When I first started blogging the only photos of me were the ones that I uploaded in each post (if I even was in any of them.) It wasn’t long before I googled html to figure out how I could get a sidebar with a photo like all of the other blogs that I enjoyed reading. You see, there is something about a person behind a blog and a face to go with a name.
When I rebranded, I knew I needed much more than just a sidebar photo – I needed general stock images for my brand that could go on my pages (about, sponsor, contact, shop, etc.) and would create brand consistency across my social medias. So I did one of the best things you can do for your brand and I scheduled a photo shoot with a local photographer. Here are three reasons why I think your brand needs them too!
CREATE BRAND CONSISTENCY
I mentioned this a little bit above but having the same style photos across your social media outlets and on the pages on your website makes a HUGE difference. Your brand looks organized, professional, and solid when an outsider clicks through. Not every photo on your website needs to come from the same photo shoot but the main ones do! They partner with your design to help you stand out and stay on brand! Also, in a world where we have so many little websites (all those social medias) we need to make sure that they each have the same feel so that followers know our brand when they see it!
TELL YOUR STORY
Photographers have a way of capturing your story and helping you share it with your readers. When I was taking pictures with Allison, she kept thinking of fun ideas (like laying on the ground with pencils 😉 ) that would help me share with my Oak + Oats readers who I am – a crazy girl that blogs with a passion to encourage & inspire those around her.
Even if you are a photographer yourself (like I would consider myself since I take all my blog content photography,) it is great to get out of your head and have someone else direct you and figure out your story!
LEAVE PEOPLE WITH A LASTING IMPRESSION
When you have strong images on your website (and all over your social medias) new readers are left with an impression. They know who you are, what you look like, and how you express yourself. Now when they think about your blog, they see a face and connect to you on a more personal level like you just met face to face! It is so worth it to spend the extra time making your website more personal and authentic!
Meet My Photographer
Allison of Stellar Propeller Studios is the talent behind my brand photos. She is not only talented, but also completely adorable and relatable. Fun fact, she also shot our wedding for us!! She is a Colorado Springs local but travels all the time (#thecoollifeofaphotographer) and you should totally follow her on instagram !!! She rocked my brand photos and I know she can rock yours too – so if you are near by (or not) you should totally connect with her to schedule a face lift for your brand!.. but really! 😉
PS: Also she sells her fav photos on her site and if you use the code: OAKANDOATS15 you can get 15% off! Check them out here!
Did you take professional photos for your brand? Are you thinking about doing them for your brand? What are your thoughts on business photography?
These are so adorable! I love your brand photos! They show your personality perfectly and are so fun!
Thank you so much! I agree! I love them too!
Your brand photos are so fun, relateable and really do create consistency on your website.
Thanks so much Stacia! So worth it!
This is so great, Beth! Love it!
I love your new photos!
Yes! I had professional photos of myself and then some styled photos to use throughout my site. I love them! I haven’t rolled them all through my social media yet but I’m working on it!
These are so cute! She did an amazing job.
I have sort of DIYed some of my brand portrait shots… there was a lot of timer-setting and running involved… And after about 100 shots, I had three decent ones, hehe. I definitely need to invest in some branded photography soon.
I’m really wanting to do this sometime next year! Even if I don’t hire a photographer, I want to have Steven do a little photoshoot for me so that all of my photos can be fresh and new! Especially after having a baby, I want to make sure the photos actually look like me! 🙂
Yes! And that totally counts!
I’m totally doing this someday. It’s on my goal list!
Great goal!!
Amazing photos! I love how creative and quirky they are – such fun vibes! And they tie in perfectly with your brand! I would love to create some more stock photography for my site and even hire a photographer down the road! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
You are so welcome!! I think it is WAY worth it!
I want to take photos, I’m just not ready to pay the price. I’m a photographer, also, and I know how pricey it can be. It’s totally worth it, though.
Your images are fantastic!
You could try to work out a deal with your photographer or find a new photographer who is trying to build their portfolio!! Those would be good ways to save some money! It also doesn’t need to be a super long photo shoot! 30 minutes should give you a good chunk of photos!!