3 Signs it’s Time for New Brand Photos

Are you still using the same brand photos from 2-3 years ago, hoping no one notices?

In today’s climate where social media and content creation is queen, it’s time to stop relying on those photos from your very first brand photoshoot. Yes, I’m all about maximizing your images, and using them across your platforms and all of your marketing assets. BUT, it’s important to keep your audience’s attention, whether you’re selling a physical product, service, membership, lead magnet or digital product.

With that being said, here’s when you might need to shoot new brand photos for your business:

You’re launching or rebranding your website.

Image: ColorJoy Stock

A new website launch or rebrand is the most common reason clients book a brand photographer. When you’re thinking about the photos you need for website, consider the layout of your new site. Which sections have placeholders for images? What are the dimensions needed? How many pages will there be?

If you’re a service-based business, here are some images to consider:

• Headshots

• Lifestyle images of you working at the computer, strategizing (ie. creating a moodboard) or reading a book on the sofa

• Full body shots of you in different poses to show your personality

• Landscape or horizontal shots (for the hero or banner)

• Images of you working with clients

• Custom stock photos such as detail shots of your hands, a stack of books, a coffee mug, photos of the space you’re shooting in, etc that you can use to describe each of your services

You’ll likely need images for the Home, About, Services and Contact pages. Plan your shoot for these images, so you’re covered!

You’re adding a new service, launching a digital product or course.

Image: ColorJoy Stock

Creating content for your brand doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Knowing when you need new photos is just as important as how you plan to use them.

If you’re launching a new offer in your business, having a fresh set of images of you creates excitement around your launch, a personal touch with your audience, and allows you to think creatively about how you’ll use your visuals. Also, you’re likely going to share more content during a launch than you normally would to drive those conversions (more touchpoints = more sales), so more images to choose from is a good idea.

Consider where you’ll be sharing content such as:

• Sales page

• E-mail marketing

• Social media

• Pinterest

• Blog post

• The actual offer you’re launching (ie. course, membership, digital product. etc)

Be sure to include celebratory shots such as holding a glass of champagne, pouring it from the bottle to your glass, throwing or holding confetti or holding balloons (or have them all around you).

Your business has changed or it’s been over year since your last brand shoot

Image: ColorJoy Stock

When you’re ready to launch, pivot or really get consistent with promoting your offers, plan and schedule a brand shoot. Start creating your mood board and shot list.

I recommend doing a Photoshoot for your brand at least once a year. This keeps your branding fresh, especially aa you’re growing your business. Your audience doesn’t want to see the same ‘ol images all the time. Unless they’re already engaged with their brand, they’ll likely keep scrolling without reading what you have to say.

Think about your favorite retailers. Are they sharing the same images of the same products every year? No, so switch it up! Even if you book a mini session to have a handful of images, schedule a shoot at least once this year, if you had a shoot last year. If you really want to kick it into high gear, schedule a session each quarter.

If your brand colors, offers, target audience or even YOU have changed, it’s time to freshen up your brand visuals. Get photos in that new hairstyle, if you’ve lost weight or switched up your personal style.

Also, timing is everything! Don’t wait until you have a tight deadline to get new photos. If you know a launch is coming in 2-3 months, go ahead and get a shoot on the calendar. That way you’ll give your photographer enough time to edit them without having to pay a rush fee and give your team enough time to setup your systems with the new images for your launch with ease.

If you’re not sure how to plan a photoshoot for your brand, read this post on the 6 steps to planning a brand photoshoot, and you’ll be on your way!