So how do you actually choose the best photos for your website? Here’s where to start.

Choose images with impact. The best website photos stop the scroll, connect with your audience and actually resonate with the people you want to work with. I go into this more in Images with Impact, but the short version is: aim for more than a handful of pretty smiley pictures.

They need to showcase your brand messaging. Every photo on your site should be saying something about who you are and what it’s like to work with you, not just filling space. If you want to know more about getting this right,checkout 3 ways to showcase you in your branding photos.

Skip the stock photos where you can. Generic stock images might fill a gap quickly, but they don’t tell your story and they definitely don’t help you stand out. Creating custom stock photos of your own workspace, products or details gives you something far more aligned with your brand, and you’ll never have to dig through a stock library again.

Let your personality shine. Smiling headshots have their place, but they can’t carry every part of your messaging. Sometimes you need a thinking face, a laughing photo, a moment of genuine focus. I talk about this in When Smiling Shots Just Won’t Do.

Go high resolution. Blurry, pixelated or low quality images make even a beautifully designed website look unfinished. High resolution photos (handled correctly, so they don’t slow your site – see below) instantly lift the professionalism.

Photos to Include on Your Website

Rather than thinking about photos as one big list, it helps to think about what each part of your website actually needs.

Hero image
The large, attention-grabbing photo at the top of your homepage. This is your big first impression and works best when it shows you in your business or speaks directly to your brand messaging.

About page
Your about page is one of the most visited pages on any website, because people want to know who they’re working with before they commit. This is the place for a strong headshot or lifestyle image (or a few), that shows your personality beyond the camera smile.

Banners for other pages
Service pages, contact pages, blog posts and landing pages all benefit from their own banner image, ideally something relevant to that specific page rather than reusing your homepage hero everywhere. Think lifestyle, action or workplace shots that tie into what that page is actually about.

Breaking up text
Long pages of copy need visual breathing room. This is a great spot for didn’t-quite-make-hero-status shots and custom stock-style photos: your workspace, props, details, products, anything that adds to the story.

eCommerce
Product offerings may require both photos with plain backgrounds and lifestyle photos showing the product in place or in use, as this makes it easier for visitors to visualise. Be sure to include close ups of details if they’re not obvious in the wider photos.

The types of images you’ll want across these spots:

• Headshots. Multiple expressions and crops, not just one safe smile
• Team photos. If you’ve got a team, show them
• Product or service photos. Whatever you’re selling, show it clearly
• Workplace photos. Especially useful if you have a physical location clients may visit
• Lifestyle and action photos. You doing the work, in your element
• Custom stock photos. Workspace, props, details that reflect your brand
• Event photos. From workshops, launches, networking, speaking engagements
• Logos. Your own branding, plus any partner or accreditation logos worth displaying

Composition matters too. A hero image generally needs extra negative space, particularly if there’s text or a button sitting over the top of it. And you may need a different variation for mobile versus desktop. A square or vertical crop might suit your about page, a social tile, a content shot while a wide horizontal crop is often better for a full-width banner or divider.

Why Consistency Matters More Than Perfection

It’s tempting to think your website needs just one perfect, polished photo and you’re done. But consistency does more for trust. When someone lands on your homepage, clicks through to your about page, then checks your services, they should feel like they’re getting to know the same person the whole way through. Same energy, same vibe, same you.

This is where showing up as yourself, in your actual workspace or your happy place, pays off. Photos taken in your real environment (your desk, your studio, your shopfront, your favourite park or cafe if that’s where you do your best thinking) with your tools of the trade wearing your wardobe tell visitors something a studio backdrop, makeover and stylist never can.

That consistency builds trust in a quiet, cumulative way. It’s not one dazzling photo doing all the work. It’s the steady, recognisable thread running through every page that makes someone think “I know what I’m getting here,” before they’ve even sent an enquiry. And this can extend throughout all of your marketing collateral.

What Size Should Photos Be for a Website

Image size for websites varies depending on where the photo is being used and which platform your site is built on. A full-width hero image needs to be much larger than a small thumbnail in a blog post, for example. Most website platforms (WordPress, Squarespace, Square, Wix and others) have their own recommended dimensions, so it’s worth checking your specific platform’s documentation, such as WordPress’s image size guidelines, for the most accurate specs.

As a general guide, hero images typically work well between 1920 to 2500 pixels wide, while smaller content images sit comfortably between 800 to 1200 pixels wide.

It’s also often necessary to compress photos for your website. Large, uncompressed image files can seriously slow down your site’s loading speed, which affects both user experience and your search engine ranking. Compressing your images (without sacrificing too much quality) keeps your site fast while still looking sharp.

Which Image Type Is Best for Websites?

You’ll mostly be choosing between JPG and PNG, and each has its place.

JPG is generally the better choice for photographs. It compresses well, keeps file sizes manageable and still looks great on screen. Most of your hero images, headshots, lifestyle and product photos should be saved as JPG.

PNG is better suited to images that need a transparent background, such as logos, icons or graphics that need to sit cleanly over other content. PNG files tend to be larger, so they’re not ideal for full-size photographs.

There’s also WebP, a newer format that offers excellent compression without much loss in quality and is increasingly recommended for web use. If your website platform supports it, it’s worth considering for faster load times.

How to Optimise Photos for Your Website

Optimising photos for your website properly makes a real difference to how your site performs and how well it’s found.

Resize before you upload. Don’t upload a massive 6000px image and let the website shrink it down. Resize to the dimensions you actually need first.

Compress your files. Use a compression tool to reduce file size without a noticeable drop in quality. This keeps your site loading quickly.

Choose the right format. JPG for photos, PNG for transparent graphics, WebP where supported.

Name your files properly. Instead of uploading an image named “IMG_4827.jpg”, rename it to something descriptive like “melbourne-headshot-photographer-studio.jpg”. This helps with search engine visibility.

Add alt text. Alt tags describe your image for search engines and for people using screen readers. A good alt tag is a brief, accurate description, such as “business owner smiling at desk in home office”, rather than a generic label.

What Is a Hero Image?

A hero image is the large, prominent photo that usually sits at the very top of your homepage (or a key landing page), often right under your navigation menu. It’s typically the very first thing a visitor sees when they land on your site, which makes it one of the most important images you’ll choose.

A strong hero image should immediately communicate who you are, what you do and the kind of experience someone can expect from working with you. It sets the tone for everything that follows, so it’s worth choosing carefully.

Where possible, your hero image should show you in your business, preferably doing the thing you do, or being in a space that tells more of your story, rather than a stiff posed portrait. If you do go with a plain background, be sure to share a little of your personality or pick an emotion that ties directly to your audience requirements.

Even a product business can feature you holding or working with your product and if you’re a service business – you ARE the product. Also think about where your eyes are looking. Direct eye contact with the camera creates a human to human connection with your visitor. Alternatively, you can have your gaze directed toward the text and call to action and subtly guide your visitor’s attention exactly where you want it to go.

Ready to update your website with a gallery of images that tell your story? Get in touch and let’s plan a photoshoot that covers everything your site needs, from the hero image to the custom stock photos.

FAQs

How many photos should a website have?
There’s no fixed number, but a good rule of thumb is at least one strong image per key page, plus enough content photos to support and break up text. Avoid repetition. Quality and relevance matter.

How often should I update my website photos?
Whenever your appearance, business offering or branding changes significantly.

What’s the difference between a hero image and a regular content image?
A hero image is the large, prominent photo at the top of a page, designed to make a strong first impression. Content images sit throughout the rest of the page, supporting your copy and breaking up text. Both matter, but your hero image carries the most weight for first impressions.

The post How to Choose the Best Photos for Your Website appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

It happens gradually: you update your website copy, refresh your tag line, change what you offer, and somewhere in the middle of all that your photos quietly become a relic of a previous version of your business… or yourself.

Professional business photos are one of the hardest working parts of your marketing. They’re on your website, your socials, your LinkedIn, your email signature, downloads and every piece of content you put out into the world. They build trust before you’ve said a word. The right images do a lot of heavy lifting, which means outdated ones are doing you a quiet disservice.

So how often should you actually update them? Here’s some things to consider:

Update on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is at least once a year, especially if you’re active on social media and regularly putting out content. Fresh photos keep your brand feeling current and give you new material to work with so people don’t scroll on by assuming they’ve seen it all before.

Update whenever your appearance has changed significantly. A new haircut or colour or if you’ve changed your look in a way that means people genuinely wouldn’t recognise you from your current photos, it’s time. The whole point of a great headshot is that people know it’s you when they meet you in person.

Update when your business goes through a significant change. A rebrand, a new major offer or service, a shift in your target audience, your messaging, a new business name. If the story of your business has changed, your photos should reflect that.

Think about seasonal variety. If you’re posting content consistently throughout the year, having photos that were all taken on the same day in the same outfit starts to show. A good range of images across different looks and lcoations gives you much more to work with and makes your content feel less repetitive.

You’ve upleveled in your business. If you’ve raised your prices, moved into a new market, started working with bigger clients or simply grown into a more confident and experienced version of what you do, your photos should reflect that. There’s a mismatch that potential clients can feel, even if they can’t name it, when someone’s images don’t match the calibre of their work. If you’ve done the work to grow, let your photos show it.

You just have a story worth telling. When your business is growing, when you’re doing great work, when you’ve got an audience that genuinely wants to see what you’re up to, your photos should be keeping pace with that. Showing up consistently with fresh, on-brand images isn’t vanity, it’s good storytelling. And storytelling is what keeps the right people engaged and coming back.

Keep your photos up to date with a photoshoot subscription

If you find yourself needing fresh photos more than once a year (and most active small business owners do – especially after seeing the positive impact the first set of professional photos have), a photoshoot subscription is a smarter way to approach it than booking individual sessions.

Instead of a single shoot, you lock in two or three 90-minute sessions spread across 12 months, paid in easy monthly instalments. You get priority booking, a photographer that knows you and your business better, a $$ saving and the calm that comes with having something ticked off this year’s todo list.

Sessions are planned around what you need at that point in time, whether that’s fresh headshots, seasonal content, launch imagery or location variety. Before each session we take a step back and look at your visual content as a whole. What have you been posting? What photos did you over use and need more of? What photos never saw the light of day? What’s coming up in your business? Do you have a launch planned, a new service to promote, a season that calls for a different look and feel? That kind of thinking means your photos aren’t just nice, they’re intentional. They’re aligned with your messaging and designed to work hard across your marketing, not just sit in a folder collecting digital dust bunnies.

And then there’s the relationship… After a shoot or two together I know you. I know how you like to be directed, which photos you liked, what makes you laugh, which angles work best, what your brand sounds and feels like. And you know me too, which means you walk into each session relaxed rather than nervous, and we spend the entire time actually getting great photos with no warming up. And that ease shows in the images.

The subscription packages:

Beyond the monetary savings, the real value of a subscription is what it gives your brand over time. A curated gallery of fresh, cohesive images that actually reflects your business. Content that’s ready when you need it, planned with intention and consistent across everything you put out. No more making do with whatever you have. Plus the confidence that comes from knowing your visual brand is always current, always cohesive and always working for you. Images that reflect not just what you do, but where you’re headed.

Two photoshoots are $100 per month for 12 months.
Three photoshoots are $150 per month for 12 months.

Book Your Professional Business Photos

If you’re ready to stop recycling the same three photos from two years ago, I’d love to help!

I’m based in Carrum Downs and regularly travel across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Whether you want a one-off session or you’re ready to lock in a subscription and sort your content for the whole year, the first step is just getting in touch.

And if you’re not sure which option is right for you, send me a message and we’ll figure it out together xx

FAQs

How often should I update my professional business photos? At a minimum, once a year. But if you’re active on social media, have gone through any significant changes in your appearance or business, or just notice you’re using the same handful of images on repeat, it’s probably time. A good photo library should feel current, not a walk down memory lane.

What counts as a significant enough change to warrant new photos? A rebrand, a new service or offer, a shift in your target audience, a notable change in your appearance, or simply growing into a more confident and experienced version of what you do. If there’s a mismatch between where your business is now and what your photos are communicating, that’s your answer.

How many photos do I actually get from a session? Every session consistently delivers 75+ images. One client, a productivity coach shooting across her home office, garden and a local café in five different outfits, received over 200 photos from a single 90-minute session.

What’s the difference between a single session and a subscription? A single session gives you a great set of images from one point in time. There is still a heap of variety in poses, expressions, locations and outfits. A subscription gives you a strategic, ongoing visual content plan across 12 months: multiple sessions, a growing gallery of fresh images, priority booking and a photographer who knows your business inside out.

Can I spread my subscription sessions across different locations? Absolutely. In fact that’s one of the best things about a subscription. Each session can be planned around a different location, season, campaign or look, which means your content stays varied and your audience doesn’t feel like they’re seeing the same photos on repeat.

Is a photoshoot subscription worth it if I’m just a small business? Especially if you’re a small business. When you’re running everything yourself, consistent and professional imagery is one of the most effective ways to build trust and credibility online without a big marketing team behind you. A subscription makes it manageable, affordable and strategic, which is exactly what a small business needs.

The post How Often Should You Update Your Professional Business Photos? appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

Honestly? There’s no wrong answer. But there is a better answer, and it depends on your brand, your personality and what you’re going to do with the photos.

Before choosing between studio and outdoor headshots, consider what feels authentic to you. Your industry might lean toward clean studio shots, while your creative side prefers the relaxed vibe of outdoor settings. Think about where you feel most comfortable, what story you want to tell and consider where these photos will live: LinkedIn headshots have different requirements than website hero images or social media profiles. And whilst in the wild, weather is a factor, beautiful natural light is hard to beat.

Whether you’re after professional headshots for small businesses, a solo trade, a side hustle or a corporate role, here’s what you need to know before you book.

Studio Headshots

A studio headshot is the classic: you, a clean background, controlled lighting and a photographer who knows what they’re doing. It’s consistent, polished and very easy to use across different platforms without looking out of place.

The good stuff:

• Lighting is consistent and flattering. No squinting into the sun or dealing with patchy shade
• Background options mean you can easily get a few different looks in one session (think: white for your LinkedIn, black for your website header, olive green because it looks great with your outfit)
• Weather is zero issue. Rain, wind? Doesn’t matter
• Great if you want clean, versatile images that work across a professional services website, email footer, socials or other marketing materials
• Wardrobe changes are easy and quick. Two outfits, two looks, done

Worth knowing:

• If you hate feeling “posed” or stiff, a blank backdrop might feel a bit clinical, though a good photographer will get you out of your head pretty fast
• Studio images tend to feel more formal, which is perfect for some industries and less perfect for others
• You’re working within someone else’s location rather than your own

Studio Headshots Melbourne

My studio is based in Carrum Downs in Melbourne’s south-east, a quick trip from Frankston, Dandenong, Cheltenham and surrounds. I won’t pretend it’s glamorous (it’s literally my garage), but the lighting is set up properly and the photos are genuinely gorgeous.

I have black, white and olive green backdrops ready to go, with pink, aqua and red available on request. Bring two outfits, maybe a couple of accessories, and you’ll walk away with a variety of shots that don’t look like they were all taken on the same day.

Sessions are just 15 minutes and you’ll get 20+ images (included in the price!)

Book your headshots in my Carrum Downs studio → And if you can’t find a date that suits, contact me to schedule a time.

Outdoor Headshots

An outdoor photoshoot gives your images context and personality. Instead of a blank wall, you’ve got natural light, texture, colour and a background that says something about you before anyone reads a single word of your bio.

The good stuff:

• Natural light is beautiful and flattering
• The environment adds personality and context. A café, a beach, a park or your actual workplace all tell a different story
• Great for personal brands, creatives, coaches, consultants, and anyone whose brand is built around them as a person rather than a corporate entity
• Images often feel more natural and relaxed, which tends to show in the photos too
• More variety within a single session. Different spots, different backdrops, all within a short walk

Worth knowing:

• Weather in Melbourne is… Melbourne. If it rains or the light is rubbish, we reschedule at no cost, but it does mean a bit more flexibility needed in your diary
• If you don’t have a location in mind, it can feel overwhelming (I can help with suggestions!)
• Backgrounds need to be considered. Too busy or distracting background can pull focus away from you

Who suits outdoor headshots? Anyone who feels more themselves outside than inside a studio.

Outdoor Headshots Melbourne

One of the things I love most about outdoor headshots is that they don’t have to be generic. You can shoot at:

• Your actual workplace or business premises (great for service-based businesses who want to show where they work)
• Your local beach, perfect for that relaxed, lifestyle feel
• A park or garden with gorgeous natural light and greenery
• A funky mural, brick wall or urban laneway if that suits your brand
• A favourite café or market

If you can travel within about 10 minutes of Carrum Downs, we can meet at your happy place and be done and dusted in under 20 minutes. If you’re further away, travel fees may apply. Just ask.

Not sure where to shoot? Tell me the vibe you’re after and I’ll suggest some local spots.

Book your headshots in the wild in Melbourne’s South East →

Studio vs Outdoor Headshots: Quick Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if it rains on the day of my outdoor headshot shoot? No stress. If the weather is genuinely unsuitable, we reschedule at no cost. Melbourne weather being what it is, I build flexibility into outdoor bookings.

Do I need to bring props? You don’t need to, but if something is relevant to your business or brand: a notebook, a product, a tool of your trade, it can make for a nice variation.

What should I wear? Bring two outfits and a couple of accessories. Think about what you wear when you’re meeting clients or showing up online. Avoid very fine stripes or busy patterns, which don’t always photograph well. No need to be decked head to toe in your brand colors, just don’t clash with them.

What are the best outdoor headshot poses? I guide you through everything, so you don’t need to figure this out yourself. We’ll do classic straight-to-camera looks and a few candid-style shots while you’re “doing something” (walking, laughing, looking away).

What are some good outdoor headshot ideas? Think about what background says something about your brand. A coastal business might love a beach. A florist might love a garden. A barista or café owner might want to shoot in their own space. The best outdoor headshots resonate with you, not just “person standing near a tree.”

What’s the best time of day for outdoor headshots? Golden hour (an hour or so after sunrise or before sunset) is gorgeous but not always practical. Overcast days are actually brilliant for headshots: soft, even light with no harsh shadows. Midday sun is the trickiest to work with, so we try and avoid it, but a good photographer can manage it.

Can I have headshots taken at my workplace? Yes! This is a great option. Check out workplace headshots and team photos if you’ve got more than one person who needs photos.

Still not sure which way to go? Send me a message, tell me a bit about your business and what you’re after, and we’ll figure it out together. Whether you end up in the studio or out in the wild, you’ll walk away with a heap of photos you actually want to share.

The post Outdoor headshots vs studio headshots in Melbourne: Which is Best for Your Business? appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

January always brings this pressure to show up more professionally, more consistently, more perfectly, more often than last year. Upgrade your brand… Curate your feed… Polish your presence… Be the elevated version of yourself…

And AI has made it ridiculously easy to generate content. A lot of it. All the time. 

And now we’re drowning in it…

Thankfully it looks like this is the year to rebel against the flood of generic, AI generated content that’s made everything look and sound the same. Human-made content is suddenly premium. Raw, real, impactful, imperfect content is outperforming the polished, AI-generated stuff.  Because when everyone can generate perfect, your imperfect self becomes the competitive advantage.

The marketing consensus looks clear: context over content. Fewer posts with deeper, more relevant messaging beat the old “just post more” strategy.  And this is good news if you’ve been exhausted trying to maintain a perfectly curated feed. 

You’re allowed to be human, not just a brand.  

Your audience doesn’t need another perfectly curated feed. They need to know there’s an actual person behind the business who gets it – the messy bits, the hard days, the wins that took a couple of tries to get there. Y’know: real life.

Candid, authentic content is driving engagement because it stands out from the sea of AI-generated perfection. Think about the business owners you actually connect with online. They’re not the ones with perfectly styled photos every single time… They’re the ones who occasionally post about forgetting their own Zoom password or celebrate finally figuring out that tech thing that’s been frustrating them for weeks without piffing their laptop out the window. Your imperfect, real, occasionally-struggling-with-tech self who’s walked into a room and immediately forgotten why is waaaay more relatable than your highlight reel – and that’s who people prefer to work with.

This whole “human-made is premium” thing applies directly to your professional photography.  Because AI can generate headshots now, your real face becomes more valuable. When stock photos are everywhere, your actual workspace tells a story that matters. When everything’s polished by algorithm, imperfect and genuine stands out.

You don’t need photos where you’re perfectly styled and looking like you’ve never had a stressful day in your life. You need photos that look like you: recognisable, approachable, is good at what they do…  When your photos honestly show who you are (with good lighting and great composition, obviously), people recognise you when they meet you. They feel like they already know you. That know-like-trust process happens faster.

Before you post anything ask yourself if it sounds like something you’d actually say to a client? If you wouldn’t talk that way in person, don’t write that way. If you wouldn’t show up to a meeting looking like that, don’t post photos pretending that’s your everyday reality. Your audience can tell the difference between authentic and performed. And right now, with AI-generated everything and perfectly curated feeds everywhere, authentic is what stands out.

Your professional photos can be polished and still look genuinely like you. Your social media can be strategic and still sound human. Your marketing can be effective and still feel authentic.

So here’s to bringing a return to genuine connection in 2026.  Where you stop trying to sound like a press release and start sounding like yourself. Your marketing will be easier. Your audience will trust you more. And you’ll stop exhausting yourself trying to compete with AI-generated perfection that nobody wants anyway!

The post Be a Person, Not a Press Release appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

Business events offer so much more visual storytelling potential. People are learning, connecting, having breakthrough moments – but most photographers miss all of this because they’re stuck shooting the same tired checklist.

What Makes Conference Photos Actually Useful

• Show people engaging – faces, reactions, and interactions tell better stories than wide shots of empty chairs
• Include the whole experience – prep work, breaks, and informal conversations matter as much as main presentations
• Shoot for sharing – think about what attendees would post on LinkedIn, not just what goes in annual reports
• Feature your audience – engaged participants are proof your content works
• Consider future use – every photo should serve your ongoing marketing needs

Why THE Standard Photos Don’t Work

Traditional event photographers follow a predictable formula. Speaker presentation shot, check. Wide audience view, check. Sponsor logos, check. But these images don’t capture why anyone should care about attending your event.

When did you last see a standard “person at podium” photo and think, “I absolutely must attend that conference”? These shots document what happened without showing what it felt like to be there. There’s no energy, no connection, no reason for someone to feel they missed out.

Audience Reactions: Your Best Marketing Material

The most valuable conference photos focus on attendees, not speakers. When someone leans forward taking notes furiously, or breaks into a knowing smile during a presentation, that’s marketing gold. These reactions prove your content resonates.

I position myself where I can see faces rather than the backs of heads. Sometimes that means shooting from the room’s side, sometimes getting low for a better angle. The goal is showing people actively learning and enjoying themselves.

Watch for raised hands during Q&A – there’s usually genuine excitement on someone’s face when they have a burning question. Also keep an eye out for attendees photographing slides with their phones – when someone thinks content is worth capturing, that’s a perfect testimonial moment to document. Capture audience reactions to particularly insightful points or unexpected moments of humor. These authentic responses work harder for your marketing than any staged photo.

Behind-the-Scenes: The Story Before the Story

Some of my favourite event photos happen before the event officially starts. There’s something magical about the energy during setup – sound checks, volunteers arranging name badges, the little details around the venue, attendees arriving early and checking out the space with anticipation.

These behind-the-scenes moments humanise your event. They show the care and preparation that goes into creating a great experience. Plus, they’re perfect for social media stories and “day of the event” posts that build excitement.

Don’t forget about the technical crew, catering staff, and volunteers. These people make your event possible, and including them in your photo story shows appreciation while adding depth to your documentation.

And whilst you have your team in the same place at the same time, be sure to grab some group photos.

The Details That Show You Care

Conference photography shouldn’t overlook the thoughtful touches that demonstrate your commitment to attendee experience. Those custom name badges, carefully arranged registration tables, welcome gift bags, quality catering displays – these details tell a story about your event standards.

Document the small things that attendees notice and appreciate: the specialty coffee station you invested in, the thoughtfully curated goody bags, the floral arrangements that brighten the spaces. These photos work particularly well for sponsor reports and future venue discussions.

Food photos deserve special attention because let’s face it – good conference food is memorable, and bad conference food… even more memorable. Capture appealing food displays, people genuinely enjoying meals, or those networking conversations that naturally happen around coffee stations and lunch tables.

Speaker Personality: Beyond the Professional Headshot

Yes, you need photos of your speakers presenting, but don’t stop there. The most engaging speaker photos capture personality and passion, not just professional competence.

Look for moments when speakers gesture expressively, react to audience questions, or share a laugh with attendees. Catch them in conversation during breaks – these casual interactions often reveal more about their expertise and approachability than any staged photo could.

If your speakers are signing books, demonstrating products, or participating in panel discussions, these activities create much more dynamic and interesting photos than someone simply standing behind a microphone.

Breakout Sessions: Learning in Action

Breakout sessions and workshops are content gold mines because they’re inherently more interactive and intimate than main stage presentations. People are talking, collaborating, and problem-solving together – all fantastic photo opportunities.

Document the collaborative process: people working together on flip charts, small group discussions, hands-on activities. These photos show the practical, actionable value your conference provides. They prove that attendees don’t just sit passively – they participate, engage, and leave with real skills and connections.

Networking: The Real Reason People Come

Let’s face it – most people come to conferences as much for the networking as for the content. Your photos should reflect this reality. Capture those moments when strangers become collaborators, when business cards are exchanged with genuine enthusiasm, when someone finds exactly the person they needed to meet.

The best networking photos show people genuinely engaged in conversation. Look for animated gestures, intent listening, shared laughter. These moments tell the story of community building and professional growth that attendees really value.

Creating Social Media Content During the Event

Think like a social media manager while you’re shooting. What photos would attendees want to share immediately? What would make someone watching from afar wish they were there?

Live social media posts during events create FOMO (fear of missing out) and build excitement for future events. But they need to be share-worthy – interesting angles, good lighting, and authentic moments that tell a story.

Consider creating Instagram Story-style content: quick behind-the-scenes moments, speaker prep, funny moments, and genuine reactions. These feel more immediate and authentic than polished promotional photos.

Post-Event Marketing Material Planning

Every photo you take should serve a purpose in your ongoing marketing strategy. Think about how each image could be used:

• Website updates and speaker pages
• Social media content throughout the year
• Next year’s promotional materials
• Case studies and testimonials
• Banners and backgrounds for reports and presentations
• Newsletter content
• Sponsor reports and thank-you materials

Plan your shots with these uses in mind. A great photo of engaged attendees becomes testimonial material. Behind-the-scenes prep shots work perfectly for “planning your event” content. Speaker interaction photos can be used year-round to promote their expertise.

Technical Considerations That Actually Matter

Good conference photography isn’t just about having an good camera – it’s about understanding the environment and working with its challenges.

Lighting in conference venues can be tricky. You’re often dealing with stage lighting that creates harsh shadows, combined with dim audience areas. Learn to work with available light rather than fighting it with flash, which can be disruptive.

Sound is crucial too. Being able to move quietly around the venue without disrupting speakers or attendees is essential. Sometimes the best shot requires waiting for the right moment rather than creating it.

Making Your Investment Count

Conference photography should be an investment that keeps paying dividends long after the event ends. When you focus on capturing authentic moments, genuine connections, and the real experience of attending your event, you create a library of content that tells your story much more effectively than any staged promotional photo could.

The goal isn’t just to document what happened – it’s to make people who weren’t there wish they had been, and make people who were there excited to come back next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many photos should I expect from a full-day conference? A: For a full-day event, you should expect 300-500 edited, high-resolution images. This gives you plenty of variety for different marketing uses while ensuring quality over quantity. The exact number depends on the event size, number of sessions, and specific brief requirements.

Q: Do I need permission to photograph attendees at my conference? A: Yes, absolutely. Include photography consent in your registration process and have clear signage at the venue. Consider providing opt-out lanyards or badges for people who prefer not to be photographed. Always respect people’s privacy while creating great content.

Q: When should I hire the photographer – for the full event or just key sessions? A: Full-day coverage gives you the most comprehensive content library, but if budget is tight, focus on your main keynotes, one breakout session type, and all networking periods. The networking photos often provide the best long-term marketing value.

Q: How quickly can I get photos for social media during the event? A: A good event photographer should be able to provide a selection of social media-ready images within a few hours of key sessions. Discuss your timeline upfront – same-day social media content can significantly boost engagement and FOMO.

Q: What’s the difference between event documentation and marketing photography? A: Documentation captures what happened; marketing photography captures what it felt like to be there. Marketing-focused photography thinks about the story, emotion, and future promotional use of every shot, while documentation simply records the proceedings. You want the former for your business photography.

The post Event Photography That Actually Gets Used appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

I know, I know. As business owners, we’ve been conditioned to believe that everything needs to look flawless, polished, and magazine-ready. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of photographing hundreds of businesses – the most successful brands are the ones that dare to be real.

The Problem with Picture Perfect

You’ve just invested in a gorgeous, heavily retouched headshot. Your skin looks like porcelain, your teeth are blindingly white, and every wrinkle has been erased. You look… well, you look like someone else entirely.

Fast forward to your first client meeting. They walk in expecting to meet the person from your website, but instead, they’re greeted by the real you – complete with natural skin texture and that little scar from when you were eight. The disconnect is immediate and awkward.

This isn’t just about vanity. It’s about trust. And trust is the foundation of every successful business relationship.

What Authentic Photography Actually Means

When I talk about authentic photography, I’m not suggesting we embrace unflattering angles or dim lighting. I’m talking about images that capture the genuine you – professionally lit, well-composed, but unmistakably real.

Authentic photography means:

• You look like yourself on your best day, not like a completely different person
• Your workspace appears as it actually is, not staged using someone else’s props
• Your expressions are natural, not forced into generic “business smile #3”
• Your personality shines through, not a cookie-cutter brand persona

Why Authenticity Wins Every Time

It Builds Real Trust When people see genuine photos, they instinctively trust you more. There’s something about authentic imagery that signals honesty and reliability. Your potential clients think, “If they’re honest about how they look, they’ll probably be honest about how they do business.” This is especially important if you expect your clients to be vulnerable with you.

You Stand Out Instantly While your competitors are hiding behind stock photos and over-filtered images, your authentic photos make you memorable. Real images of your actual workspace, genuine expressions, and natural interactions cut through the noise of generic marketing.

You Attract the Right People Here’s the thing about authenticity – it acts as a natural filter. When potential clients see genuine photos that reflect your personality and values, those who resonate with your authentic self are more likely to reach out (and those that don’t won’t). This means better client relationships and higher satisfaction rates for everyone involved.

It Tells Your Unique Story Rinse and repeat photography simply can’t capture what makes your business special. Authentic photos showcase your personality, your workspace, your tools, and your approach – all the elements that differentiate you from every other business in your industry.

The Benefits You Might Not Expect

Better Social Media Performance Social media algorithms actually favor authentic content. People engage more with genuine images because they spark real conversations and connections. You’ll see higher engagement rates without having to force interactions or rely on artificial growth tactics and yes ladders.

Content That Ages Gracefully While heavily filtered or trendy photography quickly looks dated, authentic images have a timeless quality. They capture real moments and genuine emotions that remain relevant and engaging regardless of changing photography or fashion trends.

Making the Shift to Authentic

I understand this might feel scary. We’ve been programmed to believe that business success requires perfection. But I promise you, the businesses that are thriving are the ones brave enough to show their human side.

When you embrace authentic photography, you’re not just changing your images – you’re changing how you connect with your audience. You’re saying, “This is who I really am, and I’m confident enough in my abilities to show you the real me.”

That confidence? It’s magnetic. It draws the right people to your business and builds the kind of relationships that last.

Your Next Step

If you’re ready to ditch the pressure of picture-perfect and embrace the power of authentic, I’m here to help. Because at the end of the day, your business isn’t perfect – it’s something much better. It’s real, it’s genuine, and it’s uniquely yours.

And that’s exactly what the world needs to see.

Ready to create authentic images that truly represent your business? Let’s chat about how we can capture the real you in a way that builds trust, attracts your ideal clients, and tells your unique story.

The post Why you business needs authentic photography (Not Picture Perfect) appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

So here’s a couple of the things I want to know about you and your business before the photoshoot:

Whilst I do want to know about your business – what you do and how you do it, I also want to know your passions and your hobbies.  I want to know things we can share about you beyond your business to further resonate with your audience.  Do you journal and mediate, own a cat, drink coffee, love op shopping?  These things help you be memorable, build those trusted relationships and stand out from everyone else doing what you do.  

What do you like and dislike about yourself in photos?  Knowing this allows me to better support you during the shoot and make you feel more comfortable in front of the camera.  We’ll maximise the number of photos you love and will use and not get any that make you cringe!

And what are the common themes in your messaging?  You might have heard them called content pillars or buckets or topic hubs or clusters.  I want to know the broad themes or categories you create content about but also importantly, what emotions you want to convey to your audience and what emotions you want them to feel.  We then know the emotions we need to create through poses and expressions during the photoshoot.

Getting clear on the above will not only help you plan your own photos but provide clarity for marketing and content creation.

The post Photoshoot prep- What to get clear on before booking your shoot appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

Here are three examples of not-so-impactful imagery that we want to avoid. And there are a myriad of legit reasons why our marketing may look like this – from starting out to visibility blocks etc… We’ve all been it or seen it and there is no shade here I promise xx

1. The business owner that is absent in their imagery: Usually hiding behind stock photos there isn’t a face for the brand. This business owner is missing out when creating connection and relationships as there is no human to human connection. (I am totally guilty of this – I used my logo as my profile picture for a very long time!)
2. The business owner with one epic, amazing, awesome photo, that doesn’t look anything like them when you rock up to work with them. That profile pic is either kinda old, or looks like them on an awards night, or has been cropped out of someone else’s wedding photos where they were all dolled up, or is filtered within an inch of it’s life. I am a huge believer you should be recognised from your profile pic and that there is trust lost when you show up on a Facebook live and I have to do a double take and check I’m in the right place!
3. Then there is the business owner using the same 5 photos. On repeat. Over and Over. So often people scroll past on auto pilot assuming they’ve seen it all before. So their not getting the engagement they deserve.

Photography needs to be part of your marketing strategy and it becomes truly powerful when we move beyond a handful of pretty pictures. We want impactful imagery and I call this going beyond the smiling shot. It’s about telling your story. It’s the YOU in your business that makes it different to everyone else doing what you do.

What does that look like?

It can be literally that – having photos where you are not just wearing your camera smile. Photos of you laughing, photos of you deep in thought, pulling a face, staring straight through the camera. Think about what you want to communicate or share with your audience… how you want them to feel. Then pretend the camera isn’t there and you are talking directly to them and go with your natural expressions. This is where you need to be true to you and really feel what you are trying to emote else it can look posed and cheesy.

Going beyond the smiling shot is showing up as yourself. This can be wardrobe, makeup and/or shoot location. If you don’t feel like yourself your discomfort will be obvious in photos. And I’m a huge believer you should be recognised from your profile pic and that there is a heap of trust lost when you show up in zoom and I have to do a double take! Great lighting, a good hair day and a photographer that knows what they’re doing will still have you looking schmik!

And going beyond the smiling shot is about ditching stock photos and creating some of your own (checkout this blog on that)!

What photos will you be adding to your visual strategy so you can have an impact?

The post Images with Impact appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

Selecting a photographer: If you like my style (and hopefully that’s why you’re on my web page!) then this step is done! Tick!  Otherwise the research phase can be quite the rabbit hole…  A couple of quick tips: pick a photographer whose photographs you like.  Whilst you can ask a photographer to replicate someone else’s style, why not go with someone who specialises in what you want?  And if you know you’ll need more images than the 10 photo package, be sure to get quotes that include the price of extra images and/or the whole album. 

Time taken: less than a minute

Planning the shoot: Contact the photographer and book a date for the photoshoot.  My brand shoots last 90 minutes, so you don’t have to block out a whole day. I’ve got a questionnaire that I’ll email through and you will need to dedicate a solid 20 minutes on it between making your booking and the day of the shoot. You can email me back or I’m happy to call/zoom and chat through it if that’s easier.  It allows me to get to know your audience and your messaging and how and where you’ll be using your photos.  We’ll determine the stories you want to tell with the photos, the expressions we need to include in headshots etc.  The props required, locations we’ll use and clothing choices will fall out of it… for example: needing a yoga mat, active wear and a garden location for a mindfulness/mediation/yoga sequence of images. We’ll also determine if anyone else is required, like asking a friend to be a ‘client’ model or if you’ll need to ask your cat to appear in any of the shots.

Time taken: 20-30 minutes

Choosing a location: I’m going to recommend your workspace and or your happy place.  Somewhere you can feel a little relaxed.  So this may be an office, or your study, or your dining table made up to look like a desk. And then perhaps the yard, or a local beach, park or cafe.  Don’t worry if its dark – photographers can pack light.  Don’t worry if its messy – that’s what cropping and hiding stuff under your desk or behind the photographer is for!  If you’re not sure what could work, hit reply and tell me about your hesitations and we’ll make a decision in under 5 minutes. 

Time taken: under 5 minutes

What to wear: Wear what makes you feel great!  Think about how you show up to work with clients and start from there because you want to be recognised from your profile picture.   If you don’t wear makeup go the mascara and lip gloss.  If you have your makeup artist on speed dial, book them in. You’ll need about 3-5 outfits that don’t clash with your brand colors.  (An entire new wardrobe is not necessary but if you want to use the shoot as an excuse to go shopping go right ahead!)

Time taken: However long it usually takes you to get ready for work (additional time required if you’re outsourcing hair & makeup or doing some strategic shopping)

Day of the shoot:There is no travel time because you’re getting photographed at your place.  You’ve got props and accessories at your fingertips.  We have a fast, fun photoshoot (no fake smiles allowed) that’s over in just 90 minutes.

Time taken: 90 minutes

About a week later: Read an email, login to an online gallery, do a happy dance as your photos download ready to use.

Time taken: depends on your internet speed!

Organising and completing a photoshoot may be less time consuming than you think – let’s get it off the todo list and into the calendar 😀

The post How long does it really take to organise a photoshoot? appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.

Create photos that align with your message and evoke emotions in your audience.  Let your personality shine and make connections.  Whilst it might be cliche, it’s also true: people buy from people.

Nez (Nezfit) is a fitness trainer with a wicked sense of humour.  Imagine if she used a stiff, kinda corporate headshot, instead of the photos she does, that are filled with movement and personality like her profile pic below.

And then there is Jen (Something Glorious Coaching), a personal coach and a parent.  The photo of her working in the midst of kids and chaos evokes empathy and a sense of understanding in her audience regarding the plight of biz owners working around naps and playgroups.

Identifying what parts of your messaging go beyond the smiling shot and then creating those images will create deeper connections with your audience and speed up the know, like, trust factors.

And y’know what? If someone doesn’t like your goofy or can’t relate to the environment in which you work- they are not the right client to for you and that photo has done it’s job.

If you’ve a piece of content and you’re not sure what photo works with it, you can contact me and I’ll tell you how I’d take the shot… 

The post When smiling shots just won’t do! appeared first on Miranda Mayle Photography.