Five simple ways to refresh your brand photography for 2027 without starting from scratch.
As we approach the end of 2026 (HOW is that possible?!), I want you to think about something.
How much has your business changed this year?
Maybe you’ve hired a few new people. Maybe you’ve launched a new product, expanded your services, moved into a beautiful new space, or completely changed the way you do business.
Or maybe nothing particularly dramatic happened. You just kept showing up, doing good work, and getting a little better at what you do.
All of that is worth something.
But here’s my next question.
Do the photographs you’re using to represent your business reflect where you are TODAY?
Because I’ve worked with plenty of businesses whose photography tells a slightly outdated story (myself included). And sometimes, the people running those businesses don’t even realize it.
The good news? You probably don’t need to throw everything out and start over.
Sometimes, a handful of thoughtfully planned photographs can make an enormous difference.
Here are five places I’d suggest looking as we prepare for 2027.
1. Start With the People
Your people are one of your greatest assets. And if you’ve been in business for any length of time, chances are your team has changed.
New employees have joined. Others have moved on. Someone got promoted. And perhaps your leadership page still features a photograph of someone who retired three years ago. Whoops!
Take a look at your website’s team page.
Are all your current employees represented? Do the photographs look like they belong together? Are you showing the personalities behind the business, or just a collection of faces against a backdrop?
I’m a big believer in consistency, but consistency doesn’t have to mean boring.
A great collection of team photographs can feel professional, approachable, and full of personality.
And if you already have a photographic style you love, there’s no reason to reinvent it. We can simply bring your newest team members into the fold.
2. Give Your Website a Fresh First Impression
When was the last time you really LOOKED at your own website?
Not to update your hours or check a contact form. I mean actually looking at it through the eyes of someone discovering your business for the first time.
What’s the first photograph they see?
Does it communicate what you do? Who you serve? What makes your business different?
I love helping clients think through these questions because sometimes the solution is surprisingly simple.
A new hero photograph on your homepage. A better environmental portrait on your About page. A few thoughtfully composed images that give your website designer room to work with headlines and text.
You don’t necessarily need dozens of new photographs.
You need the RIGHT photographs, in the right places.
And sometimes replacing just two or three prominent images can give an otherwise excellent website an entirely new feel.
3. Show People What You Actually DO
Here’s something I’ve learned after years of photographing businesses.
People love seeing people at work.
Not just smiling at the camera. Actually DOING something.
The chef preparing a dish. The contractor reviewing plans with a homeowner. The technician working with specialized equipment. The business owner collaborating with a client.
These photographs communicate something a headshot alone cannot.
They show your expertise in action.
They also help potential customers imagine what it might be like to work with you.
And that’s pretty powerful.
Think about what happens behind the scenes at your business. What do you do particularly well? What would surprise your customers? What parts of your process are worth showing off?
Those are the moments I’d love to photograph.
4. Don’t Forget the Little Things
Not every photograph needs a face.
In fact, some of the most useful images I create for businesses are the simplest.
A beautifully photographed product. Hands working with materials. Tools arranged on a workbench. A close-up of a finished detail. A recognizable corner of your workspace.
These photographs might not be the stars of your website, but they are incredibly useful supporting players.
Think about how often you need a photograph for a newsletter, a social media post, a presentation, or a little section of your website.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a collection of beautiful, relevant images ready to go?
That’s why I encourage businesses to build a library of versatile photographs rather than planning every image around one specific marketing campaign.
A good photograph should be able to work for you more than once.
And ideally, for years to come.
5. Take Inventory Before You Invest
Now, before you run off and book a giant photography session, I want you to do something.
Open your website. Scroll through your social media. Look at your most recent marketing materials.
And ask yourself:
- What photographs am I still proud to use?
- What feels outdated or no longer represents my business?
- Where am I constantly wishing I had a better image?
- What has changed this year that my customers should SEE?
- What am I planning for 2027 that could benefit from new photography?
You might discover that your existing library is in pretty great shape!
Or you might realize you’ve been recycling the same six photographs for the last four years. 😂
Either way, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you actually need.
And that’s where I can help.
I don’t believe every business needs an enormous photography session. I believe businesses need photography that serves a purpose.
Sometimes that’s an afternoon updating team headshots. Sometimes it’s a couple hours capturing your people and processes. And sometimes it’s a larger project that builds an entire library of images to support your marketing for years.
The important thing is making sure the investment makes sense for YOUR business.
Let’s Make 2027 Look Good!
As you wrap up another year of running your business, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.
Maybe you’ve grown by leaps and bounds. Maybe you’ve weathered some challenges. Maybe you’ve simply kept the wheels turning through another unpredictable year of entrepreneurship.
Whatever 2026 looked like for you, your business deserves to be represented well.
And if your photographs could use a little catching up, I’d love to help.
Let’s talk about your photography needs for 2027!
