Something I get asked quite a bit is what is brand photography and why does it even matter anyway?
Simply put branding photography is a a visual representation of a brand's identity. It's a way of creating an insight to you, your product or your service. We all know how important images are, we see food in a local restaurant and we decide to go there. We judge clothes by the advertising images, coffee shops by the content they post.
You get images that you can use in your website, promotional material, social media, emails, however you need, you can use them.
I think the main thing is people often get confused and think that only big businesses or multi national corporations need branding photography and small businesses or freelancers don't need that stuff. Often people think advertising photography. They think giant billboards and images on busses, and don't get me wrong, sometimes it is that. But more often than not a branding session will provide you with images you need for everyday marketing and content. A way to reach your clients in a way they can relate too.
But actually, it's almost more critical that small business owners have these kinds of images. We want to know the people that we interact with online, the people behind the companies we buy from, the purpose, the values of the company. We have gotten used to large companies needing advertising photography, or being semi faceless organisations and we accept that. But we don't feel the same way about new or smaller companies.
Think about it, would you hire a copywriter who you didn't know a thing about? Their writing style, their ability to understand your vision? You wouldn't. Would you hire a graphic designer for your creative business to create a logo who you can't see examples of their work? You wouldn't. Would you go to a hairdresser if you've never seen the work they do? Of course not.
When you are considering hiring someone for their services or buying a product you most likely, do a google search, go to their website, deep dive their socials, check their reviews and maybe even do a bit of a google search looking at the images section. You want to know you're making the right choice. And this is before you even send that first message. If you don't have a way to showcase your work then you are potentially losing out on so many interactions and clients.
Branding images also allow you to have ready made visual content for your socials.
What does a branding photography session include?
A branding session, with me at least, will encompass a conversation to define your needs, the purpose of your business, the vision and values. When we talk we will look at the kind of images we need for you, do you want you working, headshots, some including products, on location, in your studio, your office. A range of places. We tailor it to your needs and your content plans.
A good branding photographer will work with you to ensure the outcome is stunning authentic branding images that truly showcase you. They will want to make sure you are seen and people truly know the value of working with you.
As a branding photographer based in South East London I travel all over. I get to work with an exciting range of people and businesses. From multi national corporations through to start-ups and individuals. London truly lends itself to being flexible for any circumstance and any business type. From Deptfords creative area, to Greenwich's historic streets. London Bridges vibrant and busy markets and Kings cross' flexible and varied areas.
