For a long time, crisp and clean studio images were the go-to in branding photography—and they still have their place. Studio photos offer control, consistency, and polish, which can be perfect for certain brands. But over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable shift. More small businesses are leaning into authentic branding photos that feel more personal, relatable, and real. And more consumers are wanting this kind of authenticity from the brand they invest in.

We’ve had the opportunity to photograph some incredible small business owners who chose to step outside the traditional studio and into spaces that reflect their brand story—cafés, homes, hotels, etc. These settings brought their brand visuals to life in a way that polished backdrops just couldn’t.

That’s not to say studio photos are outdated or shouldn’t be used. They’re still a strong option depending on your brand’s goals. But if you’re craving branding photos that feel more human and connect with your audience on a deeper level, going beyond the studio might be the best choice for you.

Authentic Branding Photos: Operations Consultant at Lollo Salads & Coffee

We recently shot for Ops by Grace, a small business operations consultant who’s all about a practical, hands-on approach—different from your typical coach. She wanted her branding photos to reflect that vibe: relaxed, approachable, but still professional and to have a “vacation in Italy” feel even though we were shooting in the winter in Canada.

When we were chatting before the shoot, she mentioned that while she needed digital photos for her website, she also loved the look and feel of film. We totally agreed—film adds this beautiful, raw texture that feels super authentic and true to life, which was a perfect fit for her brand.

We decided on shooting at Lollo Salads & Coffee, a café in Ottawa with a relaxed, European feel. It gave us just the right mix of comfort and professionalism, and made the shoot feel natural. It’s a great example of how choosing a real, everyday setting over a studio can give authentic branding photos—showing personality over perfection.

Coach and Speaker at the Metcalfe Hotel

Another recent shoot we did was with Maria Delgado Coaching. We originally planned a studio session, but after some discussion, we decided the Metcalfe Hotel would be a better fit for the moody, trendy look she was going for. I’ve shot there before, and it really is a beautiful spot.

When changing locations for this particular client, I suggested she balance that mood with playful elements through her outfits, props, and posing. The hotel has quite a sophisticated, unapproachable look and we want her potential clients to feel like their dream life is achievable. So, it was important that the final photos still felt warm and approachable, like her and her business. Going outside of a classic studio is one of our favourite ways to capture those authentic branding photos.

Couples Therapist at Home

Authentic branding photos can also be shot in a home. I know, that can be intimidating because we don’t all have designer-styled homes, but it may not be as far-fetched as you might initially think. We did a brand shoot for Zara, My Ottawa Therapist, who specializes in therapy for couples who’ve recently become parents. For someone like Zara, it was crucial to have photos that felt approachable and professional—something potential clients could look at and think, “I can trust this person.”

Shooting in her home made perfect sense to capture that sense of comfort. We started with a few professional shots—Zara in her work attire, writing notes, sipping coffee at her desk, looking focused and confident. These shots helped show her in her element, conveying professionalism and expertise and honestly, pretty close to how she looks when she’s actually working.

But we also mixed it up with some more relaxed, personal moments—like Zara enjoying her coffee on the couch, a little more casual and approachable. These give a sense of the “real” Zara, making her feel like someone you could connect with on a personal level.

Authentic Branding Photos: Interior Designer at Skye Studio

We love getting out and capturing authentic branding photos in unique locations, but that doesn’t mean the studio is the wrong choice. Not at all. In fact, it can be the perfect option depending on your brand and what makes you feel most comfortable. We shot for Alexia, an interior designer who is the founder of Ora d’Oro and she chose Skye Studio for her session. The studio has multiple styled rooms to choose from, and everything is clean, versatile, and ready to go. In the newly remodeled Afterglow room, we were able to create this dreamy, light-filled atmosphere—playing with shadows and soft light to capture images that felt relaxed and natural.

To gather plenty of variety in her photos, we captured her adjusting fabric swatches and flat lays, working on her laptop—simple, candid moments that reflected her process and personality. So yes, you can absolutely get authentic branding photos in a studio setting if that’s where you feel most comfortable. It all comes down to choosing what feels right for your brand—and we’re more than happy to help you find the perfect space to bring that vision to life.

Sonia V Photography

At the end of the day, authentic branding photography isn’t about one perfect formula—it’s about capturing you in a way that feels real, honest, and aligned with your brand. Whether that means shooting in a cozy café, a beautiful hotel, your own home, or a well-lit studio, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

We’ve worked with a range of incredible small business owners—from consultants and therapists to designers—and each session has looked different because each brand is unique.

Some of our clients have leaned into lifestyle settings to feel more personal and relatable, while others have chosen clean studio spaces that match their polished aesthetic. Many sessions blend both. What matters most is that the photos reflect the story of your brand and make your audience understand in an instant that your brand is right for them.

If you’re thinking about branding photos—or just updating what you already have—we’d love to jump on a call or chat by email to learn more about you, your vision, and how we can help bring it to life.

Kind Words

“Can’t rave about Sonia’s photography enough! The pictures she took for my branding shoot turned out so beautifully and captured the essence of my business in a way that is difficult to articulate. The saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ may be cliche but I think it’s an accurate description of what we were able to achieve in my branding session.

Perhaps the most unexpected but valuable thing was that in doing the branding shoot with Sonia I was able to understand my OWN brand more. Importantly, it gave me resources to be able to project that understanding to potential customers and clients. I am an artist by trade and so it was imperative for me to have someone who could take artistic photos, if you will.

The end result were photos that were polished, editorial and romantic in nature and time spent talking through these material and practical ends with Sonia was extremely valuable in deciphering my own business goals. Her wisdom and experience in this area were so, so helpful. Lastly, these are photos that I now use across all my platforms and the quality of them is such that I will be able to continue using them for years and years to come. It is an incredibly worthwhile investment and one I would recommend to any other small business!” – Made Marion Illustrated