Photography is everywhere, social media such as Instagram, Pinterest and a host of other platforms have made it the norm especially through digital channels. With increased access to cameras and high-quality camera phones, everyday photographers and professionals have the opportunity to broaden their photography skillset. However, it is more important than ever to deliver differentiated photography to help elevate your brand from that of the competition.
Quality imagery compliments your brand and will help grab the attention of a broader audience. It also keeps the attention of customers and potential customers. You must invest time in determining the type of imagery that makes sense for your specific brand. As a result, good photography that suits your brand needs to begin with strong marketing.
What do you want your brand to represent? How will it be differentiated in the market?
When developing a strong personal brand, many elements come into play. To build a solid foundation, we must tap into our qualities and vision. This is about our brand’s character, values, and personality. For example, for my own lensball photography named Refractique, I utilize stunning visuals of my lensball product in beautiful natural settings such as the sunset going down at the beach like in the below example. Once we have a precise understanding of how we wish to be perceived, we can begin outlining a branding strategy which should then feed into other aspects such as photography.
Source: Refractique Lensball US
Hundreds of the decisions that we make in our daily lives are driven by the visual cues that we see. This could be in deciding what we eat for breakfast or what we wear that day. We choose what we eat, shop for, and make several other decisions based on what we see. As a result, your brand’s photography creates an initial impression to the market.
Choosing Quality Photos
Visuals are highly recognizable in our everyday lives. That’s why you must use images that will establish a connection to your viewers and elicit a strong emotional response ideally. When you have captured a viewer’s attention and created a connection, it leads the way for that person to become more deeply attached to your brand. When choosing imagery, take the time to analyze your market. Determine if a set of images accurately conveys your brand’s mission. Choose creative images that are relevant to your industry. This will give viewers a clear sense of what it is that you do and the way you do it.
Essentially, all we say and do impact the way others see us. Branding reflects our character, talents, skills, and passions. Maintaining consistency in the styling of your photographs is a key factor in establishing your brand. You are more recognizable when your style is consistent across all social media platforms. This includes your website and advertising. A brand is better received when it is recognizable. So think about how you will establish consistency.
Source: Pinterest
Visuals
As you prepare for photographs, consider the various aspects that are involved, such as the type of lighting that is needed, the main subject of your photographs, and which composition would best enhance each photo. What colours, models, props, actions and so forth will be consistently represented in your imagery?
When you make the main subject stand out in your photos, it helps the viewers better understand the image as a whole. It also draws them deeper into the story.
Lighting
An integral part of creating successful images is choosing the right light source and style of lighting. When choosing a type of lighting, take into account the mood you wish to set and the type of lighting that is available to you. If you have a brand name that is more dramatic or elegant, using high-contrast lighting is likely to create a similar tone. This same style of lightning would not be practical for a playful and fun brand. You may have to go back and forth with your experimentation to learn what works best for you. Once you find the perfect light balance, it will make your photos attract attention and stand out from the rest.
You’ll also need to consider other lighting factors such as natural versus artificial light. If you want to show a beautiful naturally derived organic product, for example, you may use natural sunlight to help express the product’s origins. If you are not a professional, hiring Product Photography Services might be a better option as the professionals understand what angle or technique can make the product more appealing.
Focal Length
It is essential to consider your overall goal while formulating the composition of your photographs. Determine if what you need is an up-close and personal photograph of the subject or if it will be better to have the subject in the background of a full scene. That will depend on the subject of your photos and what product or service you are selling. The composition also impacts your focal length. Your camera zoom is what determines the focal length. If you would like to capture your subject on a wide landscape, for example, you may not have to zoom in as far as you would to capture close-ups or portrait shots.
Depth-of-field
Depth-of-field or aperture is also an important factor in composition. If you would like to blur the background to make your subject the focal point, you would adjust the depth of field. This is done by changing the f-stop or aperture on your camera. Aperture controls the amount of light that comes into the camera. When the f-stop setting is low, there’s a larger opening and more light gets in. A higher f-stop setting has the opposite effect. To make your main subject stand out or to create depth by blurring the background, set the aperture lower. If you prefer to leave most of an image in focus, set the aperture higher.
Establish A Unique Image
Quality photographs offer your brand an added layer of appeal and trust. In less than 30 seconds the human brain processes visual cues, so make sure that your blog or website has bold and beautiful images. Doing this can help you get and keep the attention of your audience. To get the most from your imagery, establish a visual style for your brand right from the beginning. All of your images should align with your brand’s overall message. Consider adding something that consistently differentiates your visuals from all others.
Additionally, incorporating employee photos on your website can also significantly enhance this appeal. Showcasing your team humanizes your brand and fosters a sense of connection with your audience. In that regard, you can get in touch with a photography servile offering High-quality Las Vegas corporate headshots (if that is where you operate from). Professional photographers can provide candid team photos that can convey professionalism and approachability. On top of that, consider adding something like a unique visual identifier that consistently differentiates your visuals from others, such as a specific photography style or a signature background. Combining professional imagery with authentic employee representation, can help you create a powerful visual narrative that resonates with your audience and therefore strengthens your brand identity.
Although several elements impact how photographs enhance brand image, maintaining brand recognition requires a consistent style to your overall look and some basic photography skills. Effective brand photography is essential for establishing a strong visual identity that resonates with your audience. By investing in high-quality images, maintaining a consistent visual style, and showcasing your team through professional employee photos, you can enhance your brand’s appeal and foster trust. Thoughtfully curated visuals not only capture attention but also communicate your brand’s values and message, ultimately contributing to a more engaging and memorable experience for your audience
Bio:
Simon Choi is an avid landscape photographer. After departing a corporate career in Financial Services and Consulting, Simon pursued his passion for landscape photography, nature and creativity. He started Refractique, an online niche photography retailer which distributes the lensball.
