It’s the 2020’s, and the business world in Calgary is moving faster than ever. Visual brand photography isn’t just a bonus anymore — it’s essential. It’s your first impression, your handshake, your story… and it can make or break how people perceive your brand.
Why is visual branding so important in 2025?
It’s the first thing people notice.
Our brains process images 80,000 times faster than text, so even on a subconscious level, what people see sticks with them. Plus, visual content is 40 times more likely to be shared on social media than text-only content. [source]
When you have a consistent visual identity, people can recognize your brand instantly.
That means more awareness, and more loyalty.
Images and videos spark feelings, inspire action, and build deeper relationships with your community. It’s not a sales tactic — it’s literally how we’re wired.
In today’s online world, competition is fierce. The one thing making your brand stand out from the crowd is YOU… and the easiest way for people to get a feel for who you are, is through personal branding photos.
Your visuals should reflect the quality and value of what you offer.
If your brand looks thrown together, people might assume your service is the same. Brand photos are about crafting a visual story that reflects your personality, values, and expertise.
Personal branding photography isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about creating an arsenal of marketing tools that you can use for months & years to come.
✨ Looking for a Calgary brand photographer? Check out my services right here!
Does EVERY Calgary business need brand photography?
This might come as a surprise, but nope! Not every business in Calgary needs brand photos.
If you’re a brand new account and you’re just starting your business, hold up for a second.
Maybe you’re selling baskets, because you know how to make them… and they’re pretty rad. In that case, grab a $12.99 course online that teaches you how to take product shots on your phone—that’ll work just fine for now. I don’t want to take your money and have you left with no idea what to do with your images.
Once your business grows and involves bigger asks from your clients – like payment upfront – it’s time to think about professional brand photography. This isn’t just for big corporations; it’s especially beneficial for professionals in fields like beauty, fashion, health, and wellness.
When potential clients trust you, they’re more likely to spend their money with you. Building trust is key for any business owner. People connect with you when they can see your face, understand your energy, and get a sense of your brand. Brand photos make this process much easier.
✨ Not sure if you’re looking for a corporate headshot, or personal branding photos? Read this post!
How brand photos boost your bottom line
When I started in print design, my clients would buy space in a magazine — maybe two business card ads, side by side, at the astronomical price of $4000.
They would target one demographic, and they had to sell HARD. There was no room for building relationships. It was simply, “Here’s what we’re selling, and here’s where you get it.”
But things have changed.
We’re bombarded with more sales messages than ever before.
Don’t you find it really refreshing to run across an account where you feel like you know the person behind it? A brand you can relate to and maybe even have a conversation with?
Social media, especially when it’s used thoughtfully, is a powerful tool for both personal connection AND sales.
Face-to-camera videos feel awkward at first, but the more you share, the easier it gets.
The best part? You don’t have to be “on” all the time. Lean into your branding photos so that you can prioritize your mental health and take breaks when you need to.
Here’s your permission slip for a business that’s easier, warmer and friendlier, AND gets you working with your dream clients.
When we work together, those are the conversations we’re having. What are you trying to say? Who do you want to attract? How can we help you show up in a way that naturally represents you? The right brand photos can help your person say, “Oh, okay, she’s for me.”
✨ Looking for a Calgary brand photographer? Check out my services right here!
A real life Calgary business example
I once worked with a client who bought an existing wellness company… and there are a million of those.
My first advice for them? Focus on perfecting the product. Don’t worry about Instagram until you know exactly what you’re selling. If your product isn’t great, you’re going to be wasting your time.
So they focused on that, and they’ve developed an incredible product.
But how do you set yourself apart from the competition? Well, it’s YOU. It’s your quirks, your passions, your unique perspective… that’s what sets you apart. It’s your little chihuahuas that both hold positions in your company. It’s the fact that you wear your lucky sweater every time you launch a new product because even though you have 4 years of business school under your belt, the added ritual can’t hurt, right?.
We all know that authenticity is important… but sometimes, it’s tough to know what parts of ourselves to share. I get it. That’s where I come in! When we work together, we’ll uncover your unique brand story and translate it into visuals that’ll help attract your perfect fit clients without putting your whole life story out there.
✨ Not sure if you’re looking for a corporate headshot, or personal branding photos? Read this post!
When it’s time for a brand photo refresh
Are your current brand photos still working for you? Do they feel exciting? Can you crop them, repurpose them, and use them in different ways? If so, keep using ‘em.
But if you’re approaching a new season within your business life, maybe it’s time for a refresh. Launching a new product? Expanding your team? Is the market shifting in a way you should adapt to? Or do you just need a jolt to get excited about showing up online again? That’s a great time for new photos!
That said, I believe in efficiency. If you can get six months of use out of one big shoot, let’s maximize that. Monthly shoots aren’t necessary unless they really align with your goals. Your time is valuable and it takes a lot of mental capacity to prepare for a shoot. Let’s make the most of it and create something that works hard for you!
Finding your perfect brand photographer
I actually love that the brand photography industry in Calgary (and really, everywhere) is so saturated. It means there’s a right fit photographer for everyone!
You need to find someone who understands your brand — and can help you take it where you want it to go. Here are a few questions to ask while you’re searching for your perfect match:
- Does their style align with your brand’s aesthetic? Do their photos make you stop and say, “Wow, I love that”?
- What do past clients say about working with them? Check out their reviews or testimonials!
- What’s their process like? Will you get down to the nitty gritty of your marketing, or is it more about capturing a certain aesthetic? This one is huge! Find someone who will empower you to use these images as powerful marketing tools, not just pretty pictures.
- What about their pricing and availability?
And here’s a pro tip: Meet them for a quick chat before you commit. It’s the best way to see if you click and feel comfortable working together! Don’t underestimate the power of a skilled photographer to capture the essence of your brand. When you find the right one, it’s a game-changer.
A lot of times people (myself included) think, “Well, I can do that myself.” And actually, you can… but it’s not the same.
- When you’re alone with a camera, it’s hard to relax and capture your real self. There’s nobody to flow off of. You snap a photo, then go look at the camera, and say, “I don’t like that.” Okay. Adjust your head. And repeat. All of this takes you out of your creative flow.
- All of that back and forth results in you not feeling comfortable during your session, which means that your photos aren’t comfortable to look at. When you’re looking at an image of somebody, you might not be able to put a finger on it, but it doesn’t feel right if they’re not comfortable. That’s doing your business a disservice. We want YOUR BEST SELF to come out of the screen. And for that to happen, the process needs to feel great too. If it’s not fun, we’re not doing it right.
- You see yourself differently than we see you. That’s why I’ll always give you a selection of my favourite photos. I’m drawn to the images that show you in the way that I see you, you as a business owner. For example, I might love that big, wide-open smile photo because it feels exuberant and matches your energy. But maybe you’ll look at it and only see your bottom teeth. So instead, you’ll prefer the one taken a second later.
And that’s totally okay! When you love your photos, when you feel that it represents you properly, when you’re comfortable with them — THAT’S when you’re going to use them. And that’s what I give you: photos that make you excited to show up as yourself.
Remember, your brand’s visual identity is an investment in your future.
✨ Not sure if you’re looking for a corporate headshot, or personal branding photos? Read this post!
When we shoot together, we’ll have fun, organic conversations about what worked in your past content and what didn’t. While we chat, I’m already envisioning how we can kick your photos up a notch. I’m considering how we can crop these, or how we can add text to them. I’m thinking about how you can use them on Instagram or LinkedIn. Basically, I’m handling the nerdy side of things — you can relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about the details.
I’ll also help you with your sales strategy. We’ll experiment with different poses and expressions to see what’s going to work best. For example, crossing your arms while standing versus wearing the same outfit, but sitting on the side of a chair creates completely different vibes.. I’ll guide you through poses that look natural and confident.
As we shoot, I usually end up taking mental notes on the conversations that spark the most energy. These can be used to plan your content! This process is a low-pressure way to brainstorm, generate ideas, and capture your authentic voice.
THAT’S why you hire me. I’m your creative marketing partner.
tl;dr
Here’s what professional personal branding photography can do for you:
- Make you look professional and trustworthy
- Help you stand out from the crowd
- Attract clients who are actually a right-fit for you
✨ Looking for a Calgary brand photographer? Check out my services right here!
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