Branding Your Business with Photos
What runs the world? Great Photos!
Our modern world is driven by imagery. Websites, social media, marketing... all run on images. The blunt truth is ... if your images aren't up to par or not consistent with your brand, you'll be left in the dust. There are several factors to think about when you are prepping to create and gather your business' branding images.
Here are some helpful tips on focusing in on your branding imagery:
Think About Color
If you have a website or are in the process of building your website, you most likely have a style guide. This will contain your logo, brand colors, and fonts. Think about the following:
- What is the color scheme you are using in your branding?
- On your logo?
- On your website?
You want everything to be complementary and cohesive; right down to the feeling of the photos you will create. For example: if you are an illustrator of children's books, you'll probably want to have upbeat imagery that are light and airy. You would want to avoid dark and mystery photos to bolster this sort of brand.
Types of Images
Odds are when you book a session for branding photography, you have an idea of how you will use your session's images. Most likely you'll use them on your website and social media, but think about it more strategically. Think to the type of images you may need and get the most out of your session.
- Building up your website... you'll need headshot or lifestyle type images of you. Work as a team, you should probably include them in the action.
- Building up your social media presence? You'll need images to go along with your the themes of your industry and more casual, in-the-moment type photos to really let your followers see who you are.
- If you're using Instagram a lot, make sure to request a more lifestyle styled shoot as images like this do better on the algorithm.
- If your client base logs on to LinkedIn on their lunch break, you may want to set up a more traditional or corporate headshot and imagery.
- Need it all? make a list and talk to your photographer well in advice so they can prepare and help guide you.
Think about your business, what type of shot will you need. If you are a yoga instructor, year headshot will be very different than someone in finance.
Discover Your Visual Brand
Now that you have an idea of the palette you are working with, where, and how these images will be used, search something like Pinterest to discover what your eye and personality are drawn to. If you are using Pinterest, make a board for each of the types of images you need and start pinning what pops out to you but goes along with your brand. (IE Headshots, Lifestyle headshots, Detail Shots, Product Photography, Social Media Photography.)
Putting it all together:
Take a look at what you pinned. Delete anything that doesn't fit with the overall trend of what you saved and doesn't fit your brand and how you will need to use the images.
Share your boards to your photography well in advance of your session, so the best location, time and preparation can be done. Ensuring you have the best session possible!