The 5 Types of Brand Photos Every Entrepreneur Needs
So you’ve decided to invest in a brand shoot — amazing. Now what? It’s time to make sure your session covers more than just “a few cute shots.” Because when done right, brand photography doesn’t just look good — it works for your business.
To make your photos both magnetic and strategic, I always build sessions around these 5 essential image types:
1. The Headshot (But Make It Feel Like You)
Yes, you still need one.
But not the stiff, overly airbrushed kind that screams corporate brochure.
You need a headshot that feels approachable, confident, and recognizably you.
This image is your digital handshake — it should match your vibe and make people lean in.
2. Lifestyle Photos
These set the tone of your brand.
Think: you walking through your city, journaling with coffee, or laughing mid-convo.
Lifestyle photos show your personality and invite your audience into your world. They’re perfect for websites, speaker bios, and social media banners.
3. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS)
Let people see the magic.
Whether you’re on Zoom with clients, mapping out a plan on your whiteboard, or curating content — these images show you in action.
They build trust by showing that you don’t just talk about your work — you’re doing it.
4. In-Action / Client Experience Shots
Capture the transformation.
Show what it feels like to work with you.
If you're a coach, healer, or creative, we want imagery that reflects the emotional journey — clarity, release, empowerment. These moments sell the experience, not just the service.
5. Detail Shots
Think of these as the supporting visuals:
Your hands on a laptop, your favorite tools, your curated props.
They add texture and dimension to your content.
Perfect for website design, sales pages, and captions that need a visual without always being face-forward.
The magic happens when these photo types work together to tell one powerful story — yours. So if you’re planning a shoot, don’t wing it. Strategize it.
Because with the right images in your toolkit, your brand won’t just be seen — it’ll be remembered.
Candace Smith | The Essence Photographer- Denver-based photographer, traveling globally.