When was the last time a commercial brought tears to your eyes? For me, it was a recent Pampers ad. Instead of showing how much a diaper holds, it tapped into the heart of parenthood — the sleepless nights, the tender giggles, the overwhelming love.

That’s the power of emotion. People don’t connect with features; they connect with feelings.

The same principle applies to branding photography.

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying things like “I’m such an idiot” or pointing out what you don’t like about your body while talking with your girlfriends, you’re not alone. Our culture almost makes it normal to bond over self-criticism. But here’s the truth: every time we speak those words, even in jest, our body and brain are listening. And it’s cringeworthy — not just to those around us, but to ourselves.

It’s time to flip the script.

LinkedIn has become the hub where deals are initiated, collaborations spark, and dream clients discover you. Before they even scroll your headline or read your experience, they’re making split-second judgments about your professionalism and approachability based on your photo.

The wrong image (or none at all) can cost you credibility. The right image builds instant trust, signals confidence, and sets you apart in a crowded marketplace.

When you’re planning your professional branding photography session, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“Do I really need professional hair and makeup for my headshots?”

My answer as a brand photographer who’s helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, speakers, and executives show up powerfully is:

 Discover how brand photography brings authenticity, clarity, and connection to Jenn Landis' website and what you can apply to your own entrepreneurial brand.

See how powerful brand photography transforms The JAG Method into a standout brand in the fitness industry and what every entrepreneur can learn from it.

Recently, I had a moment that brought up all the old feelings creatives know too well—frustration, disbelief, and a twinge of heartbreak. A former subcontractor I once worked closely with—someone I supported, collaborated with, and cheered on—was using my photography to promote her own branding services. My images. My creative vision. No credit. No permission.

For years, I’ve heard the phrase: “Follow your bliss and the money will follow.” And its cousin: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

As a brand photographer and entrepreneur for nearly 14 years, let me tell you—these phrases sound beautiful, but they can also be incredibly misleading and even damaging.

Don’t get me wrong — I love what I do. I feel deeply connected to helping entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders show up authentically in their branding through powerful photography. But running a successful brand photography business takes far more than passion. It takes grit, strategy, and a lot of work that has nothing to do with picking up a camera.

Some people come into your life and leave a lasting sparkle—Lisa Dearden is one of those people.

I’ve had the joy of photographing Lisa for many years, and she’s been a client since the very beginning.

So when she reached out to celebrate her 65th birthday, I was deeply honored to be part of such a meaningful milestone.

When Nancy Brighton reached out about a branding session, I knew this would be a special experience. At 79 years young, Nancy is a therapist with a deep well of knowledge in pranic healing, hypnotherapy, and a range of transformative modalities. Her dedication to her work is evident—not just in how she speaks about healing but in how she lives it.

Nancy flew from Naples, FL to Phoenix, AZ for my Signature Empowerment Branding session, curating a complete branding experience. She rented a beautiful villa, previously had a wardrobe styling assessment, and embraced the full camera-ready treatment—makeup, hairstyling. I worked on her Creative Brief, which has all her branding details, including information on clothing she would wear and which props for each setup.

When it comes to branding photography, preparation is everything.

A thoughtfully planned session ensures stunning images and helps you feel confident, organized, and ready to shine. That’s why I take my clients through a seamless, structured process—so they know exactly what to expect and can enjoy the experience stress-free.

All the while elevating your brand offering you images that will engage your premium clients.

In today’s digital landscape, social media isn’t just a platform for connection—it’s a stage where your brand makes its first impression. For entrepreneurs, influencers, and business owners, having a compelling online presence isn’t optional; it’s essential. Here’s a game-changing insight: investing in professional branding photography can increase your social media engagement by over 50%. Let’s dive into why this happens and how it can elevate your business.

Building the Know, Like and Trust Factor takes deliberate action steps. When potential clients feel like they can trust you, they’re more likely to do business with you. Here are important steps you can take that a branding session will support you.

I recently signed up for Jordan Duvall’s Soul Brand Certified 12-week branding photography certification. She’s amazing! I’m always looking to take my branding photography to the next level, and she’s helping me do this. Hands down, this is the best investment I could make for my business.

We recently discussed the importance of providing a wide range of images during a client’s branding session. Jordan is a Creative Director with 25+ years of leading creative direction for lifestyle and entertainment brands. She is skilled in cross-platform campaigns, photoshoots, and collaborating with teams to boost brand engagement. She also designs jaw-dropping websites that lead your ideal clients to want to work with you.

In today’s digital landscape, first impressions are E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a thought leader, or a creative professional, the quality and diversity of your branding photos can make or break your perception.

That’s why when it comes to a professional branding session, less is **not** more. You need at least 50 high-quality, versatile images to effectively cover your bases and tell your story.

Here’s why—and how this number breaks down to ensure that every aspect of your brand story is expressed. This works for a five-page website. You’ll need more images if your website has more pages.

Middle age often comes with a narrative of diminishing visibility.

Society loves to tell women that, as we age, we somehow lose relevance. But the truth is far more empowering: middle age is when we finally come into our own. It’s a time when we gain the wisdom and confidence to be ourselves truly. We haven't lost our visibility—we've gained depth, insight, and the courage to take up space unapologetically.

At The Georgetown ITL Network event, I had the privilege of providing executive headshots and photographing leadership coaches in action. As a brand photographer, my goal is to empower professionals to advocate for themselves, both in their careers and during a photo shoot. I captured impactful moments that reflect the authentic presence of change leaders and executives, ensuring their personal brand shines through.

There are many different strategies for investing in your business to help it grow and sustain itself. It can be overwhelming. Many entrepreneurs struggle with what to invest in. One question I get asked about is whether getting branded portraits are worth it and whether it means they’re vain.

There is fierce competition in whatever field you’re in. I wrote a blog about how branded portraits can significantly impact your bottom line for the good by attracting your ideal clients.

In today's fast-paced digital world, your brand's visual identity is more important than ever. As an award-winning brand photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative high-quality imagery can be for businesses.

But let’s get one thing clear: it’s not just about updating branded photos; it’s about creating engaging content that resonates with your audience, tells your story, and drives your business forward.

In today's competitive legal landscape, where trust and credibility are paramount, investing in branding portraits and headshots can be a game-changer for law firms.

Gone are the days when a simple bio and a list of accomplishments sufficed. In an era dominated by digital communication and social media, establishing a solid personal brand is essential for lawyers looking to stand out and attract clients.

As an award-winning brand photographer, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of professional imagery in the legal profession. Here are compelling reasons why lawyers should prioritize investing in branding portraits and headshots for their firm: