But what is it? Why is it important? Why should I bother?! Branding photography is a powerful tool to use for you business, whatever size. Here are just a few reasons why they are a good idea...
Instant impact - what is the first thing that people are going to see, will they read the text on your website/facebook business site/blog first, or will they see the header image? Look at your website now (if you have one or your business facebook page) and think about the image that you are using - does it speak to you about your brand? Will it, in a split second, tell those looking at it exactly what your business is about? Will it draw people in to look further into the copy of your website? Does it confuse the viewer? Having an image that creates instant impact will help your business immeasurably. This is your chance to convey to your potential clients what you want them to know, what you want them to think about your business and the more professional your website and images, the better the impact.
Storytelling - each image that you commission should tell a story. Either about you as a person (potential customers love to know about you and what makes you tick), your business journey (where you've come from and where you're going with your business), your businesses values (Are you a Green/Eco-minded business? Do you use Fair Trade suppliers? Are you have a strong committment to your customers? Are you passionate about your business? Are you honest and trustworthy?). These can all be conveyed in one single image.
Getting the Right Clients - in every business there is the ideal client you are trying to target - the client that loves everything about you and your business, the client who will give you repeat custom, who will buy extra products for you, will recommend you to all their friends. Get your imagery correct and these types of clients will be drawn to you. Use photographs that appeal to them as people and their values (values that you most probably shre with your ideal clients).
Above is an image that I have used widely in my advertising, leaflets, business cards, at wedding exhibitions etc. This to me sings of what my small photography/videography business is all about: Fun, a little bit quirky, vibrant, up for anything, distinctive, rustic, vivid, bold and as my 'tag line' says "a little less ordinary" - what do you think?
Where would you use Branding Photographs? - as I've already mentioned there's your website, facebook business site and blog... but where else? Prehaps you do exhibitions and need some visual impact on your stall. Buisness Cards. Leaflets/brochures. Posters. Mock up products. Instagram. Pinterest. Are you a seller on Etsy/Amazon/Ebay? Advertising. Using colour, patterns, textures all have great impact on your potential market it all brings personality to your brand identity. Different colours have different psychological significance for the message you are trying to convey. The key things to think about and plan before having a Branding Photography Shoot would be:
- who is my ideal client?
- how do I want my brand identity to be concieved?
- where do I want to use my photographs?
- what messages am I trying to convey with my photographs?
- what props do I already have?/ what should I invest in?
- what are my brand colours?
- what is key to my brand imagery (plants, animals, minimalism, artistic items, books, work evironment, outdoor environment etc.)
I not only offer Branding Photography Shoots, but also Video too - maybe you want a promotional video for use in advertising. The possibilities are endless!
If you'd like to chat further about having a Branding Photography Shoot or a Styled Shoot please do not hesitate to get in touch with your thoughts and ideas and we can see about turning them into reality.
Also check out (and follow) my Branding Photography Board in Pinterest for insporation #brandingphotography #branding #brandingphotoshoot #styledshoot #colourpsychology #advertising #brandidentity #brandmessage #brand