What is a Brand Storytelling Session?

“So Rox, what is the difference between a brand storytelling session and a traditional headshot session? And how do I know when/if I need one?”

This is a frequent question I get now that I primarily serve brands and help them share their story- let’s break it down:

In this blog post, I’m sharing details about the difference between brand storytelling sessions and more traditional headshot or portrait sessions.

To start what Brand Storytelling is NOT:

• a quick session that just gives you a few images files to share
• Just updated headshots (you need this but if you are growing a business it is mostly likely NOT all you need)
• only pretty headshots without the strategy of creating personal stock images and strategic process visuals
• no collaboration process

OK- So What is Brand Storytelling?

1. It’s About the Story, Not Just the Face

A headshot helps you on your About Page and an introduction post but who wants top post just their face all the time? Brand storytelling is WAY MORE- it is about sharing who you are, what makes you unique, what you do or offer, and helps you connect with your ideal clients/audience. This type of session goes beyond a single image to showcase the essence of your brand—how you work, what you stand for, and how you connect with your audience- we showcase you in your element. Every image in your gallery is intentional and strategic, helping tell a cohesive story that resonates with potential clients.

2. A Collaborative, Intentional, Strategic Process

Unlike a standard headshot session where you show up, smile, and peace out, Brand Storytelling is a strategic collaboration. This is why I offer free discovery calls to chat through your business goals and your brand needs BEFORE we book your session. Alignment an communication are high values for me and I want to assure it is a great fit before we book your session. In this discovery call we dive into your brand identity, messaging, and visual style (and if that makes you nervous my clients also tell me my process helps them figure this out as we move through the process). Together, we plan locations, outfits, props, and even the emotions you want to convey along with where you will use these images (website, social media, newsletters, and any other marketing materials). From behind-the-scenes moments to action shots, product interactions, and client engagement, these images help build trust and connection with your audience. For each Brand Storytelling Session we chat and I create a customized PDF guide so you know exactly what to expect, what to wear and pack so on the day of our session we can just have a blast! Our process ensures that your images align with your business goals and brand voice.

3. Thoughtful, Diverse, Unique, and Personalized “Stock imagery”

A key aspect of brand storytelling is ensuring that your images authentically reflect the diversity and experiences of your actual clients. Using personal stock images—custom images that highlight real interactions, diverse faces, and meaningful moments—sets your brand apart. Brand Storytelling can help you replace generic stock images with personal images so you can be more authentic and real in your marketing. When your visuals represent a range of identities and lived experiences, your brand becomes more inclusive, relatable, and accessible to a wider audience and many of my clients struggle to find images in stock libraries that reflect them- this is so important to me. Investing in personalized stock imagery builds trust and helps clients see themselves in your brand’s story. By using personal stock images with inclusivity in mind, you can create a brand identity that is both visually compelling and deeply meaningful.

4. Emotion and Personality Drive the Session

Brand storytelling isn’t just about looking professional; it’s about showing authenticity and showcasing your values. It is not just about brand colors and fonts. Whether it’s laughter with a client, the focused energy of your craft, or the personality of your workspace, these sessions help you tell the stories that make your brand relatable and memorable so you build trust and stay top of mind. Everyone LOVES peeking behind the busines to see the brand, the people, the process and Brand Storytelling Sessions and our process help you identify what would be important to include in your gallery.

5. More Than a One-Time Photo—It’s an Ongoing Investment

A headshot is often a one-and-done experience, but Brand Storytelling evolves with your business and the goal is to create a full gallery of images you can share and have ongoing content for a longer period of time. Regularly updating your visual content ensures your brand stays fresh, relevant, and engaging. Investing in brand photography is investing in the long-term growth and visibility of your business. And I offer a special returning rate for my Brand Storytelling clients after their first session!

You have a gallery of shareable content ready to drive your marketing. From a traditional headshot session, you usually receive just a few retouched photos. That’s it. And if you are showing up online and building your brand you know that is just not enough. With Brand Storytelling, you get a full gallery of strategic images (want to see a full gallery just jump on a discovery call and I can show you!) . Whenever you need a photo for anything – your website, socials-Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, email marketing, print materials, seriously ANYTHING –you have a full gallery to choose from!

Are You Ready?

If you’re looking for more than just a pretty headshot and want imagery that truly represents your brand’s essence, a Brand Storytelling Session is FOR YOU and I am so pumped to be your hype woman. It’s a creative, intentional, and strategic process that helps you share your journey, values, and the impact you bring to your clients. Your super power in your business is YOU and sharing your unique brand!

Ready to tell your story? Let’s create something meaningful together.

Always cheering you on, Roxanne