How to Create Creative, Fun, and Professional Branding Photos

The Sweet Spot Between Playful and Polished

If you’re a creative brand, artist, maker, or entrepreneur, chances are you’re looking for branding photos that feel more like you and less like a stiff corporate headshot. You want images that show off your personality, highlight your work, and still look polished enough for your website, press features, or investor meetings.

The good news is you don’t have to choose between professional and playful. With the right photographer (hi, it’s me!) and thorough pre-session prep, you can have both!

Why Personality-Driven Branding Works

Today’s clients and customers want to connect with real people. Your audience isn’t just buying your product or service, they’re investing in your story. Strong branding photos don’t just show what you do; they show who you are. When your images reflect your personality, values, and creative process, you build trust – an effective way to foster relationships with current clients and to gain new ones.

Tips for Fun, Professional Branding Photos

1. Think Beyond the Studio
Some of the most impactful branding sessions happen outside the typical office setting. Whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, your studio space, your home, or a scenic overlook with the Tappan Zee Bridge in the background, the setting can help tell your story.

2. Choose Outfits That Reflect You
I love a good tailored suit and a floral power set. Your clothing should make you feel confident and represent the vibe you want to project. I always recommend bringing at least one outfit that leans classic and one that feels a little bold.

3. Movement = Magic
Laugh, walk, lean, gesture. The best branding images feel like you in motion. We’ll keep things moving so you don’t feel stuck in one pose for too long.

4. Bring Your Brand Into the Frame
Whether it’s your product, tools of your trade, a signature outfit, or a meaningful location—these details help anchor your images in what makes your brand unique.

The Bid Lab Session: A Real-Life Example

Jordan and Maurice from The Bid Lab wanted branding photos that balanced approachability with professionalism. Their work helping clients navigate government contracts and grants requires trust, clarity, and attention to detail. But their personalities are warm, stylish, and playful, so we played to that by incorporating their brand colors into fun outfits that they were genuinely excited about wearing.

We photographed them in full sun on their balcony with the Tappan Zee Bridge and Hudson River as their backdrop. With wardrobe changes, indoor/outdoor images, and portraits that show them as both a married couple and business partners, we created a portfolio that feels authentic to them.

If you’re based in Westchester, NYC, or the surrounding Hudson Valley area and you’re ready to show up with confidence and creativity in your branding, I’d love to work with you.

Branding sessions start at $1,300. Every session is personalized and designed to highlight your story and your style.

Contact me here to book your session or learn more about the process!

Branding Portfolio: https://jamieshieldsphotography.com/branding

More on the blog:
✨ Selecting & Coordinating Outfits for a Family/Branding Photo Session| Branding Photographer NYC & Hudson Valley

✨How To Prepare for Your Branding Session – New Canaan, CT