Brand photography for Indianapolis small businesses: a shot list
Most small businesses I talk to have the same problem: they post a lot, but they keep reusing the same three photos, or they fill the gaps with stock images that look like everyone else. A good brand shoot fixes that. One planned session can give you photos for your website, your Google Business Profile, your Instagram and TikTok, your ads and your press kit for months. I do commercial and brand photography and video here in Indianapolis, and this is the shot list I start from.
1. Founder and team portraits
People buy from people. Start with a clean, professional portrait of the owner, the kind you’d use for an About page, a speaking bio or a news feature. Then get a more relaxed version: arms down, a real smile, maybe leaning on a counter in your space. If you have a team, add individual headshots that match each other and one or two group photos.
A tip: plan two outfits. One that matches how you’d dress to meet a client, and one that feels like you on a normal working day.
2. Your product or service, up close
If you sell a physical product, you want a mix of clean photos on a plain background for your shop and styled photos that show it in use. If you sell a service, think about what the work looks like in someone’s hands: a stylist finishing a cut, a chef plating, a contractor measuring, a coach mid-session.
3. Your space
Customers want to know what they’re walking into. Get a wide photo of the storefront or entrance, a few interiors that show the vibe, and details that make your place yours: the sign, the counter, the shelves, the art on the wall. These are also some of the most useful photos you can add to Google Maps, where people check before they visit.
4. Behind the scenes and process
This is where brand photos become content. Show the steps: prepping, packing orders, sketching, setting up for an event. Process photos give you a reason to post every week without repeating yourself, and they tell people why your work is worth what you charge.
5. Real interactions
A handshake, a customer laughing at the register, you explaining something to a client. Use real customers or friends who agree to be photographed, and get their permission for marketing use. Never fake reviews or testimonials with these, just show what working with you looks like.
6. Room for text
Ask for a few photos with empty space on one side. Those become website banners, event flyers and ad graphics where you need to drop a headline on top. It’s a small thing that saves a lot of frustration later.
7. Vertical and horizontal versions
Your website mostly wants horizontal images. Instagram, TikTok and stories want vertical. When I plan a brand shoot, I shoot the important setups both ways so you’re not cropping someone’s head off to fit a story.
Add video while you’re there
Since I shoot both photo and film, it’s easy to capture short clips during the same session: a slow pan across your products, a few seconds of you at work, a quick intro to camera. Those short clips are exactly what Instagram Reels and TikTok reward, and they cost far less time when they happen on the same day as the photos.
{{img3}}How to prepare for your shoot
- Decide where the photos will be used. Website, socials, ads, print? That decides how many vertical, horizontal and text-space shots you need.
- Clean and stage the space the day before. Clear counters, hide cables, restock shelves.
- Pick a slow time. Early morning or a closed day keeps customers out of the background unless you want them there.
- Gather your best products and tools. The newest, cleanest versions.
- Bring your brand colors. Outfits, props or backgrounds that match your logo tie everything together.
Studio or on location?
Founder portraits and product shots can be done in my studio at 5036 W Pike Plaza Rd on the west side of Indianapolis, where the light is fully controlled. Your space, your process and your customers are best photographed on location. Many businesses do a bit of both.
Commercial and brand work is quoted based on what you need, so the best first step is a quick conversation. Book a free consultation call, send a note through the inquiry form, or call or text me at 317-551-4192. If you’re also curious about my wedding work, my wedding packages are on the main site.
Questions & answers
How many photos do I need for my small business?
It depends on where you will use them. Plan for founder and team portraits, product or service shots, your space, and behind-the-scenes images, in both vertical and horizontal versions.
Can you shoot photos and video in the same session?
Yes. I shoot both photo and film, so short clips for Reels and TikTok can be captured during the same brand shoot.
Do you shoot in a studio or at my business?
Both. Portraits and product shots can be done in my Indianapolis studio at 5036 W Pike Plaza Rd, and your space and process are photographed on location.
How much does a brand photography session cost?
Commercial and brand sessions are quoted based on the shot list, locations and whether video is included. Book a free consultation call to get a quote.
Do you work with businesses outside Indianapolis?
Yes. I’m based in Indianapolis and work across Indiana, and travel can be quoted for other areas.
Let’s talk about your date
Tell me your date, location and what you’re picturing. I’ll send the right collection and an honest quote.