What is branding photography?
Branding photography - also known as Personal Branding Photography - is a specific genre of photography with a marketing approach, focusing on creating professional images that showcase your unique brand and personality, telling the story of the person behind the brand. It's more than traditional headshots, it's about connecting your products and services with your target audience, building trust, and establishing meaningful relationships.
It is a specialized niche that is rapidly gaining popularity. If you own a business, branding photography is essential for several reasons.
The goal is to create visuals that support your business's specific need. Whether you’re showcasing a new product line, announcing a new team member, highlighting a workshop or course, or introducing a new location, every image is created with a purpose to drive your business forward. These images aren't just for decoration—they serve a purpose, conveying a message that aligns with your brand’s goals.
"Every image is intentional, crafted to communicate your story and connect with your audience."
With the rise of in-home businesses, the concept of a personal brand has gained significant traction. Small business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed—all share one thing in common: they navigate their business and personal lives through social media.
Increasingly, the idea of incorporating your personal life, or "lifestyle", into your business has become a popular strategy. Platforms like Instagram have proven this approach to be a viable marketing method. Showcasing the more personal aspects of your life and business is, in essence, your brand.
Consumers want to learn more about who they're buying from—the person behind the brand and their unique story.
A Personal Branding Photoshoot is Ideal for You If...
You want to elevate your brand and establish yourself as an authority in your field with content that helps people get to know, like, and trust you.
You want to feel comfortable in front of the camera and receive expert guidance on posing and styling to achieve the best results.
You’re ready to take your marketing seriously and focus on generating more sales.
You’re planning a rebrand or a new launch and need high-quality images to support your new direction.
You’re tired of wasting time searching for stock photos or creating makeshift content with your phone for your business and marketing.
You need help maintaining a consistent visual brand across all social media platforms.
Do you have impactful images that truly represent you and your brand?
Personal branding photography is tailored for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their brand and online presence through powerful imagery. Photos that authentically showcase you as a professional while reflecting your unique personality and style are essential for building a brand, attracting clients, and growing your business.
What type of shots to expect in a brand photoshoot
It typically includes a variety of images, such as lifestyle and behind-the-scene shots, portraits, architectural photography, process images, and product photos, images that showcase your story and expertise.
Why invest in personal branding photography?
Investing in personal branding photography allows you to build a visual identity that aligns with your values, personality, and professional goals. This investment can enhance your credibility, attract clients, and connect with your target audience more effectively.
By choosing personal branding photography, you’re not just getting images—you’re creating a powerful narrative that speaks directly to your audience and helps you stand out in a competitive market.
Who is it for?
It's for business owner of any kind!
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Small business owners
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Entrepreneurs
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Musicians, makers, artists
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Healthcare & wellness professionals (nutritionists, spas, therapists, etc)
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Private clinic specialists
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Authors
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Web designers
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Real estate agents
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Interior designers
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Coaches and consultants
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Fitness experts, yoga teachers
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Food bloggers
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Models
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Social media influencers and public figures
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The list goes on...
How fast can we get started?
It's ideal to schedule a brand shoot at least one month in advance to ensure we have time to go through the brand discovery process before your session.
Be ready to do some homework — a questionnaire about you and your business, an inspiration board & a photo checklist — before the shoot to ensure I capture all the shots you need within the time we have.
While it's possible to skip some steps, I can't guarantee getting every shot you want. To avoid any disappointment and to make your investment worth it, it's best to book sooner rather than later and to be fully ready.
Where is the photoshoot done?
Sessions can be conducted at a specific location of your choice. We can choose an outdoor spot, find a cafe or a restaurant, rent a studio (additional cost applies), set up at your office or home, or shoot in my studio.
AT YOUR OFFICE: If the space and light are ideal for a photoshoot, I highly suggest doing the session in your own workspace, giving access to your regular tools, props and resources. Showing you in your natural environment, doing what you do best, will help creating a sense of authenticity and build trust with the audience. As a bonus, your familiar environment can help you feel more at ease and confident, resulting in more natural and relaxed photos!
IN MY OUTDOOR STUDIO: Located on my beautiful hobby farm, my four season "outdoor studio" offers a unique setting for anyone seeking a rustic, natural, eco-friendly, organic and serene vibe. With access to rustic buildings, ponds, a forest, a sunflower field, a garden, a graceful willow tree, this location provides endless options for capturing stunning, one-of-a-kind photos. See the gallery
Can the photo session be done on weekend?
Is professional hair & make up included?
Branding sessions take place during traditional business hours.
It is not included in the packages but I am happy to provide referrals. I strongly recommend professional hair and makeup for your session. It enhances the experience and always delivers outstanding results. A professional can ensure that your hair and makeup remain consistent throughout the session, which is especially important if you’re changing outfits or settings. Plus, you'll feel like a million dollars, it can boost your confidence in front of the camera, leading to more natural and engaging photos.
The purpose behind a brand photoshoot
A brand photoshoot is about creating images with intention. As a business owner, you want your photos to do more than just raise brand awareness—they should also help you grow your business. By having a well-curated collection of images, you can communicate your brand’s message effectively.
THE PACKAGES
A successful brand photoshoot involves careful planning:
- identifying the types of images needed
- preparing a photoshoot list
- strategizing the visual content to ensure everything runs smoothly on the shoot day. This preparation also helps you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Let's dive into the process!
How does it work
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Introduce yourself!
Simply fill in the short contact form below and share a bit about yourself and why you're ready for a photoshoot. I'll then contact you to schedule a free discovery call.
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The Discovery Call
This initial call is essential to getting to know each other and see if we are a good fit, and get a better idea about your vision. Together we will decide what package suits best your needs and goals, and schedule a date and time for your strategy call. I will also send you a contract and an invoice, this will help us finalize everything and secure your photoshoot date. Then it’s time to have some fun with the creative process!
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The Branding Questionnaire
Now that you've selected your package and the photoshoot date, the next step is to send you a full package including a wardrobe guide, instructions on creating a mood board and most importantly, a branding questionnaire. This questionnaire contains a series of targeted questions designed to help you clearly define the brand message you want your photos to communicate.
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The Strategy Call
After the branding questionnaire and your mood board are completed, it's time for a face to face online meeting to go through every aspect of your photoshoot experience. Grab a notebook and a pen, and plan at least 30 to 60 minutes to review the questionnaire responses and discuss any details like location, shots list, colour theme, wardrobe, props, etc.
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The Big Shoot Day!
The most exciting part! After all the hard work and planning, it’s time to bring your vision to life. Don’t worry about posing—I’ll combine your inspiration with my creative touch to create something special. Trust me, this will be fun and effortless!
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Delivery
Within two weeks of your session, you will receive a private online gallery of lightly edited images where you can select your favorite pics. When the editing is completed, you will receive access to download the final images and you can start using them wherever you want on your website, social media and in your marketing materials.
Let's start!
Have a question or ready to take action?
Feel free to share a bit about yourself and what kind of assistance you need with your brand using the form below. You can also email me directly at dominique@sideroad-studio.ca. I’ll get back to you within 2-3 business days so we can get started!