Branding photography – why content creation is about more than just external marketing
We only have to scroll for a small amount of time to know how crucial it is to have stand out imagery that reflects our brand. It’s a given that great photography not only gives the best first impression, but used consistently it also helps you build a strong brand identity. Therefore it’s little surprise that the first thing on our minds when we consider branding photography is probably getting our message out there.
Yet, as they say on the reels these days, ‘maybe it’s controversial’ but I believe it does so much more than stop someone in their feed. A few weeks ago I was excited to spend the day with Heidi Bakery in Windsor. During my time there, I visited their shops and I also spent time in their central kitchen, where their pastries and cakes are so beautifully handcrafted. It was a first for me on the work front - I’ve never photographed a kitchen in action before, but watching their team at work was a huge reminder to me how much more than external marketing comes from the process of updating branding photography.
When I’m chatting with people about working with together, I’m always clear that I believe a set of photos has a time and place. One album of pictures will not last forever, because things won’t stay the same. I only have to look back at my first website to know this is true for me as much as anyone. My first reaction was to make light of the cringe factor of my past choices, but it’s important to catch myself because as I would say to you, we don’t get here without having been there.
That’s why regularly updating your branding photography is also about highlighting design and innovation. You’re visually telling the story of how you’re evolving, how your designs and systems adapt to your developing context and how you innovate to offer the best to your customers. It's all part of recognising that you’re growing and stating your aspirations for where you’re heading. We know there isn’t a single definition of growth, that it’s personal, but we all have our version of ‘how it started’ and ‘how it’s going’ and that is never more evident than in the content we create.
Without a doubt, at the core of every successful business are the people who make it happen. Whether you’re going solo, or you’re leading a wider team, one of the things I love the most about working with people on their branding photography is how it offers them the opportunity to see what it looks like from the outside.
We spend such a large part of our lives at work and yet so rarely do we see ourselves in action. Designing, teaching, leading - I hope that bringing me in as your photographer will give you the opportunity stop and celebrate the skill and talent it takes to do what you and your people do every day.
Whether you’re at the very start, and you’re wondering how it will all come together, or you’re down the line and well established, you can learn more about my branding photography here.