How I Turned My B.B.A. Into A Brand Photography Business

For years, I worked in the fast-paced world of marketing, developing strategies, creating campaigns, analyzing consumer behavior and joining sales calls. It was a job that gave me a solid understanding of what it takes to build a brand, but deep down, I always felt like something was missing.

Don’t get me wrong – I was super good at my job. I loved being good at my job. Deep down, I felt like something was missing. I loved the creative aspect of marketing, but I wasn’t fully satisfied with how I was using my creativity. I wanted to do something more tangible, something that involved my love for both visual storytelling and helping businesses grow. That’s when I made the leap that would change everything and became a photographer. From the world of marketing to the world of brand photography, this shift has allowed me to blend my love for creativity with my passion for helping brands shine.

The Marketing Mindset: Strategy Meets Creativity

My career in marketing taught me so much about the power of visual communication. I spent my days analyzing brands, understanding their values, and working on messaging that resonated with target audiences. Marketing is all about telling a brand’s story in a way that’s compelling, authentic, and memorable – and I loved every minute of it.

However, as much as I enjoyed crafting messages and building campaigns, I found that I felt disconnected from the hands-on creativity I craved (and found myself hanging around the creative department more often than not). I wasn’t creating the visual content that supported these campaigns directly even though my mind was always swimming with ideas. I was more in the background, strategizing, writing copy, or analyzing the effects of a creative campaigns. I wanted to be closer to the heart of the story – capturing those authentic moments that would define a brand’s image.

The Turning Point: A Shift Toward Visual Storytelling

The turning point for me came when I began experimenting with photography in my spare time. It started as a hobby, something I did for fun to explore my creative side. But soon, I realized that photography allowed me to express myself in ways I never thought possible. I could capture emotions, moments, and stories with just the click of a shutter. What I loved most was how photography allowed me to freeze time and tell a story through visuals, just like marketing, but with a personal, creative touch.

Over time, I began to see the overlap between marketing and photography. I realized that businesses needed more than just standard photos and stock images – they needed authentic, high-quality images that told the real story behind their brand. I found a niche where I could combine my marketing expertise with my new love for photography.

Why I Chose Brand Photography

As a former marketer, I knew that the success of a brand doesn’t just come from a clever tagline or a catchy slogan – it comes from creating a genuine connection with the audience. Over the years, I’ve spent time diving into my client’s websites, branding materials, etc. to see where the gaps in their own storytelling may be. You’re not just hiring me to take pretty photos for your website, you’re hiring me to visually tell your brand’s story and help your business build a visual identity that resonates with your audience.

What excites me most about brand photography is that it gives me the opportunity to connect with business owners on a deeper level. I get to learn about their vision, values, and what makes their brand unique. And then, I get to translate that into images that communicate those qualities to the world. Whether it’s capturing the founder’s passion, the behind-the-scenes workings of a business, or the everyday moments that make a brand feel authentic, every photos tells a story.

The Benefits of My Marketing Background

One of the biggest advantages of my marketing background is that I approach brand photography with a strategic mindset. I’m not just taking photos for the sake of taking photos; I’m thinking about how each image will serve the brand’s message. I understand the importance of consistency in a brand’s visual identity, and I use that knowledge to ensure that every show I take aligns with the brand’s values and goals.

Working in marketing also taught me how to think critically about a target audience. As a brand photographer, this is crucial. I consider who the business is speaking to, what emotions they want to evoke, and how to visually connect with them. Every photos is crafted with intention – because great photography doesn’t just capture what’s in front of the camera, it captures the essence of a brand and its message.

Helping Businesses Stand Out with Authenticity

One of the things that sets brand photography apart from traditional photography is its focus on authenticity. In today’s world, people crave connection and want to support businesses they feel are genuine. Stock photos and overly staged images don’t always convey that authenticity. As a brand photographer, I focus on capturing real moments, genuine expressions and raw emotions. Whether it’s a photo of a business owner at work, a candid behind-the-scenes shots, or a beautifully styled product image, I strive to create visuals that feel real and relatable.

BUT – don’t get it twisted. I am able to blend the authenticity with editorial imagery if the brand calls for it. The best brand photography isn’t about perfection – it’s about telling a story in a way that makes the audience feel something. And that’s something my background in marketing has helped me understand on a deeper level. In the end, it’s the authenticity and realness of the images that make a brand memorable and help it connect with its audience.

A New Creative Journey

Transitioning from marketing to brand photography has been on the most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made. It allows me to blend the strategic, analytical side of my mind with my creative passion for photography. Every shoot is a new adventure, and I’m constantly learning and growing as I help businesses build their visual identities.

If you’re a business owner looking to elevate your brand through authentic, high-quality images, I’d love to work with you to tell your unique story. Together, we can create a collection of images that not only showcase your business but also communicate your brand’s essence in a way that resonates with your audience.

While my journey from marketing to brand photography may have been a shift, it’s one that has felt like a natural evolution of my passion for creativity and storytelling. If I sound like the photographer for you, check out my branding price guide here or reach out to me to start planning your photoshoot here!