Brand Photography for Photographers: Do They Acually Need it?

One of my absolute favorite things to photograph? Fellow artists and creatives! There’s something so energizing about capturing people who are building things, making things, dreaming big, and putting their work out into the world. When I first started offering creative brand photography sessions a few years ago, I had this dreamy vision of filling my calendar with shoots for all kinds of inspiring movers, makers, and magic-doers.

I’m not all the way there yet—there are still so many incredible creatives I hope to meet—but this past year brought me closer to that dream. I had the chance to photograph a truly amazing lineup of people doing beautiful, thoughtful, and wildly interesting work. And every session reminded me why I started offering these in the first place: because helping artists tell their visual story is one of the coolest, most fulfilling things I get to do.

Even Photographers Need Brand Photos

It might sound a little wild, but even folks who take photos for a living need someone else behind the camera. Just like any small creative business, photographers need a collection of images that show who they are—not just what they do. We need content for websites, bios, Instagram grids, newsletters… and let’s be honest, most of us don’t love digging through old behind-the-scenes iPhone pics to find something halfway decent to post.

And while yes, self-portraits are technically possible, it’s a whole different game trying to direct yourself, style a scene, set the timer (again), and hope your face doesn’t look weird in the 47th take. That’s where hiring another photographer comes in.

When this talented photographer, Toni Toscano, reached out for brand photos to help launch her new website, I was so stoked. Not only because I love helping people tell their stories through visuals, but also because there’s something magical about working with someone who already speaks the visual language.

Creative Collaboration Between Photographers

During our planning session, we were able to drop into a shared language about what the images we wanted to make could look like. It was so energizing to think through the technical questions for specific shots with a colleague, and share technique tips while we were at it.

During our planning session, it felt like a co-creation more than a service. We dropped immediately into that familiar photographer shorthand—“Golden hour but more editorial,” “Can we make this look both relaxed and expertly lit?”—and started dreaming up a shot list that was part brand strategy, part creative playground. The shot list that we created was filled with brand-specific images to make, and it also had so many experimental and weird, technique-heavy shots.

We talked about the narrative she wanted her website to tell: approachable but elevated, professional yet creative. We mapped out her needs: headshots, lifestyle images, working shots, and a few versatile scenes that could serve as background images or page headers. But we didn’t stop there.

We also gave ourselves space to play—with lighting, movement, double exposures, and more. Some of my favorite images came from the “just for fun” part of the session.

What Is Possible During One Brand Photo Session?

I offer a range of creative branding sessions, from full-day shoots to quick two-hour sessions. While a full day is great for larger teams or shoots that require extensive styling and setup, most of my artist clients and solopreneurs only need a couple of hours to get everything they need—I'm fast, I promise! 😜

If you’re wondering what can actually happen in a two-hour session, here’s a peek at the types of images we had on the shot list for one recent client:

• Working shots in her favorite café, capturing the journaling and planning that’s part of her creative process

• Detail images of her tools and gear

• Environmental portraits in locations she regularly shoots in (two different spots)

• Behind-the-scenes shots of her photographing on location (again, two locations!)

• Playful, experimental images using motion blur to reflect the style of her work

• Wide environmental scenes to use as website banners (from both locations)

Spoiler: we captured all of this—and more! 💥

Toni’s Photography

Toni Toscano is a San Francisco-based photographer who describes her work as impresssionistic photography. I think that’s a perfect description and I love how her photographs create a sense of longing and nostalgia. They have a tangible feel of thrumming vibration, yet they also feel crisp and clean. They’re both muted and vibrant. I love the push and pull of them! When we met we wanted to create images that reflected not only Toni’s true self, but also incorporated the feelings that come up in her photography.

For our session, we met at a little cafe near the beach and felt like we already knew one another. After some lattes we headed out to Baker Beach and another secret spot in the Presidio and were able to make so many true images in a short period of time. Thank you, Toni!

Why Brand Photos Matter (Even for Creatives Who "Don't Need Them")

It’s tempting for photographers and other visual creatives to think we can get by without brand photos, since we have nice cameras and professional gear. But investing in a photo session with someone else drving offers more than just beautiful photos. It gives you:

✨ A fresh perspective on how you and your brand show up.
📸 Consistent, high-quality images that reflect your current style.
🧠 Strategy support—because a good brand shoot is more than a headshot.
🌟 Time back! (Seriously, how long have you spent trying to take a decent self-portrait?)

Want to Plan a Brand Shoot of Your Own?

If you’re a fellow photographer (or creative of any kind) and you’ve been putting off updating your images, consider this your sign. I’d love to collaborate with you on a session that feels as thoughtful, fun, and true to you as this one did.

Shoot me a message and let’s dream something up together ✨