You know you need photos for your business. You’ve scrolled through Instagram and seen other entrepreneurs looking effortlessly cool, confidently gazing into the camera like they were born for this. Meanwhile, you’re over here feeling like a deer in headlights the moment someone points a lens in your direction.

Here’s the thing, those people probably felt awkward too. The difference? is they likely avoided some common pitfalls that trip up so many small business owners when it comes to lifestyle branding photography.

Whether you’re launching a new business, refreshing your website, or finally replacing those blurry iPhone selfies on your About page, getting branding lifestyle photography right can be a total game-changer for your brand. But there are a few sneaky mistakes that can turn your investment into a pile of unusable images.

Let’s break down the seven biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with their brand photos and more importantly, how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Not Having a Strategy (Just Wanting “Pretty” Photos)

Here’s a scenario I see all the time: Someone books a branding session because they know they need photos, but when I ask what they want to accomplish, they say, “I don’t know… just some nice pictures?”

I get it. You’re busy running your business. But walking into a shoot without clear goals is like going grocery shopping without a list, you’ll end up with random stuff that doesn’t actually make a meal.

The fix: Before your session, get crystal clear on why you need these photos and where they’ll be used. Are you updating your website? Creating content for a product launch? Building out a library for social media?

Make a shot list. Map out your priorities. Share it with your photographer so nothing important gets missed. Trust me, a little planning goes a long way toward making your images actually work for your business.

Mistake #2: Wearing Clothes That Don’t Feel Like “You”

I can’t tell you how many times someone shows up to a shoot in an outfit they bought specifically for the occasion, tags still on. Then they spend the whole session tugging at their collar and feeling completely out of their element.

Your brand photos should capture the real you. If you’re normally a jeans-and-a-cozy-sweater kind of person, don’t suddenly show up in a stiff blazer that makes you feel like you’re playing dress-up.

The fix: Wear clothes that make you feel confident and genuinely reflect your brand. Stick with pieces you’ve worn before so you know how they fit and move. Avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily or attract every piece of lint within a five-mile radius. And coordinate colors that complement your brand’s palette, it’ll make your images so much easier to use across all your marketing materials.

Need some outfit inspo? Check out my style guide for tips on putting together looks that photograph beautifully.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Props That Tell Your Story

Here’s a missed opportunity: entrepreneurs show up with just themselves. No laptop, no products, no tools of the trade, nothing that actually shows what they do.

Props aren’t just pretty additions. They’re storytelling tools. They give context to your images and help potential clients understand your business at a glance.

The fix: Think about what items represent your work and your brand personality. A florist might bring shears and ribbon. A coach could bring their favorite journal. A baker? Definitely bring the cupcakes (and maybe share a few with your photographer, just saying).

Get creative! The right props add depth and dimension to your lifestyle branding photography and make your images instantly more engaging.

Mistake #4: Not Scouting Locations That Match Your Brand Vibe

Picking a location just because it’s pretty on Pinterest without considering whether it actually fits your brand? That’s a recipe for photos that feel… off.

Your environment tells a story. A moody, industrial warehouse sends a completely different message than a bright, airy studio or a sun-drenched Palm Springs patio. As a professional photographer Orange County and Palm Springs clients trust, I always encourage my clients to think beyond aesthetics.

The fix: Choose a space that supports your brand narrative and feels relevant to your business. Consider the lighting (early morning and late afternoon are golden), verify that photography is permitted, and make sure it’s practical for the shots you need.

Whether you’re vibing with Orange County’s coastal energy or Palm Springs’ retro desert aesthetic, the right location can elevate your entire session.

Mistake #5: Over-Posing Instead of Moving Naturally

“Okay, now put your hand on your hip. Tilt your head. Smile, but not too much. Now look natural!”

Sound familiar? Over-posing is the fast track to stiff, awkward photos that make you look like a mannequin who’s seen some things.

Here’s the truth: the best branding photos come from movement, not frozen poses. When you’re moving: walking, laughing, adjusting something, pouring a coffee: your body relaxes and your personality shines through.

The fix: Work with a photographer who uses movement prompts instead of rigid poses. Someone who’ll have you twirl, walk toward the camera, or pretend you just heard the funniest joke. It might feel silly in the moment, but those are the frames where the magic happens.

This is exactly why I make my sessions feel more like hanging out with a friend than a formal photo shoot. When you’re having fun, it shows: and your photos will actually look like you.

Mistake #6: Not Thinking About Where the Photos Will Live

You get your gallery back, and the photos are gorgeous. But then you go to use them and realize… they’re all cropped wrong for Instagram. Or they’re too zoomed in for your website banner. Or they’re horizontal when you needed vertical.

Frustrating, right?

The fix: Plan ahead for where and how you’ll use your images. Think about the different formats you need:

• Wide shots for website headers and banners
• Square images for Instagram grid posts
• Vertical layouts for Pinterest, Reels, and Stories
• Close-ups for testimonials and accent graphics

Share this with your photographer before the session so they can capture versatile images that work across all your platforms. A good Orange County photographer will already be thinking about this: but it never hurts to communicate your needs upfront.

Mistake #7: Hiring a Photographer Who Doesn’t “Get” Your Brand

This one’s huge. You could do everything else right: perfect outfit, amazing location, detailed shot list: but if your photographer doesn’t understand your brand, the photos will fall flat.

Branding lifestyle photography isn’t just about technical skill. It’s about connection. Your photographer needs to understand your vibe, your audience, and what makes your business unique. Otherwise, you’ll end up with generic images that could belong to anyone.

The fix: Look for a photographer who takes the time to learn about your business before the shoot. Someone who asks questions, offers guidance, and genuinely cares about capturing your brand’s personality.

This is exactly why I put so much emphasis on making the experience comfortable and fun. When you feel at ease, your authentic self comes through, and that’s what connects with your ideal clients.

Ready to Get Photos You Actually Love?

Here’s the bottom line: lifestyle branding photography is an investment in your business. And like any investment, you want it to pay off.

By avoiding these seven mistakes, you’ll walk away with images that:

• Actually represent who you are
• Connect with your dream clients
• Work seamlessly across your website and social media
• Make you feel confident and excited to show up online

If you’re an entrepreneur in Orange County or Palm Springs who’s ready to ditch the awkward poses and finally get photos that feel like you, I’d love to chat. Let’s create something vibrant, joyful, and totally aligned with your brand.

Check out some of my recent brand sessions for inspiration: and when you’re ready, let’s make some magic happen.