POV: You're Needing Professional Branding Photos with an Alternative Vibe, but You Don't Want the Rigid LinkedIn Feel

POV: You're Needing Professional Branding Photos with an Alternative Vibe, but You Don't Want the Rigid LinkedIn Feel

As a small business owner, I get it-- we need photos that really feel "on brand". It's crucial our ideal clients know what kind of person (and vibe) they're getting when they look at our branding photos. I also understand the need for your branding photos to standout, especially if you live in New York City and are part of an incredibly competetive market. And for those of us who are a bit more alternative or non-traditional, we love the opportunity to get creative with professional photos while maintaining their professional-ness and also reaching deep into the artistic well.

Working with Meredith, the visionary behind Mamaleh's Doula, on her small business branding photos was lovely because we really answered the question-- can branding photos be both artistic and professional? The answer is--- if that's your brand, then totally, YES.

And this is totally Meredith's brand. Just go check out her website to get the feel of her. Meredith reached out to me and immediately knew she wanted branding photos that not only reflected her services but also aligned with her website’s striking dark blue moody tones. She didn't want LinkedIn photos. And I told her that was good cause that's not really what I do! I think with her awesome style and my vibey photography, we really created images that were different, edgy, and true to her brand’s identity. Keep scrolling to see it all.

When it Comes to Branding, Location Matters

On the day of our shoot, we walked Little Island then hit up the underbelly of the Highline for a few city-inspired photos. Since Meredith is a doula in the city, it made sense to give her a city backdrop for a handful of her photos. Little Island offered us both light, shadow, and nature. How could a doula not interact with mother nature in her branding?

Posing + Enjoying the Space

At the start of our photo session, Meredith immediately told me she doesn't love looking at photos of herself. This is something I hear from about 50% of my clients, so I always feel like I get to practice some curiosity with my clients when it comes to that statement. Sometimes we dive into the "why" and sometimes I ask them if they want to see the photos as we go (or want to be surprised when I send them the final edit).

Every client I have is different and has a different answer. If I'm working with someone who is very aware of their hair, their makeup, their hands, I tend to encourage them to look at a few photos to make sure we're really getting what they envisioned. With Meredith, I figured out very early on that her confidence came from interacting with her setting--- not from seeing her photos. So we didn't look at the back of the camera too much. She wanted to interact with the plants--- she wanted to enjoy them. That's the hack to a successful photo session by the way-- enjoying where you are and what you're doing. The best photos I take are when you're being, well, you. Or, being a heightened version of you.

Once I saw her delighting in the plants around her, I just started snapping away while she reached for flowers and inhaled their scents. I gave a few posing prompts, but for the most part, Meredith knew what she was doing.

In my post editing, I really deepened the shadows in these photos, and I think that helped add to the moodier vibe she wanted.

I love that we get to see Meredith's purple and blue eyeliner in this photo! It was pop'n!

Capturing the Essence of Doula Services

Meredith's work as a doula is deeply rooted in nature and nurturing. To visually express these themes, we incorporated elements from our surroundings. We included close-up shots of native plants and gentle flowers that symbolize growth and support. For example, we captured a beautiful image of Meredith gently holding a cluster of wildflowers, which added a layer of warmth and connection to her brand.

Proof that she might love a moody photo, but her personality is so chill and inviting--- plants and moods really made this session come together.

What does it mean to collaborate on a branding photo session?

I always tell people I'm incredibly collaborative when it comes to branding photos. So what does that mean? I need your input just as much as you need my professional understanding of angles, light, color, and posing,. You are your brand (if you're a small business), and taking your business values and true-to-you-personality into consideration is key to really making these photos come to life. We plan this session together. We talk through how you interact with clients, what makes you "you". We incorporate parts of your personal life into your photos if it feels necessary. We also create an image of you your clients feel attracted to. We can get so creative with branding sessions while keeping them fun and professional-- the sky really is the limit.

Your Branding Photography Journey

If you run a small business, consider how you can make your branding photography truly yours. Whether you are a doula, artist, or entrepreneur, infusing your personality into your images can create a powerful connection with your audience. And I'm here to artistic-i-fy your photo branding journey. I love leaning into creative and funky. If you book with me, you know you're not going to get just clean and and professional-- you're going to get photos that feel. And feel like you.

My collaboration with Meredith was a valuable reminder that photographs can go beyond mere marketing tools. They possess the ability to tell your story and resonate with those who view them. If you’re seeking a photographer in NYC who doesn't do typical branding photos, let’s connect and talk through your creative vision.

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Thanks for reading: POV: You're Needing Professional Branding Photos with an Alternative Vibe, but You Don't Want the Rigid LinkedIn Feel