Let’s be honest; figuring out where to do your branding photos can feel like a lot.
You want something that looks good, fits your vibe, and actually feels like you. But there are so many directions you could go, and sometimes, it’s hard to picture what will actually work until you’re standing in it.
Here’s the thing: the location you choose sets the tone. Not just for how your photos look, but how they feel. It gives context. Personality. Mood.
So if you’re stuck (or just curious), here are six places I often recommend; along with the kind of stories they help tell.
Here’s Where to Capture the Photos Your Business Actually Needs
Your Place of Business
If you have a space where your magic happens. Let’s use it.
Your studio, your store, your salon… even if it doesn’t feel photo-worthy to you, trust me. The beauty is already there.
We’re not trying to fake a moment. We’re showing the real one. Your shelves, your tools, your process. That corner you stand in every day. That light that hits your floor in the afternoon.
People love seeing the behind-the-scenes. And even more than that? They trust it.
Your Office
Yep! Your home office counts. Even if it’s just a corner, or a table you share with your kids during snack time.
That spot where you open your laptop every morning with a lukewarm coffee in hand? That’s the real stuff. The desk clutter. The notebook you keep rewriting the same to-do list in. That’s where your brand lives.
And showing that? It makes you relatable. Familiar. It’s the kind of thing people remember.
Downtown
Want something with a little energy? Let’s hit the city.
Sidewalk cafés, murals, brick walls, crosswalks, little pockets of color and texture; downtown gives us options.
If your brand is modern, bold, or just has a bit of edge, this setting adds movement and confidence. Even better? We don’t need a lot of space to make it work. One street. One wall. One good light.
And if the idea of being watched makes you nervous? Don’t worry. I’ve got tricks for finding quiet spots that would still give us that city vibe.
Airbnb or Boutique Hotel
Sometimes your space doesn’t have the light. Or the vibe. Or honestly… you just want something different.
Renting an Airbnb or a small hotel room can give us a clean, styled, peaceful place to create. You’re not distracted by dishes in the sink or laundry in the hallway. It’s just you, your brand, and the moment.
I love these when you want your photos to feel fresh, elevated, or like a little retreat.
Natural Light Studio
Neutral walls. Big windows. Soft shadows. The dream.
Studios with beautiful light give us control, space, and that clean, editorial look that works for so many brands.
We can bring props, rearrange furniture, play with backdrops; and not worry about the weather or time of day.
If you want timeless, flexible, and easy? A natural light studio is hard to beat.
Park or Garden
Soft. Calm. A little breezy. If your brand leans gentle, nature-connected, or heart-centered, an outdoor setting can be perfect.
Think tree-lined paths, florals, tall grass, warm light. These sessions feel more relaxed. Less posed. More “just be you.”
Bonus: the light at golden hour? You can’t beat it.
So… what feels like you?
You don’t have to follow a trend. Or force yourself into a space that doesn’t feel natural.
We’ll find what fits. We’ll make it work. And we’ll tell your story in a way that looks like your brand and feels like you.
If you’re in Northern Virginia and are ready to start planning, reach out. I’d love to help you figure it out.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
Ultimate Guide To Brand Photography
Why Updated Brand Photos Are Important For Business
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‘Til next time,
Belle
