How to Start Your Brand Photography Business
- Kayleigh King
- Jun 2, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: May 4, 2025
How to Start a Brand Photography Business
Brand Photography is so hot right now.
Between social media, websites, and just trying to show up online in a way that feels like you, visuals matter. A lot.
Which is great news if you're a photographer, because brand photography is booming—and honestly, it’s such a fun, creative space to be in.
The days of awkward headshots on grey backdrops? Fully over. Now it’s all about capturing the real energy behind a business. The vibe. The story. The stuff that actually helps people connect.
So if you love photographing people, or you’re already doing portraits and looking for something more aligned—brand photography might be your thing.
Let’s get into it. Here’s how to start building your own brand photography business, from the ground, up.
Building Your Brand Photography Skills and Knowledge
If you’re getting into brand photography, start with a strong foundation. You need solid technical skills—knowing how to use your camera, how to shape light, how to edit with intention. This is what sets you apart and helps you deliver consistently high-quality work.
Start by getting to know your gear inside and out. Learn how to shoot confidently in different lighting conditions, how to adjust settings quickly, and how to get sharp, well-exposed images without second-guessing yourself.
My settings: I generally don't go lower than a shutter speed of 1/250 (unless adding intentional motion blur, and keep my aperture between F1.8 and F2.5, depending on what I want in focus. I set my ISO at whatever I need to keep my shutter speed at the above setting.
Composition plays a bit part, too. Framing, angles, perspective, the rule of thirds—it all comes together in creating images that feel intentional and aligned with your client’s brand. This is something you build with practice. Keep shooting, study work you admire, and pay attention to how different angles and crops shift the mood of a photo.
Lighting is everything. Whether you're working with natural light or in a studio, understanding how light interacts with your subject is a super important skill. Subtle changes can completely transform the feel of an image. Notice what kind of light makes your work feel most alive.
But technical skill isn’t enough. Brand photography is also about understanding the business behind the brand. You need to know your client’s audience, their messaging, and what makes them stand out, so you can translate that visually. The best way to do this is by asking thoughtful questions. Use a client questionnaire to dig deep into their story, their goals, and the energy they want to put out into the world.
The Photography Gear You Actually Need (and Why It Matters)
Choosing the right gear is less about having everything and more about having the right things. With endless options out there, it’s important to invest in tools that suit your style and support the kind of work you want to do.
Start with a camera body that delivers on image quality, low-light performance, and reliability - I LOVE my mirrorless Nikon.
Then turn your focus to lenses—this is where I’d recommend putting the bulk of your budget. A good lens makes all the difference. Prime lenses with wide apertures are especially useful for portrait photography. They give you beautiful depth, control over light, and that polished, professional look clients love. HOWEVER, shooting in smaller spaces in England has turned me on to using a zoom lens that can go wide and I can't accidentally make the aperture too low and get things out of focus!
If you’re working in a studio, you’ll want great lighting gear. Studio lights give you full control over the mood and tone of each shot. But if you prefer natural light, that’s great too—it adds an organic, editorial feel that works really well for lifestyle brands. Just make sure you understand how to shape and soften light with tools like reflectors and diffusers.
My gear: Camera - Nikon Z6ii; Lenses - 24-75mm (my workhorse - rarely comes off my camera and great for capturing events), 85mm (used for portraits when I have space to back up); Lighting (only when necessary) - GODOX SL200II 200W LED Video Light, NEEWER 2-Pack 2.4G LED Video Light, and a Nikon speedlight that rarely comes out of my camera bag.
Creating a Photography Studio Setup
A full-blown studio isn’t essential—but if you have one, it can be a beautiful extension of your brand.
Whether you’re working from home, renting a space, or dreaming of your future studio, think about the environment you're creating. What does it feel like to be in that space? How does it support the kind of work you want to produce?
You’ll want flexible lighting equipment (especially if you shoot more than just natural light), multiple backdrop options, and a few go-to props to help bring a brand story to life. Most clients will bring their own props, but having a small curated selection on hand is a nice way to go the extra mile.
Here's a quick look at my home photography studio in New Brighton, UK:
I went for simple and earthy, with mostly neutrals and a boho feel and it's worked for loads of my clients!
Building a Brand Photography Portfolio That Reflects Your Work
A strong portfolio is one of your most powerful tools. Only include images you’re proud of—if something doesn’t feel like a clear “yes,” it’s probably not your best work. Quality always wins over quantity.
If you’re still building your portfolio, start by collaborating with small businesses or creative peers. Trade shoots can be a great way to gain experience and expand your network—just make sure you’re still treating the shoot like a client project. Keep the creative direction aligned with the kind of work you want to attract, and maintain control over how the images are styled and presented.
Develop a visual style that feels true to you and let that come through consistently in your work (although you'll notice my style includes a lot of feels - but the constant is timeless, clear edits, and a feeling where the clients are comfortable, relaxed, and confident on camera!).
Use your social platforms to show behind-the-scenes moments, tips, and client results—not just polished final shots. That transparency builds trust and interest.
The Business & Legal Side of Brand Photography
The not-so-glamorous stuff matters too. Before you get too far, make sure your business is legally set up. Register your name, check for required licenses, and get clear on your local regulations.
Insurance is a must. Accidents happen, and it’s better to be covered than caught off guard. You’ll also want to use clear model releases and image usage agreements so you’re protected when using client work in your portfolio or marketing.
And please—use a contract. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should clearly lay out deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and rights. A good contract protects both you and your client, and helps avoid any awkward misunderstandings. Check out a few of the terms you should include in this blog post.
How to Price Your Work (Without Undervaluing Yourself)
Pricing can feel tricky, but it’s all about value and clarity.
Do some research—see what others in your area are charging, but don’t base your prices purely on what’s “normal.” Consider your experience, the quality of your work, and the level of service you offer. Brand photography is a high-impact investment for your clients. Price it accordingly.
Rather than charging hourly, think in terms of packages. Include things like session length, image count, and optional add-ons like retouching or usage licenses. Packages make your offers easier to understand and give clients a clear path to book.
And most importantly, stand behind your rates. You’re offering something thoughtful, strategic, and creative. That’s worth charging well for...plus, since the investment is for their business, your clients can expense the shoot, as well as anything they purchase for it!
Brand Photography Marketing That Connects
You don’t need to be everywhere, but you do need a strong online presence. Start with a clean, professional website that showcases your portfolio, clearly outlines your services, and makes it easy for people to contact you. Add a few client testimonials to build trust—and make sure your site is optimized so people can find you when they search.
Social media can be a great visibility tool, but real connection often happens through community. Show up to networking events (maybe even shoot a few of them). Reach out to local businesses. Get to know brand designers, coaches, web developers—people who regularly work with your ideal clients. These relationships can lead to referrals, partnerships, and long-term growth.
Photography Client Communication and Relationships
Clear communication is everything when delivering a high-investment service. From the first inquiry to final delivery, make sure your client knows what to expect. Ask the right questions, take time to understand their goals, and always be upfront about timelines, pricing, and image usage.
A streamlined onboarding process can make a huge difference here—think branded welcome guides, prep emails, and easy scheduling.
During the shoot, create space for them to feel relaxed and seen. And afterward, deliver images promptly and professionally. A smooth experience builds trust, and trust leads to referrals.
Want to go a step further? Consider creating a simple referral program for past clients. It’s an easy way to keep the connection going and reward those who send amazing people your way.
Need a little jump start on upgrading your client communication and streamlining your workflow?
Check out these tools:
Keep Growing (Even Once You’re Booked Out)
Growth isn’t just for beginners—it’s part of the job. Stay open to learning. Take workshops, try new gear, play with different editing styles. Watch how other creatives approach their work. If you want more focused guidance, consider a 1:1 mentorship with a photographer whose work you admire.
Don’t be afraid to pivot or evolve. Let your business shift as you do. The more you invest in your craft, the stronger and more sustainable your brand photography business becomes.
Keep Growing (Even Once You’re Booked Out)
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be curious, committed, and willing to keep showing up. Brand photography is such a powerful space to work in—full of creativity, connection, and impact.
You’re not just taking photos. You’re helping people show up in their business with confidence and clarity. That’s no small thing.
Want to learn together?
I know what it’s like to feel stuck—to wonder if it’s time to pack up the camera and pivot into something else just to make ends meet.
But the truth is, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
If you’re feeling a little lost or just need a clear path forward—whether that’s leveling up your portfolio, booking more aligned clients, or getting unstuck with your brand photography business—let’s talk.
A 1:1 mentoring session is your chance to ask anything. You’ll get tailored advice, honest feedback, and actionable steps —without wasting hours on Google or second-guessing every decision.
