5 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make With Their Brand Photos
As you know, your brand photos are often your first impression, and you don’t get a second chance to make one. As a branding photographer in Buckinghamshire, I’ve worked with many incredible Buckinghamshire businesses, and I’ve also seen some common mistakes that can hold
your business back.
If you’re a small business owner ready to take your visuals seriously, here are five branding photography mistakes to avoid.
1. Using Outdated or Inconsistent Photos
If your brand photos were taken years ago, or worse, were pulled from random events, they probably don’t reflect who you are today. Outdated photos can create confusion and destroy trust. Your visuals should evolve with your business.
Tip: Schedule regular branding sessions to keep your content fresh, especially if your offerings or team have changed. Many Buckinghamshire businesses opt for seasonal mini sessions for exactly this reason. Check out my ‘Quarterly Clicks Branding Package’
2. Using Generic Stock Photography
Stock images might look polished, but they lack personality and authenticity. Potential clients want to connect with you, not a model holding a laptop in a perfectly lit office.
Tip: Investing in custom brand photography not only showcases your real products, team, and personality it also helps you stand out in a crowded market like Buckinghamshire.
3. Not Thinking About the End Use of the Photos
Brand photos should be functional as well as beautiful. Too often, small business owners forget to consider where the images will be used, like websites, Instagram, LinkedIn, email newsletters, or printed brochures.
Discuss your marketing strategy when working with a branding photographer. For example, I guide businesses through planning images with specific layouts and platforms in mind (e.g., horizontal for banners, square for Instagram, etc.).
4. Skipping the Planning Process
Walking into a shoot without clear goals is a recipe for mixed results. Without planning, you might have lovely photos that don’t serve your brand message.
Tip: Before any branding session, define your visual identity, ideal client, and desired outcome. I offer preshoot consultations with my clients to map out everything from shot lists to styling and props.
5. Neglecting Personal Branding
Even if you’re selling a product, people still want to see the person behind the brand. Skipping personal branding shots can make your business feel faceless.
Tip: Include professional yet approachable portraits of yourself. Whether you're based in Buckingham, Aylesbury or Milton Keynes, showing your face builds trust with your local audience.
Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
If you’re a small business owner in Buckinghamshire and you’ve made any of these mistakes, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to upgrade your visual brand.
I specialise in helping businesses create intentional, story-driven brand imagery that truly reflects who they are and what they offer.
📸 Want to chat about your brand photos? Get in touch and let’s plan a session that aligns with your business goals.