If you’re a maker, artist, or designer running a creative business, chances are someone’s told you: “Just get a headshot and you’re good to go.”
But here’s the truth: a headshot alone can’t carry the weight of your brand.
Your work is layered. Personal. Handmade. That means your visuals should be too.
As a nationally published brand photographer and visual strategist, I help creatives like you build a brand photography library — not just one nice photo. A strategic, scroll-stopping set of images that highlights everything from your process to your purpose.
Let’s break down the types of brand photos that go way beyond the headshot — and why they matter.
1. Your Process Is Powerful — Let People See It
Whether you’re blending pigments, carving wood, or hand-cutting glass, your creative process is part of your brand story.
Capturing your process builds emotional connection and credibility. These images say:
✔ You’re skilled
✔ You’re passionate
✔ You’re the real deal
Brand photography for makers should always include in-motion moments — your hands at work, your tools in action, your materials mid-transformation. This is the kind of authentic visual content that builds trust and tells a richer story than any caption ever could.
2. Your Workspace Adds Personality and Depth
Think your space isn’t “Instagram-worthy”? Doesn’t matter.
Your workshop, garage, shared studio, or kitchen counter is the heart of your creative process. And yes — your audience wants to see it.
Photos of your workspace offer visual context, add personality, and give your brand authenticity. Whether it’s clean and styled or filled with paint splatters and half-finished projects, your creative environment speaks volumes.
Check out the full stained glass artist studio tour here.
3. The Details Tell the Story Behind the Product
Let’s zoom in.
Textures. Tools. Stitches. Notes in the margins of your sketchbook. These small moments give your brand photos depth, emotion, and a tactile feel — especially important for online shops where customers can’t physically touch your products. Here is a great example from when I worked with a blacksmith.
These close-ups are perfect for social media, product listings, and marketing materials. They show the care and craft behind what you make, and help your audience fall in love with your work.
📸 Pro tip: These detail shots are easy to reuse across Instagram, Pinterest, your website, and email — making them incredibly versatile content.
4. Show Yourself in Action
Yes, portraits matter. But if you’re not showing how you interact with your craft and clients, you’re missing an opportunity.
Packing orders, loading your car for a market, client interaction, styling your booth, prepping materials — these are the real-life moments that make your business relatable.
They show what it’s like to buy from or work with you — and help potential customers feel confident in saying yes.
💬 Content tip: Visual storytelling like this builds connection. It’s the kind of photo that makes someone think, “I can see myself working with them.”
5. Yes, We’ll Take Portraits — But With Purpose
Of course we’ll take portraits — but not the forced, overly posed kind that feel like a school photo day flashback.
Your portraits should reflect your energy, personality, and creative confidence. Whether it’s in your studio, on location, or out in nature, I focus on natural, relaxed, authentic images that feel true to you.
Don’t worry if you don’t like having your pictures taken, you are not alone. Most of my clients feel the same way. I apply my 15 years of experience and techniques to capture a portrait you will actually like of yourself.
Curious what the difference is between a portrait photographer and a brand photographer? Watch this video to learn more.
Because when you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, your audience will feel it too. Check out this session from a letterpress studio.
Brand Photography Is About Strategy — Not Just Smiles
Your brand visuals should work for your business. Check out this video on: How to Use Social Media as Your Digital Storefront (Without Feeling Salesy) That means more than a headshot — it means an intentional, strategic mix of images that:
- Build trust
- Tell your story
- Show your value
- And support your content marketing every step of the way
When you invest in brand photography, you’re not just getting pretty pictures — you’re building a visual content library you can pull from every time you post, email, or update your website.
But Beautiful Images Aren’t Enough — You Need the Story Too
Even the most stunning brand photos won’t grow your business if you don’t know how to use them.
That’s where storytelling and strategy come in.
Your visuals are tools — not just for filling a grid or making a website look pretty, but for building trust, increasing engagement, and driving sales. When you combine intentional images with clear messaging and a consistent story, that’s when the magic happens.
Want to Learn How to Market Your Creative Work with Confidence?
If you’re ready to not just have beautiful visuals — but actually know how to use them to attract your ideal customers — my course is for you.
Amplify Your Craft: The Marketing & Visibility Course for Makers and Artists is designed to help you:
- Understand the strategy behind what you share and why
- Use your visuals to build trust and connection
- Tell your story in a way that feels aligned and doable
- Finally feel confident marketing your creative business
It’s marketing made for makers, not marketers.
Ready to build a brand that reflects your craft — and grows your business?
👉 Explore the course here
