Behind the Lens: How Photography Shapes Your Brand’s Visual Identity
5min read
Great photos do more than just look pretty: they tell your brand’s story at a glance. Authentic brand photography is a vital part of your brand: it makes your business feel professional, consistent and trustworthy from the first click. In fact, people remember just 10% of information three days after hearing it, but adding a picture can improve recall to 65%. And in our attention economy, posts with images grab far more eyes: articles with relevant photos get around 94% more views.
Why Brand Photography Matters
A consistent visual style helps people instantly recognise your brand. Think of the brands you love: their colours, imagery and the style of their photos all reinforce who they are. When a customer sees your photo on Google or social media, 60% say they’re more likely to consider or contact that business. A few strong images in your profile or posts can really boost engagement. High-quality pictures also build trust; 67% of people say good product images are very important in deciding what to buy. In short, great brand photography helps you stand out and connect.
Types of Brand Photography
Lifestyle photography:
These shots show your product or service in a real-life setting. Imagine a coffee shop customer enjoying a latte at a sunlit table, or someone using a yoga mat in a calm studio. Lifestyle images give context. For example, London café brand Grind often features colourful coffeehouse scenes with customers and baristas, making you feel the vibe. UK skincare company UpCircle uses pastel-toned lifestyle photos of people applying products in everyday routines, reinforcing its clean, natural ethos.
Product photography:
These photos focus purely on the product, usually against a simple background. This lets customers see exactly what they’re getting. For example, UpCircle’s product shots highlight natural ingredients by pairing jars with minimal props on soft-colour backdrops. Sharp product images are key: 90% of online buyers say photo quality is the most crucial factor in making a purchase. Clear, well-lit product shots build confidence in customers and can be the difference between a scroll and a sale.
Team/Founder portraits:
Putting faces to your brand builds personal connection. Show yourself and your team at work (or even at ease) in your workspace. A friendly photo of the founder holding a product can say “I’m real, I care.” Many small UK businesses share images of themselves in the studio or workshop. These portraits humanise the brand, reminding customers there are real people behind the scenes – which often boosts trust and rapport.
Behind-the-scenes (BTS):
These candid shots capture the process of making or delivering your service. Think of a baker pulling fresh bread from the oven, a barista pouring latte art, or a stylist mixing colours in a salon. BTS photos add authenticity and narrative. They invite customers into your world and demonstrate your expertise. A snapshot of you setting up a photo shoot or mixing ingredients can intrigue viewers and show you care about every detail in your work.
Tips for Better Brand Photography (Even on a Budget)
Plan and storyboard:
Before snapping anything, clarify your brand’s style. Gather inspiration – colour palettes, outfits, lighting – and sketch a simple shot list. A mood board ensures consistency. Decide on a core colour scheme or vibe (UpCircle, for instance, stuck to pastel tones to match its brand). Free tools (Pinterest, Canva) can help you map out ideas and ensure your photos match your brand personality.
Use natural light and your smartphone:
You don’t need a fancy camera to start. Modern phone cameras do a great job in good light. Position your subject by a big window or shoot outside on a bright but cloudy day (direct sun can cast harsh shadows). Steady your phone – on a tripod or a stack of books – to avoid blur. Even a DIY setup can yield pro-looking images if the lighting is right.
Batch your shoots:
Save time (and money) by scheduling a mini-shoot day. Shoot multiple scenes at once: do a few lifestyle setups, product layouts and candid team shots in one session. For example, photograph all your products on one morning from different angles, then switch to a person shot in the afternoon. This way you get lots of content in one go, making it more cost-effective than several one-off sessions.
Consistent editing style:
Use free photo apps to give your images a uniform look. Even small adjustments (brightness, contrast, color tint) can make unrelated photos feel like part of a set. Many businesses pick one editing “filter” or preset to apply across all photos. Free tools like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile let you save these settings. The result? A series of pictures that all look and feel connected – important for brand recognition.
DIY props and backdrops:
Be creative with what you already have. A plain wall or bedsheet can be a great backdrop. Bring in items that match your brand story: plants, mugs, fabrics or materials related to your product. For a coffee brand, coffee beans and cups make props; for skincare, sprigs of herbs or natural stones add interest. Simple props can transform a basic shot into a professional-looking image without breaking the bank.
Enlist help or swap services:
Don’t hesitate to ask friends or colleagues to lend a hand (holding a reflector, timing a shot). Trade with other creatives: offer your product or service in exchange for a few hours of a local photographer’s time. Many budding photographers in the UK are building their portfolio and may work for a modest fee. Check local photography groups or community boards – sometimes a short session with a student or hobbyist pro can yield great results.
Leverage free tools and stock carefully:
Explore free editing apps and design templates (Canva, Crello, etc.) to spruce up your photos. You can also use free stock images (Pexels, Unsplash) as temporary backgrounds or placeholders, but be cautious: always choose images that fit your brand vibe and are licensed for use. Original photos are always best for authenticity, but stock can fill gaps when you’re starting out.
Harness customer photos:
Encourage customers to share snapshots of themselves with your product (perhaps with a branded hashtag or contest). Re-posting these authentic images adds variety to your feed and social proof to your brand. It also saves you time and shows real people enjoying what you sell. Always credit the person – it makes them feel valued and often encourages more followers to share their own moments.
Great brand photography is more than just a pretty picture – it’s a key part of how your business presents itself to the world. When the imagery you use aligns with your wider brand strategy – your tone of voice, values, messaging, and identity – it becomes a powerful tool for building trust, sparking recognition and driving connection. From a vibrant lifestyle shot to a simple behind-the-scenes snap, every image is an opportunity to reinforce who you are and what you stand for.
Want to understand how photography fits into the bigger picture of your brand?
Let’s Chat Strategy: Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your visuals, we can help map out how brand photography supports your broader identity, storytelling and marketing goals. Come by our Newbury studio (or hop on a video call) to start a relaxed conversation about where you are, where you’re heading and how visuals can help you get there.
Explore Local Photography Talent: If you're based in the South East and looking to bring your visual brand to life, we highly recommend chatting to:
Jelena Ilic: Newbury-based photographer specialising in authentic, documentary-style lifestyle and portrait images
Tim Eastman: Berkshire photographer known for creative lifestyle and founder portraits
Phil Hardman: Newbury commercial photographer with years of experience in product and portrait shoots
Amber Parker-Wilson – beautifully atmospheric brand, portrait and product photography with a timeless quality
Any of them could help your brand shine through stunning visuals.
We’d be happy to help you decide what kind of shoot you need and which photographer might be a good fit for your style and brand.
