Face Forward: Why Your Website Needs Professional Brand Photography
Featuring Alissa Randall, Clara Wang, Desiree Hayes, and stylist Jenny Zook
As a brand designer, I get asked this question all the time: “Do I really need professional brand photography?”
And the answer is — absolutely, yes.
Whether you're a solopreneur, product-based business, or creative entrepreneur, your website and social channels are often your first impression — and visuals speak louder than words.
To help unpack what goes into great brand photos and why they matter so much, I reached out to three incredible photographers — Alissa Randall, Clara Wang, and Desiree Hayes — who specialize in capturing the real heart of your brand. I also included insights from personal stylist Jenny Zook, who helps women feel confident and aligned with their style, especially for branding shoots.
If you're prepping for your first photo session (or need a refresh), this post will walk you through the “why” and the “how” — from camera-ready outfits to connecting with the right photographer for your brand.
Desiree Hayes — Confident, Story-Driven Photography That Builds Trust
Location: Central Florida
Website: desireehayes.com
Instagram: @desireehayesphoto
Desiree Hayes specializes in empowering women entrepreneurs to feel confident, intentional, and seen. Her work focuses on personal branding, lifestyle sessions, and product photography — always with an emphasis on connection and purpose. Whether she’s photographing a service provider or an e-commerce brand, her goal is to help clients show up authentically while keeping things elevated and cohesive.
One standout story she shared involved a product-based business struggling with a weak visual identity. The product was great, but the images lacked emotional connection. Through a series of lifestyle sessions and clean product photography, Desiree helped the client translate their values into visuals — and the results spoke for themselves: boosted social engagement, a growing sense of brand loyalty, and best of all, genuine customer connection.
“Your website visuals speak before you do. They tell your audience who you are and whether they can trust you.”
Desiree also emphasizes consistency as a make-or-break factor in brand imagery. Mismatched tones, DIY lighting, or overly staged scenes can make even a strong brand feel off. Her advice? Get clear on your brand vibe before the shoot, and collaborate with a photographer who understands not just aesthetics — but strategy.
Personal branding photography by Desiree Hayes
Clara Wang — Visual Storytelling for Women-Led Brands
Location: New Jersey, NYC
Website: clarawangphotography.com
Instagram: @clarawangphotography
Clara Wang brings a fresh, story-first approach to brand photography — especially for women-owned product-based businesses. She works closely with solopreneurs, mompreneurs, and mid-size brands to create cohesive libraries of images that speak directly to dream clients.
What sets Clara apart is her commitment to showcasing the heart behind a brand. She doesn’t just shoot pretty pictures — she captures intention, personality, and purpose. From vibrant flat lays to behind-the-scenes product moments, she gives her clients visuals that are equal parts beautiful and strategic.
“Your brand photos aren’t a luxury — they’re a business asset working for you behind the scenes.”
Clara shared a success story that speaks to the power of aligned visuals. One of her clients had been using stock photos for years, and as a result, engagement was flat. After working together to develop a library of custom brand images, that same client saw newsletter opens, client leads, and overall confidence in her brand all skyrocket.
Her advice when choosing a photographer? Chemistry and communication matter. “This is a creative partnership,” she says. “Find someone who gets your brand story — not just your color palette.”
Lifestyle branding shoot by Clara Wang for female entrepreneur
Alissa Randall — Personality-Driven Photography That Captures the Real You
Location: New York
Website: allaboutheadshots.com
Instagram: @allaboutheadshots
@allaboutpupshots
Alissa Randall believes that you are your brand — and your imagery is the beginning of that story. As the founder of All About Headshots and All About Pupshots, she focuses on both headshot and lifestyle branding photography, with a side of furry friends (yes, she photographs pets too!). Her sessions are designed to reflect all sides of who you are, capturing your essence in a way that’s professional, relaxed, and deeply personal.
Alissa works with a wide range of clients — from professionals looking for polished portraits to creatives and entrepreneurs who want their imagery to feel more authentic. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, and she’s known for making clients feel totally at ease in front of the camera.
“Find a photographer you’re comfortable with — someone who can capture all sides of you.”
Her biggest advice for anyone prepping for a session? Come prepared, but don’t overthink it. She even provides a helpful “What to Wear” guide as well a styling consultation before the session to help clients choose outfits that photograph well and feel natural.
And when it comes to branding, she makes one thing clear: lifestyle photos aren't just filler — they illustrate the heart of your business.
Headshots and brand photography by Alissa Randall
Jenny Zook — Styling Tips for Showing Up With Confidence
Location: Golden, CO
Website: jennyzook.com
Instagram: @jennyzook_style_confidence
Even the best photographer can't help you feel great in your images if you’re not confident in what you’re wearing. That’s where personal stylist Jenny Zook comes in.
Jenny’s Branding and Photoshoot Guide is a must-read for anyone prepping for a shoot. She walks you through what to wear for your body shape, how to stay true to your personal style, and why color and fit matter just as much as lighting.
What I love about her approach is that it’s not about dressing to impress — it’s about dressing to feel like yourself. When you feel comfortable, it shows. Jenny helps clients bring that energy into their photos so they not only look confident but feel it, too.
Her guide includes:
A wardrobe checklist
Pose prep tips
Visual examples
Tips for staying authentic to your brand colors and personality
Styling is one of the most overlooked parts of branding photography — but as Jenny shows, it’s a powerful way to bring your brand visuals full circle.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Just Show Up — Stand Out
Professional brand photography isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about trust. It’s about showing your audience who you are, what you care about, and why they should care too.
When you pair intentional imagery with personal styling, you stop blending in — and start making an impact.
Download the Face Forward: Brand Photography Guide
Need Help Creating a Brand That Feels Like You?
At Lyon Creatives, I specialize in helping small business owners bring their brands to life through thoughtful design and strategy. I also love connecting my clients with talented photographers and stylists who can help them show up with confidence and consistency.
