Authentic Moments Make the Best Brand Photos — Here's Why
Hey! Ever notice how some brand photos make you think "I want to hang out with this person!" while others just scream "corporate stock photo"? Let's talk about what really makes the difference...
When I first started photographing entrepreneurs, I thought my job was to make everyone look perfectly polished. Wow, was I wrong! The photos my clients actually use—the ones that convert followers into customers—are rarely the perfectly posed shots. They're the ones where something real is happening.
What Makes a Photo Feel Authentic?
Authentic brand photos capture the essence of who you really are and what it feels like to work with you. They showcase your personality, your workspace, and the energy you bring to your business.
During a photoshoot with Marlyn from The Social Compass, we captured her mid-laugh after she told a story about one of her clients. That unplanned moment became her most-used photo because it perfectly conveyed her approachable, supportive personality.
Authentic photos don't feel staged or stiff. They show the human behind the business – someone with passion, expertise, and genuine care for their clients.
What Authenticity Actually Looks Like
Forget the old-school corporate headshots. Authentic brand photos might include:
The slight smile that appears when you talk about why you started your business
Your hands in motion as you explain your process to clients
The focused expression you get when you're creating
Your actual workspace (maybe not perfectly tidied!)
The genuine way you interact with your tools and products
During Carmen's photoshoot for One Moment Wellness, we captured her adjusting crystals in her treatment room—something she does before every session. That simple, genuine action communicated her attention to detail and care for her clients better than any posed shot could have.
How to Get Photos That Feel Like YOU
Want brand photos that actually feel like you? Here's what works:
Talk During Your Shoot
Some photographers tell you to be quiet and pose. I do the opposite! When you tell stories about your clients or explain why you love certain aspects of your work, your face naturally lights up. Those expressions create magnetic photos.
Bring Your Real Tools
Natalie from Growing the Pizarros brought products from her PAZ Collection to our beach shoot. Watching her naturally arrange them while explaining their meaning created authentic moments that perfectly captured her brand's essence.
Move Like You Normally Do
If you talk with your hands (hiiiii, fellow hand-talkers!), then your photos should show that. If you're normally animated and energetic, freezing in stiff poses will create photos that just don't feel like you.
During a recent shoot, my client kept apologizing for moving around too much. I told her to keep going—those dynamic shots ended up perfectly capturing her energetic coaching style!
The Trust Factor
You know what's fascinating about authentic brand photos? They build trust before you ever meet a potential client.
When someone sees images of you in your element - genuinely engaged in your work, showing your actual personality - they get a real sense of what working with you will be like. There's no disconnect between the person in the photos and the person they'll meet on a call.
I've seen firsthand how this transforms the client experience. People arrive at their first meeting feeling like they already know you, which creates an immediate comfort and connection that's hard to build from scratch.
Quick Tips for More Authentic Photos
Wear clothes you actually like and feel comfortable in
Choose locations that have meaning to you or your business
Bring a friend who makes you laugh if you get camera-nervous
Take breaks during your shoot to reset and relax
Tell your photographer stories about your favorite clients
Remember specific wins in your business to bring genuine pride to your expression
Bringing That Latin Energy
If you've ever been to a Venezuelan family gathering, you know we don't do stiff or formal! That natural warmth and expressiveness is exactly what I bring to photoshoots.
In my studio, expect Latin music playing in the background, plenty of movement between shots, and an environment where your real personality can shine. I might ask you to dance, laugh, or tell me a story about why you love what you do.
Whatever helps your real personality shine through is what we'll do!
Ready to Be Yourself in Front of the Camera?
Authentic brand photos aren't just nice to have—they're powerful business tools that connect you with ideal clients who resonate with the real you.
Whether you're a wellness practitioner, creative entrepreneur, or service provider, your genuine energy is your greatest asset. Let's capture that magic together!
Book a vibe check call and let's talk about creating brand photos that feel refreshingly, magnetically you!
✨ Karina
