Have you ever wondered if you need professional brand photos for your business? The short answer is yes, you absolutely do! But if you’re wondering why you can’t just take a few shots on your iPhone or what the point of brand photos is, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know about brand photos for your online therapy business.
We invited Zsanett Kovacs into the LIT Community to share her expertise in brand photography with our members. Here are the key takeaways from her talk.
Having worked with Zsanett on our LIT branding and given her skills as both a brand consultant and professional photographer, we knew Zsanett was the perfect person to enlighten us on brand photography, the common misconceptions, and how to prepare for a photoshoot to get amazing brand photos!
Why Do You Need Brand Photos?
Brand photos are crucial for all entrepreneurs, but even more so for mental health professionals. When someone is looking for a therapist, they want to know who they will be working with – and your photos are the best way to show up authentically.
A picture is worth a thousand words. People connect with and remember photos much more than with any text on your website or social media. In a good photo, your personality will shine through and give potential clients an idea of who you are and what it would be like to work with you.
So, through your brand photos, you can create an instant connection with people. Your brand photos also allow you to show up professionally and demonstrate that you care about the work you do. They convey professionalism, show that you have high standards, and help reinforce your brand vision and messaging.
Your brand photos can also help you attract your ideal client. If you’ve carefully considered your branding and how you show up in your photos, they should speak to your target audience.
Finally, having high-quality personal photos can also be a huge confidence boost (especially – but not only – if you’re launching a new business).
But aren’t brand photos expensive?
A photoshoot with a professional photographer isn’t cheap, as it requires very skilled, creative, and technical work. But you can reframe any doubts about getting brand photos by thinking of them as an investment, a tool, and an asset for your business.
- A tool: Your brand photos can effectively communicate your brand’s message, who you are, and how you support your clients.
- An opportunity: Your brand photos are the most vital part of your visual identity because they tell a story about who you are. So, they are an opportunity to crystallise your brand’s message and put your strategy into action!
- An asset: If you think of your brand photos this way, you can see their cost as an investment in your business. The ROI is huge – you can use your brand photos again and again, and they can give you that boost you need to stand out and make an impact!
It’s also important to remember that photographers offer different packages and prices depending on your needs. So, if you have a lower budget, you can start small with just a handful of images, including a great headshot you can use widely.
Some Common Misconceptions about Brand Photos
#1: Brand Photos ≠ Headshots
Many people think that brand photos are just headshots, but there’s a lot more to it than that. While your brand photos should include headshots, you should also have a variety of different types of photos.
#2: Headshots are all you need
Again, this isn’t true. The only time you could get away with just having a headshot is if you’re really early on and just want to get your website or a directory profile out there so you can have something to direct people towards.
But once you’ve done the initial launch and clarified your branding, Zsanett recommends investing in a broader package of brand photos. That could include more lifestyle photos that show some of your personality so people can get to know you, as well as message-specific images that communicate what you offer your clients and how you help them.
#3: You need to be extroverted to take brand photos
Absolutely not! All business owners need to have some brand photos, but you don’t have to change who you are for your photoshoot. You can have photos taken that still reflect who you are authentically. If you let your photographer know that you’re introverted or nervous to do the photoshoot, they will find ways to make you comfortable and relaxed.
#4: All brand photos look the same
Not if you’ve put some thought into the process and made them unique! While some factors are similar, you can let your personality shine through with how you style yourself, any props you use, and the expressions you choose. Your location will also have an impact on your photos, as well as the photo angles. You can make your photos your own!
#5: You can take your own photos
Honestly, not really. If you’re just starting out and have no budget, you can take a decent photo on your smartphone or ask a friend to help. But if you want to evoke professionalism and high standards, it’s well worth investing in a few brand photos early on.
While there are opportunities to use your own photos in your content, you should ideally have some professional shots, too. For example, you need high-quality images for your website, including a headshot in a studio environment with the correct lighting.
A photographer can also offer suggestions on posture and position to get the best shots, among many other benefits.
4 Tips for Getting the Best Brand Photos
When it comes to the photoshoot, you want to make the most of your time with the photographer and get some great photos that you can use again and again. And that’s where some careful planning and preparation comes in.
#1: Prepare Beforehand
Make sure you’re clear on your branding—what your brand is and how you want to present yourself. These questions will guide you in taking your brand photos (and every other element in your business), so having answers to them is invaluable!
#2: Let your photographer know what kind of photos you need
You need to decide exactly what kind of photos you need and what you plan to do with them – and communicate this to your photographer. First, you should choose what type of photos you need (such as headshots, in-action shots, message-specific photos, and any pointing or stock images).
But you should also think about where you plan to use them. For example, if you need a hero image for your website homepage (a wide format that runs across the top), your photographer will need to know that. The same goes if you want images with space to add text. That will affect the composition of the shots, so give your photographer as much info as possible to ensure you get what you need!
#3: Think about your background
Your location will affect the feel of your photos, so think about it carefully, even down to the colours in the image. Wherever you’re shooting, pay close attention to the background of your shots. Avoid any unnecessary clutter that will distract attention from you and confuse your message. Instead, use carefully chosen props to let your clients know who you are and what’s important to you. That could be books, a cup of coffee, a yoga mat, or even your pet!
For example, this photo of our LIT co-founder Sonia Jaeger, taken by Zsanett. The background is free from clutter and even matches the LIT brand colours!
#4: Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
You can show up authentically and uniquely in your photos, so long as they represent who you are and fit with your business branding. So, if your vibe is a bit kooky and fun, let that come through in your photos. If you’re into bright colors and fun accessories, don’t hold back (and equally, if cool and minimalist is your thing, that’s fine too!). The best way to connect with your ideal client is to show up as yourself and let that come through in your photos.
Brand Photography: The Wrap Up
Hopefully, you now have a much better understanding of brand photography, what it offers your business, and how to get some great photos!
We are so grateful to Zsanett Kovacs for taking the time to share her expertise within the LIT Community! You can find out more about Zsanett’s brand strategy consulting here and her personal branding photography here!
Our members get access to the full replay within the LIT Community, alongside all our events, resources, and other member perks. If you’re looking for more support on your journey as a location independent therapist and business owner, start your 1-week free trial here and join us inside the LIT Community!
