Summary

Definition
Why is it important
How photography helps create a cohesive brand identity
The emotional impact of visuals on consumers
Examples from successful brands
Tips for using photography to enhance your brand's story
Conclusion

Definition

At its core, brand storytelling is about using the power of storytelling to create a meaningful and memorable brand experience for consumers.

The whole point of brand photography is the visual representation of the brand's values, personality, and unique story. It involves creating a narrative that resonates with consumers and helps them connect emotionally with the brand.

If the mission of product photography is to turn a shopper into a customer, then the task of brand photography is to turn a customer into a fan.

Two ends of the same spectrum if you will. I think of brand photography as far removed from sales messaging and product pages as possible. Instead, brand photography's home is in various channels, such as advertising, social media, content marketing, and public relations.

The most significant impact of all brand photography is to differentiate the brand from its competitors. That's job #1.

The brand photoshoot is the most value-centric photoshoot a business can do. Once a brand shoot wraps, you have a highly versatile asset library that you can leverage across multiple channels. But it gets better. Unlike social media photoshoots or product photography, brand images that tell a story have a shelf life as long as the business's life. But it gets even better than that. Brand shoots are unique in that capturing still photography and video is a seamless workflow, as the art direction between the two mediums is the same.

What Is It Important?

Compelling photography and video in brand storytelling can help a brand build customer loyalty. This result is because a brand shoot aims to capture a cohesive visual identity that evokes a subtle emotional response.

The emotional impact of visuals on consumers?

Studies have shown that the brain processes images much faster than text and that people are more likely to remember information when presented visually—as such, incorporating visually appealing ideas into brand storytelling can help engage and resonate with consumers emotionally.

Photography is compelling in advertising, as it can help to create a deeper connection with the audience and make the brand more memorable. Additionally, using relevant and relatable images to the target audience can help create a sense of authenticity and trustworthiness for the brand.

Examples Of Successful Brand Photography.

Below are examples of excellent brand photography. Take a look and try to notice subtle shifts in an emotional response from one set of images to the next. Try to identify three key words the brand wants you think of/feel when you view the images. I will do the same and we will compare.

Did you notice how minimal or completely absent the presence of the actual product was?

Did you you feel three distinctly different albeit subtle responses?

I choose these images because they also speak to one charactierist photography can bring to your brand that I have not mentioned yet. Credibility.

Brand photography positions you as an authority in your space. The “Brand Name” as it were.

Let’s take look if your emotional keywords were the similar to mine. If they were, you know these images had huge impact because of the cohesion of story in a single image.

Tips For Your Brand Photography

#1 I tell all of my clients this. Identify what makes you different; shoot that. These will be your most powerful images.

#2 Don't be afraid to tell behind-the-scenes stories—office life, how a new collection comes together, and where it all started as examples.

#3 Lifestyle shots. If you sell a product, show us how that product changes lives in the real world. What is the net effect it will have on your customers?

Conclusion

Photography is a powerful tool for telling brand stories and connecting with customers on a deeper level. Businesses can effectively convey their values, personality, and unique selling points by using visually striking and vibrant images. So, if you're looking to strengthen your brand storytelling efforts, consider photography's role in bringing your message to life.

Stay hungry my friends.

The Role of Photography in Brand Storytelling