8 Brand Photoshoot Ideas to Build Your Content Library

An overhead shot of a can of Blueberry Pomegranate kombucha, surrounded by pomegranate seeds and blueberries on a white background

Looking for fresh brand photoshoot ideas? Small businesses always need a current library of professional brand images to attract new clients, build trust, showcase your products or services in the best light, and have consistent content for social media.

As a brand photographer who’s helped over 50 small businesses create scroll-stopping images with strategy, I’m going to share 8 brand photoshoot ideas to build your content library in this blog (or, if you prefer video, you can watch it in Reel form on Instagram).

Evergreen content

A beautifully decorated ballroom at the Louisville Palace with plated salads, gold charger plates, gold chiavari chairs and black tablecloths in the foreground

First, you need images that you can use year-round to promote your business, no matter the season. These live on your website, can be used in multiple ways on social media, or be used for ads.

Evergreen brand photoshoot ideas: photos of your location, your office, food or drink items that stay on your menu all year, or top-selling products you always have in stock.

Seasonal content

A farmer brings her husband and guests a bowl of food. They dine outdoors at a decorated table in the fall.
It is before sunrise, and a gentle fog hangs in the air with the silhouette of cows in the field
A plate of Thanksgiving turkey on a plate with vegetables and cranberry sauce

Next, it’s important to highlight seasonal items with professional brand photos, because this create urgency and boosts sales! Plan to start marketing EARLY for seasonal items, especially if you have a limited window to sell.

Seasonal content brand photoshoot ideas: fall food and cocktail menu items at your restaurant, summer decor rentals, and holiday product specials.

Team photos

A smiling bartender pours drinks for an event

Your customers don’t just want to buy from a faceless business, they want to know WHO makes the magic happen. Team photos are not just headshots, and I encourage you to highlight your brand personality to create approachable images that help your audience connect with you.

Brand photoshoot ideas for your team: Choose three words that describe your brand as the anchor for your attire, location, and vibe of the photos.

Behind the scenes Photos

A hand places a piece of pottery inside the kiln
A ceramics artist shapes handles for mugs she is making
A ceramics artist throws pottery in her home studio
A ceramics artist shapes pottery with one hand, and dips her other hand in a water

Behind-the-scene images that show the process of how your pottery gets made or the work that goes into a bathroom installation emphasize the value of your products or services and help your audience see what the process is like.

BTS Brand Photoshoot Ideas: Showcase the most interesting or intricate parts of your process that most people don’t get to see every day.

Candid Photos

A group of friends do a "cheers" with their drinks as they dine at a Mexican restaurant
Someone takes a photo of their food at a restaurant
Someone passes a plate of tacos across the table

Photos of real people enjoying the food at your restaurant or relaxing into shavasana in your yoga class helps your clients to visualize themselves in your space, as your customer. It shows social proof that people really do love what you have to offer!

Candid brand photoshoot ideas: Bring in friends or a few of your regular customers to “model.” With candid photography, it’s essential to have a photographer who can help people feel relaxed and comfortable so they don’t look stiff or posed.

Static Images

The homepage of Elixir Kombucha's website, featuring their 5 signature flavors

Product photos, menu items, interior photos, stock or filler content. Images for your Etsy store, the online order menu from ToastTab, Airbnb photos or other images that can go on your website are all great examples of static images.

Static brand photoshoot ideas: E-commerce style images of each product on a solid background, a styled table displaying the pottery you make, interior photos of your Airbnb, etc.

Transformation Photos

A chic, Palm Royale inspired bar set-up
A welcome sign with retro inspired details
A tablescape for an event with the Palm Royale theme with a pink napkin, green patterned plate, and ivory fan at each place setting
A tablescape set up for a Palm Royale themed event

Have you ever watched a time lapse video of something being made from start to finish? Transformation content is powerful, because it shows what the final result will be, like how amazing your client looks in the new outfit you styled for them, or the before and after of their bathroom remodel. This highlights the result they desire…and provides proof you can create it.

Transformation brand photoshoot ideas: Before and after images

Is it time to schedule your next brand photoshoot?

Do you have examples of each of these types of images in your content library? These don’t all have to be created in the same photoshoot, but I recommend starting with what aligns with the business goals you have right now.

See more of my branding work and let’s schedule a Brand Strategy Call. I’ll help you plan your next brand photoshoot and start building your content library.

Find even more valuable ways to use your brand photos…

7 Ways to Sell Using your Brand Photos

The Top 6 Ways to Use your Brand Photos on Instagram

A smiling photographer holds a camera in her hand

Johanna Hribal is a Louisville, Kentucky-based brand photographer who is passionate about creating scroll-stopping images that shine the spotlight on local businesses. While she photographs a variety of product and service based businesses, her specialty is in food and beverage photography. 

Visit her website to explore her portfolio and inquire to book a content refresh or quarterly branding sessions with her. 

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