Tempe Brand Photographer: 7 Must Have Branding Photos for Small Business Owners
Let’s be real—running a small business is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Between emails, orders, coffee spills, and keeping your social media alive, it's easy to let branding photography slide to the bottom of the to-do list. But I’m here to tell you (gently, and with caffeine if needed) that having the right brand photos is a total game changer.
I’ve worked with so many small business owners here in Arizona, and every time I hand over a gallery filled with professional, personality-packed photos, I watch their confidence soar. Whether you’re building a website, refreshing your LinkedIn, or finally putting a face to that dreamy Etsy shop of yours—these seven must-have branding photos are the secret sauce to looking polished and approachable online.
So grab your favorite snack and let’s dive into the seven branding photos you definitely need in your life:
1. Headshots (Yes, You Need One)
Let’s start with the obvious: your headshot. Not the selfie you took in the car last month with great lighting (we've all done it)—a real headshot. One that shows off your face, your vibe, and screams, “Yes, I’m the boss.” As a Tempe headshot photographer, I love helping clients feel relaxed and confident so their personality shines through. No stiff poses or fake smiles allowed.
2. Team Photos (Even If Your Team Is Just You and Your Dog)
If you’ve got a team, show them off! People love seeing the faces behind the business. And if your “team” consists of you, your laptop, and your golden retriever, that’s still a story worth telling. Bonus points if you bring coffee mugs or matching shirts. Branding photography doesn’t have to be boring—it should reflect your energy and values!
3. Casual Portraits (Let’s Get Candid!)
These are the fun, relaxed photos that look like someone just happened to catch you mid-laugh or deep in your creative zone. Casual portraits help your audience connect with you on a human level—because people don’t just buy products, they buy from people they trust. And nothing builds trust faster than a natural, approachable portrait (especially one where you’re not awkwardly clutching your elbows).
4. Product or Service Photos (Because You’re Amazing at What You Do)
Whether you’re baking cupcakes, designing websites, or offering massage therapy, you need high-quality images of what you do best. Think clean, well-lit shots that show off your product or service in action. As a brand photographer in Tempe, I always recommend capturing a variety—wide shots, close-ups, and even those satisfying behind-the-scenes moments.
5. Lifestyle Portraits (You, In Your Element)
Lifestyle portraits are all about context—think you sipping a latte while sketching in your notebook, or packing up orders in your sunlit workspace. These images tell the story of your day-to-day life as a business owner. They’re perfect for your website’s “About” page or to sprinkle throughout your Instagram feed with captions like, “Just over here living my best entrepreneur life.”
6. Location Images (Show Off Your Space)
Your location matters—whether it’s a cozy home office, a hip downtown studio, or your favorite outdoor market. Including photos of your workspace (or the environment you operate in) helps potential clients feel like they know where and how you work. It also builds trust and creates a sense of familiarity. Plus, let’s be honest—people are nosy. Give the people what they want!
7. Creative Still Images (Flatlays, Details, and All the Little Things)
These are the cherry on top. Think curated flatlays of your tools, styled product shots, or moody detail photos. These images are perfect for breaking up content on your website, spicing up your social posts, and creating a consistent aesthetic. They’re also a great way to inject some of your personality into your brand (glitter pens? coffee rings? dog treats? Let’s do it).
Ready to Refresh Your Brand Photos?
If you’re feeling inspired (or at least slightly guilty about your current photo situation), let’s change that! As a Tempe brand photographer, I specialize in making branding photography fun, stress-free, and totally you. Whether you need a full branding session or just a fresh headshot, I’m here to help you shine.
Let’s create some magic together—because your business deserves photos as amazing as you are.
Ready to book? Reach out here and let’s get your branding photo session on the calendar!
