The Importance of Photography in Launching a New Business or Brand

Starting a business and building yourself as a recognizable name within your community involves a lot of moving parts. Having a smart strategic plan for your first year is critical in getting the word out, building trust and rapport, and ensuring that you show up to tell your story with impact and consistency. I believe in creating a rich collection of images for each and every client, so they can have options. Need to update your profile image and your About Page on your web site? Seeking visuals to use for your ads / newsletters / launch materials? Wanting new ways to stop the scroll and connect with your community in the ever changing social media landscape? Having options helps.

Hannah Dietz, DACM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine) came to me at this moment of transition as she prepared to launch herself as a figure in her local acupuncture, bodywork, and herbal medicine landscape. She hired me for both headshots and a lifestyle shoot to showcase one of her sessions while also celebrating some of the beauty and power in the ingredients featured in Chinese herbal medicine. We wanted a look for Hannah’s personal branding that was clean and accessible and respectful of the subject of holistic health all while conveying Hannah’s work creating purposeful, tangible change for her patients.

“Nicole did an excellent job with the collection of photos for my business! She is a pleasure to work with and was accommodating to all my needs. I highly recommend her services!” - Hannah Dietz, DACM

Key types of images that can help in your first year:

YOU: Consider the story you're sharing. Where are YOU? To fully communicate the core values and purpose that forms the foundation of your products and services it can be invaluable to be able to connect one on one. We want to know the people behind the businesses we love. When you allow yourself to share the spotlight with your offerings you're telling people that you stand behind your efforts and that you see and respect them as valued individuals who are part of a community. Connection is key. So give yourself the opportunity to make a first (and lasting) impression that not only feels current and professional but also artfully aligned with who you are and your audience.

YOUR WORK: Show people what you do and what you offer! Whether you are a service provider or maker or producer of goods, it’s important to convey the work that you do in a way that will attract and resonate. Welcome people by showcasing your process and key components involved in your work, and signature offerings. While it's great to take and share snapshots of your work to provide a sense of immediacy and authenticity to your brand, there may simply be limitations to your particular skill set behind the lens. When it comes to certain critically important shots that serve as your key sales tools (online store, web site and newsletter anchor images, core marketing materials) quality (visual impact, clarity, composition, color accuracy) really matters.

IMPACT IMAGES: Sometimes you need those "wow" shots! ⁣These as your stop-the-scroll images you will use for the banner on your web site’s home page, the key announcement when you launch your business and host events, and your newsletter shots as you’re growing your mailing list. With my work these are often styled shots created with great intention and care, designed to inspire a sense of curiosity and engagement.

If YOU are preparing to launch a business or your personal brand and want to be prepared the make the best first impression please reach out. You can take a look at some other examples of my Headshot Photography and Product Photography.