[Updated 2022] Three Keys to Branding Photography | Nashville Branding Photographer Dolly DeLong Photography

Good branding photography can truly be the difference between the brands that stand out and brands that get left behind. But with so much branding photography out there, it can be hard to know exactly what separates good photography from the bad stuff. And that can feel intimidating.

When I first got started in branding photography, I had impostor syndrome – bad. I constantly felt worried the photography I produced for my clients wasn’t going to live up to their expectations. I also thought I was “not allowed” to do this type of photography since my other focus is also family photography. But over time (and after lots of personal investments in learning about branding photography) everything fell into place for me to really lean into offering more personal branding photography services. 

In this blog, I’m breaking down those three keys to great branding photography. You don’t have to play the comparison game and worry about the photography you produce. When you grasp these three concepts, your branding photography will be a home run – every time.

What makes great branding photography?

1. Great branding photography tells a story

When you’re capturing branding photography, you’re really telling the story of someone’s business and painting a picture for the potential customer of why that business is so important to their life!

That means you want to take pictures in a way so potential customers see the picture and can visualize themselves using the product or service. When your photography tells a story, the business owner will feel like their business is fully represented and the customer will be convinced the product or service is right for them.

2. Great branding photography introduces the entrepreneur

The best branding photography doesn’t just capture products, it captures the entrepreneur, too. Ideally, that looks like getting tangible photos of the entrepreneur or business team. But in today’s fast-paced world, sometimes a branding shoot looks like a photographer being shipped a product and photographing it in their living room.

In that case, you can still capture the essence of the entrepreneur in the details. Think about things like the brand personality or customer experience and pull those sorts of elements into the shoot. The potential customer viewing the photos will feel like they know the brand when they see those little personal touches.

3. Great branding photography stands out from the rest

Okay, I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Dolly – what does ‘standing out from the rest even mean?” I’m here to tell you, it means you need to give yourself a little grace.

The reality is – no two branding photography sessions look the same because no two businesses look the same. And friend, that is okay. Don’t compare your branding shoot to the person to your left or right. At the end of the day, if your branding photography looks different from everyone else’s, that might actually be a good thing.

That’s a good thing because it means you took time to capture the unique business you were working with rather than trying to fit that business into a cookie-cutter model. When you do that, the business you’re serving is going to feel much more seen and happy with their photos in the end – I guarantee it!

How to Successfully Brand Your Business

Branding your business doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, and you don’t have to waste thousands of dollars trying to get it right. When you give yourself grace, find your voice, take your time, search for your specialty, and own your niche, you’ll avoid the most common branding mistakes and end up with a business (and brand) you’re proud of!

Again, this takes a lot of time and I cannot stress enough that if you allow yourself the time, grit, and grace to push yourself to invest and learn from others who have gone before you, I promise you, you will find more of YOUR voice for your business!

If you are interested in learning more about the foundations of building a brand for your small business, I highly recommend checking out Abby Grace Photography’s branding foundations course! I get no benefit from sharing this course, and I know it is beneficial for ANY small business owner (not just a photographer).

I know I still have a long ways to go if I continue to build my photography and business systems education business in the years to come, but I am so happy for all the lessons I have learned as I have built out a stronger foundation for Dolly DeLong Photography & Dolly DeLong Education! Although I am curious to see where 2023 and beyond will take me, I am so grateful for how far I have come (again, not on my own, but by the many many many blessings of God, many lessons learned, and many people who have invested in me along the way)! 

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