If you're running a small business in Edinburgh or anywhere across Scotland, you’ve probably asked yourself this already: What kind of business photography do I actually need?
With so many styles, packages, and price points out there, the choice can feel overwhelming. Butt he best business photographs are the ones that serve your goals and reflect who you are as a business owner, right now.
Before we dive in, let’s acknowledge something important.
As a small business owner, you've already shown your extraordinary determination and courage by deciding to be seen and be truly visible in your business.
This decision to put yourself out there takes courage
It takes real bravery to step in front of the camera and decide to be seen. You’re choosing to show up for your business and your audience in a new way – one that requires visibility, clarity, and authenticity.
Brand photography isn’t just about getting a few nice pictures. It’s about revealing the human behind the business, sharing what you stand for, and inviting people into your world. That takes guts.
So if you’re here reading this, please know this: you’re already doing something brilliant.
It’s not easy to put yourself out there. But by even considering brand photography, you’re already doing something that many business owners never quite manage:
You’re backing yourself. You’re claiming space. And you’re showing your audience that you believe in what you do.
That alone is worth celebrating.
What kind of business photography do I need?
Below are seven key questions to help you figure out which type of photography best supports your brand.
By the end, you’ll know whether you’re ready for a full brand shoot or whether a headshot session will do the trick – and which of my brand photography packages for small business owners in Edinburgh or across Scotland is the right next step for you.
1
What do you need your images to say about you?
Let’s start with the foundations.
Your photographs should express who you are, what you do, and why that matters to your ideal clients. That could mean capturing warmth, confidence, creativity, calm, expertise, or a combination of these (and other) things.
Do you want your photos to show you as warm and approachable? Bold and authoritative? Friendly and fun?
Your images should reflect your brand personality, values, and the kind of energy you want to project. That means we need to choose a package that gives you the right mix of shots – that conveys not just how you look, but what you stand for.
If you're only looking for a few polished headshots, my Headshots package might be enough. But if you want to tell a fuller story – including showing your processes, space, values, or team – you'll need something broader. That’s where my Elevate, Soar, or Transcend packages come in.
2
How many images will you realistically need and how long do they need to last?
If you just want to update your LinkedIn profile, three great photos might be plenty.
But if you're posting regularly on LinkedIn or Instagram, writing weekly email newsletters, running workshops, or launching offers, you’ll need a wider mix of images across different themes and formats.
Ask yourself: how often will I need new images, and how varied should they be?
- Elevate works well as a one-off boost or a quick refresh
- Soar gives you a consistent content library for the next 6–9 months
- Transcend gives you all the variety you need to fuel your business for a year or more
Images for a specific event, campaign, or product launch don’t need to last forever, but a longer-term brand image library can be a huge asset.
My Elevate package gives you a sharp, stylish starter set that works well for short-term needs or first-time shoots in Edinburgh or across Scotland. But if you want a content bank that supports 6–12 months of marketing, choose Soar or Transcend.
Seasonal subscriptions are another smart move if you want to stay visually current throughout the year. Explore the options on my brand photography subscriptions page.
3
Where will you be using your photos?
This one's key.
Different platforms need different styles and shapes of images. For example:
- LinkedIn needs crisp, professional headshots
- Instagram benefits from detail shots and portrait orientation
- Pinterest requires vertical images with space for text
- Websites often need wide, horizontal banner images with clean space for copy
If your photos need to work hard across many platforms, you’ll want a larger, more diverse collection. Soar or Transcend are ideal here.
If you're using your photos mainly on your website and social media, you’ll need a mix of orientations (horizontal and vertical), some clean space for text overlay, and images that crop well.
But if you also want to use them for press, speaking gigs, digital products, or Pinterest, we’ll need to be even more intentional. (Did you know Pinterest recommends 2:3 image ratios with space for text overlays?)
If you're not sure how to plan images for different platforms, my blog post here might be useful: How to use brand photographs strategically
4
Do you want to show your process, products, or clients?
This is where things move beyond just portraits.
If you run seasonal offers, work outdoors, or simply want your content to feel fresh throughout the year, a subscription might be your best bet.
Having four seasonal shoots over 12 months means your visuals stay relevant and engaging, and it spreads the cost too. Take a look at my Subscription packages to find out more.
Do you need photos that show your workspace, your products, or the experience of working with you? Do you want images that show your hands at work, your clients in action, or the behind-the-scenes of your business?
That’s brand photography – not headshots.
The more of your process you want to document, the more time and image variety you’ll need. We can absolutely do that with Soar or Transcend, both of which allow for multiple themes, locations, and stories.
The right setting can help make this feel even more authentic. If you’re not sure where to begin, my guide to the best locations in Edinburgh for brand photo shoots explains how to choose a space that enhances your story.
Let the viewer imagine him or herself there with you. That’s how genuine connection starts.
5
Are you launching, relaunching, or rebranding?
When you're launching a new look, changing direction, or repositioning yourself in the market, your visuals need to match the shift. Big changes in your business deserve a well-thought-out, high-quality image bank. Maybe you’re redoing your website, launching a new product, or getting ready for press features and guest speaking gigs.
This is the moment to go all in, and that’s exactly what Transcend is for. It gives you up to a full day of photography in Edinburgh or elsewhere in Scotland, three locations, multiple outfits, and enough images to carry you through a major refresh.
If you’re working with a designer or copywriter, we can co-ordinate to make sure your new photos align with the full picture.
(Pro tip: great brand photography helps your designer do even better work. Here’s how I collaborated with a designer on my own rebrand.)
6
Are you just dipping your toe in?
If you’re short on time or just dipping your toe in, my headshot package is a brilliant place to start.
In fact, either of my Headshots or Elevate packages would be perfect for easing in gently. You’ll still get standout images, and you’ll get a feel for how powerful brand photography can be.
We’ll choose a single location in Edinburgh or elsewhere in Scotland, and you’ll get three professionally edited images that look natural, confident, and true to you. It’s also a great option if you’ve just updated your appearance, changed jobs, or need a quick refresh for LinkedIn.
And if you’re dating again and want something more relaxed but still professional, have a look at my dating profile photography service.
7
Do you need something very specific?
Maybe you’ve already worked with a brand strategist or have a marketing team who know exactly what your campaign requires. Or perhaps your needs don’t fit neatly into a package.
That’s absolutely fine – just get in touch. I’m happy to create something bespoke.
8
What kind of support do you need?
Every package includes planning support, but the more in-depth the session, the more strategy we’ll cover.
If you’d like input on locations, outfits, props, and messaging, we’ll dig into all of that together. I bring my experience not just as a photographer, but as a strategic branding expert so you get more than just beautiful photos. You get images that work.
The planning process itself can often bring extra clarity that my clients didn't expect. If you value having my expertise to guide you through the process, consider either Soar or Transcend.
Still not sure?
That’s completely normal. Choosing the right brand photography package is about more than ticking boxes – it’s about choosing how you want to show up. It's an investment in time and money, and you want to make sure you get this right.
If you’d like to talk through the options, just get in touch and we’ll figure it out together.
And if you’re not ready yet but want to plan ahead, download my free brand shoot planner.