The Photos Every Website Homepage Should Have

Your homepage has one job: Make it clear who you are and why someone should trust you-quickly. And that happens through images, not long paragraphs. Here are the four photos every homepage needs to feel current, trustworthy and human.

1. The Hero Image: This is the first thing someone sees. It should instantly communicate what you do and who you do it for. No stock photos, no awkward posing. Just real moments that reflect your brand’s personality,

2. The Action Shot: This shows the experience working with you. Think: A real interaction, hands doing the work, a moment of connection. People want to see what it feels like to be your client or customer.

3. The Faces Behind the Brand: Humans connect with humans- not logos. Show the people who make the work happen, The goal isn’t perfection. It’s confidence, approachability, and presence.

4. The Product or Service in Use: Your offering doesn’t exist- it actually does something. Show interaction. This helps people see the value in an instant and how it can fit into their lives.

Your audience understands you faster- and feels more connected right away. Your brand story is already happening in real life. The right photography just helps your audiences see it.

Everyone Needs a Current Headshot- Yes, Even You

If you work, network or have any kind of public presence (hi, LinkedIn), this one is for you. A current professionally done headshot and portrait isn’t just nice to have. It is your visual handshake. It is the first impression before you even speak. Whether you lead meetings, run your own business, apply for job positions or show up as a speaker, your photo tells the world who’s showing up today- not five years ago.

It matters for trust and connection. Consistency across your platforms. Energy shift, a new strong headshot and portrait captures your current looks, confidence, experience and brand personality. Cell phone selfies do not cut it and devalues your personal brand and self.

Signs it’s time to update: Personal style change, your last photo session before you changed jobs or new business. You have been using that cropped photo from your friends wedding (you know who you are).

Your headshot is about clarity, authenticity and connection. Pro Tip: Add some cool portraits for a subtle mix across media platforms. Sitting at your desk or leaning against a door. This shows more of your personality and work space vibes.

Why Every Brand Needs a Splash Moment

There’s something magnetic about this image- the instant the head toss turns into a wave, frozen in time. It’s playful, bold and impossible to scroll past. And honestly, that is what great brand photography should do.

Most companies know they need a polished headshot and team photo. But what about those splash moments- the shot that wakes people up and reminds them your brand has personality, energy and movement.

Here is the truth: Energy translates to credibility. Dynamic visuals suggest growth and adaptability. Unexpected sells. A water flip in Palm Springs might not look “corporate,” but lifestyle imagery like this shows the human side of a business- super vital for connecting to modern audiences. Refreshing doesn’t mean rebranding. You don’t need new colors or logos to stand out. Sometimes, it’s just about swapping out stale photos for something new and that feels alive.

If your marketing feels flat, maybe it’s time for a splash moment.

The Power of Candid Corporate Moments

Headshots are essential- they build polish and credibility. But candid moments take it a step further.

Think genuine office laughs during a meeting, a chat over coffee or a handshake with a client. They aren’t posed, but intentional. They capture culture, environment, energy and connection. It is the human side of your business.

When paired with strong portraits, candid images create a great balance of professional and relatable. Next time planning your brand shoot, don’t just schedule headshots - there is much more happening to showcase the work-life that brings your culture to life.

The 3- Shot Bio Every Team Needs

Stop using a single headshot. I always speak to my clients about going beyond the single headshot for their website. Potential clients or employer’s see more than what is just on your company website. I always recommend 3 types.

1. A Strong Headshot: Professional and polished for LinkedIn and Co. website. Using a clean backdrop.

2. A Friendly Candid Moment: Great for newsletters, socials, about pages.

3. A Work-Life Portrait: So clients or partners can see how you work. Leaning against a wall or sitting at a desk. Always add in some branded props.

It really is a mini brand story showcasing you even if in the same environment it shows different sides of you and looks.

Anchoring Brand Colors in Photography

When people think of brand colors, they picture logos and websites. But using those same colors in your photography can be just as powerful.

It matters because colors trigger recognition. Think Tiffany box blue or Coca- Cola red- you know the brand instantly. By weaving your company brands palette into photos, you are reinforcing our identity without the logo.

How to do it? Incorporating brand colors in the models wardrobe is my big go to. Props like everyday items placed in the scenes on tables or shelving. Post editing with color tweaks.

The impact - photos feel intentional and unified, Your audience instantly links the image back to your brand- on your site, socials and other media. Also in my opinion it ties the scene together and is aesthetically appealing.

Behind the Lens: The Real Story

Perfect brand photos? Sure they do happen. But more often, it is me balancing on an apple box telling the model to get ready here comes the water spray “sweat” bottle. Sometimes the real magic is the laughter and unscripted moments between takes. I feel that’s when everyone is most relaxed and light on their feet and just having fun.

Behind every polished shot is a perfectly imperfect process… and honestly that’s where the magic and emotion lives.

What "Real-Life" Photography Really Means- and Why Your Brand Needs it Now

Stock photos are out. Real stories are in. Your brand deserves more than “woman using computer stock image #248”. Today’s audiences want to see the people, the process and the personality behind the brand. That’s where real-life photography comes in.

It’s not about perfect lighting or fake smiles. It’s about moments that feel lived-in- hands at work, products in use, the behind the scenes hustle. That’s the kind of imagery that connects. When you are showcasing your brand with real life, people trust you more and are likely to give you their business.

3 reasons to Go Real:

1. It Builds Trust: People want to know who is behind the brand

2. It sets you apart: Cookie cutter content blends in. You won’t

3. It works everywhere: Website. Socials. Ads. PR. One shoot = endless use.

Your story is evolving and happening every day. Show it.

First Impressions Happen Online- Is Your Visual Brand Ready?

Before your client walks through your door or picks up the phone, they’ve likely already met you online. Your website, social media and digital presence set the tone for first impression- and in today’s fast scrolling world, visuals do most of the talking.

High quality, authentic imagery tells your story in ways words can’t. It shows who you are, what you do, and why you matter. When your photos are outdated, unprofessional, or worse generic-stock- photos it sends the wrong message about your professionalism and credibility.

Quick tip: Take a look at your website and socials. Do your images and story reflect who the company is and the quality of your brand? Do they feel current and authentic? If not, it’s time to refresh your visual storytelling. Take in this fact, over 80% of us folks are searching a business or organization online before making a decision. Make sure you are showcasing yourself and elevating your products and services to connect to your audience.

Why Authenticity Wins in Brand Photography

Real Work, Real People Really Matter! In a world flooded with overly edited drab stock photos, one thing stands out: realness. Today’s audience craves connection and honesty. They want to see and know the people behind the brand and how your products or services work. They are making a business decision to hire you, purchase your products, or may invest in your services. That’s why companies have been moving toward authentic lifestyle-based brand photography.

Whether you're in healthcare, education, manufacturing or consulting, showing your team and products in action builds instant trust. It helps your audience relate to your brand on a more human level. A real provider checking on her patient, a real technician troubleshooting, or a real executive giving a speech will always be more powerful across your media channels.

Authentic imagery doesn’t mean unprofessional- it means intentional. As a corporate lifestyle photographer I work with businesses to capture genuine moments to tell your story and drive results. If your brand wants to move from generic and into meaningful visual storytelling, real people doing real work is the place to start.

What to Expect at Your Brand Photography Session

Wondering what happens during a photography session- You’re not alone! Whether it’s your first time or you're leveling up your visuals, here is a quick rundown.

Before the Shoot: We will have a discovery call. This helps me learn about you and what goals and vibes you are interested in. I can help style outfits & share what you can expect of me. We will also discuss shot lists and inspiration looks.

Shoot Day: Expect a fun and laid back but guided experience. I’ll direct you every step of the way- no stiff posing here! I will capture a mix of headshots along with lifestyle looks. My style leans into a lived in and authentic feel. I don’t waste time and believe in efficiency without rushing.

After the Shoot: You will receive a gallery of original images to review to make your favorite selects. Make your final selections by choosing what you love and resonate with the most. No stress just content that feels right to you. After that a final file of professionally retouched images are delivered and ready to go for your print, post and website media needs.

Showcase Your Business in Action

Here is a big statistic, over 80% of people research a company on line - including visiting a website before making a commitment. Capturing and creating real-life connections by showing your products and services in action keeps your story moving and brings your brand’s narrative to life. Often I will suggest to incorporate actual staff or customers because they know the products best and can really contribute to the stories being told. It is vital to keep your visual imagery up to date and used across all your media platforms.

Why Authentic Headshots Matter

In a world full of AI images, a real headshot stands out. It captures your true personality, energy, and presence- something AI can’t fake. Clients and employers want to connect with YOU, not a digital made up version. A genuine professionally done photo builds trust and shows you're the real deal. Show your fabulous self when walking into a room not a strange doll with unnatural looks.

Example of a real vs AI enhanced headshot I took of my client

How Visual Stories Help Drive Brand Results

If I can give one piece of advice, do not neglect your brand storytelling. Professional & authentic images matter greatly in media use. It resonates a closer connection to your audience. The image I am showing here is an example of the healthcare clinic’s dentist and my intentional use to incorporate the clinic name and branding to be shown.

Dentist and Patient in Exam Room at a Healthcare Clinic

Lowe's Making a Difference

I was contacted by Lowe’s stores to capture a horse feed and bucket brigade giveaway they were having in our LA community during our wildfires. This was a genuine donation of thousands of pounds of horse feed and products. My goals were emotion and branding. The staff and horses made for great content.

Lowe’s Home Improvement Corporation Helping Victims of the LA Wildfires

Behind the Scenes

I love behind the scenes pictures. I recently was on a photo walk during the king tide in Santa Monica. It occurs twice a year where amazing reflections from lights cast down on the wet sand and the water below.

While I did capture quite a bit of the ferris wheel and deep orange glowy sunset. I wanted something different. I captured the photographers standing in line and one accidentally by himself. Technically these are not great but I had fun exploring new techniques.

Keeping it Fun on a Shoot

Will my client be using this image; not a chance! This is me having fun on a shoot. As a photographer on any set it is important to keep it light for those in the shot. It helps with energy, good vibes and especially matters in capturing the authentic looks I am aiming for.

Minimal Punch of Street Chic

When I am asked what I love to photograph; I typically can’t answer. It's probably wildlife but I don’t capture that for a living. I began as a Street Photographer and to this day I love it when my clients need street chic shoots.

I feel I am in my element and I also love the post-edit process. For this image, I felt it needed something so I added a palm tree in the left corner behind the building! Paul Smith is an iconic store in the Melrose District in LA and I love the minimalistic vibe of the building.

Love it when Collaborator's are on Set

I absolutely believe in team! My eye is strong but I don’t have 8 of them. I love the big girl jobs when the entire team from the Company is on the shoot and present being involved. I love the energy, insight and team work. The most important thing is making the team go home as heroes! In the end I am fortunate they booked with me and care to deliver epic results.

Brand Photography Showcasing a Medical Provider using a Medical Device

Street Style Background Pops

I was super stoked for this recent shoot. We decided on a vibrant and colorful area in the Arts District in DTLA. The Handbag Designer and I scoped out the locations to tie in awesome building backgrounds so the bags would play nicely and pop against them. We had a ton of amazing walls and art murals to work with. It’s so important to merchandise and style your shoot layouts in the areas you want to photograph in and have fun with it!