5 Ways to Use Your Brand Photos and Shine Online

Your brand photos are more than just a collection of images-they’re a visual expression of who you are and what your business stands for. And when used intentionally, they can help you connect more deeply with your ideal audience and grow your business.

Need some inspiration? Here are five creative ways to put your brand photos to work, and help your business shine in a beautiful and authentic way.

Shine Your Light

As a Milwaukee brand photographer, one of the joys of my job is not only to capture impactful branding photos, but also help my clients to use them with intention. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing my clients out in the world-showing up on social media, landing media features, and confidently owning their space. This is what happens when you pair beautiful photography with a purpose-driven brand.

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5 Places To Use Brand Photos

1. Carousel Post on Instagram

Use a series of brand photos (or just one repeatedly) to share a story, showcase your values, explain a process you follow, or share a behind-the-scenes moment.

Add captions to each image (I make these in canva and it’s an easy copy and paste) to build a narrative that draws people in. One of my biggest brand tips here, make sure you don’t just explain what you DO, but how you HELP your ideal clients. Make it about them!

End your post with an invitation of some kind- how to connect, where to learn more, or ask them to leave a comment. Want an example? Here is one that I made. And this is a great post by one of my clients.

2. Welcome or Thank You Postcard

Your brand is the experience that people have working with you. And when it comes to connection, nothing beats a personal touch. A beautifully designed postcard with your photos makes your gratitude feel even more genuine.

Create a design in Canva with one of your favorite images and a short thank-you message. You can use them as a client gift, a package insert, or a follow-up to a consultation.

In my business, I print out 5″x5″ square cards using brand images, and write a personal note on the back of them to accompany a client welcome gift that I mail out. Check out mine here!

This is such a simple way to make your clients feel appreciated. And for those of us in the service industry, it’s a must to help you stand out and create the connections that will make you remembered.

3. Welcome Banner for Your Email List

Your email list sign-up form is often the first point of contact, so make it warm and welcoming with a branded photo. I use flodesk for this, as they have “forms” that are easy to use to bring people into your sphere of influence.

And once people are on your list (here is a flodesk code for 25% off if you are building yours!)- a beautiful banner at the top of each email helps build trust and makes you stand out in their crowded Inbox.

I designed my branded banners in canva and have 3 different ones. Because I send a weekly emails with that I call “Your Branding Banner,” I rotate between the 3 to keep it fresh, yet recognizable. Making your own? I suggest choosing brand photos that shows you in your element: Confident, approachable, and professional. An email list is a chance to build a more personal connection then somebody just visiting your website or a getting a message on Linked In -so it’s great to use photos that have a little personality and flair to them.

4. Your Email Signature

Every email you send is a chance to show who you are and remind people of the heart behind your business. Keep it clean, simple, and true to your brand essence and style. Include a polished close up brand photo in your signature to make it feel more personal.

Need some help? Here is my canva template you can use to design your own. The first few are different configurations of my own email signature. I also include the actual designers templates I used to build it. (Have fun with it!)

Don’t forget to make it “clickable” – I personally link mine to my website to encourage that next connection.

5. Get Ready for Press, Features, and Pop-up Opportunities

You never know when an opportunity will come knocking, and having professional brand photos ready can make all the difference! Keep a folder of high-resolution images saved on your computer so you’re ready to share your brilliance at any moment.

Whether it’s a podcast interview, guest article, or media feature, having strong photos on hand helps you show up confidently.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve celebrated with my clients as they use their brand photos for features they had NO IDEA were on the horizon during our actual photoshoot. From Forbes, to podcasts, to awards – I’ll share just a few here…

Jamie Shibley in Forbes article

Whole Growth Partners celebrating their latest award

Natalie Sorrentino in a global printed publication, Daphne’s Diary

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Ready to elevate your brand?

Your brand photos are an investment in your business. They are powerful tools that not only reflect the heart of your business, but help you grow with purpose. Whether you use them to tell a story, build connection, or say thank you, there are so many ways to let your brand shine online.

I hope this blog post was helpful, and I’d be honored to work with you.