Let’s talk about why authentic personal branding photography takes more than a single click.
“I just need one photo.”
I hear it all the time.
It sounds simple enough, right? But here’s the thing – capturing a photo that actually feels like you, one that you’re proud to use and excited to share, doesn’t happen in a single click.
Great photos take time (and trust)
That’s why the shortest personal branding session I offer is 15 minutes. And even that is best suited to people who already feel pretty comfortable in front of the camera and have a clear idea of what they want.
For most people, it takes a little time to warm up, especially if you don’t love having your photo taken (which, by the way, is totally normal).
Trying to get a great image in under a minute – before you’ve even taken a full breath – is a recipe for stiff smiles and awkward energy. You deserve better than that.
My most popular branding session takes around two hours
Not just because we can create a generous bank of on-brand images for your website, LinkedIn, or socials. But because it gives you time.
Time to breathe.
To settle in.
To forget about the camera.
To actually enjoy the experience.
And that’s when the magic happens.
You probably don’t want “just one” after all
When clients tell me they “only need one or two good ones,” they’re often surprised by how many photos I take and how much time I want to spend with them. But when they see the final gallery, they get it.
Because the photo they end up loving the most?
It’s almost never the first one we take.
The image that truly feels like them – the one that captures their confidence, ease, and personality – usually comes much later. After the nerves have settled. After a few laughs. After they’ve forgotten that I’m even pointing a lens at them.
Good photography isn’t rushed – and that’s a good thing
So the next time you find yourself saying, “I only need one photo,” and a photographer gently pushes back, know that it’s not about upselling. It’s because we know what it actually takes to make a photo you’ll love—and want to use everywhere.
We’re photographers, not magicians.
But with a bit of trust and enough time, we can absolutely make a little magic happen.
