Why Your Brand Needs Both Professional Photos and B-roll Content (and Where to Use Them)
September 9, 2025
Why Your Brand Needs Both Professional Photos and Raw Content (and Where to Use Them)
Five years ago Instagram feeds and brands had to be perfectly curated. Today, that’s out! Now raw behind-the-scenes (B-roll) content is what connects on social media.
But that doesn’t mean brand photography doesn’t matter. In fact, it matters more than ever.
What’s B-roll content?
Think unpolished video clips and candid iPhone shots that give your audience a real peek into your world. They’re perfect for Reels, Stories, ads, and quick social posts.
If you’re an entrepreneur in 2025, you’ve probably noticed the shift online: perfectly curated feeds are fading, and authentic raw content is taking center stage. But here’s the truth: while B-roll and behind-the-scenes clips are amazing for building connection, they don’t replace the power of professional brand photography when it comes to selling your high-ticket mastermind, retreat, or coaching program.
The strongest brands aren’t choosing between professional brand photos and raw content. They are leveraging both. When you combine polished visuals with authentic clips, you build a brand presence that feels trustworthy, relatable, and impossible to ignore.
This is exactly why I created my Brand Mini Session Days → you get the best of both worlds in one day, polished professional photos AND social-ready B-roll content. Imagine walking away with months of content for your website, coaching sales pages, and Instagram, all in just a few hours.
In this post, I’ll break down:
✅ The difference between professional brand photography and B-roll content
✅ Where to use each type of content in your business
✅ Why relying on AI-generated photos could actually damage your brand trust
✅ How to simplify your content creation with Mini Sessions
What’s the Difference Between Professional Brand Photography and B-Roll Content?
Professional Brand Photography (sometimes called personal brand photography) is when you invest in a photographer to capture intentional, high-quality images that reflect your personality, values, and business offers. Think polished, timeless photos you can use across your brand assets. This is especially powerful for entrepreneurs, coaches, and service providers who need visuals that position them as trusted experts.
B-Roll Content (a.k.a. “raw content”) is short, behind-the-scenes video clips or candid iPhone photos. This type of content feels authentic and unpolished and gives your audience a peek into your daily life and business.
Both are powerful, but they serve different purposes.
If you want a deeper dive into preparing for your next shoot, check out my popular post: The Ultimate Mini Session Prep Guide.
Where to Use Professional Brand Photos
If you want to build authenticity and trust, professional brand photos are your best friend. These are the assets that elevate your brand and help potential clients see you as the expert you already are.
Here are some of the best places to use brand photography in your business:
- Your website (home + about page)
- Sales pages for courses, masterminds, retreats, or high-ticket coaching offers
- Proposals + invoices
- Client welcome guides
- Workbooks, PDFs, and lead magnets
- Instagram carousel graphics + promo materials
Want to see this in action? Read my post on how my client Valerie, a business coach, uses her brand photos to grow her coaching business. It’s a great example of how professional imagery can directly impact credibility and sales for coaches.
Where to Use B-Roll and Raw Content
If you want to build connection and relatability, raw content is key. Your audience doesn’t just want to see your polished brand; they want to feel like they know you.
Here’s where B-roll really shines:
- Instagram Reels + Stories
- Behind-the-scenes social posts
- Email newsletters
- YouTube videos
- Facebook + Instagram ads
This is also why I include video clips in every Mini Session Day, because your brand deserves both the professional polish and the daily connection content.
The Risk of Using AI-Generated Photos
Here’s my honest perspective as a brand photographer: I love AI for automations, editing, and content creation. It saves time and makes running a business easier.
But when it comes to replacing real photos of yourself with AI-generated versions? I don’t recommend it.
Every time I see an AI-generated photo in my feed, I instantly click away. It feels a little off, like it’s not truly capturing who that person is. And when your potential clients hop on a coaching call or join your mastermind, that disconnect can break trust.
Your brand deserves to showcase the real, authentic you. That’s what people are buying into.
Why You Need Both to Grow Your Brand
The strongest brands don’t choose between professional photos and raw content; they balance both:
- Professional photos = authenticity + trust (sales pages, coaching offers, proposals, high-ticket retreats)
- Raw content = social connection + relatability (Reels, Stories, behind-the-scenes)
When you combine the two, you create a brand presence that feels polished and approachable, professional and relatable.
Curious how this balance works in practice? Read my blog: How to Use Your Brand Photos to Market Your Coaching Business.
Want Both Without the Overwhelm?
I created my Visionary Membership so entrepreneurs like you don’t have to choose between professional brand photos and social-ready B-roll.
For just $222/month, you’ll get:
✔️ 2 Luxe Brand Mini Days (location + makeup included)
✔️ High-quality professional brand photos
✔️ Engaging B-Roll video clips
✔️ 4 Bonus Content Pop Days
✔️ Access to the Visionary Brand Mastermind
That’s 6 content days a year, giving you the exact balance of trust-building photos and social-connecting video content.
One shoot = months of ready-to-use content for your website, sales pages, and social media.
Want more tips on elevating your brand? Check out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do entrepreneurs need both professional brand photos and raw content?
A: Professional brand photography builds authenticity and trust (perfect for websites, sales pages, and proposals), while raw content connects with your audience daily on social media. Using both creates a balanced brand presence.
Q: Where should I use professional brand photos in my business?
A: Use them on your website, sales pages for masterminds, retreats, or courses, client guides, workbooks, invoices, and marketing materials. These are credibility-building assets.
Q: Where does raw content perform best?
A: Raw B-roll and behind-the-scenes content perform best on Instagram Reels, Stories, social media ads, newsletters, and YouTube. It’s what makes your brand feel relatable.
Q: Can AI photos replace professional brand photography?
A: While AI is great for automations and editing, AI-generated photos often feel “off” and miss the real essence of you. Clients want to see the authentic you; that’s why personal brand photography is so important.
Q: How can I get both professional brand photos and raw content without planning multiple shoots?
A: That’s exactly what my Mini Session Days are designed for! You get months of content in one day, including both professional photos and engaging B-roll video clips.
MEET YOUR EDUCATOR
About MEG
I'm a proud boy Mom, world traveler, margarita lover, and brand coach in San Diego who’s empowered over 300 entrepreneurs step into the spotlight, create a brand they’re obsessed with, and flourish in their purpose!
I've created a multiple six figure business through my brand photography and education for business owners (while both my babies were till in diapers)! I love empowering other women visionaries to do the same.
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