Your Branding Photos Aren’t Just Headshots
Most photographers can take a solid headshot. No, seriously. I’m not the only one. But I can tell you with an insane amount of confidence, that that’s really not what branding photography is. Don’t get me wrong, when you book a branding photo shoot with me, you ARE going to get some quality headshots you can use for your business cards, speaking engagements, anytime you’re interviewed on a podcast. Yes, you WILL get that photo where it looks like you are typing at your computer. Headshots and photos of you ARE important, but they aren’t the only thing you need to properly brand your business.
Right now, I know half of you are thinking “okay Sarah, but I don’t have a product based business. I don’t have a location, I really don’t think there is anything else to take pictures of…”. Don’t worry - I will get to that.
And in case you are new here in my little corner of the internet, I’m Sarah, branding photographer here at Sarah Beau. If you are in Calgary, you can check out my branding photography packages here. I would love to get you some quality visuals for your online marketing & social media presence. I also have an AMAZING studio space - with space for indoor and outdoor photos - in the heart of Mission. You can read more about Jinx & Co here
Say Goodbye to Your Stock Photo Subscription and get branded stock photos instead.
I love stock photo subscriptions when you are just getting started. Seriously, as someone who really values community over competition, I think it’s a beautiful thing how easy it is to start your business from your computer. Stock photos are GREAT for that stage of your business. But when you are ready to start standing out from the crowd and want to establish a strong personal brand, you need to say goodbye to your stock photo subscription and get branded “stock photos” instead.
Do I Need Stock Photos?
Not everything you need for your website and socials needs your face. Trust me, stock photos will get used more than you expect them too. When you book your branding photos with me, the first step is always a detailed planning call (so we don’t waste any time during your session and I make you get all the photos you want and need). For the first call, without fail, I talk about creating stock photos and I can almost hear what they are thinking “do I really need that?”. We have been taught that branding photos are always photos of YOU, so our audience can connect with us. But yes, you do need stock photos too.
I recommend a mix of photos you can use as “fillers” with your branding elements in them - or even some flat lays! You can use these to break up your social media feed (you likely don’t want a grid full of your face), use them as a background in a graphic or illustration, or even in your marketing materials. If you are the kind of business that gives your clients a lot of documents (maybe an onboarding pdf, customized proposal etc) - branding photos take it up a notch. Honestly, these photos ALWAYS get used more than you expect. You can use them in your newsletters, emails, all over your website (when you don’t want 9 different images of your face on the same page). These make GREAT banner images!
Planning your Branding Photos
Even though I want you to have stock photos, I don’t want to take a picture of every random coffee mug or notebook you have. When I take your business brand photos, I like to be very intentional (you’ll appreciate this later!). We can use these photos to show your future ideal clients what they are receiving when working with you and depending what your business is, photos of the process! You can also show the atmosphere or vibe they can expect! This CAN be done with a funny coffee mug or luxury notebook, but it should be intentional.
Calgary Branding Photography
If you are reading this and feel like you are ready to invest in some quality (and on brand) content, I’m your Calgary branding photographer. Seriously - let’s chat. It’s getting harder and harder to stand out online, and I believe upping your visuals is the best way to get your (future) customers’ attention.