7 Photos You Need for Your Brand

You’ve probably heard this millions upon millions of times, but a picture is worth a thousand words. Photos play an important part in any brand, whether it’s the Instagram post announcing your next deal, your contact page image, your postcard insert in your product packages, or a blog graphic. You may have the means to take your own high-quality photos for your brand (and by all means, do!), but if you don’t, I’ve got a great list of resources for you at the bottom of this post.

So what are these 7 photos you need for your brand? Trust me, they really are important - and I started thinking about them even before realizing this would make a great blog post for my readers! When I was building this very website, I had to think about what images I’d need for each page, and research where to find them. The same for my own brand - I had to think through what types of images would work for my social media, and what I needed to visually illustrate my brand! Let’s get started.

1. The bio photo. That’s right - a headshot! You need a photo of YOU. Depending on your brand design, colors, feel, etc., you may need to get these done professionally so that they match your branding package. This photo can go on your About Me page, your homepage, or your social media profiles, and is crucial for building a relationship with your customers or clients. They need to see you’re a real, live person, and feel like they are interacting with a human. If your business has a team, make sure you have headshots of everyone!

2. Contact photo. On your contact page or get in touch page, you should have an image that evokes that feeling, such as a journal, a pen and paper, a laptop, a phone, etc. It’s not necessary, but it helps to create a theme around that page specifically, and brings to mind the idea of contacting someone. If you have a photo of you talking with a client or writing a letter or typing an email, even better!

3. Behind-the-scenes photos. Is your business hands-on? Do you create your own product or have the ability to showcase your services practically? Get some photos of that! That type of image is invaluable and will help to show your client/customer what goes on in the business. Again, if these are ‘branded’ images (following the specific guidelines of your brand package), they’ll last forever and can be reused.

4. Flat lay photos. This is usually a top-down image, showcasing tools or items that evoke your brand, arranged either symmetrically or randomly. This type of image works really well for social media, and is even more valuable if there’s a little white space to add a quote or announcement.

5. Abstract patterns, backgrounds, or details. These images work wonderfully as ‘filler’ photos! You can use them as the background for a Facebook cover photo, part of a collage, or as a quote/announcement graphic on social media. Just be sure that they are ‘on brand’!

6. Narrative photos. These photos tell a story, and may include different elements that combine to illustrate your brand’s story. Whether that’s a photo of a natural skincare product together with a pile of raw sugar and lavender blossoms, or a carved wooden spoon together with seeds or pine needles. Go as abstract or as obvious as you like!

7. Brand value photos. This kind of photo is a bit more abstract, and may take some research and thought. You’ll want to think carefully about your brand, and what kind of brand value photo you want to utilize. Whether it’s a beautifully set dinner table to illustrate your company’s hospitality values, or a wild outdoor scene showcasing how your business interacts with nature.

Where to find these photos? Keep scrolling for some of my favorite resources!

STOCK

• Unsplash. This is a free resource, and is chock-full of gorgeous stock photography that covers all topics and interests. Unsplash also includes some gorgeous abstract imagery and background photos! They even have flat lay images.

• Pixabay is very similar to Unsplash, with an alternate selection of images. A great place to find beautiful stock photos!

• Moyo Studio. Moyo is an independent design studio. They create their own stock images as well as mockups, for sale individually. They currently offer 50 free images when you sign up for their newsletter! I couldn’t recommend them more. (They also offer studio membership and access to all of their images/mockups with one quarterly payment, but their 2020 membership is closing Friday, May 15, so don’t wait if you want to invest in $1500 worth of imagery!).

BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

• Cara Sandford Studios. Cara took all of the personal photos you see of me on this website, including those lovely headshots and action shots! She has a beautiful eye for position and angle, and her editing style is unmatched.

• The Subscription Photographer. Alexis offers a full subscription photography service monthly! This is a great option for businesses and creatives who need fresh photo content each month, that's custom-made for their specific brand.

• RaeEllen Photography. Rachel offers specific branding sessions, which is invaluable if you are looking to build a back stock of custom brand images. This kind of investment is so important for a new brand - or a business doing a re-brand!

• Sydney Kerbyson. Sydney’s photography style is absolutely gorgeous - her dreamy editing makes me want to hire her to document every aspect of life. Her style is perfect for a rustic, slightly moody brand.

In the very beginning stages of brand development? I’m happy to help with any questions you may have! Send me a note at melodyfulone@gmail.com. Interested in hiring me as your brand designer? I would be honored! My contact page is below!