If there's a new trend I'm loving, it's the modern aesthetic brand photo. And all I can say is it's a total vibe.
Talk about statement-making photos. Your business is there to stand out, speak loud and clear, all while bringing all eyes on you.
These seemingly simple images are much more intricate yet send a big message. With the modern aesthetic brand photos, you need to be highly selective as to what you bring into your photos. Everything from your props, attire, and even down to your hair and makeup should be reviewed to ensure it matches the vibe you're going for.
All the effort you put into planning these images will be worth it! These are scroll-stopping images. Statement-making images. Images that grab the attention of the high-end clientele you're after.
Is this style speaking to you and your personal brand? Read on as we take a deep dive into creating modern aesthetic brand photos.
How do Modern Brand Photos Elevate your Business and Brand?
Modern brand photos are absolutely a style choice and speak to fewer brands than the light, bright, true-to-life brand photos we usually see. Both options are absolutely beneficial to a small business it just depends on your brand and ideal client.
Personal brands that target a high-end market offering luxury or high-end services fit best with the modern aesthetic brand photos. This style communicates exclusivity and high-value.
Creating images that resonate with your ideal client will instantly elevate their perception of your brand; your style aligns with what they value. Making you a top contender when they go to hire.
Plus, if your branding design style is modern, minimalist, and skews luxury, then modern aesthetic brand photos will compliment your branding and reinforce your brand messaging.
How to Create Modern & Vibe Aesthetic Brand Photos
For what appears to be very simple images, a lot of thought goes into these photos. These are not 'show up and shoot' images so I highly encourage you to take the time to plan for your modern aesthetic brand photos.
Here are three areas that will help you hone in on your aesthetic when creating your modern brand photos.
Modern Aesthetic Brand Photos Are Minimalistic
Creating modern aesthetic brand photos means less is absolutely more. What you bring into the photos should be minimal, if anything at all.
There's usually one point of focus - you as the subject, an action you're taking, or a prop on it's own.
We do this to draw attention to one specific message at a time. For example, if you are the only one in the photo, then you're communicating that you're the business, you're the expert, you're the solution to the problem your ideal client is trying to solve.
Shifting the focus toward an action you're taking or a single prop then transforms the message. Bringing in an espresso cup as you face away from the camera looking out the window is going to bring up emotions that you want your client to feel - more on that in the next point.
Minimal items, whether you're in the photo or not, will communicate more of what you do or how you do it without having to paint an entire picture (literally setting a scene with a desk and chair, decor, planning items, etc.). You could literally be holding a laptop like a tray to make a statement.
This minimalist approach serves two purposes - one, it keeps things simple and aesthetically pleasing to look at. And two, communicates that working with you is a high-end experience and possibly hands-off for the client. Usually what the high-end luxury clientele prefers - someone who they can trust to do everything while getting them results.
As you're beginning to plan your modern aesthetic brand photos, remember: do less.
You ARE the Vibe in Your Modern Aesthetic Brand Photos
'It's a vibe' No, more like 'you're the vibe'. How you show up in these photos will set the mood, tone, vibe, energy, aura, scene, space - whatever word you want to say. You will set it.
Think holistically for your personal brand photos. From how you dress, to hair and makeup, and all the way down to your attitude. You have to embody your brand vibe and aesthetic.
Now is the time to invest in that ensemble that is *chef's kiss* everything you could ever want for your brand photos. Attire is what you wear. Style is what you say. Wear something that communicates your brand's message. Wide-leg suit pants with an oversized blazer paired with a bralette? Notes of professional, style-forward, and female empowerment come through.
Makeup and hair should follow suit. Just like you hire someone to bring your brand photos to life, hiring someone to make your hair and makeup vision a reality. Remember, you are front and center for these photos so you want to look top-tier!
Finally, and the biggest point, the mood and emotion you bring to the session are critical to create modern aesthetic personal brand photos. Prior to your session, identify the emotion you want to evoke within your viewers and potential clients. Take to Pinterest for inspiration, if that's helpful.
Often you'll find modern aesthetic brand photos elicit a variety of emotions like seriousness, serenity, empowerment, authority, etc. Reflecting those emotions in your demeanor reinforces your brand messaging while appealing to your preferred demographic.
Find a way to get into the right headspace for your modern aesthetic brand photos. Pump up music that makes you feel confident, sit and meditate on the version of you you want to bring out, journal about how you want to appear in your photos - all good ways to bring out the best before your photos.
Every Detail In Your Photos Sends a Message
Last piece of advice to create modern aesthetic brand photos - every detail you add to your photos sends a message. That includes the props, decor, setting, your appearance, how you pose, the composition of the photo, etc.
I'm not trying to be dramatic or overcomplicate things. Quite the opposite. Often I find clients want to bring in more to their photos for a sense of fullness. And that has a place but modern aesthetic brand photos is not that place.
For the photos you are in, posing will be a big message sender. Relaxed and looking away tells the viewer 'It's taken care of'. Looking directly at the camera with lack of expression and arms crossed 'I am confident in my abilities'.
To really instill this point, let's take the opposite approach to posing. Say for one photo you're standing, arms outstretched, with an exuberant smile - that's high energy, full of emotion, and almost says 'I'm going to be involving you in every step of the experience because I don't want you to miss a thinggggggg' with seven g's, no less.
Did you also envision a nervous energy dog that has it's tail wagging it's body in that last example? Modern personal brand photos require more of a chill housecat vibe.
Last but not least, composition plays a big role in modern aesthetic brand photos. You, as the subject, have less control over this aspect. It's up to your photographer to capture interesting composition. Requesting shots that have more negative space, utilizing the rule of thirds, and focusing in on lead lines can help get you there.
Phew, for something that should be simple, that's a lot of detail. Remember, you don't need to remember all of this when you hire the right photographer. And I'd love to create with you.
Northern Virginia Photography Studio Recommendation
The photos you saw in this post were taken at Lair the Studio in Falls Church, Virginia. A beautiful minimalist studio space filled with curated modern touches. From architectural details to a simple photo wall, you can create modern personal brand photos to match your vision. What do I love about this space as a photographer? Tons of natural light all day long, access to furniture and their details, and private rentals - meaning freedom to create with no extra eyes on you.
Considering Modern Aesthetic Brand Photos?
Let's talk through your vision and how we can make it a reality! Book a 15-minute discovery call to share more:

About The Fempreneur Coach
Lu, the Fempreneur Coach, helps women business owners learn how to scale their business to seven figures by building up a strong marketing system. The Fempreneur Coach engages with clients through coaching and education. Connect with the Fempreneur Coach on Instagram or visit her website.

About NOVA Brand Photographer, Emily Marcella
Emily is a personal branding photographer located in Northern Virginia. Her goal is to help women business owners show up confidently in their marketing to connect with their audience and form relationships with their ideal client. Connect with Emily on Instagram and Pinterest.
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