The Real Cost of Not Investing in Professional Branding Photos

Mar 7, 2025 | Personal Branding

What’s holding you back from getting professional photos for your business?

Hi, I’m Alison McKenny, a Professional Personal Branding Photographer working from my home studio in Suffolk (which is on the Cambridge and Essex borders) and here is what I’ve learned from photographing in this niche for the past 14 years.

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, you know that showing up online is essential. But if you’re anything like many of the incredible women I work with, you might be feeling hesitant about booking a branding shoot.

Maybe you feel self-conscious, or you’re worried about the cost.

Maybe you think you can get by with phone selfies and stock photos.

But here’s the thing—what is it really costing you NOT to have professional brand images?

Alison McKenny Personal Branding Photographer in Suffolk squats down with her camera during a photoshoot on her farm in Stoke By Clare

1. First Impressions Matter — Are You Making the Right One?

Your website, LinkedIn, and social media are often the first touchpoints for potential clients. They are effectively your shop front, and if your photos don’t reflect your professionalism and personality, and the quality of work or products that you offer, then you could be losing business without even realizing it.

People want to work with someone they can trust—and professional images instantly build that trust.

Small business owner sits drawing at her desk during a Personal Branding Shoot with Alison McKenny in her Suffolk photography studio.

2. Confidence = Sales

One of the biggest shifts I see after a branding shoot? Confidence.

My clients tell me that once they have images they love, they feel empowered to show up online more often — and of course their business grows as a result.

When you feel good about how you look, it shows. And that confidence attracts clients. At the end of the day, we want to attract our target audience, not go chasing them!

Collage of images of a small business owner during her Personal Branding Shoot in the studio and on the farm of Alison McKenny Photography in Suffolk

3. DIY Photos Might Be Hurting Your Brand

Yes, phone cameras have improved, but there’s a reason professional photography still stands out. Lighting, posing, and high-quality images create a level of polish that DIY just can’t match.   And it’s not just the quality of the camera or lenses, it’s the artistry and talents of the Photographer that will make your images unique!

Plus, when you have a bank of amazing images to pull from, content creation becomes effortless. No more scrambling for something to post—you’ll have a cohesive, professional brand presence.

Model sits on a lounge chair outside whilst wearing a Mai Norman headscarf and bag during Personal Branding Shoot with Alison McKenny Photography

4. It’s an Investment, Not an Expense

If you’re worried about the cost, think of it this way—how much potential income are you losing by not showing up at your best? If professional images help you book even one more client, they’ve already paid for themselves.  Now that suddenly doesn’t seem like a bad deal – does it!!!

Collage of images of a small business owner during her Personal Branding Shoot in the studio and on the farm of Alison McKenny Photography in Suffolk

Want to Win a FREE Branding Shoot?

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, I’m giving away a Personal Branding Photoshoot to one lucky business owner!

To enter:
✔️ Join my mailing list 
✔️ Fill out a quick questionnaire (it takes less than 2 minutes!)
✔️ Once I reach 50 entries, I’ll draw a winner!

Click [HERE] to enter! 🎉

Let’s get you showing up with confidence. You deserve it!

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