How We Capture Your Brand’s Image in Our Photography
When you think of Coca-Cola, what comes to mind? The red and white can with the cursive logo? All the commercials of people cinematically sipping a glass bottle? That's just one example of branding consistency.
Branding is a story-telling strategy that companies develop to create a look and feel for their product that is recognizable anywhere, anytime. Achieving a recognizable brand isn't easy- it requires strategic planning, good branding, and professional photography.
In this blog post, we're going to discuss how you can use professional photography to capture your brand's image and ensure cohesiveness across all mediums. Let's get started!
What is Branding Consistency?
Branding consistency is the deliberate use of specific colors, themes, or words to convey throughout all branding material.
This can be influenced by:
Color or color palette
Lighting
Background
Typography
Although the logo you use is also important to your brand identity, it won't always be in your branding photos. You want your audience to recognize your brand without needing a logo to tell them. By creating an overall aesthetic for your brand, you can be recognized anywhere, anytime where on the side of a bus stop or on an Instagram feed.
There are a few key ways to ensure branding consistency in your professional photography:
Use Brand Consistent Props
For example, if you're a clothing company, you might want to include items like coordinating accessories or clothing racks in your photos. This helps to keep everything on the subject while still adding to the photo to tell a story.
Consistent Colors and Lighting
Use colors that represent your brand and avoid using too many different colors in one photo. For example, if you're a restaurant that serves farm-to-table dishes, it would be best to use earth tones in your branding.
You'll also want your photos to be taken with natural lighting to capture that healthy, organic feel.
Set The Scene
Choose a location that represents your brand and try to avoid cluttered or busy backgrounds. Based on your business, decide whether the setting should be outdoors, in a studio, or right in your restaurant. Consider the overall aesthetics of your photos. Do they reflect the look and feel of your brand?
Edit Your Photos
In some cases, you may want to achieve a certain aesthetic through how your photos are edited. Are you creating a nostalgic brand that draws upon the influence of the 70s? You may want to use light leaks and grain to create a retro film feel.
On the other hand, your brand may envision the future and benefit from highly saturated, vibrant colors or holographic effects. Remember with however you choose to edit: consistency is key.
Why Does This Matter?
Branding consistency is important because it helps to build trust with your audience, and they won’t feel unnecessarily confused. When your audience can recognize your brand anywhere, they begin to develop a sense of trust and loyalty. Branding consistency also makes it easier for new customers to find and connect with your brand.
NTP 2 Specializes in Branding Photography
Branding consistency is key to building trust with your audience and ensuring a cohesive look and feel for your brand. With a little planning and intentional design, you can create photos that accurately represent your brand and connect with your target audience.
NTP 2 Photography specializes in branding photography and can help you capture the perfect photos for your business. Contact us today or book online!
How Often is Too Often: When Should I Plan New Brand Photos?
As a business owner, it's important to keep your branding fresh. Even if you've already had a professional photography session for your business, you'll eventually want there to be something new for your clients to see.
But how often is too often? NTP 2 Photography is here to walk you through our recommendations for your business, and why professional photography is so essential to success in the internet age.
If you're due for a branding update, book a shoot with NTP 2 Photography today!
Keeping Up with Social Media
Your social media accounts are a great place to show off your new branding photos! Whether it's a new headshot for LinkedIn or some product shots for Instagram, make sure you're frequently updating your images. This helps potential customers see that you're keeping up with the times, and it also helps with your SEO, (but we'll get into that later).
Look at your favorite big-name brands on social media for inspiration, they all have one thing in common... they're always doing something new! New trends, new items, or new deals on your favorite items, all with high-quality photography and video to show it all off.
Read More > Why Video Content Is More Effective In Marketing
Just like celebrities wearing new wacky clothing each year, updating your branding will keep your name on your client’s minds.
Improve your Business' SEO
When it comes to your website, you'll want to make sure you're also frequently updating your images. Not only will this help your site look more modern, but it will also help your SEO. SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization", it is basically how Google decides which websites to show first when someone searches for something.
Google's algorithm loves new content, and that includes images! So, if you're looking to improve your ranking on search engines, make sure you're regularly adding fresh photos to your site, google listings, and any other accounts that may appear in a google search (such as your social media)!
Staying Relevant Year Round
In an ideal world, you'd want to have a new branding session every season—about four times per year! This might seem like a lot, but it is the best way to keep your brand looking up to date.
However, we understand that many businesses might not need photos as frequently as others. In that case, we would recommend 2-3 branding shots a year, at least covering each major season change.
Of course, some businesses are changing every month and are in continuous need of new photography. Here are a few different types of businesses that would benefit the most from frequent branding updates:
Restaurants/Tea & Coffee Shops
Customers love seeing new menu items, and if you frequently change up your offerings, it's worth having new photos taken every few months. This also goes for any changes in decor or ambiance - if you've made significant upgrades to your space, show it off with new images!
Restaurant Branding > Our Guide
Clothing Boutiques/Jewelry Stores
If your inventory changes often, it's important to keep your website and social media looking fresh. New photos of your latest arrivals will help attract attention and bring in new customers.
Wedding Venues/Party Spaces
If you're constantly booking new events, it's important to show off your space in its best light. New photos will give potential customers a better idea of what you have to offer, and help them envision their own event at your venue.
Product Based Businesses
If your product is the star of the show, make sure your photos reflect that! Whether you sell cars, cosmetics, or home goods, it's important to have high-quality images that accurately represent what you're selling. Regularly updated product photos will help increase sales and keep customers coming back for more.
What You See is What You Get
As a business owner, you should make it a priority to have high-quality images of your products, space, and staff. Why? Because potential customers are often making decisions based on what they see online. If your website and social media are filled with outdated or poorly-lit photos, you're not doing your business any favors.
Investing in professional branding photography is one of the best things you can do for your business, and we would love to help you with that. NTP 2 Photography is a full-service photography studio specializing in business branding. We'll make sure you walk away with photos that make your brand look as good online as it does in person!
Give us a call at (813)-545-7569 today, or book your session online!
What is a Branding Photoshoot?
A branding photoshoot is a photo session that aims to capture the feel of your business, not just what it looks like.
When working with a professional photographer, you'll receive high-quality images that you can use for your website, social media, marketing materials, and more!
In today's day and age, it can be hard for your business to succeed with all the competition. It seems like everywhere you look businesses are advertising themselves, whether in person or on a screen. Chances are if you are a business owner, you've tried to invest some time into your business's appearance. Maybe it's a new logo, an updated website, or the occasional post on social media!
But what if we told you that there's one thing you could do that would help your business succeed even more? A branding photoshoot is a photo session that aims to capture the feel of your business, not just what it looks like. When working with a professional photographer, you'll receive high-quality images that you can use for your website, social media, marketing materials, and more!
We explain exactly what you can expect to get out of your branding photography session, as well as share some of my tips to make the most of your time. Let’s go!
Ready to see your business in a new light? Call NTP2 Photography today or book a session online!
Why Do I Need a Professional Branding Photoshoot?
As a business owner, it's important to understand the value of professional photography. Not only will high-quality images make your business look more credible, but they will also help you stand out from the competition.
Think about it this way, when you're scrolling through social media, what makes you stop and look at a certain business's post? Most likely, it's the images! High-quality photos are eye-catching and will make potential customers want to learn more about your business. Professional branding photography is an investment that will help you attract more customers and grow your business!
A branding photoshoot captures the feel of your business, not just what it looks like.
What Should I Expect from My Branding Photoshoot?
When you book a branding photoshoot with NTP2 Photography, we'll work with you to create a custom photography game plan that fits your specific needs. We'll start by discussing your goals for the shoot, as well as what kind of images you're looking for.
We don't just show up and start taking group photos, a branding photoshoot is a very calculated act.
We'll chat about your brand's aesthetic so we can strategize ways to capture that through our photography.
How Should I Prepare for My Photoshoot?
When making your photoshoot plans, you should know exactly what you want. Have you seen another business' photos online and loved their look? Show us! The better we understand how you view your business, the easier it is for us to capture that to share with the world!
To get the most out of your branding session, take note of this list before your photoshoot:
List your goals for your branding photoshoot
List where you will use your photos
Put together a detailed shot list
Gather props relevant to your brand
Determine if you need a model when taking marketing portraits
Do you have a team, a spouse, or a business partner? If so, take advantage of a special rate with our group package! Call us now to learn more.
Read More > Photographer's Guide to a Successful Business Branding Session
Capture Your Brand's Personality
The biggest difference a professional photoshoot makes isn't just the clear resolution, it's the personality these pictures will capture. Not only does a branding photoshoot help improve the way your business is seen by potential customers, but it also gives you a chance to show off your team's personality.
Customers want to see that there are real people behind the businesses they support, and this trend is only increasing. With the rise of social media, more and more people are starting to realize that all these businesses and celebrities they see online are in fact real people.
This may seem obvious, but there has always been a disconnect between the businesses online, and the people who run them. This "revolution" has changed how people portray themselves online and in advertisements. Don't try to fit any molds, just let your brand be captured in its natural state, and let everyone's personality shine through!
Book a Session Today with NTP2 Photography
If you're considering a branding photoshoot for your business, here are a few things you can expect:
A consultation call with your photographer, to discuss your business's goals for the shoot
A custom photo shoot, designed specifically for your business
High-quality images that will make your business look more credible
A chance to show off your team's personality
If you're ready to invest in a branding photoshoot for your business, book a session with NTP2 Photography today! We'll work with you to create beautiful, high-quality photos that capture what you love most about your brand!
How to Avoid Sweaty Photos in The Summer Heat
It’s finally photoshoot day! You’ve been waiting a while for today, and you’re excited to get professional photography done for your business’ branding. You’ve got on your best clothes and have spent 47 minutes making your hair perfect. “It seems like nothing could slow today down”, you think to yourself as you skip merrily to your front door… then you turn the handle.
SUMMER. In Florida. The humid air hits you like a brick wall and by the time you get to your car, you’re already a little sweaty! Maybe this light gray shirt wasn’t the best idea. As a professional photographer, this is one of the most common hurdles people face when trying to look their best for a branding shoot in the heat, and it’s one that not many people prepare for.
Today, we’re here to help! I’ll be giving you some of my best tips to avoid looking sweaty in summertime photos. Even though you can’t simply turn off your sweat, there are many ways to look your best on camera!
Are you ready to take your branding to the next level? NTP2 Photography specializes in capturing what makes your business unique. Elevate your business to new heights with a professional branding session by NTP2 Photography. Book a shoot today!
Time & Location
One of the best ways to avoid sweating during a photoshoot is to simply not be out in the heat! Of course, this sounds easier on paper. Doing the shoot in the morning can help beat the heat, and the lighting will look great as well!
Although you may not be taking pictures in the shade, choosing a location with shade nearby gives you a spot to cool off in between photos.
Consider Your Clothing
Trust us, when using high-quality, professional cameras, the sweat may show! When taking pictures that will last a lifetime, you’ll want to be sure your clothing won’t show sweat easily.
Very light or very dark colors will show the least sweat, but avoid colors that will completely darken when wet, such as light gray, light blue, etc.
Have a shirt you need to wear but know you’ll sweat right through it? Bring it along with you but wear another shirt until it's time for photos!
Read More > What to do Before Your Branding Session
Keep Hydrated
This one is as much of a life tip as it is a photoshoot tip! Keep yourself cool and healthy by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water and staying hydrated is the best way to prevent excessive sweating.
Damage Control
Sometimes, even the best antiperspirant will fail us. Maybe you’re just a sweaty person. You know what? That’s okay! It’s all about being prepared. Make sure you bring a backup shirt, extra deodorant, and especially a handkerchief along with you to your shoot.
Whether it is a handheld fan with a mister or a full-size box fan, bring whatever you normally need to stay cool.
Getting overheated? If you have cold water or drink nearby, rest it on your wrist for a couple of minutes right where you would take your pulse. This can help rapidly cool you down!
Consider your Makeup Choice
Make sure your makeup is summer tested! You don’t want to spend time making your makeup look perfect only to ruin it standing right under the sun. Try a test run the day before the photoshoot to ensure your makeup can withstand heat and sweat.
It may even be worth it to get airbrushed by a professional, giving you sweat-proof and long-lasting makeup for the whole day!
Look Your Best Minus the Sweat with NTP2 Photography
Whether our session is in the heat of summer or the chilly office building, you can count on NTP2 Photography to capture your business in the best light. Your brand deserves to look its best and having professional, magazine-quality photography can truly take your brand to new heights.
Book an appointment with Eric at NTP2 Photography today and see what we can do for you!
Photographer's Guide to a Successful Business Branding Session
A cohesive brand is so important for your business! Your branding is a visual representation of you and your business to the consumer, AKA your potential clients. So, of course, professional photos are an absolute must to successfully portray who you are as a brand.
Many of our clients have questions when booking a business branding session, as they should! After all, we are the photography pros here, we expect there to be questions. In this blog post, we will be helping answer these questions with our guide to a successful business branding session.
Through this guide, you’ll learn what to plan for to get the most out of our time together. If you’re looking to elevate your business with a professional branding session, book NTP2 Photography today!
Take note of this list before your photoshoot:
List Your Goals For Your Branding Photoshoot
Always Prepare To Have A Model At Your Shoot
List Where You Will Use Your Photos
Put Together a Detailed Shot List
Gather Props Relevant to Your Brand
1) List Your Goals For Your Branding Photoshoot
It is important to have goals in mind when preparing for your shoot to ensure you achieve your desired result for the branding of your business. You want a clear message to be delivered through the photos.
Are you shooting for a new product or service? Maybe it’s time for rebranding? Or maybe you’re a brand new business that just needs photos to attract your intended audience. Whatever the goal, simply listing them out will help capture your vision.
2) Always Prepare To Have A Model At Your Shoot
We have found that in many branding shoots it is best to be prepared to have a model or two on hand. Don’t fret, you don’t need a professional model; a friend, client, or colleague will do just fine!
No volunteers? No problem! Just let Eric know before your shoot and he can get some local talent who may be a good fit for your shoot’s goals!
3) List Where You Will Use Your Photos
Think of where your photos will be posted. Will they be used on your website, Facebook ads, or Instagram? What about on a banner at the top of one of your social media pages or blog? A vertical portrait may work perfectly in some cases when in others it would not fit right.
To prevent this, be sure to take plenty of landscape photos during your shoot. Remember, you can always crop a landscape photo into whatever shape or size you need, however, the same can’t be done with portraits.
Be sure to consider where the photos will end up and plan to create with that platform in mind.
4) Put Together a Detailed Shot List
You likely already have some ideas about the photos you want to take. Put together the details and keep in mind which shots you may need a model or two. Give this list to your photographer so they have a clear understanding and can accurately capture the message of your shoot.
Examples of details to jot down:
Background: Solid color backdrop, brick wall, office space, beach, etc.
Framing: Close up, long shot, medium-long shot, etc.
Props & Styling: What the model is wearing or the props surrounding the subject
Shot Description: Model 1 is sitting behind an office desk with a computer and papers on the desk. Model 2 is holding a notebook behind Model 1 and pointing to the computer mid very important conversation.
Important Notes: Landscape shots, one close up, one medium long shot
Need Some Video Ideas? > 8 Types of Videos for Growing Businesses
5) Gather Props Relevant to Your Brand
Can you imagine an office photoshoot without a single pen, phone, or computer in sight? Although your office should have these things available, many times a shoot could have been improved with a prop related to the brand.
Any branded items especially should be available to use, giving photos a more realistic feel while showing off more of your awesome branding!
Showcase Your Brand with NTP2!
No matter your business or goal, NTP2 will help you achieve a look that you’ll want to share with the world. Your business is high quality, and it’s about time your branding reflects that!
Contact Eric of NTP 2 Photography today at (813) 545-7569 or schedule a consultation online today!