The Ultimate Guide To Fun Brand Photos That You’ll Actually Want To Use | Destin + 30A Florida Brand Photographer
Table Of Contents:
Update that website
A HOT Social Media Feed
Customized Marketing Materials
Start Blogging Babyyy
All of the Pinterest Content
Your Next Feature and Favorite Collabs
Videos Videos Videosssss
Define Your Brand Vision And Goals
Choose Strategic On Brand Locations
Outfits And Props That Align With Your Brand
Plan For Both Photo And Video
Create A Shot List
What It’s Like To Work With Me
Planning Your Dream Brand Shoot (Free Resource)
If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re on the hunt for some updated brand photos — and honestly, you’ve come to the right place. While we’re at it, we’re going to talk video too, because the truth is: you need both to really stand out and you might as well two birds one stone your brand session, am I right? Whether you’re a local business owner, creative entrepreneur, or building a brand here in Destin Florida or along 30A, having high-quality photo and video content is one of the best investments you can make in your marketing. I’m so stoked you’re here. As a Destin and 30A brand photographer and videographer, I’ve worked with businesses and creatives to craft intentional content that not only looks good but actually works for you — across your website, socials, ads, and beyond. So, I’ve pulled together my top tips and planning strategies to help you prep for your best brand shoot yet. Read on, my friend — this is your ultimate guide to planning an epic brand shoot, and getting the most out of it.
Why You Need Brand Photos (and Video!)
In a world where so many first impressions happen online, your brand visuals are everything. Whether you're launching a new business, rebranding, or just need a refresh — brand photos and videos help you show up consistently, attract your dream clients, give you all the confidence in your marketing, and tell your story in the most true to you way possible. High-quality brand photos stop the scroll, while brand videos bring your personality to life. And the best part? Having a professional capture all of this for you means less stress and more ease—your content is delivered in a beautifully organized way, ready to use. The combination of both creates a full library of content that makes your brand stand out while keeping your marketing effortless. And one of the biggest wins? Planning your brand shoot forces you to really dial in on your business—getting clear on your values, who you’re talking to, your process, and the heart behind what you do. By the time your shoot rolls around, you’re not just showing up for photos—you’re showing up fully aligned with your brand, feeling creative, inspired, and ready to create content that truly represents you.
What You Can (& Should) Use Your Brand Photos And Videos For
So you’ve got the content or you are planning for a brand shoot and you need to know what the heck you do with it. Honestly, the opportunities are endless (and way more exciting than you might think).
Update Your Website
Your website is about to look so legit, aligned with everything your brand is, we’re talking fun photos, and videos that make your website pop that much more
How to Use It:
Use a styled shot of your product, think less boring more lifestyle you or a model wearing the hat, necklace, or looking over the guide you send to every client (the list goes on here, it’ll be specific to you!) You can also add a video clip here to give that extra movement and make it stand out.
A highlight video on your landing page to showcase your product or service in action is SUCH a fun way to wow your people and to help them really feel what it’s like to work with you!
Simply having updated, on brand, and fun content to go through and sprinkle throughout is a perfect touch, update that banner background, your about me page, those fun lifestyle product and service spots, etc.
A HOT Social Media feed
Something easy to grab that actually excites you to post — because we’ve already mapped out exactly what you need and why before your session. With a variety of content at your fingertips (literally in a folder on your phone), you’ll never run out of ideas for your feeds, cover photos, etc.
How to Use It:
Pin your highlight video at the top of your socials so new friends instantly see who you are and what they’re getting by following you.
Use a lifestyle photo with negative space (perfect for text overlays!) that aligns with your TikTok or Reel — creating cohesive content that people can actually find.
Repurpose video clips into Reels or TikToks — showcase your products, share tips, and let your brand’s personality shine.
With more than just a folder of headshots you will have a variety of content to use for different types of posts in your marketing.
Customized Marketing Materials
We’re talking beyond social media: client guides, email campaigns, graphics, digital ads — all instantly elevated with custom visuals that align with YOU. Your brand photos and videos are chef’s kiss for any marketing collateral.
How to Use It:
Use styled product shots in email campaigns or newsletters to give them a polished, professional feel (goodbye random stock photos).
Create custom graphics for digital ads — pair a stunning new photo of your product with a strong call to action.
Add lifestyle images to client guides or brochures to reflect your brand’s values and vibe.
Start Blogging Babyyy
I will scream this from the rooftops forever — if you’re serious about showing up online, blogging is key. Blogging is your bestie for SEO, and visuals make those posts pop and come up on google images.
How to Use It:
Educate your audience about what you do, how you do it, and what makes your approach unique — with YOUR face in there (yes, it helps your SEO).
Use lifestyle images in blogs that tell your brand’s story or explain your process.
Share your highlight video on a blog post that is targeted ot marketing in your area of expertise.
Incorporate product shots into how-to or tutorial posts — adding value while driving traffic back to your site.
✨ Pro Tip: Not sure where to start with blogging? Check out my girl Danielle at Defy Creative — she’s the go-to for everything blogging. Check out her Blogging Bible and use code “MADDIE” at checkout for 10% off. I cannot recommend every product, service, and her in general enough!!
All of the Pinterest Content
It’s not going anywhere — and it’s the easiest way to keep showing up (and driving traffic) long after your shoot. Pinterest is a traffic-driving machine. With your brand shoot content, you can create eye-catching pins.
How to Use It:
Link directly to your website or blog posts using lifestyle or product photos with descriptions that match your blog.
Pin every photo on every page of your website to drive traffic back to that page.
Share tips, tutorials, or reviews with images that show your products or services in action — and drive clicks straight to your site.
✨ My Favorite Pinterest Scheduling App Literally a game changer, publish your blog then immediately schedule everything through this, it will make your life SO easy!! Also if you need pinterest help I loveee the resources Sarah Burke has!!
Your Next Feature and Favorite Collabs
Podcasts, interviews, partnerships, magazine features… it’s all easier when you’re ready with content.
How to Use It:
No scrambling for a headshot for a guest blog or podcast feature — you’ve got a whole library of images that fit every vibe.
For magazine features or brand partnerships, pull product shots and lifestyle images to ensure your brand shows up beautifully.
Collabing with your fav business?! Great, you've got some stunning content ready to send over!
Videos Videos Videosssss
Ever scroll a site with video and think, “Wow, this feels next-level”? Yeah… it’s your turn.
How to Use It:
Feature short product demos or BTS clips on your site to help visitors instantly connect with you.
Use highlight videos in your marketing — showing your products or services in action (and making it FUN).
Add a highlight video to your website, blog post, or about page — letting your personality shine and giving your audience that extra connection.
And honestly — that’s just the start. I’m willing to bet reading this sparked even more ideas about where you’ve seen this done or where you want to use content like this. The best part? This isn’t money wasted — these photos and videos become the foundation of your brand and marketing for months (even years) to come. You’ll be grabbing from this content library over and over again.
How To Plan Your Dream Brand Shoot (Because Every Session Should BE What Your Dreams Are Made Of)
Are you getting excited? Because I sure am. After seeing all the ways you can use your content, let’s dive into planning your dream brand shoot — with intention. This is how you make the most of your investment and walk away with content you actually love (and use).
Step one: Define Your Brand Vision And Goals
This is where it all starts — getting really clear on the heart of your business. Think about your values, your vibe, and the dream clients you want to attract. Ask yourself:
What are your values?
What vibe do you want to give off?
Who’s your dream client?
What’s the goal of this content? (More bookings? More sales? Brand awareness?)
How do you want people to feel when they see it?
Answering these helps shape everything — from the locations and outfits to the overall tone of your shoot, this is truly the foundation of it all.
Step Two: Choose Strategic On Brand Locations
Let’s not wing it here, you are investing in content and where you are getting it matters. This part is seriously so fun. Let’s brainstorm places that match the vibe of your brand and tell your story visually. One of my favorite tips? Work with local businesses you already love — if their space aligns with your brand, reach out and see about shooting there.
Some ideas to get you started:
Your office or studio — perfect for behind-the-scenes content
A dreamy Airbnb or lifestyle studio that feels elevated and aligned
A favorite coffee shop or boutique that matches your aesthetic
And of course… the beach, if that coastal vibe fits your brand
Think about finding the perfect mix that feels authentic and gives you tons of variety.
Step Three: Outfits And Props That Align With Your Brand
Okay — THIS is your chance to have fun with it. Pull pieces that feel flattering, confident, and so you. It’s the perfect excuse to rent or splurge on those bold, elevated looks you love but don’t always grab daily.
Tip: bring a variety.
Casual everyday vibes (yes, even that cute matching sweatsuit you live in, just elevated!)
Something a little more polished or bold
A pop of your brand colors, fun patterns, or textures you’ve been eyeing.
My favorite secret when it comes to what to wear to your brand shoot is this clothing rental company, you can rent up to 8 pieces and not drop thousands on the name brands that you might wear once andd it’s a write off. I’m not kidding you when I say I rent from here for every photoshoot I am in, networking event, etc!
Props are just as important!
Every day tools
Items your clients actually see or receive
Anything you sell
Your favorite things
Get creative here!!
Step Four: Plan For Both Photo And Video
This is where you don’t want to miss the mark. Video creates that next-level connection — and it’s everywhere right now. A good rule of mine? If we’re taking a photo, we’re probably grabbing a video clip too.
Ideas to plan for:
Talking clips (introduce yourself, share your why) I often come to a brand session with a script ready to go for my client that they can start with if they’re not sure what to say.
B-roll for your website, ads, and socials
Product or service highlights
Process walk-throughs — sometimes a quick video is way more engaging than a long caption or PDF
Going into your shoot expecting and planning for both photo and video is the game-changer that keeps your content feeling fresh.
Step Five: Create A Shot List
Let’s leave zero guesswork. Bring a list of:
Key services or products to feature
FAQs you answer all the time
Evergreen shots (profile pics, website banners, graphics)
Specific content you need for launches, courses, or upcoming offers
Every time you thought “dang I wish I had a photo of this” write that down we are taking that photo.
Remember — you know your business better than anyone. The goal is to leave with everything you need and extra content you’ll be so glad you have.
Why Video Matters More Than Ever
I have said it a million times and I’ll say it a million more, videos take your content to the next level. They are perfect for:
Website banners that instantly draw people in
Instagram Reels + TikToks that showcase your personality
Behind-the-scenes moments of you working
Short-form videos for social media and ads
Highlight film that showcases you and everything you offer
Not to mention that Youtube is owned by Google and Google is the biggest search engine (is the math mathing yet??) 😉
When you incorporate video you aren’t just showing what your brand looks like — you are showing what it feels like to work with you.
Sound Fun?! Speaking Of What It’s Like To Work With You, Here is the Inside Scoop on What It’s like to work with Me!
Okay, so you’re reading through all of this, feeling excited, inspired, and so ready to start. I love that for you—and here’s the best part: you don’t have to do it alone.
Trust me, I get it. Entrepreneurship means wearing all the hats (literally and figuratively), but you don’t have to carry this one by yourself. We work better together—that’s the whole vibe of how I run brand sessions. This is your business, your baby, and my job is to make sure you walk away from this experience feeling like it was worth every second, every penny, and then some. Every session is customized for YOU.
From the minute you inquire, I’m invested. I kick things off with a call to get to know each other, talk about your business, and make sure we’re vibing. We chat about what you’re looking for, what your business needs, and how I can help bring it all to life. I swear—10 out of 10 times, I hang up so hyped for what’s possible and already dreaming up ideas for you!
We’ll figure out which session fits your needs best, then I send over a big ol’ questionnaire. It’s designed to dive deep into your biz—your values, your audience, your offers—so I can understand your world inside and out. Honestly, it gets you thinking about your business in new ways too, which is always a win.
Once that’s done, we hop on a planning call. This is where the magic starts. We take everything—your answers, your vision, all the inspo—and create a detailed game plan. We’ll map out locations that align with your vibe, must-have shots, key messaging, and the overall energy of the session so that when shoot day rolls around, you feel prepared and confident.
By the time your session comes? We’re ready to hit the ground running. The planning is done, the ideas are flowing, and we’re ready to create the kind of content that keeps working for you long after the shoot is over. And yes, it’s fun—we’re capturing you and having a good time doing it.
Afterward, you’ll get a jam-packed gallery (I am an overshooter, but honestly—you’ll thank me). Your online gallery will be full of images you’re obsessed with, plus a highlight video that showcases what you offer, and a library of video clips ready to drop into your website or social media. Everything polished and ready to use.
It doesn’t end there, I am MORE than happy to help you map out where and how you’re using all of your stunning new content!
It’s a full, all-inclusive experience designed to give you the confidence and content to keep showing up for your business in a big way.
Ready to Start Planning Your Brand Session?
If reading this has you dreaming about your own shoot or planning on where you need some extra content—good. That’s exactly how you should feel. I’ve even created the ultimate guide to planning your brand session that you can download and start working through before you’ve even booked.
Feeling ready to dive in? Fill out the form below and let’s start planning your dream brand session together—I seriously can’t wait to hear all about your biz.
