Why Traditional Personal Branding Photos No Longer Serve You

In the ever-evolving world of personal branding, there comes a time when we need to say goodbye to certain trends that have saturated the market. For entrepreneurs who value authenticity and emotional connection—the era of “laptop on a desk” and “sipping from my favorite mug” photos has reached its expiration date. Listen, I have taken those photos and am sure I will take them again, but I always encourage people to think beyond what everyone else is doing, and that’s what this blog post is hoping to do. Every photo you see in this post was for a Vancouver entrepreneur looking for something unique, fresh and truly authentic, and you can have that too.

Moving beyond laptops and coffee mugs

Remember when everyone’s Instagram feed featured the classic overhead shot of a pristine workspace? A sleek laptop, surrounded by carefully arranged succulents, a marble notebook, and that signature coffee mug? While these images once communicated so called ‘professionalism’ and approachability, they’ve now become visual clichés that fail to distinguish you in a crowded marketplace.

For entrepreneurs who thrive on genuine expression and meaningful connection, these staged working scenarios can actually create distance rather than authenticity. They tell a generic story that thousands of others are telling in exactly the same way, and I don’t know about you but I truly do not want to do what 1000’s of others are doing and get lost in feeds along with them.

The Contemporary Approach: Embodying Your Brand’s Essence

Today’s most compelling personal branding photography doesn’t try to literally show you “at work.” Instead, it captures the essence of who you are and the transformation you offer clients.

1. Evoke Emotion Through Artistic Expression

Rather than showing yourself typing away, consider photographs that capture you in moments of creative flow or inspiration. This might be walking through an art gallery, sketching in a vibrant urban setting, or simply being present in a space that reflects you, your interests and most importantly your personality.

2. Use Environment as Visual Storytelling

Your environment should serve as an extension of your brand values, not just a backdrop. Instead of the standard desk setup, consider locations that reflect your brand’s unique personality.

For entrepreneurs who values artistic expression and emotional depth, this might mean environments with rich textures, interesting architectural elements, or even minimalist studio settings allowing the focus to be on you, using light and shadow to create visual intrigue and depth.

3. Embrace Editorial-Style Photography

Consider adopting editorial approaches to your personal branding—photos that could easily appear in a high-end magazine, think of your photoshoot as your opportunity to have your very own KINFOLK editorial feature!

This style focuses on:

• Intentional use of light and shadow
• Dynamic compositions that create visual interest
• Sophisticated color palettes that evoke specific emotions
• Moments that feel authentic rather than posed

4. Incorporate Movement and Life

Photos that show you in motion—walking thoughtfully along a path, gesturing expressively during conversation, or simply shifting position—create a sense of dynamism that static workstation images cannot achieve.

Practical Ideas for Your Next Photo Session

So you might be wondering, ok Michele, so how DO I ensure my personal brand photos are authentic? For creative and heart centered entrepreneurs who value authenticity and emotional connection, consider these fresh approaches:

• Capture moments of creative contemplation in visually striking environments, which can be both minimalist or maximalist if that is your jam
• Photograph interactions with materials that inspire your work (fabric, paint, natural elements)
• Use architectural elements to frame compositions in unexpected ways
• Incorporate meaningful objects that symbolize your values (not just the ubiquitous laptop)
• Document genuine moments of connection with others that reflect your collaborative approach
• Work in personal elements that ACTUALLY have value to you, like how Vanessa below used family heirlooms to share her story from the comfort of her home and then we headed to the beach, a place that represents rebirth to her
• Everyone LOVES seeing pets in photos, so if you have a pet they are more than welcome to join in!

The Power of Studio Minimalism: When Less Becomes More

While location shooting offers contextual richness, there’s something undeniably powerful about the controlled environment of a studio photoshoot. The minimalist approach of studio photography allows the full focus to remain on you—your expressions, your presence, your essence.

For Vancouver entrepreneurs who want to convey sophistication and artistic sensibility, studio portraits offer:

• Clean, distraction-free compositions that highlight your authentic presence
• Controlled lighting that can create dramatic shadows or ethereal softness
• The opportunity to experiment with poses and expressions without environmental constraints
• That coveted editorial aesthetic that immediately elevates a brand’s presence

And I may be biased, but there’s something particularly transformative about black and white studio photography. Stripping away color creates an timeless, edgy vibe that speaks to creative depth and artistic confidence. The interplay of light and shadow in monochrome imagery creates visual intrigue while simultaneously conveying emotional depth.

Black and white photography also offers a sophisticated contrast to the color-saturated feeds that dominate social media, giving your brand an instant air of distinction and intentionality.

The Result: A Visual Identity That Truly Stands Out

By moving beyond the laptop-and-mug trope, you create a visual brand identity that:

• Immediately distinguishes you from countless others in your field
• Communicates the emotional experience of working with you
• Attracts clients like who value creativity and authenticity
• Positions you as a contemporary thought leader rather than a follower of tired trends

For the creative entrepreneur who understands that genuine connection trumps conventional professionalism, contemporary branding photography doesn’t need to literally show you working—it needs to show who you truly are and the transformation you create for clients.

After all, in a world where everyone is showing their workspace, the true standout is the one who dares to show their unique vision instead.

---

What fresh approach will you take with your next personal branding photoshoot?

Let’s chat about your creative vision!