Building a cohesive visual story for your business can take your auidence from “Oh yea I’ve heard of them” to “Let’s work together.”

Often the peice that gets missed is brand will put their visuals both photos and videos at the end of the strategy so it’s just execution. But when you add in photography and/or videography into the strategy discussion, then these tools work better for your messaging.

Consider a movie. Movies run at 24 frames per second—24 pictures every second—just to tell a story. When a writer is scripting the movie they are doing more than writing lines, they’re adding visual cues, emotions and personal touch points so the viewer will resonate or appreciate what they’re seeing on screen.

Luckily, you don’t need that many photos!

For business photography, four to six strong images can communicate your message effectively. If they are thought of during the strategy process and not after as just the execution of the strategy.

Here’s how to build your story into your strategy:

1. Define Your Brand Identity

Who are you? What do you value? What do you do?

My answer: I’m a professional photographer who values the importance of stroytelling within brands and want to ensure that effective brand photography is accessible to all businesses.

2. Understand Your Audience

Who are you speaking to, and what matters to them?

My answer: I am speaking to business owners, service provides or creatives who want to show up authentically online on the daily, and have their visuals reflect the professionalism and passion they pour into their work.

3. Plan Your Narrative

Choose up to six images that reflect the personal elements of your brand:

• your face or key clothing items
• your colours
• your tools
• your workspace
• your process
• your personality
• the emotion behind your work

Focus on authenticity. Your photos should reflect your actual environment. For example, a nutritionist or dietition should be photographed around food—not behind a computer like a marketer or accountant.

4. Use Brand Elements

Colours, props, and personal trademarks go a long way.
I know someone who built an entire brand around a red blazer and a catch phrase of being the “anti-hero socail media strategiest” —whenever I see it, I immediately recognize her business. If your curious you can check out Anita’s work here.

5. Capture a Variety of Shots

What you envision may not translate perfectly on camera. Take multiple options to ensure you have strong alternatives. There’s nothing worse then imaging a photo in your head and it not turning out the way you want. So it’s better to have a few options than soley relying on one.

6. Seek Support if Needed

If the process feels overwhelming, talk it out with someone or hire a brand photographer. Check out this post on how to take better pictures of yourself or I would love to talk you through it. Book a call.

Remove The Clutter

Before you take the photo, check the little details:

• Remove hair elastics from wrists
• Clear loose papers or clutter
• Smooth out obvious wrinkles and ensure there are no stains.

A clean, well-composed shot communicates professionalism and builds trust. This doesn’t mean removing personality—keep your plants, bold colours, or unique decor. Just eliminate distractions.

It’s easier to add props than to remove clutter, so start simple and build from there.

Out of all that I read the best thing I can say to you is to take the photo

The more comfortable you are in front of the camera, the more consistent your visuals will become.

Your first images might not look exactly how you want—but that’s okay. It’s your starting point. Growth happens through practice. Looking back at my photos from photography school compared to graduation, the improvement is obvious. Even a couple of months of intentional shooting makes a big difference.

Don’t let perfectionism stop you before you start. Your audience will grow with you and cheer you on—they’re just happy you showed up.