. When clients see you in familiar situations or environments that they themselves relate to, it is an opportunity to create connection. Connection breeds trust, and people buy from those they trust. Therefore, your story is a key component for sales.
3 // PROFESSIONAL STATUS
With the constant expansion of technology and capacity to reach clients virtually, entrepreneurs now have opportunity to connect with clients in areas they traditionally had no way of reaching. Consequently, that also means there may be more competition that never before existed.
An entrepreneurs' ability to stand out in the market is more important than ever. One way of doing that is through using powerful visuals that help to establish you as a professional in your field. Professional photographs show clients that quality matters to you, and that you take your work seriously. A branding shoot also can capture images that provide evidence of your past experience and credentials.
4 // TRUST THE EXPERTS
In much the same way that your clients hire you for your expertise, you should do the same for your business. Brand photographers are creatives in their field for a reason—it is their area of genius. A good branding photographer will bring a new perspective to your shoot and have creative ideas that can add dimensions to the ways in which your photos can connect with clients. Trust in your photographer’s ability to tell your story through a professional lens. This is what they train so hard to do!
Also, when it comes to using images for your business, not just any image will do. Brand photography is about capturing the right images. You want photographs that directly connect with, and educate, your ideal clients. A professional branding photographer will guide you through a process that will ultimately achieve a portfolio of images that serve your business best.
5 // CONFIDENCE BOOST
Even if getting in front of the camera is not your first choice of activity, there is something truly powerful in having your photograph taken.
The first step is to make sure you choose the right photographer. A good image is not made in photoshop. Correct lighting, posing, outfit selection, and capturing expressions are what result in photographs, that dare we say it, you will love! These are all areas of a shoot that your photographer should coach you through.
A branding photo shoot also affords you the opportunity to personally connect with your business in new ways. In preparation for your session, you must educate your photographer about your mission, vision, and business practices. A branding shoot requires you to answer a lot of hard questions—many of which will help you grow in areas you did not know you even needed to. For instance, when was the last time you thought about why you choose this line of work, or who exactly you want to serve, or how you strategically plan to use your branding images?
A branding shoot is the perfect way to deepen your relationship with your business and with yourself.
If you invested in a branding shoot for your business already, we would love to know, how did it positively impact your business? Did you find a new confidence in yourself or your service? How did you clients react to your new professional photographs? Share you experience below!
—Written for Illona Jade by Mandi Ann
Featured: Meg Boggs
Location: Lumen Room in Dallas, TX
Under Armour Women Campaign
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