Brand photos for website design are like chocolate and peanut butter — aka, a match made in heaven. I’ve designed dozens of websites, and the number one thing that’ll take your website from good to great is high quality brand photos.
Without high quality photos, even the most well-crafted design can crash and burn. It’s like trying to build a skyscraper with toothpicks… no fun, and you’re not going to get anywhere fast.
Hi, I’m Doreen, owner & lead designer at Knap Creative. Around here, we’re all about building powerful websites that are designed to attract your ideal person, build trust, and turn them into loyal clients.
You know what’s really, really helpful?
Brand photos.
Honestly, they’re the cornerstone of a great website design.
If you’re considering investing in your brand and aren’t sure where to start, make photography your first priority. Great photos give your designer the tools to create a website that’s more than just pretty. They can:
- Build trust, big time. I don’t want to buy from a faceless corporation; I want to buy from a human and I’ll feel so much better about it if I can see their face first.
- Elevate your brand. Want to be instantly recognizable? Brand photos. Want to make sure that we understand that you’re actually great at what you do? (YES YOU CAN ADMIT IT. In fact, please do.) Brand photos.
- Boost conversions on your website. The right photos can encourage website visitors to take action — whether it’s making a big purchase, or signing up for your newsletter.
Ready to get into the specifics of what we want you to get out of your brand photo shoot? Let’s go.
Your website designer wants to see: versatile, out-of-the-box photos
We’ve all been scrolling Instagram long enough to have seen thousands of photos of a woman in a beige pantsuit, sipping coffee and staring thoughtfully at her laptop. I’ve actually posted — and continue to post — this kind of photo, too. They’ll do the job… but you know what’s even better? 👇
Opt for dynamic photos that showcase your unique style.
Are you a financial advisor who finds inspiration in nature? Pull on that blazer and get outside! A creative entrepreneur who loves vintage fashion? Add props, locations, and activities that align with your personality and values. The more unique your photos are, the more memorable your website will be.
A well executed brand photo session is going to (1) stop the scroll; (2) make your brand “sticky;” and (3) attract clients that are actually a perfect fit for you.
Your website designer wants to see: Photos that AREN’T in your brand palette
That’s right, you heard me. Sometimes, less is more.
Those vibrant colours are perfect for your Instagram, but for your website, there are times that we need to keep things a bit more neutral. We’ll be incorporating your brand colours into the design, and a neutral backdrop will really make them shine.
That plum scarf that you bought especially for the shoot is gorgeous, but keep it simple. Oh, and plants can be a great way to add life to your photos without overwhelming the scene.
One last quick note: make sure your wardrobe and props are multi-seasonal! You might get a quarterly or even a monthly brand photo session to keep your social media feed looking fresh and current, but chances are you don’t want to be swapping your website photos multiple times per year. You don’t want to be wearing a turtleneck and blowing out a cozy candle in July, right? Think about keeping your website brand photos as evergreen (aka, good all year long) as possible.
Your website designer wants to see: A wide selection of photos, from every angle
There’s nothing more frustrating than designing a world-class website only to realize that you don’t have the right photos. You need a variety to bring your website to life. So that seemingly unnecessary questionnaire your photographer sends you before your shoot? Yeah, it’s necessary, and this is exactly why.
Imagine having an about page with the perfect layout and copy that knocks my socks off, but not a single photo where you’re looking directly at the camera. A thoughtfully placed photo is the perfect way to invite potential clients to connect with you. Or having someone click from your home page to your services page, then leaving without reading anything, because it looks pretty much the same. Bummer, right?
Here are the photos you need for your website:
Close-ups:
Let’s see your personality! Close shots of your face help build trust and rapport with your website visitors… and that’s HUGE when it comes to them making a purchasing decision.
Medium shots:
Showcase your style and body language. (Shout-out to Tamara for knowing exactly how to pose you on that conversion-oriented sales page vs the warm & fuzzy about page!)
Long shots:
Set the stage for your brand. Long shots can be used to show your workspace, a cozy corner of your home, or whatever you choose to communicate your vibes.
Flat lays and details:
These are great for adding visual interest to your website. They work great as backgrounds, but it’s also nice to have something that’s not “POW! MY FACE! AGAIN!!” 🤣 You can feature your favourite products, tools, or creative materials. Such a fun way to share behind the scenes without being cheesy about it.
Action shots:
Of course, we also need to communicate your energy and enthusiasm. Showing you in action, whether it’s working on something you love or enjoying a hobby, makes your brand more relatable — and more credible. Double win!
Your website should not only wow your audience, but also build trust and drive results. When you have an arsenal of photos that range from close-ups that showcase your personality to long shots that set the scene, each image contributes to your brand’s story and engages your community… and that’s where the rubber hits the road!
A great brand photographer (ahem, Tamara) knows how to get to the heart of your marketing strategy, so that your photos actually sell. She’ll work with you to create images that not only look good but also do good. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.
Want more?
