”It's not just about making things look good; it's the key to making a great first impression, and getting people to stop scrolling in today’s digital era.
LEILANI BALESOCIAL MEDIA, DESIGN & CONTENT MANAGER
Firstly, what is brand photography?
To put it simply, it’s a collection of images that aim to visually tell a brand’s story – their beliefs, values and the type of client experience they can expect to encounter with you. This visual identity is achieved through colours, sets, props, models and textures — just to name a few!
If you want to ace your client’s brand photography, you’ll need a range of top-notch images that give their social media and other marketing materials a cohesive look that lasts. So let’s get into it.
Why is brand photography important?
In today’s world, visuals matter more than ever. The images on your social media can determine whether a user quickly returns to scrolling or sticks around to dive into the content.
Here are 6 key reasons why a strong visual identity is essential on Social Media:
- It establishes your brand identity: On-brand photography ensures a brand’s personality matches their message, product offering and values.
- First impressions matter: Professional and on-brand photos create a positive first impression, establishing credibility with potential customers, particularly those who may have this as their first introduction to the brand.
- Consistency assists brand recognition: Ensuring the visuals are consistent across social media and other marketing platforms allows customers to easily recognise and trust the brand.
- Emotional Connection: Great content connects with its audience on a personal level, making the brand more relatable, leading to brand loyalty.
- Increased Engagement: Well-crafted images are more likely to be shared on social media and engage the desired audience, expanding the brand’s reach.
- Competitive Edge: In a world where looks matter, on-brand photos can make a brand stand out from the crowd and bring in potential customers.
How can I achieve on-brand photography?
Know the brand: First off, get to know your client’s brand inside and out. Ask your client if they can supply you with their brand book or branding guidelines – this is key, and will determine how you approach the photography itself as well as post production.
Plan, plan plan: Create a shot list – where, when, who and what brand elements need to go in each shot. Creating a moodboard can also really help to visualise the look and feel of the photoshoot (and is great fun to create too!) Make sure you curate a list of any extra props you might need – this includes extra lighting and equipment.Edit consistently: Always refer back to the clients brand book. If your client doesn’t have specific branding guidelines make sure to have a conversation with them about what they want and what their expectations are.
Ask for feedback: Feel free to have an open conversation with your client and ask them what they think. Don’t be afraid of constructive criticism – when you actively seek feedback, you show that you care about delivering the best possible service. Plus, it’s a great way to build a stronger connection with your clients. So, just ask, listen, and learn!
Achieving engaging and high-quality brand photography is all about capturing a brand’s essence through carefully curated visuals. It’s not just about making things look good; it’s the key to making a great first impression, and getting people to stop scrolling in today’s digital era. Happy snapping!
