Branding A Concept

As a Dallas branding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many exciting and creative clients. People who are all-in on bringing a little bit of good into the world with their entrepreneurial spirit, professional skills, products, and services. Working with clients like these is a total blast for me, and they often bring fresh ideas and new inspiration for me to incorporate into my own business.

Some service-based businesses and product-based businesses are easier to photograph than others. So what about the clients that are selling something that’s more of a concept or a process and can’t really “show” you the result of their work? How can you tell their story through a visual medium to better represent them to future clientele? 

To put it simply, you get creative. 

In my experience as a branding photographer, getting to know your client and understanding the audience they’re trying to reach, as well as the message they’re promoting, will help you better portray them through photography. 

Social Worker/Therapist, Callie Blakeman, LCSW

Callie Blakeman is a Dallas therapist with a growing virtual practice, so the challenge for this branding session was twofold. Not only did we have to find a way to visually represent how Callie helps her patients as a Dallas therapist, but we also had to promote the benefits of her virtual practice. In other words, there was no pretty storefront to stand in front of or a physical product to show off. 

So how exactly did we capture authentic therapist branding photos, you ask? Props, wardrobe, and location my friends! 

Using Branding Props

For Callie’s branding photoshoot, we highlighted her expertise in the adult/parent/family counseling realm. We nodded to the virtual element by capturing shots with an iPad as well as a headset + desktop set up. We also incorporated children’s toys to hint toward the lifestyle of the clients that Callie is best suited to help. But my favorite prop from this photoshoot was the cool visual Callie created to depict the teaching method she uses to help people break free of the self-imposed, limiting beliefs that can cloud their judgment.

Represent Through Wardrobe

Another way to help promote your client’s brand is through wardrobe. We kept Callie’s wardrobe professional but also comfortable and a bit casual because, well, she’s a REAL person. Callie isn’t only a therapist that counsels parents, she is a parent. Callie is a wife, mother, and therapist who really can relate to the daily struggles her clients share with her. We wanted that message to be seen by her ideal clientele. 

Create A True-To-Brand Location

So how exactly do you photograph a location for a virtual brand? By thinking about what that looks like – and then making it inviting. In Callie’s branding session we represented the virtual element of her business by showing her taking calls and video conferences at her desk, relaxing in an armchair, using an iPad on her couch etc. We also made her living room setup look calming and relaxing. We showed that the space she works from is professional yet warm and comfortable. In other words, we created exactly the type of office space you would want to visit if you had an in-person session at her practice.   

It was such an honor working with Callie and conceptualizing together how best to capture the true essence of what she does for her clients. It’s exactly the type of working relationship I love to have with my clients and it’s what continually reinforces my love for branding sessions. If you have a brand you want help promoting, please reach out. I’d love to work with you!