How Amy Moved from Product Photography to Personal Branding – and Never Looked Back
When Amy first got in touch, she was looking for product photography to help showcase her beautiful handmade ceramics. Like many small business owners, she knew she should probably be in some of the photos too — but the idea of stepping in front of the camera felt a bit daunting.
Over time, after we’d worked together on her product shots and shared plenty of chats about the highs and lows of running a small business, something shifted. We’d built a great rapport, and Amy began to feel ready to step a little out of her comfort zone and embrace a full brand shoot — one that included her as well as her fabulous work.
And honestly? She completely nailed it.
We created a relaxed, natural shoot that captured not just the ceramics she lovingly creates, but also the personality and passion behind them. These images now help tell the full story of her brand — not just what she sells, but who she is and why she does it.
Amy says:
“Getting some great images of my products is probably the best thing I’ve done for my business. Such a worthwhile investment, I go back to them time and time again.”
And that’s exactly what she’s done.
Since her shoot, Amy has used her images across her website, on her online shop, and throughout her social media — helping her stand out, connect with her audience, and show up with confidence.
How Amy’s Brand Photos Are Working Hard Behind the Scenes
Amy hasn’t just kept her brand photos tucked away — she’s using them across her business in clever and creative ways that help her stand out and connect with her audience:
- Headshots – Amy has used her natural, relaxed headshots in press features and across her social media, helping potential clients put a face to the name and build trust from the very first click.
- Press Features – With a ready-made bank of professional images to hand, Amy is always prepared when opportunities arise. Her photography has accompanied features in magazines like Living North, giving her brand a polished, cohesive look.
- Website – From her online shop to her testimonial section, Amy’s website is filled with authentic, high-quality imagery that reflects both her personality and her craft. The result is a professional, welcoming site that feels true to her business.
- Eventbrite Banners – I carefully composed specific images to fit the dimensions needed for Amy’s Eventbrite banners, making it simple for her to advertise and manage her popular pottery workshops.
- Flyers & Business Cards – Whether on larger flyers for craft fairs or handy-sized business cards, Amy uses her brand photos to attract attention and leave a lasting impression with potential customers.
- Social Media – Amy’s photos now feature across her Instagram and LinkedIn profiles, used as profile pictures and in her day-to-day posts to share her work and process with genuine personality and consistency.
- Postcards – From thank you cards to product information inserts, Amy has used her imagery to create a personal, branded touchpoint at every stage of the customer journey.
Whether it’s a close-up of a textured glaze or a photo of her working in the studio, each image tells a little piece of her story. Her brand now feels more personal, more consistent, and more her.
If you’re a small business owner who’s been hiding behind your work, wondering whether brand photography is worth it — take it from Amy. It doesn’t have to feel scary or staged. It’s about capturing you, doing what you do best.
And who knows? Like Amy, you might find it’s one of the best decisions you make for your business.
To see the images in action (and find out more about Amy) visit her website www.amyrutherfordceramics.com or to find out more about how I can help you, visit my brand photography page Business Photography Durham – Mary Barella Photography
