5 Ways a Branding Photo Session Elevates Your Business

Let’s be honest, no one running a small business has money to just throw away. From starting a business to investing in the continued growth of your business, you always want to be mindful of how you spend your money and where you spend it. So, where do you begin? With your brand.

A professional branding session helps create a visual extension of your brand identity. And a professional brand photographer will help you layout a plan for how to best capture images that represent your unique brand personality. Here are five reasons every small business owner should consider booking a brand photo session (even if you don’t like being in front of the camera.).

1. You have one chance to make a first impression.

Photos are the FIRST thing your potential clients will see on your website and social media accounts. They are a reflection of your brand value. Low quality photos communicate one message about your brand. And professional, personalized images communicate another.

So, while it may be tempting to brush off the ole’ camera and snap some images yourself, it is important to realize when to do something yourself and when to hire a professional. You only have one time to “wow” first-time visitors to your website and social media accounts. First impressions are EVERYTHING.

2. Your clients want to know you.

There is a reason why social media posts that feature personal stories always out perform other posts—even on a business page. People are drawn to people. They want to know the human story behind your business. Why you do what you do, and what makes you who you are?

Professional branding photos help tell this story and showcase a personal side to your business in a professional way. The best way for potential clients to get to know you and your business is by showing them photos featuring your team, your products and services, and your location.

3. Images tell a story.

Your brand has a story—one worth telling. And images are a perfect storytelling tool. They’re also a very effective storytelling tool.

A branding session is more than just headshots. It’s a chance to pull your audience in. During a RaeEllen Branding Session, we capture images that unfold your story to clients, one compelling photo at a time.

4. A library of images saves you precious time.

No more searching for a stock image that is “good enough” (and has been used by your competitor). No more setting up time-intensive, makeshift photo shoots. And no more wondering what to post on social media. By having access to a library of branding images specific to you and your brand, you’ll not only be stocked with fresh inspiration, you’ll also save one of your greatest resources—time.

Storytelling branding sessions are about creating the images that help drive content. When your image tells a story that is personal to your and your brand, caption writing becomes a whole lot less daunting.

5. The possible uses are endless.

Branded images can be used in so many different places to help create a strong brand image--— your website, signage, social media, email newsletters, business cards, brochures, and so much more. A stockpile of great branding images—that have a consistent look and feel— will take the guesswork out of creating your marketing collateral.

There is no such thing as good enough. Your business deserves the best.

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Are you ready to give your business a fresh and recognizable brand identity?

Every small business is unique, so I offer curated packages for the specific needs of each client and free consultations to help you decide which option is best for you.

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“Having beautiful images to use makes me feel so much more ‘legit.’ Imposter syndrome is tough. But when you know that the photos you’re using are branded for YOU, it makes you much more proud and confident to put yourself out there!”

— Lisa, owner of Ariem Body Co.

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Want to learn more about the step-by-step process of a RaeEllen Branding Session?

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Branding session for bliss beauty bar

Branding session for mockingbird photo

branding session for Aaron DUFFY, NOONDAY AMBASSADOR

Spring Engagement Session in Londonderry, New Hampshire

I had so much fun with Michael and Hannah last week for their engagement session! They loved to laugh and were up for anything! Their love for each other showed in every single photo.

The rain finally held off and Mack’s Apples was just starting to get nice and green and we were able to roam the grounds to find different fun spots! (and we only got a little wet.)

I mean seriously how cute are these two? When you have this much fun doing your job, you know you picked the right career!

A Few of My Favorite Things: Beauty Edition

Best of Beauty

Over the last two years, I have slowly worked on making intentional choices when it comes to my beauty products. From the shampoo I use on my hair, to how I shave, to the make-up I wear, I have slowly replaced my beauty products one at a time. My goal is to be as sustainable, ethical, and all-natural as possible.

In some cases this means a larger price tag, but what I have found is, as I adjust to more and more reusable and sustainable products, I am buying less often—so while the initial investment is sometimes larger than I am used to I have been surprised that, overall, I am not spending much more per year in this area.

So many people ask where to begin. It seems overwhelming to change everything so what should they change first? Here are a few of my favorites that are great starts to a more ethical and sustainable beauty regimen.

1. Ditch the bottled shampoo and conditioner.

Yes, you may have a shampoo and conditioner you absolutely love—people are loyal to their hair products! But I think this is an easy first step to eliminating plastic in your every day life. I gave bar shampoo and conditioner a try in February (so I am still pretty new to this) and so far I love it. I personally tried Lush brand but I plan to also give Eco Roots a try next.

The pros: Almost everything, honestly. I am still on my first bars and I’m about 2 months in and figure I still have about a month of use left, maybe more. For reference, I wash my hair every other day. The shampoo bar gives an amazing lather and I like the smell. My favorite part is how easy they are to travel with. That alone sold me.

I do recommend getting the tins and there is a learning curve on how to make sure they don’t get stuck to the bottom. I found leaving them in the tins, but without the lids on, in a high place in the shower works best for me.

The cons: There is really only one. I find it hard to tell how much conditioner is “coming off of” the conditioner bar. My hair seems fine with how I am winging it—but if you have dry hair, this could be a problem. I think this is, again, a learning curve thing.

Overall, this is something I will continue to use and I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to try it.

2. Simplify shaving.

I have wanted to try and eliminate disposable razors for a while because 1. they seem so wasteful and 2. they are so expensive. Because of the wonderful world of Instagram, I discovered the safety razor. It took my a while to make the transition. For some reason the idea of putting the blades in myself seemed dangerous. Spoiler: it isn’t. at all.

Here is what I used to get started: a safety razor. I opted for Eco Roots rose gold safety razor mainly because I liked the look of it (if I am going to use one razor permanently, I want to like what it looks like.) Blades. Eco Roots razor came with 5 blades so for now, I haven’t bought additional blades—but they are incredibly inexpensive. This is where the real savings comes in. After the initial $28 investment in a razor, the blades are $3 for a pack of 10! Shaving bar. I love that Eco Roots offers a shaving soap in bar form. while I’ve never been a shaving cream user, I think I will opt for the shaving bar with a safety razor. I think it helps reduce nicks.

Pros: While I am still new at this, the absolute number 1 pro is the close shave, I can’t believe how close the shave is with this. I am not sure how one blade can do more than 5 blades on my old venus, but it does. I also love that it has a blade on each side. It just makes things faster. Storage is also a plus. There is just less stuff when you are dealing with one razor and a small box of blades.

Cons: While I am still new to this and haven’t cut myself yet, I feel like I have to be more careful and that the possibility of cutting myself may be higher. I wouldn’t call this a con. More an FYI.

To me this is, again, one item I don’t know why I didn’t switch to earlier. And I am really looking forward to all the money I will be savin

3. No more smelly nail polish remover.

I discovered this wonderful nail polish company a few years back when I received a travel size sample of their nail polish remover in a beauty subscription box. Do I remember the subscription box? no. Did that one travel sample make me a huge fan of Karma Organics? absolutely. So thanks random subscription box!

Karma Organics has a special power. They created a nail polish remover that DOESN’T SMELL HORRIBLE. I don’t know how they did it. Not only is this stuff made from all natural ingredients and comes in a glass bottle but it works! Once I discovered their remover, I quickly began using their nail polish as well. Now, it is more or less, the only nail polish I use. It is definitely my go to.

Also, don’t let the price point scare you. There is a reason that stuff you can buy at CVS is $2. Nail polish remover is something that lasts forever, so this is a once a year purchase for me and well worth the added expense. Also coming from a mom, I love that my daughter can “help me” remove the nail polish from her nails and we don’t get a headache from the smell.

Pros: everything.

Tiny Con: it is a little oily—because it’s natural.

4. Pay for all natural that actually works.

The company that I use the most products from, hands down, is BeautyCounter. I always thought I would have to sacrifice quality for something all natural. Then I found out about BeautyCounter. It’s definitely an investment, but most of their products last me for months and because I know what I like, I only buy from BeautyCounter. Before, I would give different brands a try—if they were on sale or if someone recommended something to me— I had a linen cabinet full of products I tried and then didn’t love.

I use so many of their products, I can’t list everything—but my go-tos are their Dew Skin tinted moisturizer. I have never been a heavy make-up person, so this is perfect and it has SPF! Most days, all I wear is dew skin, their Brilliant Brow Gel with a little bit of mascara. In the summer, I love to add a bit of their Mattifying Powder. It takes away any bit of oily-ness!

The only product I use to wash my face is their Nourishing Cream Exfoliator. The exfoliating cleanser paired with their Countermarch Adaptive Moisture Lotion is pretty much all I need. (I also use their charcoal Balancing Facial Mask every other week or so—but that is a bit more of an added bonus.)

Pros: so many things, but mainly all natural that works.

Cons: it can be pricey. But think of all the money you will save not switching products to find ones that work!

5. All the rest.

I love way too many brands to cover them all, so here are a few more I love.

Ecotools for all my brushes (both hair and make-up)

Good for our bar soap. I should write more about this company at some point because I love them. Their bars smell great and are available at Whole Foods for 2 for $6! We use these for the whole family.

Terra Thread for my make-up bag (and backpack and totes.)

There are so many brands that I am still learning about and hoping to try, but these are definitely some of my favorites so far and great ones to start with if you are looking for ways to be more sustainable and natural with your beauty products!