If you’re a designer in Topeka, a banker in Holton, a real estate agent in North Topeka, or an accountant in Sabetha, don’t underestimate the power of showing your face in your branding, on social media, and on your website.

I live in a smaller town just about 30 minutes north of Topeka, and honestly, small towns might be the worst at this. We tend to believe everyone already knows us. And maybe that’s true for the people in town, but I remember when we were moving to Holton and didn’t know a single person. We relied on two things to figure out where to bank, what hotel to stay at, and how the schools worked: websites and word of mouth.

So while many people might know you and your team locally, think about the people who don’t. The ones who are moving here, visiting, or just trying to find a trusted local resource. They’re going to your website, not your neighbor’s living room, to make those first impressions. The world is pretty big, and your online presence is often the first handshake.

And here’s something I see all the time. Even if people do know your business, they may still not know what you actually do, the services you provide, or the skills you bring to the table. Having professional photos and a clear online presence helps bridge that gap. It reminds your audience that you’re not just that local business on Main Street, but a professional with expertise, value, and personality.

People naturally want to know who they’re doing business with, who they’re trusting with their money, their health, or their home. That connection starts with showing you.

I recently had a conversation with a business owner who, like many others, didn’t love the idea of getting in front of the camera. And honestly, that’s one of the biggest things I end up coaching my clients through: confidence. Confidence that you’ll do great, that you’ll actually have fun, and that in the end, you’ll walk away with the tools you need to market yourself with more confidence.

That’s where the magic really starts to happen, when you finally see yourself the way your clients do. Because here’s the thing: when you have professional photos that actually look like you and show your personality, it’s so much easier to show up online. Suddenly you’re not hiding behind a logo or a stock image. You’re building trust. You’re giving your audience a real person to connect with. And in small towns especially, that connection is everything.

People want to work with people they feel like they already know. So when they land on your website and see a warm, approachable photo of you, they’re instantly more comfortable. It doesn’t matter if you’re a designer, a financial advisor, or a chiropractor, you’re not just selling a product or service. You’re selling yourself: your expertise, your personality, your reliability.

And the truth is, no one ever feels totally ready for a brand session. Everyone feels a little awkward at first. But that’s why I’m such a believer in guiding you through it, helping you pick outfits that feel like you, locations that reflect your brand, and posing that feels natural.

Once you’ve got those images in hand, you’ll be surprised how much easier it is to update your website, post on social media, or even send that next marketing email. You’ll feel like you’re finally showing up as the professional you already are. And honestly, that confidence is contagious. Your audience will feel it too. Branding photos are great because they can more relaxed (and honestly more fun) than your traditional headshot.

We photographed Custom Woods in Topeka KS in their Topeka showroom. Their showroom had offered amazing backdrops and they wanted to showcase not only their teams with on-location headshots , but also their products and space. This is a great example of relaxed images with a brand story woven throughout the collection.

How to Actually Use Your Brand Photos

Once you’ve got your new brand photos, the fun part really begins: putting them to work. Too often people finish their session, love the photos, and then let them sit on a hard drive because they’re not quite sure what to do next. But those images are marketing gold. Here’s how to get the most out of them.

1. Update your website and about page.
Start here. Replace old headshots or stock photos with fresh, authentic images of you and your team. Your website is often your first impression, so make sure it looks current and approachable. Don’t just include one smiling headshot. Add photos of you working, interacting, or in your element. It tells a story.

2. Add them to your Google Business Profile.
This one makes a big difference, especially for local search visibility. When people Google “photographer in Topeka” or “accountant in Sabetha,” those image results matter. A warm, professional photo can make someone click your listing before anyone else’s. Honestly, someone maybe looking on google, find your google business page, call you, hire you, and never actually go to your website.

3. Show up consistently on social media.
You don’t need to post a selfie every day, but sprinkling in professional photos helps followers connect your name and face to your work. Rotate them in your posts, use them for reel covers, and keep your profile photo consistent across platforms.

4. Refresh your email signature and marketing materials.
Add your photo to your email signature, business cards, or newsletters. It helps clients put a face to the name and builds familiarity. If you send a monthly newsletter, having a photo of you in it creates an instant sense of connection.

5. Boost your SEO with visuals that tell your story.
Images play a bigger role in SEO than most people realize. Rename your photo files with descriptive keywords like “topeka-ks-designer-portrait” or “sabetha-accountant-brand-headshot.” When you upload them, use alt text that explains what’s in the photo. Search engines pick up on those cues and it helps your name appear in local searches.

6. Keep your content cohesive.
Use a consistent color palette, style, and tone across all your platforms. It doesn’t mean every photo has to look identical, but when your website, Instagram, and print materials all feel like the same brand, it builds recognition and trust.

At the end of the day, your brand photos are more than just pretty pictures. They’re your first impression, your digital handshake, and one of the simplest ways to help people trust you before they ever meet you.

The Confidence to Show Up

If you’ve been putting off getting brand photos because it feels uncomfortable or you’re not sure where to start, that’s completely normal. Most people feel the same way. But once you do it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Your business deserves to be seen. Your clients deserve to see you. And you deserve to have the kind of confidence that comes from showing up as your authentic, professional self.

So take the leap. Book the session. Show your face. You never know who’s out there waiting to find exactly what you do.