Brand Shoot Ideas for Creatives: Stand Out With Visual Content That Feels Like You
If you’re a creative business owner – whether you’re a photographer, designer, artist, maker, coach, or performer – you already know that visuals matter. But when it comes to your own brand shoot? It’s easy to overthink it or fall back on the same bland shots everyone else uses.
You’re not beige. Your photos shouldn’t be either.
Here are personality-packed brand shoot ideas to help you show off your business in a way that’s magnetic, memorable, and undeniably you.
1. Show Your Creative Process
This is gold for creatives — and most people skip it.
Whether you’re mixing paint, sketching logos, editing video, styling outfits, or soldering jewellery, show the behind-the-scenes action. People love seeing how the magic happens.
Location tip: Messy studio corner? Good. Outdoor table with tools? Even better. It doesn’t have to be pristine – it has to feel real.
2. Make It About the Vibe, Not Just the Product
Anyone can take a photo of the finished piece. But what does your brand feel like?
If your work is soft, earthy, and slow – think natural light, warm tones, and organic props. If it’s bold, colourful, and playful – think bright backgrounds, quirky details, maybe even movement.
Brand photography isn’t just about what you sell. It’s about the feeling people get when they engage with you.
3. Use Props That Tell a Story
Props aren't just filler — they’re story tools. Think coffee mugs, sketchbooks, plants, scissors, thread, spray paint, cameras, mirrors, even personal items that reflect your style.
The trick? Choose items that say something about your workflow, your workspace, or your client experience.
4. Include Movement – Not Just Static Poses
Especially for video creators, performers, dancers, or fashion creatives, movement adds energy. Toss your hair, walk through your space, adjust something mid-action, or play with fabric or smoke.
Still photos with movement = dynamism. That scroll-stopping energy is what makes your content stand out.
5. Switch Up Your Locations
If your work is location-based (tattoo studio, makeup artist, event planner), use the real space — clients want to see it. But if you’re service-based or mobile, consider:
Urban backdrops with texture
Nature-based locations (parks, forests, fields)
Styled studio setups (like mine in Lincoln 😉)
We can create mini “sets” that feel editorial but still on-brand for you.
6. Get Some ‘You’ Shots That Aren’t Just Headshots
You don’t need awkward LinkedIn-style portraits. Think:
Laughing in your workspace or looking away mid convo
Interacting with tools or clients
Sitting cross-legged with a coffee
Close-ups of your hands working
Bright backgrounds
Adding texures, cool props, or your pet dog
Going to unusual locations or requesting some photoshopping - not all photographers
offer this, but I do :)
Photos of you being yourself perform so much better than stiff poses.
7. Plan Content That You’ll Actually Use
Don’t just shoot for the shoot’s sake. Think ahead:
Need square shots for Insta?
Want wide banner-style photos for your website?
Doing a launch soon that needs promo content?
We’ll plan your brand shoot around your real goals so you’re not left with a folder of pretty-but-pointless photos.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Work With a Photographer Who Gets Creatives
I work with photographers, makers, stylists, coaches, and artists all the time — so I get that your brand shoot isn’t just about looking good. It’s about connecting, being seen, and building trust with your future clients.
If you're a creative in Lincoln or anywhere in the UK who wants a shoot that reflects your actual personality (not just a Pinterest template), I’ve got you.