The best branding photographs communicate something about the person behind the business. Not just what the client wears, or how they pose.
My studio is located in Meadow Mill, a wonderfully imperfect old Baltimore mill filled with brick, wood, huge windows, interesting stairways and unexpected little pockets of light.
For Dr. Colleen Quinn, it was exactly the right environment.
We Let the Location Become Part of the Session
Colleen is an author and therapist who describes herself as a “student of breath.” Her work is centered on spirituality, meaning and connection, so a traditional series of carefully posed business portraits wouldn’t have told much of her story.
Rather than staying in one spot and working through a predetermined list of poses, we sort of floated through the building together. We found locations that felt right, stopped when the light or surroundings caught our attention, and let the session evolve naturally.
Colleen began creating movements and poses of her own that reflected her energy and outlook.
Here’s something you should know before coming into my studio.
You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose
You aren’t expected to arrive knowing what to do in front of the camera.
I’ll give you direction when you need it. We’ll try things. We’ll move around. We’ll talk. And I’ll pay attention to the moments when you stop thinking quite so much about having your photograph taken.
Sometimes I’ll suggest the pose.
Sometimes you’ll naturally fall into it yourself.
My job is to recognize the difference—and recognize when we’ve found something that genuinely feels like you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Branding photos involve more than portraits of an individual.
They can also include props, or what I like to call “artifacts.” Clients often bring items that are meaningful to them, or to their practice. These can include books, other photos, statuary, favorite coffee mugs or tumblers, jewelry…anything that creates a positive association for the client, and that communicates a bit about their personality or style.
Dr. Bansari Gujar is the founder of Maryland Integrative Rheumatology and Wellness. When a patient lands on her website, she wants them to exhale before they read a single word. The photos she uses should feel like the practice itself: warm, unhurried, intentional and grounded. Our aesthetic was a quiet morning in a healing space, with earthy grounded tones throughout.
Dr. Gujar brought along several books by authors who were significant in her professional journey.
The Buddha statue is meaningful to her practice and to the stillness she wants to convey.
Orchids were her mother’s favorite flower.
And the praying frog statues brought a playful and relaxing energy to the session (they were my personal favorites).
Your artifacts help you relax, as well. They are a reminder throughout the session of what connects you to your practice, your clients and your loved ones.
Ready to schedule your own professional branding session?
