You’ve got a website, a solid brand, and a growing business—but when you open your photo library to post something new… crickets.

Or worse—you’re staring at the same handful of headshots and product images you’ve been using for years.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Most business owners overlook key types of brand photos that could make their marketing easier, faster, and more effective.

Let’s fix that! Here are five essential photos every business owner should have in their image library—and what to look for if you’re missing them.

1. You, in Action (a.k.a. You Doing the Work You Love)

We’ve all got that one nice, polished headshot—and yes, it’s important. But your audience also wants to see you in motion.
They want to picture what it’s like to work with you, talk to you, or experience your product or service.

✅ Action shot ideas:

Meeting with a client or on a video call
Demonstrating your process or using your tools
Laughing, listening, or brainstorming—natural, candid moments that show your energy

These images help clients visualize working with you, which builds connection and trust before you even speak.

Same image, three different conversations. That’s how you get visibility without being repetitive.

2. The Tools of Your Trade

Your tools tell your story. Whether it’s a yoga mat, laptop, product, paintbrush, notebook, or that signature coffee mug that’s never far away—these visuals add depth to your brand.

✅ Action step: Take inventory of your last shoot. Do your images show your tools or the behind-the-scenes details that make your work unique? If not, add these to your next shot list.

3. Lifestyle Details That Show Personality

Here’s where your brand really comes alive. Clients don’t just want to see what you do—they want to know a little bit about who you are.

Lifestyle imagery adds warmth, relatability, and humanity to your marketing.

✅ Lifestyle ideas:

Your favorite coffee spot or cozy studio corner
A stack of books or plants on your desk (hi, fellow plant lovers 🌿)
Your pet wandering into the shot (we see you, Sonny B.)
Anything that feels authentically you

These details help people connect with your personality—not just your profession.

Woman in a black coat walking a dog on a snowy path in a park.

Woman with long hair and glasses smiling, holding a floral mug in a kitchen setting.

4. Vertical Crops for Stories and Reels

We’re living in a vertical world. Even the most gorgeous horizontal photo doesn’t always fit the platforms where your audience hangs out.

✅ Quick check: Look through your library. Do you have vertical images you can easily use for Stories, Reels, or Pinterest pins?

If not, you’re missing a huge opportunity for visibility. Next time you plan a brand shoot, make sure your photographer captures multiple orientations for every setup—it’ll make your content so much easier to repurpose.

5. Clean Backgrounds for Marketing Materials

Not every photo needs to be busy or full of personality. You also need some simple, clean, and neutral images you can use for:

Website banners and headers
Ad graphics
Text overlays or quotes
Email marketing visuals

✅ Pro tip: These are often the unsung heroes of your photo gallery. A clean, well-lit background gives you flexibility to design around your brand elements while keeping everything looking polished.

Ready to Fill in the Gaps?

Take 10 minutes today to scroll through your photo library with this list in mind. Which categories are you missing? Which could use an update?

If you realize your images don’t reflect where your business is now—or where you’re headed—it’s time for a refresh.

When we plan your brand shoot, we’ll make sure you walk away with a gallery full of strategic, versatile images that check all five boxes (and then some).

📸 Let’s build your next brand session around what your business actually needs—reach out and let’s get started.

Learn more about working with Amy!

Amy Crosby Photography serves Western Massachusetts and Southern New England. 413-827-6004.

Work with me!

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The 5 Most Overlooked Photos Every Business Owner Needs