One of the questions I’m asked most often before a brand photography session is:
“What photos do I actually need?”
Most business owners know they want better imagery for their website and social media, but it’s not always obvious which types of photos will be the most useful.
A good brand shoot should give you a library of images you can use across your website, social media, newsletters and marketing. The goal isn’t just one nice headshot – it’s a collection of images that tell the story of your business.
Here are ten of the most useful images every business owner should have.
1. A friendly headshot
This is often the first photo people look for when they visit your website.
A good headshot helps people feel like they already know you before they even get in touch. It’s perfect for your homepage, about page, LinkedIn profile and speaking engagements.
The key is keeping it natural and approachable – the kind of photo that makes someone think “I’d like to work with them.”
2. You working
People love to see what you actually do.
Whether that’s photographing a client, working at your desk, sketching designs or preparing a product, these images help people understand your process.
They’re brilliant for website pages that explain your services.
3. Client interaction
If your work involves people, photos of you interacting with clients can be incredibly powerful.
These images help potential clients imagine what it’s like to work with you and show the experience you create.
They build trust in a way that words alone often can’t.
4. Detail shots of your work
Sometimes the small details tell the story best.
Close-up images of your tools, products or creative process add visual interest and help bring your work to life.
They’re perfect for website sections, blog posts and social media.
5. Workspace imagery
Your environment says a lot about your brand.
Whether you work from a studio, office, café or home workspace, photographs of your surroundings help create context for your business.
They also make great background images for websites and presentations.
6. A relaxed lifestyle portrait
Not every image needs to be you looking directly at the camera.
Lifestyle portraits – walking, laughing, or simply being yourself – add warmth and personality to your brand photography.
These images are great for social media and storytelling content.
7. Social media content images
Brand shoots are a brilliant opportunity to create images specifically for Instagram, LinkedIn and other platforms.
These might include slightly more informal images, vertical shots for stories or moments that feel more spontaneous.
They give you content that feels natural and easy to share.
8. A website banner image
Most websites need a wide image that can sit comfortably across the top of a page.
These photographs often include a little more space around you so they work well with text overlays.
Planning a few of these during a shoot makes designing your website much easier later.
9. Brand personality images
These are the images that show the person behind the business.
Maybe it’s you holding a coffee, reading a book, walking through a location that reflects your brand or laughing between shots.
They might not explain your services directly, but they help people connect with you.
And connection is often what leads someone to enquire.
10. Behind-the-scenes moments
Some of the most loved images from brand shoots are the unplanned moments.
The in-between laughter, the setup of your tools, or a quiet moment while you’re working.
These photographs add authenticity to your brand and work beautifully on social media.
How these images work across your business
The beauty of brand photography is that one shoot can provide imagery for so many places.
Your photos might end up being used on:
• your website
• Instagram and LinkedIn
• newsletters
• blog posts
• marketing materials
• press features or speaking events
Having a strong library of imagery makes showing up online so much easier.
Planning your own brand shoot
If you’re considering a brand photography session, thinking about these types of images in advance can really help shape the shoot.
My aim is always to create a collection of photographs that feel natural, reflect your personality and give you plenty of content to use across your business.
Because when the right images are in place, marketing your business suddenly feels much simpler.
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