Have you been wondering if you actually need professional brand photography for digital marketing? Or if the cost of brand photography is worth it? When I first started Momentum in 2021, a branding photoshoot was on my list of “optional” start up expenses. But now, it’s one of the first things I encourage my clients to invest in if they haven’t already. 

In the world of digital marketing, whether it’s through a Google search or on social media, imagery plays a huge role in your client experience. Which is exactly why I interviewed Shelby Dubin from the lead photographer of Shelby Dubin Photography.  She creates on brand photography and videography for entrepreneurs and creatives, with a passion for bringing her client’s visual story to life to help better sell your services/products and connect with their dream clients. And today she’s spilling all her secrets on capturing your ideal client’s attention with your marketing and building an unforgettable brand through brand photography.

Q: What role does branding play in your personal marketing strategy? Why is it important to clearly understand and be able to express your brand as a small business owner?

As a photographer who works with other businesses on their “branding”, it was important to me when creating my brand that I created a feel authentic to me but also something that allows my clients to shine. 

Creating branding that did not distract from client’s work but also made it clear that it was mine was the big goal. This includes little details, for example, when I post on Instagram, I always use a black square around images and a black background in stories. Blending the idea of you and me to tell the story that I can create images that include my aesthetic but honor your brand guidelines and goals was always the main focus.

Q: In today’s digital marketing age, how can small businesses leverage branding photography to create a more impactful online presence and engage their target audience effectively across various platforms?

Everything is imagery! You need to stand out, be consistent, and make yourself known in the world and one of the easiest ways to do that is with your imagery. You can’t judge a book by a cover but we do so you might as well make yours extra pretty! 

People connect with your brand from many different angles and one of the first things they always see is your imagery. If it is true to you and consistent across all the platforms, that puts you one step closer to building an unforgettable brand!

Q: How can small business owners identify and articulate their unique brand identity in order for it to be effectively captured through photography?

This is the fun part! Creating the ideas behind the imagery is the best part of the process! 

Start with colors. What are your brand colors? Bring them to life through clothes and props! Which leads to the next step, props! Using props that help tell your story and showcase your feeling of your brand. Let’s say you want to use a phone in some imagery. Are you a modern brand that would use an iphone with a phone case that has your logo on it? Maybe your brand has more of a vintage feel so you find an old rotary phone in your brand colors! The devil is in the details!

Let’s bring this to life with some examples. I’ll list some brand descriptors and you provide a short summary of how someone might effectively bring that vibe to life through photography.

If your brand is edgy, bold, rebellious…

You will want to start by finding a space that gives an edgy vibe. Maybe somewhere black and white. The furniture might be leather or have elements of red and other bold colors. Your outfits will reflect the same, incorporating pieces with texture like leather or lace and mostly black with a bold color that is in your brand. Some props might include a disco ball, magic 8 ball, cocktail, custom tights, and red lipstick! Even get flames painted on your nails! You will want your photographer to maybe use some direct flash or hash lighting to create more bold imagery!

MVS Take: If you know your brand archetype, these brand descriptors would definitely be a fit for the Outlaw archetype.

If your brand is intuitive, holistic, nurturing…

Locate a space that feels calm and open. This could be a yoga studio, big open white space with plants or even somewhere in nature. There will probably be a lot of white and neutral tones reflected in clothing choices and materials such as linen or cotton. Some props may include crystals, blankets, books, sage, and other healing elements. The feel should be bright and airy or more warm in the woods!

MVS Take: If you know your brand archetype, these brand descriptors likely fit for the following archetypes: Caregiver, Innocent, Sage. These are common descriptors for brands in the health and wellness industry.

If your brand is lavish, refined, elite…

Let’s get glam! Locate a space that is architecturally strong. This could include wood paneled walls, molding, or high end finishes. Minimal will be the goal and overall feeling, letting your energy be the shining star! Outfits will be well tailored and might include a suit, heels, bold jewelry, and high end accessories. For props, you could use a martini, cigars, poker table, and anything that feels high end!

MVS Take: If you know your brand archetype, these brand descriptors likely fit for the following archetypes: Ruler, Hero, or even the Creator.

If your brand is sleek, alluring, feminine…

Femme fatale! Your photoshoot location might have soft elements and furniture with textures including velvet or boucle. Outfit choices can be fun and flirty with pinks, and soft colors. The clothing choices might have fun elements such as rhinestone buttons or feather details around the cuff. Props should be flirty and fresh and might include lipstick, bubbles, cakes or cupcakes and a pink retro phone! 

MVS Take: If you know your brand archetype, these brand descriptors are a perfect fit for the Lover archetype.

Q: What advice do you have for small businesses when it comes to choosing the right photographer that aligns with their brand and will enhance their brand story through photography?

For choosing the right photographer, take a look at their work and see how it makes you feel! If it makes you feel something then you are on the right track! Next, you should definitely set up a call with them and see how you feel talking to them! Photography can be quite vulnerable, so you should choose someone that you would want to go to lunch with! Lastly, ask questions. What does their process look like? Do they help with planning? What are the deliverables? Have they photographed your industry before? You need to have trust in your photographer that they not only capture the imagery you need but can also guide you through the process!

Q: Are there any common mistakes or misconceptions that you see small businesses make when it comes to branding photography?

The biggest mistake is seeing businesses play it safe! If you are going to invest time, money, and energy into a photo session, dream big and go for it! If the extra $100 is causing you to pause, just know that investment could come back 10 fold. 

Another misconception is that businesses think they don’t need it so they don’t invest and then something comes up and they miss the boat because they don’t have images to submit! Even if it feels like you aren’t ready, sometimes it is better to have something in your arsenal than to scramble at the last minute! 

MVS Take: I’m not saying you need 1,000 images, but scheduling a branding session that can produce 20-40 quality images is a great place to start. You’ll use them as website images, social media assets, and client deliverables, just to name a few.

Q: Can you share some advice on how small business owners can best prepare for a branding photography session to ensure a successful outcome?

Treat yourself! The entire experience should be FUN! This is not just to capture pretty photos but to celebrate your business and all of your successes this far! Treat yourself to the manicure and pedicure, book the blowout, and enjoy the process! Make sure to get good sleep the night before *even though you will be too excited to sleep* and take a deep breath! 

MVS Take: I’ve booked four brand photography sessions thus far, and my biggest tip? Don’t wait until the last minute to order your outfits, or the night before to try them on. Confidence is tangible in front of the camera. You want to make sure that you feel beautiful and confident in the outfits you choose. Also, make sure to hydrate!

Q: How can my readers stay connected and learn from you?

Learn more about Shelby’s process and book a session with her: https://shelbydubinphotography.com/

Follow her on Instagram for inspo: https://www.instagram.com/shelbydubinphotography
Check out Shelby’s latest content creation offer: https://www.instagram.com/socialrebelexperience/

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In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Michaela – content writer, behind the scenes expert, and chaos coordinator (aka the virgo energy to your creative spirit). 

And I’m completely obsessed with helping you turn your journal full of ideas into profit driving offers with research backed strategy, magnetic content, and streamlined systems. It’s about time you got the all-inclusive support you deserve – and I’m here to make it happen.

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