Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Branding Photos

(And What to Do Instead!)

You’re finally investing in brand photos, yay you! But before you strike a pose and smile, let’s make sure your branding shoot doesn’t fall into the “meh” pile.

As a Sarasota-based branding photographer who’s worked with medspa owners, financial advisors, wellness coaches, lawyers, podcasters, and realtors-turned-writers (yes, really!), I’ve seen firsthand what makes a brand session magical, and what makes it miss the mark.

Let’s dive into the top 5 mistakes to avoid in your branding photos, and what to do instead to look polished, professional, and totally you.

1. Trying to Be Everything to Everyone

Mistake: You're wearing a blazer and holding a yoga mat. Are you a CEO or a wellness coach? A little confusing, right?

Why It Hurts Your Brand: Confused people don’t buy. Your audience should instantly understand who you are, what you do, and how you help, all in one scroll.

What to Do Instead: Get clear on your brand message before the shoot. Who do you serve? What problem do you solve? Let every photo reinforce that story.

✨ Pro Tip: Think of your photos as your elevator pitch… visually. Pick 1–2 brand personas and bring them to life through outfits, props, and settings.

2. Skipping the Strategy

Mistake: You show up with no plan, hoping the photographer “just knows” what you need. (Spoiler alert: even the best can’t read minds.)

Why It Hurts Your Brand: Without strategy, you’ll end up with pretty photos… that don’t actually work.

What to Do Instead: Create a shot list with specific goals. Website banner? LinkedIn post? Email funnel? Each use deserves a thoughtful image.

✨ Pro Tip: Plan for horizontal and vertical shots, and leave space for text overlays. Future-you (and your designer) will thank you.

3. Using Props That Don’t Make Sense

Mistake: You brought your favorite latte, laptop, ring light, and random books for that “fresh vibe.” But…why?

Why It Hurts Your Brand: Props should support your story, not distract from it. Random objects confuse your audience and dilute your message.

What to Do Instead: Choose props that are relevant. Are you a realtor? Bring keys or a clipboard. Therapist? A journal or calming candle works great.

✨ Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “Would this item appear in a behind-the-scenes moment of my day?” If the answer is no, leave it at home.

4. Wearing Something That Doesn’t Reflect Your Brand

Mistake: You picked an outfit that’s trendy, but totally not you. Or worse, you threw something on last minute.

Why It Hurts Your Brand: People are buying you, not a Pinterest version of you. If your energy and outfit don’t align, your photos will feel off.

What to Do Instead: Choose outfits that feel like your elevated self. Bonus points for sticking to your brand colors!

✨ Pro Tip: Test your outfits in natural light before shoot day. Snap a few selfies… do you feel confident? Aligned? Like the expert you are?

5. Forgetting to Smile (or Be Human!)

Mistake: Every photo looks serious and stiff, like you're posing for a corporate ID badge from 2002.

Why It Hurts Your Brand: People want to work with people. If you look unapproachable, they’ll keep scrolling.

What to Do Instead: Loosen up! Laugh, move, play. A great brand photographer will guide you to authentic expressions.

✨ Pro Tip: Think of someone you love working with and pretend you’re talking to them during the shoot. Your eyes (and body language) will light up!

Final Thought: Your Photos Should Make People Feel Something

Great branding images don’t just show what you do, they tell the story of why you do it, who you help, and why it matters.

Don’t settle for “just okay” headshots. Create a visual brand that sparks curiosity, builds trust, and makes people say, “That’s who I want to work with.”

Need help telling your brand story visually?

At Sylwia Ok Photography, I help small business owners and entrepreneurs in Sarasota and beyond create branding photos that actually work, so your dream clients stop scrolling and start booking.

Ready to plan your branding session? Let’s chat about bringing your vision to life!