When you’re just starting out, professional photos might seem like a “nice-to-have”—something you’ll invest in later. But strong, authentic imagery builds trust right away. Before someone clicks “buy” or fills out a contact form, they want to know who’s behind the business and what they can expect.
Even before you have a storefront, a website, or even business cards, the right photos can help you start building trust. Professional or DIY, these five types of photos help show the face behind the brand, what you do, and how it feels to work with you.
If you’ve been in business for a little while – no worries! Now is always a great time to reevaluate your current photos and make sure you have the variety that helps you communicate who you are and what you sell.
1. A Clear, Friendly Headshot
Your headshot is often the first impression people get—on your website, LinkedIn, social media, or even in your email signature. You don’t need to be in a studio, but you do need:
- Natural lighting
- A clean, uncluttered background
- A genuine expression that reflects your personality and who your business is
Whether you’re a coach, a maker, or a service provider, your headshot signals approachability and professionalism.
2. A Lifestyle Photo of You Working
Show yourself doing what you do best. If you’re a baker, roll out dough. If you’re a coach, sit with a notebook and coffee or capture yourself in a virtual meeting. If you’re an artist, create in front of a camera lens. These images tell a story about your process and give people a glimpse of your world.
3. A Product or Service in Use
People want to see the transformation you offer. If you sell products, show them in action—not just on a white background. If you offer a service, feature an interaction with a client, your location, or a result.
4. A Behind-the-Scenes or “Process” Shot
People love a peek behind the curtain. Whether it’s your messy work table, your packaging process, or your morning routine, these photos make your business feel human and relatable.
5. An Atmosphere Photo
This one’s all about the feel. Maybe it’s your studio wall, a flat-lay of tools and inspiration, or a corner of your workspace. This photo helps you reinforce your aesthetic—especially useful on Instagram and websites where tone matters. This could be a photo of your physical space if your business has one!
Try This Today
Pick one of the five types of photos listed above and take a version with your phone. Choose a well-lit space (using light from a window to light up the subject is a good idea!), frame the shot intentionally, and post it with a short caption sharing the story behind it. You don’t need to be perfect!
Thinking you’re interested in getting some amazing custom photos for your business? If you are interested in a free consultation, you can sign up here.
