10 Creative Brand Photo Ideas for Small Business Owners

One of the top things I hear from small business owners regarding photography, is that they don't want their photos to look like stock images, and like every other person in their industry. If smiling at your laptop isn't something you'd ever do in real life, then consider it off the list!


Here are 10 ideas you can incorporate into your next brand photo session to make your photos stand out from your competition. I'm going to be giving lots of examples from various industries... maybe you can find inspiration for your own business!

Behind-the-Scenes

Capture candid shots of you working on your craft or service, such as creating a product, interacting with clients, or on a phone call.


Interior designer: Fluffing a pillow or folding a blanket

Gym owner: Wiping down equipment

Attorney: Packing a briefcase

Personalized Workspace

Highlight your workspace or office setup. Showcase meaningful details like decor, tools of the trade, or branded items.


Hairstylist: Shampoo brand you use

Course creator: Framed family photos on your desk

Florist: Scissors, ribbon, wire


Hands at Work

Focus on your hands doing what you do best - writing, crafting, massaging, painting, etc. These close-ups tell a tactile, authentic story.


Painter: Hands with a brush, or holding a pallet

Baker: Hands holding a knife while frosting a cake

Blogger: Hand holding a pen or on a keyboard


With your Tools of the Trade

Highlight the tools that are essential to your business.


Photographer: Your camera

Makeup Artist: Brushes

Builder: Hammer

Your Signature Product or Service

Showcase your product in a creative setting or demonstrate a key aspect of your service.


Consultant: Present a brainstorming session

Author: Pose holding a stack of your books

Farmer: Holding a basket of vegetables

Client Interaction

Capture moments of you working with a client, whether in a meeting, consulting, or greeting someone in your space.


Realtor: Greeting a client at an open house

Piano teacher: Sitting with your student on a piano bench, pointing at keys

Boutique owner: Handing a customer a bag of their purchases

Your Why: What Inspires you?

Incorporate personal elements that reflect your passion or inspiration. This is personal and very different for everyone. What fuels you to keep going in your business?


It could be your Bible that you start your day with, a photo of you with your spouse or kids, a vase that you bought from a local glassworker on a special vacation, an animal you've rescued, or a cookbook from your grandma.

Seasonal Content

Incorporate seasonal elements into your photos, like fall leaves, Christmas decor, or summer backdrops to keep your brand fresh and relatable. Staying current with holidays and seasonal changes can keep you relevant and look like you always have something fresh to share.


Think ahead! If you're having your brand photos taken in September, consider bringing some props and outfits along suitable for posting around Christmas or New Years.

Lifestyle Branding

Pose in natural settings that align with your target audience's lifestyle.


Think about if any of these locations would make sense in your business: A local park, a coffee shop, a gym you frequent, a neighborhood that's well recognized, your local farmer's market.

Celebrations & Launching

Celebrate milestones like your business beginning, product launches, business anniversaries, or awards earned. Use confetti, balloons, or bubbly to create joyous celebratory images that show your excitement.

These 10 ideas should get your brain thinking about creative photos to incorporate into your business brand story to attract your audience, and make your business stand out! If you found this helpful, share with another business bestie!