I recently decided to do a photoshoot at home to get some professional photos for my website. As someone who doesn’t usually enjoy being in front of the camera, I was both excited and nervous about the process. However, I knew how important high-quality branding photography is for a business owner looking to create a strong personal brand and stand out online. Personal brand photography plays a crucial role in building a cohesive and professional image. Here's how the experience unfolded and how it transformed my website and social media platforms.

What is a branding photoshoot?

A branding photoshoot is all about capturing images that really show off a brand’s identity, values, and personality, including the essence of a personal brand. Unlike regular photo sessions, branding photography is focused on creating a visual story that matches a brand’s message and goals. A good branding photographer is key to this, using their skills to craft consistent visuals that boost a brand’s online presence. The photos from these shoots are used everywhere - websites, social media, advertising, and more - to keep the brand looking cohesive and engaging. Investing in a branding photoshoot helps businesses and individuals connect authentically with their audience, stand out in their industry, and tell their brand’s unique story.

Before my branding photoshoot, my website contained no professional branding photos. The images scattered throughout were simple photos taken with an iPhone, lacking any cohesive theme or thoughtful planning. This patchwork of inconsistent visuals left my website looking disjointed and unprofessional 😔. It was clear that my site was in dire need of a cohesive, refreshed look to effectively communicate my brand’s identity and values.

Recognising the need for professional branding photos, I went online to find expert help. I discovered a local brand photographer whose website featured beautiful photography that immediately appealed to me. Julia’s portfolio showcased a keen eye for detail and a talent for capturing the essence of various brands. Impressed by her work, I decided to reach out and book an appointment.

My brand shoot

Our session began in the studio, where Julia worked magic with lighting and angles. The atmosphere was relaxed, and Julia’s expertise put me at ease, making the whole process feel natural and enjoyable. A personal branding photographer like Julia excels in creating imagery that captures the essence and experience of an individual's brand, reflecting their personality and story in a personalised and authentic way.

I was worried the photos wouldn’t turn out well. I thought I’d ruin them by being too stiff or making strange faces when I smiled. I need not have worried because Julia was amazing at making me feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera.

Then we transitioned to action shots of me painting, which beautifully illustrated my artistic process. I had started a painting a few days before the branding shoot and I didn’t finish it so that I could have a work in progress to use in the photos.

We also snapped some shots of my paintings and paint supplies, really focusing on the tools and artwork that are at the heart of what I do. These photos captured all the different sides of my creative journey, giving my website a real, authentic flavour and telling my story through visuals.

Halfway through the personal branding session, I decided to switch up my look by changing tops, and we moved outside to take advantage of the beautiful setting. We're lucky enough to live on 25 acres, and Julia was excited about the potential for some unique outdoor shots. We ended up taking photos in the garden, which provided a stunning, natural backdrop that contrasted nicely with the indoor studio shots. Julia’s keen eye found the perfect spots to capture me in a way that felt both inspiring and intimately connected to my environment.

After the garden session, I switched tops again and we headed back inside the house to capture a few indoor scenes. As we moved from room to room, Leo, our cat, followed us around - he’s not one to miss out on any action. He's our "Chief Distraction Officer" - so it felt right to include him in the shoot. Julia didn't miss a beat; she snapped some adorable shots of him in action, adding a fun and personal touch to the collection of images. His unexpected cameos are sure to bring a smile to anyone checking out the site.

As a business owner, investing in branding photography was a game-changer for my personal branding. The different settings and outfits we used during the shoot gave me a bunch of great photos that really show who I am and what I do. These images have made my website look so much better and boosted my presence on social media. This whole experience showed me just how powerful visual storytelling can be for connecting with my audience and getting my brand's message across. The transformation of my online image with these professional, authentic photos has been amazing, proving just how valuable high-quality branding photography is today.

If you are interested in learning to paint in watercolour, I have hundreds of online, voiced over watercolour tutorials for all skill levels.

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