Your creative work tells a story. Whether you’re a potter, a jewellery maker, a textile artist or a woodworker, your hands, tools and materials are part of that story.
But is your brand photography showing that? Or are you hiding behind product shots and headshots that don’t quite capture the spark of what you do?
As a creative maker, your brand is not just about what you sell – it’s about how you make it, why you do it, and the feeling behind it all.
Great brand photography can bring all of this to life. It helps people connect with you, understand your process, and feel part of your journey.
That emotional connection is what makes someone want to buy from you instead of a big brand.
Here are some brand photo ideas to help you show your creative business in the best light.
Show the making process
People love to see how things are made. It’s not just satisfying to watch, it’s a window into your skill and care.
Photographing your making process is a brilliant way to bring your audience closer to your work.
Think about the different stages of your process – preparing materials, sketching designs, carving, stitching, firing, glazing, sanding, packing. Each of these steps can make a compelling image.
You don’t need to show every step, but capturing two or three key moments can tell a strong story.
For example, if you make ceramics, a photo of your hands shaping clay on the wheel, one of you trimming a pot, and another of your glazed pieces cooling in the kiln can say so much more than words ever could.
Use your tools and workspace
Your tools and workspace are a big part of your identity as a maker. They are unique to you. Whether you work in a bright studio, a shed at the bottom of the garden or your kitchen table, that setting helps people feel where your work comes from.
Photos of your tools, your hands at work, or even the little details – paint splatters, thread spools, wood shavings – all help build a fuller picture of your world.
A portrait of you in your space can feel much more personal than a plain headshot. It’s you in your element.
Capture real moments
Candid, natural moments make for the most engaging brand photos. Instead of always posing for the camera, let yourself be caught in action. Laughing as you talk about your latest project, concentrating as you adjust a tiny detail, holding up a finished piece with pride – these moments feel honest and warm.
People buy from people, and they want to get a sense of your personality.
Don’t worry about everything looking perfect. A little mess or movement adds character. These types of photos are especially useful on your website’s About page and for social media, where you want to build trust and a sense of connection.
Feature your materials
Materials say something about your values and your style.
If you work with natural fibres, reclaimed wood or recycled metal, close-up photos of those textures can add a lot to your brand story. Think about the colours, patterns and finishes that define your work and how they can come through in photos.
You might want to lay out your materials in a flat lay, or show them being chosen and handled. These photos don’t need to include your face at all – they can focus entirely on the beauty and uniqueness of what you work with.
Include your finished products – but with a twist
Of course, you’ll want to include images of your finished work. But instead of just product shots on a white background, think about how to show your pieces in use or in a lifestyle setting.
For example, if you make handmade candles, show them lit on a shelf with soft lighting. If you create jewellery, photograph it being worn by someone.
Lifestyle photos help people imagine your product in their own lives. They also help you stand out in a crowded market. When someone scrolls through a feed or browses your shop, a photo that tells a little story will catch their eye more than a plain studio shot.
Bring yourself into the picture
It might feel awkward at first, but showing your face is important. You don’t have to be in every photo, but including yourself helps build trust. Customers want to know who they’re buying from, especially if they’re supporting a small business.
You don’t need to strike a formal pose. A relaxed portrait, you smiling at your bench, or a photo of you holding a piece you’ve just finished – these all feel approachable and real.
If you’re comfortable, you can also include your team or family if they’re part of the business. It shows the human side of what you do.
Think about your brand feel
Before you start planning photos, take a moment to think about the mood you want your brand to give off. Is it calm and minimal? Bold and joyful? Rustic and earthy?
Your photos should reflect that feeling. Everything from the colours and lighting to the background and props should support your brand’s voice.
A professional photographer can help bring this all together, making sure your images feel consistent and true to your brand. They’ll also help you feel relaxed on camera, and capture those natural, in-between moments that often end up being the best.
Tell your story through images
The best brand photography doesn’t just show what you make – it shows who you are, how you work and why it matters. It’s a way to invite people into your world.
You don’t need hundreds of images. A small set of strong, meaningful photos can make a big difference, whether you use them on your website, your shop listings, in a press kit or on Instagram.
If you’re a creative maker looking to refresh your brand photography or just get started, I’d love to help.
I work with artists, makers and small businesses across Cranleigh and the Surrey Hills to create honest, natural images that show the heart behind the work.
Get in touch to chat about how we can bring your brand story to life through photography.
