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Getting a Brand Photoshoot for your Small Biz? Watch This First
- Elizabeth Manuell
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
If you're a creative small business owner wondering whether you absolutely need a brand photography shoot, I want to tell you one thing: Yes, because your business needs you to be seen by your people.
Now, I know what you're thinking—of course, a brand photographer is going to tell you that you need brand photography. But the truth is, not everyone does. However, if you're at the stage where you want to level up, break through, look professional, and be consistent with your content and online presence, and you're ready to take marketing seriously—then this is for you.
The more you show up for your audience, the more they trust you. It’s that simple. You don’t necessarily have to talk in front of a camera, but having a visible presence in your business makes you relatable, highlights your uniqueness, and fosters trust.
1. Relatability
Relatability is powerful. When your audience feels like they’re not alone in their struggles, they begin to trust you. The more authentic you are, the more you attract people who resonate with your story.
How to make your brand photography more relatable:
Share your story. Where have you come from? What have you overcome?
Incorporate personal elements into your shoot—your kids, family, favorite things like coffee or flowers—whatever reflects who you are.
Let your visuals tell a story. A good brand photographer will aim to capture the whole picture of who you are, not just your business.
2. Character Building Equals Trust Building
Your brand is not just about what you do—it’s about who you are. Beyond relatability, building character in your visuals helps define your values and make you more memorable.
Ways to show character in brand photography:
Reflect your energy: Are you bright and cheerful? More serious and sophisticated? Your visuals should align with your brand’s personality.
Go deeper than surface-level interests. What do you truly value?
Incorporate meaningful elements, like your family traditions, workspaces, or unique aspects of your life that shape who you are.
Trust is built when people see consistency in your values and messaging. When you connect deeply with your audience, they remember you—so much so that they might join your email list or follow your content without any direct prompting.
3. The Real and Raw Reality of Being a Business Owner
People admire authenticity. They want to know that you’re dedicated to your craft and that you’ve put in the work to get where you are today.
How to showcase this in brand photography:
Show your beginnings vs. where you are now. Maybe it’s a photo of your first workspace compared to your current one.
Include snapshots of your journey—printing old photos and incorporating them into your shoot is a creative way to tell your story.
Highlight what you love—your favorite books, coffee rituals, hobbies—to make your brand feel more personal.
Wrapping It Up
A brand photography or video shoot will help you:
Become more relatable, which leads to audience growth and deeper connections.
Build character, which fosters trust and brand loyalty.
Show your real journey as a business owner, proving your dedication to your craft and your audience.
If you want to take content marketing seriously and understand how it applies to your business, I invite you to my live stream on April 26th at 2 p.m. Eastern. Drop your questions in the comments, and I’ll answer them live!
P.S. Want more guidance on creating content that actually works for your brand? Let’s connect! I’d love to help you build a strategy that feels aligned, authentic, and effective. See you there!
Hi, I'm Liz! I'm so BEYOND grateful to be serving you - wellness business leaders, creative solopreneurs and artisan crafters- in streamlining the content creation process off of your plate so that you can get back to doing more of what you love. If you're interested in learning more about what we do at Essence Presents, or your really looking to get your content creation process under control in your business, take your pick below:
Access our FREE Resource Vault + Subscribe to The Latest Newsletter! Gain immediate access to free content marketing tools that I use every day for my clients + stay in the know on all things happening at Essence through monthly roundups of our latest shoots, blogs, shop additions, + be the first to receive exclusive offers for up-leveling your business's digital presence.
Join my private, free Facebook group, Seasons & Sessions! Created to provide you support in connecting to your authentic root, the origins of your business, and the journey of being an entrepreneur- the ebbs and flows that create our evolutionary experience. As someone who values health, wellness and spirituality, Seasons & Sessions stands for the fusion of my two loves; photography & seasonal wellness (the study of cyclical nature, seasonal harmony and astrology). What you can expect:
Monthly videos on the upcoming month/ micro-season: what it naturally brings and how to implement seasonal flow into your daily routine and business
Exclusive season-themed photography mini-sessions
Opportunity to connect and network with other entrepreneurs, creatives and small businesses
Discounts on service offerings, and being the first-to-know about all Essence offerings
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