Are you a photographer feeling the pull for something new?
I’ll never forget one of my last clients as a wedding photographer. It was a hot summer day, and by the time I packed up, I was drenched and exhausted. And on top of that I was running late to my own friend’s wedding I was attending as a guest! I embarrassingly walked in right before she walked down the aisle.
I loved capturing the storytelling and emotion of weddings, but I realized I wanted more freedom, creativity, and balance. Then I photographed my first brand session for a friend, and everything changed.
The shoot was more collaborative and less stressful, and I got to work with a client who was also on this entrepreneur journey. I was hooked. Brand photography wasn’t just another niche; it was a way to help other business owners shine while building a business that fit my life.
If you’ve been feeling that same pull, this guide will show you how to confidently pivot into brand photography, book aligned clients, and build a business you genuinely love.
Recognize When It’s Time to Pivot
If you’re craving weekday shoots, creative direction, and clients who align with your energy, it might be time to transition to brand photography. That desire for change is often your cue that growth is calling. You already have the foundation and know how to capture stories through your lens. Now it’s about channeling that skill toward helping entrepreneurs elevate their presence. If you want to see the kind of transformation brand photography can create, check out Grow Your Coaching Brand With Brand Photos, where I share how intentional visuals can completely shift how clients show up online.
Understand What Brand Photography Really Is
Brand photography goes beyond headshots or a few curated images. It’s about crafting a visual story that captures who your client is and what their business stands for. Every image you take communicates their values, message, and energy.
As a brand photographer, you become both a creative director and a strategist, helping clients plan every detail from wardrobe to location. When done intentionally, this kind of photography builds confidence, trust, and a deeper connection with their audience.
Define Your Why and Your Dream Clients
Before pivoting, get clear on what drives you. Why do you want to focus on brand photography? Who do you love working with? Maybe it’s women entrepreneurs who want to feel confident on camera or small business owners ready to elevate their visuals.
Your dream clients often mirror your own energy and values. The clearer your “why,” the easier it becomes to attract people who resonate with your style, mission, and purpose.
Refresh Your Portfolio to Reflect Where You’re Headed
If you want to book brand photography clients, your portfolio needs to show that kind of work. Start with one or two portfolio-building sessions for local entrepreneurs or creatives who need new content.
Plan each shoot around storytelling and brand personality. Capture a beautiful workspace, behind-the-scenes moments, or lifestyle elements that align with their brand message. Once you have strong examples, update your website and social channels.
Insider tip: curate your gallery like a Creative Director and Marketer. Focus on images that communicate connection, confidence, and story—the kind of visuals that make brands come alive.
Reposition Your Messaging and Online Presence
Your messaging should reflect where you’re headed, not where you’ve been. Swap “portrait photographer” for something like, “I help entrepreneurs and creatives elevate their visual brand with intentional, story-driven photography.”
Make sure your website, Instagram bio, and portfolio highlight your expertise in branding. Consistency builds credibility and helps your audience quickly understand what you do.
Redefine Your Packages and Pricing
Brand photography is a strategic investment for your clients, so your packages should reflect that value. Include elements like a pre-shoot brand strategy call, multiple outfits and locations, and a clear usage-rights guide. Avoid pricing purely by hours. You’re offering a transformation, not time. For ideas on structuring your offers, read Branding Photography Packages: Which Is Perfect for You?, where I share what to include in a full brand session versus a mini.
Create a Signature Client Experience
Your client experience should feel seamless and elevated from start to finish. Guide clients through every step from brand strategy planning to shoot prep to posing direction and image delivery. If you want to master this, my Confident Brand Photographer Course takes you behind the scenes of a real brand shoot. You’ll see how I pose, direct, and coach clients to feel natural and magnetic on camera. It’s a must-see if you’re a new brand photographer who wants to build a client experience that does your marketing for you!
Use Content Marketing to build authority
Once you start photographing small business owners, share your work and your process. Behind-the-scenes moments, client transformations, and educational posts help position you as an expert. Your content doesn’t have to be perfect; consistency and authenticity matter more. If you want to learn how to plan story-driven shoots that market themselves, explore my Brand Creator Course, where I show how to map out a mood board, shot list, and creative plan that naturally attracts dream clients.
Build Relationships with Aligned Entrepreneurs
This niche thrives on collaboration. Connect with brand designers, social media strategists, and coaches who serve similar audiences. Partner on styled shoots or joint events. This is one of the fastest ways to expand your network and visibility!
When you genuinely support others, they’ll book you year after year and refer you to their business besties. Relationships are your best marketing tool.
Keep Learning and Refining Your Craft
Your pivot into brand photography is just the beginning. Keep evolving your creativity and refining your systems. Each session will teach you something new about your style and strengths. If you want to become more intentional with every shot, my Pose Method Course teaches the posing and direction system I use with every client to create confident, story-driven images. It’ll help you elevate your quality and consistency with every session.
Ready to Book More Dream Clients?
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building a brand photography business that feels aligned and sustainable, my Membership for brand photographers was made for you.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building a brand photography business that feels aligned and sustainable, my Membership for brand photographers was made for you.
Inside, you’ll get access to all of the courses I mentioned earlier plus my full library of brand photography education. You’ll also join a community of photographers and get two live coaching calls with me each month to help you grow with clarity and confidence.
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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Whether you're looking for a brand photos or to BE a brand photographer, I want to help you achieve your wildest entreprenuership dreams.
It's time to flourish in your purpose.
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