100. Understand the branding process and why you need a visual identity with Danielle Garber
In the world of photography, capturing beautiful moments and creating stunning visuals is just one part of the equation. To build a successful photography business, you also need to understand the importance of professional branding. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Danielle Garber, a branding expert, who you might remember from episode 4 and she shared some valuable insights into how branding can make a significant difference in a photographer’s career.
Danielle Garber is a brand strategist & designer and the founder of Be More You, a brand consultancy & studio that helps purpose-led clients express their unique value, values and gifts to stand out from the crowd and increase their income and impact through authentic branding & marketing.
Why Professional Branding Matters
Many photographers start their journey with a deep passion for photography and a desire to share their art with the world. They may have the technical skills to produce outstanding images, but that’s only half the battle. The other half involves presenting themselves as a professional business, and that’s where branding comes into play.
Danielle explains that professional branding is not about rejecting who you are; it’s about saying, “I want the best for you, and I can help you find that person.” In essence, branding helps you present your authentic self in a way that resonates with your ideal clients.
Understanding the Branding Process
Danielle’s approach to branding is unique. There are no standard questionnaires involved. Instead, she delves deep into understanding who her clients truly are. This involves discovering what’s essential to them, what they love about the clients they enjoy working with, and what truly lights them up. This process helps uncover the unique magic within each person.
This journey involves identifying strengths, passions, and unique selling points. Whether you’re a photographer, portrait artist, or specialize in any other niche, the branding process revolves around finding what sets you apart from the competition.
Listen to the first interview with Danielle
Episode 4
Creating a Visual Identity
Once you’ve identified your unique magic, it’s time to create a visual identity that reflects who you are and what you offer. This is where the magic truly happens, as you start putting together mood boards and defining the look and feel of your brand. Danielle emphasizes that if your brand feels a certain way, it can only look a certain way, ensuring a cohesive and authentic representation of yourself.
The outcome of this process is a brand that feels like you, resonates with your target audience, and communicates your professionalism and expertise.
When to Invest in Branding
One common question photographers have is when to invest in branding. Danielle’s answer is simple: invest when you’re confident in who you are and what you offer. Branding can be done at various stages of your photography career, whether you’re just starting out or have been in the business for a while.
If you’re clear about your style, target audience, and the direction you want to take, investing in professional branding from the beginning can help you charge higher rates and establish yourself as a serious photographer. It’s about perception, and a professional brand can make clients more willing to pay for your services.
On the other hand, if you’re still exploring your style and gaining experience, it’s perfectly fine to focus on getting clients first. You don’t necessarily need a brand to start working and gaining valuable experience. Branding can come later when you’re ready to take your business to the next level.
Final Thoughts
In the competitive world of photography, professional branding can set you apart from the crowd and elevate your career to new heights. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a brand that authentically represents you and attracts your ideal clients.
Investing in professional branding, whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your photography business, can be a game-changer. It’s a step towards taking your business seriously, gaining the confidence to charge what you’re worth, and ultimately, achieving greater success in your photography journey.
If you’re ready to explore the transformative power of professional branding for your photography business, consider reaching out to Danielle. She can help you discover your unique magic and create a brand that truly stands out.
Don’t wait to invest in your photography brand; it could be the key to unlocking your full potential as a photographer.
For more resources and to connect with Danielle, visit bemoreyouonline.com. You can also access her free brand guide that reveals the secrets to becoming a stand-out brand, a valuable starting point on your branding journey.
Learn the 7 pieces of a sustainable business
Episode 53
What Danielle wants you to know
The secret to creating a brand that stands out from the crowd, feels authentic, and is magnetic is to lean into what truly makes you unique and different.
Want more?
Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business.
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hi, i'm ingvild
This podcast is all about education and inspiration for photographers. A sustainable business is profitable and lasting. Instead of short-term wins you want to make sure you’re doing things that matter. Both to yourself, and to create the business you want. The goal of this podcast is that it will help you build and structure your business around your life, instead of the other way around.
