Why brand photography - product, retail, location; even personal - has become a must.
High quality visuals are a necessity in staying relevant in a competitive market.
The talented Amy Lynn Gawlik of AL Gawlik Photography shares her valuable insights on the importance of brand photography. Believe us, when Amy talks photos, we listen.
You've seen them all over social media and the internet. Super-polished, great dressed, aesthetically pleasing photos of people in their work or home settings. Why? In a selling climate filled with innovation, competition is fierce and whether you’re a restaurant owner, entrepreneur, real estate agent, or influencer, personal high-quality visuals are no longer optional—they’re a necessity in staying relevant and visually drawing your target audience to you.
Here’s why:
1. First Impressions Matter
Consumers make decisions within seconds of first contact. Your website, social media, and marketing materials are often the first point of contact for potential clients. Stunning, professional images help build credibility and make an instant impact.
2. Originality Adds Value
Austin, for example, is known for its unique and eclectic style. Cookie-cutter stock images won't convince savvy buyers in this demographic that your goods or services are more valuable than the rest. Custom branding photography tells your story in a way that’s authentic, engaging, and aligned with your brand's personality and your buying demographic.
3. Increase Engagement & Conversions
Research shows that images are more memorable than words because they take up more space in our memory; therefore, visual content gets more engagement than text alone. (1) Businesses that invest in high-quality photography see higher conversion rates on social media and websites.
4. Stay a Step Ahead
In a saturated market, a cohesive, polished aesthetic sets you apart, reinforces your personal brand, and builds trust in you and your goods and services. Take social media influencers, for example. They invest heavily in brand photography because high-quality visuals are their currency. Great photos tell a story, boost engagement, and attract collaborations with premium brands. Simply put, professional brand photography turns casual lookers into loyal fans and buyers and opens doors to new opportunities.
Here’s why:
1. First Impressions Matter
Consumers make decisions within seconds of first contact. Your website, social media, and marketing materials are often the first point of contact for potential clients. Stunning, professional images help build credibility and make an instant impact.
2. Originality Adds Value
Austin, for example, is known for its unique and eclectic style. Cookie-cutter stock images won't convince savvy buyers in this demographic that your goods or services are more valuable than the rest. Custom branding photography tells your story in a way that’s authentic, engaging, and aligned with your brand's personality and your buying demographic.
3. Increase Engagement & Conversions
Research shows that images are more memorable than words because they take up more space in our memory; therefore, visual content gets more engagement than text alone. (1) Businesses that invest in high-quality photography see higher conversion rates on social media and websites.
4. Stay a Step Ahead
In a saturated market, a cohesive, polished aesthetic sets you apart, reinforces your personal brand, and builds trust in you and your goods and services. Take social media influencers, for example. They invest heavily in brand photography because high-quality visuals are their currency. Great photos tell a story, boost engagement, and attract collaborations with premium brands. Simply put, professional brand photography turns casual lookers into loyal fans and buyers and opens doors to new opportunities.

Amy Lynn Gawlik
Austin-based personal brand photographer and social media marketing expert.