Brand photography isn’t just about taking beautiful images. It’s about understanding the deeper reason behind why you’re doing what you’re doing—and making sure that purpose shows up in your work, your website, and your pitch. In my conversation with Karen Williams, she brought the heat around how essential it is to build your brand from the inside out. As someone who’s sat on the decision-making side of massive campaigns, Karen reminds us that knowing your “why” isn’t fluff—it’s foundational. Clients can feel when a photographer is clear, intentional, and ready for brand work.
The 4 Pillars of a Website That Actually Books You Work
Karen and I talked in-depth about what makes a website effective when pitching yourself for brand photography. It’s not just about pretty fonts and a curated aesthetic. According to Karen, your site needs four things: a strong, cohesive portfolio that reflects your niche, ease of navigation, your location clearly listed, and a visible email contact (not just a form). If your website causes friction, confuses people, or hides critical info, you’re likely losing jobs you don’t even know about.
Why Photographers Get Passed Over (And How to Stop It)
One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation was hearing Karen explain why some photographers get hired and others don’t. Spoiler: it often has nothing to do with talent. You can be wildly gifted and still get skipped if you’re not presenting yourself professionally, pricing in alignment with your skill level, or showing proof that you can handle the job. Karen shared examples of how photographers unknowingly sabotage their chances by not showing relevant work or by sending mixed signals in their brand presence.
How to Pitch Without Feeling Cringey
Marketing and networking can feel awkward for creatives, but Karen made it simple. Show up with service in mind. Approach brands and agencies by asking what they need—not just showcasing what you can do. She also emphasized that showing up on platforms like LinkedIn is one of the most underrated tools for photographers today. The key is to create trust and consistency in how you show up across every platform. Brand photography clients want to see that you know who you are, what you do, and that you can do it again and again.
Foundations First: What Brand Work Demands of You
If you want to succeed in brand photography, your foundation needs to be solid. Karen urges photographers to understand their finances, define what they’re available for, and prepare for negotiation. From licensing and usage rights to communicating confidently about your rates, success in this world comes down to readiness. You can absolutely build the career you want, but you have to treat it like a business—not just an art form.
Be sure and grab Karen’s book The Photo Hustle! She shares a ton of actionable info for any photographer wanting to kill it in the brand photography space! Get it on Amazon HERE.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if I’m ready to start pitching for brand photography jobs?
A: You’re ready when you have a focused niche, a curated portfolio that reflects it, and a professional website that makes it easy for decision-makers to contact you.
Q: What should be on a brand photographer’s website?
A: Clear contact info (including a visible email address), your location, a niche-specific gallery or overview page, and a consistent visual brand that shows you understand your client’s needs.
Q: How do I charge for brand photography when I’m just starting out?
A: Know your minimum financial baseline first. Understand your expenses, time, and deliverables, and then build your rate from there. Always account for usage rights and value.
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