Top 3 Branding Photo Mistakes—and What to Do Instead

(And What to Do Instead for Photos That Actually Work for Your Brand)

If you're investing in a branding shoot, first off—yay, you! You’re showing up for your business in literally the biggest way! But even the most passionate and creative entrepreneurs can make a few sneaky mistakes that impact the final result.

As a Vermont-based branding photographer, I’ve helped hundreds of business owners step in front of the camera with clarity, confidence, and a plan. Over and over again, I’ve noticed 3 major mindset or strategy mistakes that can derail even the most well-intentioned shoot.

This article will do into how to avoid them—and what to do instead so your photos truly feel like you and will effetively support the growth of your small business

Mistake #1: Not Having a Clear Brand Strategy Going In

Why It Matters:

Your brand is more than your logo or Instagram grid—it's the vibe, the energy, and the emotional connection people feel when they take the step to engage with your business. Without a clear strategy, your photos might look polished but fail to generate leads into conversions.

The Fix:

Before your shoot, get intentional:

Who are you speaking to? // get specific
What values do you want to highlight? // this will radiate into the kinds of people you want to work with
What emotions or vibes do you want your brand to convey?
Where will these photos live (website, social, email, print)? //these things could potentially dictate the way your photographer will shoot, so it's very important!

Bring this clarity and vision to your photographer (and design team if you have one)—they are an absolutely asset of a partner in translating your brand’s personality into stunnign and compelling visuals to help tell your story.

Mistake #2: Trying to Be Someone Else

Why It Matters:

This one is tender—and incredibly common (thanks, social media). It can be tempting to look at what others in your industry are doing and try to emulate their vibe completely. But here’s the truth: if your photos don’t feel like you, your audience can see that. And honestly so can you.

Whether it’s choosing outfits that feel "on-trend" but not true to your style, using props that don’t reflect your actual work but you liked in some influencers' post, or even mimicking someone else’s pose or energy—it only waters down your own radiance authenticity. Lean into what makes you YOU.

The Fix:

Be unapologetically yourself. The best branding shoots are rooted in authenticity, honestly, and (maybe you saw this one coming...) vulnerability.

Choose clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable—we want to capture you, and that you in your style!
Bringing props, tools, or settings that reflect your actual process// we encourage at home or in studio sessions in possible to capture yoru vibe completely!
Let go of what your competitors do—and trust that your unique approach is more than enough and actually the best route to go.

Remember: you're not here to be another copy. You’re here to be your client’s favorite person to hire. And that starts with showing up fully as yourself.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Plan for Where and How You’ll Use the Photos

Why It Matters:

Photos are powerful—but if you don’t have a plan for how they’ll be used, they’ll likely sit in your downloads folder collecting digital dust. This is one of the biggest missed opportunities I see from even the most seasoned entrepreneurs. Have a plan ahead of time can help mitigate this.

The Fix:

Before your session, make a quick list of every place you’ll need updated images:

Website homepage or banners
Social media profile and content
Email newsletters
Sales pages, lead magnets, or online courses
Print materials or business cards
Media kits or speaking engagements

When you know what you need, your photographer can shoot accordingly—leaving room for text overlays, creating both horizontal and vertical crops, and building a library of content you can pull from again and again. Also think about your yearly calendar- what promotions will be you doing? Are you getting ready to launch something new? Think BIG PICTURE ideas with this one!

To recap, avoid these 3 common mistakes:

Skipping the brand strategy
Trying to be someone you’re not
Forgetting to plan for how you’ll use the images

When you lead with clarity and authenticity, your photos become more than just pretty content—they become tools that tell your story and support your business goals.

Ready to Show Up as the Real You?

At Owl’s Iris Photography, I create brand photos that reflect who you truly are—and the magic you bring to your work. Whether you’re a coach, creative, wellness pro, or service-based business, I’ll help you feel confident, prepared, and 100% yourself in front of the camera.

👉 [Explore branding sessions]
Or slide into my DMs and let’s start planning your shoot!