5 Signs It's Time to Update Your Professional Branding Photos

How Do You Know When It’s Time for New Branding Images?

As brand photographers, we’ve worked with countless clients who came to us feeling unsure about whether it was the “right” time to update their professional branding images. Time and time again, they try to talk themselves out of updating the boring old headshots they’ve had online for years.

The truth is, there are some clear signs that it’s time to refresh your headshot and brand photography. Here are five reasons why you should update your professional headshot and branding images:

1. Your Personal Brand Has Evolved

Your business is dynamic, and your personal branding should reflect that. If you've updated your logo, colors, or messaging, your professional images need to match. Consistency is crucial for a cohesive brand identity. Outdated portraits can confuse potential clients and weaken your brand's impact.

2. You’ve Added New Services or Products

Every time your business grows or pivots, your brand photography should evolve to show off those changes. New offerings deserve the spotlight, and updated branding images can highlight what’s new while keeping your audience tuned in.

3. Your Current Photos Don’t Feel Like “You” Anymore

Have you ever looked at your website or social media and thought, “That doesn’t represent who I am now”? Personal growth and professional evolution often mean your old images no longer align with your vibe or story. Fresh photos can capture the authentic, current version of you and your business.

4. Your Industry or Audience Expectations Have Shifted

Trends change, and so do audience expectations. If your industry leans into modern, lifestyle-focused visuals and your branding still feels formal or outdated, you could be missing the mark with potential clients. Keeping your branding photos current ensures you stay competitive and relevant.

5. You Haven’t Updated Your Images in Over Two Years

If it’s been more than two years since your last branding session or headshot update, it’s probably time for a refresh. Think about how much has likely changed in that time—your business, your style, and even your own look! Regular updates keep your brand feeling fresh and aligned with where you are now.

Ready to Refresh?

Professional branding images are one of the most impactful ways to tell your story and connect with your audience. If any of these reasons resonate with you, it might be time to schedule a personal brand photography session. Let’s create images that truly reflect your brand’s unique personality and purpose!

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More About Personal Brand Photography in Rochester NY

Why Regular Headshot Updates Should Be Part of Your Professional Routine

Branding Headshot Photography in Fairport NY

In our visually-driven world, maintaining a professional image has never been more important. Just as you regularly update your resume or LinkedIn profile, keeping your headshot and branding images current should be a key part of your routine. Here’s why an annual brand photography update is essential:

1. Your Personal Brand Reflects Your Current Professional Self

Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients, employers, and colleagues have of you. Outdated branding portraits can create a disconnect between your current look and your online persona. Regular updates ensure your professional portrait accurately represents you, which fosters trust and credibility. 

2. Aligns with Career Growth and Personal Branding

As you grow your business, your professional image evolves. A headshot from five years ago might not reflect your current level of experience and expertise. Annual updates allow your headshot to grow with you, showing your growth and reinforcing your personal brand.

3. Maintains Consistency Across Professional Platforms

Consistency is key in professional branding. Having an updated headshot across all your professional platforms – from LinkedIn to your website – ensures a cohesive and professional image. This helps in building a recognizable and trustworthy personal brand.

4. Prepares You for New Opportunities

Opportunities often arise unexpectedly, whether it’s a speaking engagement, a feature in a publication, or a new job prospect. Having up-to-date personal branding photography readily available means you can respond promptly and confidently, without the stress of scrambling to get a new headshot taken at the last minute.

5. Shows Attention to Detail

Regularly updating your brand photographs shows that you pay attention to details and take your professional image seriously. It signals to others that you are diligent and proactive in managing your business, qualities that are highly valued in any professional setting.

6. Keeps You Engaged with Your Professional Development

Scheduling a regular brand photography session can be a valuable reminder to review and reflect on your professional journey. It’s a good time to assess your goals, achievements, and how you want to present yourself to the world.

Incorporating an annual headshot update, (like Kristi Mitchell of Marketing Uncomplicated does below) into your professional routine is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your personal brand and ensure you are always putting your best face forward. By doing so, you stay current, relevant, and ready for whatever opportunities come your way. So, make it a habit – your future self will thank you!

More Headshot Photography and Personal Branding in Fairport NY

Brand Photography in Fairport NY

Personal Branding Portrait Session for Creative Gardens

Crafting Your Brand Identity Through Photography: A Recipe for Success

In today's visually-driven world, establishing a strong brand identity is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. One of the key ingredients in this recipe for success is photography. Just like any good dish, it requires the right balance of elements to create something truly memorable.

So, what goes into the perfect branding photography portrait session?

Here's a solid recipe to guide you -

Ingredients:

1/3 Action Shots: Showcasing yourself in action adds dynamism and energy to your brand. Whether you're teaching a class, demonstrating a skill, or engaging in your passion, action shots capture your essence in motion.

1/3 Branding Portraits: Your audience wants to see the face behind the brand. Portraits provide a personal touch, allowing people to connect with you on a deeper level. From professional headshots to candid moments, let your personality shine through.

1/3 Detail Shots: The devil is in the details, they say. Highlight the intricacies of your work or offerings through close-up shots. Whether it's your hands immersed in your craft or the products you're proud to present, these shots add depth and authenticity to your brand.

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients (your branding pictures) on your website and social media: Utilize these platforms as your kitchen, blending these diverse branding images to create a cohesive visual narrative. Consistency across channels establishes credibility and professionalism, drawing in your ideal clients.

2. Repeat as needed seasonally: Just like any recipe, don't be afraid to tweak and adjust to suit changing tastes and trends. Refresh your brand photography periodically to keep your brand image updated and relevant.

By following this recipe, you'll not only capture attention but also leave a lasting impression, making your brand stand out in a crowded digital landscape. So, grab your camera and start cooking up some captivating visuals today!

PS - Need inspiration? Take a cue from Jamie from Creative Gardens who exemplifies this recipe flawlessly!

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More Personal Brand Portrait Sessions

Branding a Software Designer: Fairport NY Branding Photography

One of the coolest things about being a branding photographer is getting to meet people from a variety of different industries. Like Marissa - a working nurse, who also designs VR software curriculum for future nurses. Talk about multi-talented!

It was so cool to learn about how the process from Marissa while we photographed her at The Hive, as well as some outdoor locations in Fairport. As you can see, taking her branding photographs was pretty easy with her award winning smile!

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Personal Brand Photography for Architectural Interior Designer

Last time we worked with Trudi Smith Designs, the space we were working with only had plywood walls. She had tasked us with photographing branding portraits of her working in the space, while it was still under construction. Her goal, was to show herself as a capable architectural designer from start to finish.

Check out the blog post and her space “before” here.

So the second part of her personal branding photography session was all about the end results. We added details, and all of the final touches that went into her show room to her collection of brand photographs, along with updated portrait images for her website and beyond.

The result of her office transformation is STUNNING, to say the least. Thank you, Trudi, for welcoming us with fun and laughter throughout your personal branding portrait sessions!

PS - can you spot the photographer in the pictures below? You’ll find she’s one of your best clients at every branding session we offer!

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Find More Rochester NY Personal Brand Photography on the Blog!

Branding Photography for Engineers: Rochester NY Photographers

Kelly is a engineering consultant in Rochester NY, whose specialty is helping businesses eliminate injury and waste from static electricity.

He reached out to us in need of some personal brand photography for an upcoming magazine article he was being featured in. It was a fun and different opportunity for us to photograph!

As as a branding photographer, I know absolutely nothing about electrostatic engineering. However, I do know he made the job look great in his branding portraits!

Personal Brand Photography in Pittsford NY: Fairport NY photographers

Since our last personal brand photography session with Dr. Heather Hirsch, she’s been a very busy woman! It’s exciting not only see how she’s using her brand photographs, but also how much her exposure has grown.

Because of these many media outlets and how busy she’s gotten, Heather was in need of new branding pictures for use on social media after just six months.

(Side Note: If you’re business requires you to be posting new content on social media feeds regularly, you’ll want regular brand photo updates too!)

Check out all of the media attention she’s gotten! We’re already planning for the next round of updated photographs for her personal brand.

We’re so excited for you, Heather!

Branding Pictures for Interior Designers: Fairport NY Personal Brand Photographers

Trudi said something to the effect of “I have a room under construction and I’d like to take pictures in it for my branding portraits.”

We replied “Sounds awesome, let’s do it!”

I mean, how else do you show the world what you’re capable of as an residential interior designer, except to show yourself amidst your own construction and design work?

She’s updating her website, designing and constructing her own office / show room, and also entering into The One Room Challenge. It is a biannual event every spring and fall. Everyone with a blog, Instagram account, or TikTok can participate by registering for the event with the room or space they’re transforming.

She’s also a hands on business woman, working on designs for clients at the same time. So it’s safe to say she’s got her hands pretty full.

We’re excited to see how she uses her branding pictures along the way!

Branding Photography for Rochester NY Therapists

Voice Therapist, Gerriann Jackson of VoiceOver Speech Pathology, came to us excited about her new website. We learned that she’s colleagues with Caroline Murrah, who happens to be another brand photography client of ours! (Check out Caroline’s blog post here.)

Gerriann wanted to portray herself as a warm, inviting person, with a variety of interesting hobbies (like taking drum lessons) and a love of her family.

She used these portraits on her website and social media pages for people to learn more about who she is.

What’s great about personal brand photography is that no two sessions are ever the same. Even if our subject is in a similar field. The reason here is obvious - it’s personal!

Jump down to see how she used her branding portraits!

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Here's how she used her branding photographs:

Voice Therapist Brand Photography in Fairport NY

When I first met Caroline, I learned that she was a Voice Therapist in the beginning stages of beginning her own private practice.

We photographed her branding photography in Fairport, NY at a local co-working studio, in order to give her both an “on-location” approach, and a also brand photography that feels like a professional office.

She wasn’t 100% ready to launch her website yet, but she had every single bit of research and much of her brand planned out. She knew what she wanted to offer her clients, who her ideal client was and exactly what types of branding images she’d need to bring her vision to reality.

I’ll be honest, it was refreshing. There are times when we have to dig deep with a branding client to learn what there branding photography needs are. But not Caroline.

She had it all planned out, so that when it came to her personal branding photography, she was ready to go. And the results speak for themselves. We can’t wait to see how these headshots and branding portraits get used in the near future!