In the age of digital technology, a picture is worth 1,000 followers. Maybe even 10,000.

As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial for you to build your brand in order to succeed in your industry. Having a solid presence that shows cohesiveness and consistency throughout multiple media platforms will set you apart, and it all starts with taking the perfect photos of your brand. However, it can feel confusing to know where to begin to master your brand photography. So, we’ll cover 15 tips to help you become a pro!

1. Conduct Industry Research

Your first step should always be to research your specific industry. Search for more prominent brands that have already established themselves in your niche. How do they present their photos? How does their audience react to their posts? What colors, fonts, or photography style do they use the most? 

There will always be room for multiple brands to be in the same industry, but without the proper research, you may not be reaching people the way they find most appealing.

2. Understand Your Target Audience

Who do you want to reach with your photography? Sometimes your target audience may be a little different than who you originally wanted to contact. The best way to understand your audience is to see the flow of likes and understand the demographics of the type of people who need your brand or services. This will help you understand the style, tone, length, and messaging essential to include to reach your ideal customers. 

3. Create A Style Board to Find Your Style

It is perfectly fine for your style to change as a brand. However, you and your team must be on the same page when it comes to creating materials and taking photographs for your brand. A great way to do this is by creating a style board that helps you communicate how you imagine your own brand’s style. This might include words, photographs, colors, or anything else that helps present a particular style. From there, you’ll understand what type of photographs would make sense for your brand image while still reaching your target audience.

4. Understand Your “Why”

Once you understand your “why” questions, it is much easier to answer them for yourself.

For example, “Why are people going to click my picture?” People are going to click your pictures because it will catch their attention and reach them organically. They will see what you are presenting to them, and it will be precisely what they were looking for, thinking of, or hoping for.

 “Why am I going to stand out from everyone else trying to break it into this industry?” You will stand out because you have conducted your research and understand that your audience will respond best to what you post.

By asking yourself “Why” questions, you can get to the nitty-gritty of your brand’s persona and what you’re trying to accomplish through your branding photography.

5. Choose Fonts and Colors That Blend with Your Brand Aesthetic

Fonts and colors are one of the first points that capture your audience’s attention. You want to find a balance that will capture their attention without taking away from your images or branding style. Instead, you want it to flow seamlessly together. Experiment with different colors and fonts that will accompany your photography to ensure you’re giving off the right messaging to your audience.

6. Let Your Brands Personality Shine Through

Most times, if you did your research, your key audience is already sold on you. Now you need to make sure they never forget what drew them in initially. Let your brand’s personality speak through the photographs you choose for your brand photography. For example, if you’re a laid-back surfing company, your personality will not shine through if you show pictures of your team in suits. Instead, you want your character to speak through the photos you display.

7. Include Photographs of The Business Owner

The best way to connect your product with its audience is by showing that the product they are using comes from a real person, as this helps them form a relationship with your company. These photos give your product humanity. It sets you apart from larger companies and corporations that begin to feel stale and robotic.

8. Present Your Product(s) in An Irresistible Way

Make sure your audience feels like they NEED your product. You are showing them something that they cannot skip without getting for themselves. For example, if you’re selling a refreshing seltzer, you wouldn’t want to take a picture of it with a dull, boring background. Instead, maybe you focus on presenting your product glistening at the beach or another location where your customers would want to use your product. 

9. Highlight What Sets Your Brand Apart

Without putting down the competition, show what others are missing. If you have found yourself an entrepreneur in a new industry, it can be hard to figure out how to stand out. This is why it’s important to show others what you do differently. For example, if you pride yourself on being available to your customers 24/7, you should make this known through your branding efforts.

10. Learn How to Use Your Camera or Hire a Photographer You Admire

If you’re using your own camera, it’s essential to learn how to properly use it, including how to manipulate the settings, lighting, and environment to create the type of photographs you need for your brand. However, if this is too challenging, a professional photographer can also capture those natural moments and help set up special moments in time. If you choose this route, make sure to pick a photographer with a style that you admire.

11. Invoke Emotions Through Your Photography

If you can make your audience feel something substantial, they are practically already in your back pocket. A picture is worth 1,000 words; why not use that picture to create a strong emotion of desire towards what you have to offer.

12. Experiment With a Range of Different Shots

This is very similar to finding your own style. It is the balance between you and the consumer. For example, darker shots may not have the same response as a sunrise picture, but by experimenting, you get to see precisely how the audience responds.

13. Ensure That All Photographs Are Consistent with Your Messaging

You want to establish the connection between your photos and your product. There has to always be a link, even if it’s subtle. Putting pictures that don’t align with your brand strategy will hurt your company instead of helping you to stand out.

14. Use A Focus Group to Gather Opinions on The Final Images

Focus groups are excellent because they help you perfect your products and receive feedback on what exactly you are missing or how you can improve.

15. Use Feedback to Influence Your Future Photographs

As humans, we will never stop learning. Feedback on your images will help you set up our future photography sessions to reach your audience better. 

Conclusion

Your branding photography is one of the most critical aspects of your success as an entrepreneur. We’ve provided information on why photography is so vital for entrepreneurs and how you can master it to help you accomplish your branding goals.