If there's one thing I hear over and over from business owners, it's this:
"I don't want my photos to look like everyone else's."
And honestly... I couldn't agree more!
When Jess first reached out to me, she wasn't looking for the typical real estate headshots that every agent seems to have. You know the ones... arms crossed, standing in front of a brick wall, forcing an awkward smile. She was tired of looking like every other Realtor.
She wanted branding photos that actually felt like HER.
She wanted colorful.
She wanted fun.
She wanted attention-grabbing.
She wanted personality.
Because let's be honest...
People don't hire a real estate agent because of their headshot.
They hire the person they connect with.
My client experience goes way beyond taking photos
As a Wichita branding photographer, my goal isn't just to hand you a gallery of pretty pictures. It's to create images that tell your story before you ever say a word.
Your clients should be able to look at your website or social media and immediately think:
"I already know exactly who this person is."
That's exactly what we wanted for Jess.
One of my favorite parts of her session actually happened before we ever picked up the camera!
Like so many of my branding clients, Jess had absolutely no idea what to wear. She sent me outfit after outfit asking, "What do you think about this one?" , "Does this work?" , "I'm completely lost."
And I LOVE when my clients feel comfortable enough to ask for help! Because my experience doesn't stop at sending contracts, invoices, and delivering your gallery. I'm here for all of it. Even after narrowing down a few outfits together, Jess still wasn't completely happy. So...
We did something most photographers probably don't offer.
We went shopping together.
Even though we had never met in person before, we spent the afternoon looking for outfits that truly fit her personality and her future brand. Sometimes being a photographer is about so much more than taking pictures. It's helping someone feel confident. It's helping someone discover their style. Sometimes it's simply holding your client's hand through the entire process. That's the experience I want every business owner to have!
Planning the Perfect Branding Session
Once we had the perfect wardrobe, we built the entire session around four different outfits. Every look had a purpose. Every backdrop matched the mood.
Every image helped tell another piece of Jess's story.
Look One: Business Professional... But Make It FUN
We started with her business professional outfit against a clean white backdrop. The second she stepped in front of the camera, her bright pink skirt absolutely popped. Instead of looking stiff and corporate...
She looked like a model.
Confident.
Approachable.
Full of personality.
Exactly what we wanted.
Then we started adding props.
The night before the session, I painted a newspaper that read "Just Listed." It paired perfectly with her sold sign and the cutest little house keychain.
Suddenly, these weren't just branding photos.
They were images that instantly told people she was a real estate agent—without sacrificing her personality.
Look Two: Confidence Changes Everything
Next, we switched to a bright pink backdrop. She changed into a fun business casual jumpsuit that she absolutely loved.
Here's something I tell every client...
The fastest way to feel confident in front of the camera is to wear something you already feel confident wearing.
Confidence shows.
You can't fake it.
While searching for props, we found an old retro rotary phone that we just HAD to include.
It was quirky.
Unexpected.
Fun.
Exactly the vibe we were creating.
We paired it with her sold sign to keep her real estate branding front and center while still creating images that people would actually stop scrolling to look at.
Look Three: Showing Her Softer Side
Our final look might have been my favorite.
During our shopping trip, we found the most beautiful floral dress together.
The second I saw it, I knew exactly where it belonged.
The yellow backdrop.
To finish the look, we added fresh flowers from my sweet friend at City Harvest Greenhouse.
The colors came together perfectly.
The images felt joyful.
Bright.
Welcoming.
Authentic.
And definitely NOT the industry standard real estate photos.
Branding Is More Than a Logo
One of the things Jess told me before her session really stuck with me. She said, "I don't really have a brand."
But after walking through my branding questionnaire together...
Talking about her ideal clients...
Choosing colors...
Planning wardrobe...
Creating the session...
She realized something... She did have a brand. She just needed someone to help bring it to life!
As a branding photographer, I know your brand is so much more than a logo or a color palette. Your brand is how people feel when they interact with you.
It's your personality. Your energy. Your style. Your story. Your branding photos should reflect every bit of that!
Headshots Are Outdated. Branding Photos Are the Future.
If you're still using the same headshot you've had for the last five years... Or you're planning to book another session where every image looks exactly like everyone else's... This is your sign to do something different! Your business deserves more than industry standard headshots. Your audience wants to connect with YOU.
Show them your personality. Show them your energy. Show them your story.
Because the businesses people remember aren't the ones blending in.
They're the ones bold enough to stand out!
If you're looking for a Wichita branding photographer who will help you with every step, from planning your brand and choosing outfits to creating scroll-stopping images that truly represent your business, I would absolutely love to help!
