You step out of the daylight studio at Atelier Oost Amsterdam with a grin from ear to ear. The sneak peeks your photographer showed you during the shoot are still etched in your mind. You, in beautiful light, captured exactly as you are — professional, creative, and powerful. You’ve just wrapped up your branding shoot and now your inbox is slowly filling with a photo library that’s worth its weight in gold.
And now...? The beautiful photos are in, but how do you ensure they’re more than just pretty pictures for your portfolio? How do you use them strategically to stay visible, connect with your audience, and truly strengthen your brand? We’ve got you covered! Read on for our best tips.
And now...? The beautiful photos are in, but how do you ensure they’re more than just pretty pictures for your portfolio? How do you use them strategically to stay visible, connect with your audience, and truly strengthen your brand? We’ve got you covered! Read on for our best tips.
Why great branding photos are worth their weight in gold
Branding photos aren’t a luxury. Think of them as an essential part of your brand identity. People do business with people, not with logos. They want to see you, get a sense of who you are, and — most importantly — build trust. Strong visuals showcase your expertise, personality, and style — all without saying a word. But… if they’re left gathering digital dust on your desktop, they won’t do their job. Time to put your photo library to work.Instagram branding: your visual business card
Instagram is all about experience. Your branding photos are perfect here, but a smart strategy will take them to the next level:1. Create categories with a recognisable look
Use your images in recurring content themes, such as:
You in action – Shots of you working, writing, brainstorming.
You as a person – Personal posts about your journey, lessons, dreams.
Your offer – Use props or settings that subtly showcase your services.
2. Think in campaigns, not in single posts
Plan ahead. Use a series of photos around a theme or launch. This creates recognition and consistency. Want to improve your planning? We recommend setting up a content calendar. It helps you map out all your channels and upcoming (cross-media) content. There are plenty of free, downloadable templates online.
3. Mix close-ups, portraits and atmospheric shots
Keep your feed dynamic. A close-up of your hands at work or a soft mood shot can be just as powerful as a formal portrait. Our tip: try a planning app like Tezza to preview your feed. This way, you can check that everything looks cohesive.
4. Storytelling through captions
Let the photo or video grab attention, but use the caption to tell the story. Share insights, behind-the-scenes moments or your take on a specific topic — that’s what builds connection.
Your website: your digital home base
Branding photos on your website aren’t just decorative — they’re functional too. Keep these key points in mind:
1. The ‘About me’ page: not a passport photo, but an experience
Choose a photo where you look relaxed and authentic. Show your energy.
2. Spread images throughout the site for consistency
Use visuals on your service pages, contact page, and testimonials. Repeating your face or mood builds trust.
3. Think in terms of call-to-action visuals
Offering an e-book or a course? Show what it looks like, or use a photo where you’re literally making eye contact — it draws people in.
4. Don’t forget SEO & speed
Optimise your photos in terms of file size, and name them wisely: “branding-shoot-coach-london.jpg” will rank far better on Google than “IMG2025.jpg”.
Branding photos on your website aren’t just decorative — they’re functional too. Keep these key points in mind:
1. The ‘About me’ page: not a passport photo, but an experience
Choose a photo where you look relaxed and authentic. Show your energy.
2. Spread images throughout the site for consistency
Use visuals on your service pages, contact page, and testimonials. Repeating your face or mood builds trust.
3. Think in terms of call-to-action visuals
Offering an e-book or a course? Show what it looks like, or use a photo where you’re literally making eye contact — it draws people in.
4. Don’t forget SEO & speed
Optimise your photos in terms of file size, and name them wisely: “branding-shoot-coach-london.jpg” will rank far better on Google than “IMG2025.jpg”.
LinkedIn: professional and personal visibility
LinkedIn is often underused when it comes to branding photos — such a missed opportunity!
1. Profile picture and banner: first impressions count
Use a strong portrait as your profile photo, and a banner image that supports your brand story — an atmospheric shot from your branding shoot works well.
2. Post with depth and context
LinkedIn is ideal for storytelling. Use your photos to support posts about your entrepreneurial lessons, a client case, or a milestone.
3. Show both expertise and humanity
A photo of you guiding a client, laughing, or speaking at an event often resonates more than a stiff business portrait. Show who you are in your work.
4. Think about carousels
Use multiple photos in a carousel format to share tips or a mini-story. LinkedIn loves native content, and your photos instantly elevate the look.
LinkedIn is often underused when it comes to branding photos — such a missed opportunity!
1. Profile picture and banner: first impressions count
Use a strong portrait as your profile photo, and a banner image that supports your brand story — an atmospheric shot from your branding shoot works well.
2. Post with depth and context
LinkedIn is ideal for storytelling. Use your photos to support posts about your entrepreneurial lessons, a client case, or a milestone.
3. Show both expertise and humanity
A photo of you guiding a client, laughing, or speaking at an event often resonates more than a stiff business portrait. Show who you are in your work.
4. Think about carousels
Use multiple photos in a carousel format to share tips or a mini-story. LinkedIn loves native content, and your photos instantly elevate the look.
Extra tips for using your branding photos
Reuse with nuance
One photo can go a long way: crop it differently, add text overlays, use black and white, drop it in a mockup, or as a background for your Stories. That way, your content feels fresh without constantly needing new images.
Let your photos enhance your style
Think about your colour palette, fonts, and tone of voice. Your photos should align with your visual identity — when everything matches, it just feels right. The beauty of our daylight studios is that you don’t have to overthink this. We’ve opted for a minimalist look and natural colour tones. Your photos won’t feel dull thanks to original props, iconic staircases, standout design pieces, and fun little corners — all with a backdrop that stays recognisable and consistent.
Batch your content creation
Block out one afternoon a month to write your captions and plan your visuals. It’s an efficient way to stay visible without stress. And with your content calendar (mentioned earlier), you already know what you’ll be writing about.
Use your photos offline too
Flyers, presentations, business cards, e-books — your photo library is just as valuable offline.
