If you’ve been in the online business world for more than five minutes, you’ve probably noticed something: brand photos are looking awfully the same.

The same fake laughs, the same identical white studio, the same coffee-and-a-laptop photos.

Well…2026 is calling, and she’s asking for something with a little more heart, a little more strategy, and a lot more personality.

Here are five brand photography trends that everyone should leave behind, and what to do instead.

Leave It: Fake Candids

You know the ones: the smiling-at-nothing laptop moment, the “I always drink my coffee like this” pose.

The only problem is, your audience can feel when something is manufactured.

Do This Instead: Editorial Micro-Moments

Think small, real moments:

• Sliding your glasses up your nose while reviewing a client file
• Talking to an actual person across your desk
• That 0.5-second smirk before your real laugh
• The quiet pause between tasks
• The movement of your hands as you explain an idea

These images feel human — and connection (not perfection) is what converts.

📌 Want to see a photo shoot with some of these real moments? Check out Cinthia’s brand session HERE.

Leave It: Sessions With No Real Structure or Strategy

Most entrepreneurs come to a discovery call with me with no idea whatsoever about what kinds of photos they might need. And that’s cool, because I am here to help plan!

But if you’re looking to do a brand shoot with a photographer that doesn’t do any strategic planning with you, you’re more than likely to walk away with a gallery of pretty photos that don’t actually do anything.

Do This Instead: Storyline-Based Planning

Your visuals should follow strategically planned scenes, not lists. Some examples might be:

• Client onboarding morning
• CEO deep work time
• Creator in flow with her tools
• Behind-the-scenes work with a client

Each storyline gives you variety, and feature intentional photos that have a specific job to do.

Leave It: Ignoring Video

Photos have such an important roll to play in your brand and marketing strategy.

However, short-form video and storytelling clips aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re how you stay visible, memorable, and relevant.

📌 Read MORE about the importance of video in 2026

Do This Instead: Simple, Strategic B-Roll

You don’t need a full film crew. Often you can include short form video in your photo brand session (no need to redo hair and makeup etc!).

Short form video can include the simplest things…laughing across the table at a client, writing in your journal, crossing a street, slow pan of your tools, or a clip of you reacting to something on a Zoom call is all you need. You can use and reuse this clips for:

• Reels
• Website banners
• About me pages
• Launch promos
• Email headers

This is also why all my Signature Brand Sessions include a mix of stills and strategic movement in their sessions. I want your visuals to be useful everywhere!

Leave It: Shooting for Instagram First

This one’s spicy but true: Instagram is not your highest-converting platform.

Your website is.

And yet, 90% of business owners still shoot with Reels and feed posts in mind, ignoring the places where clients actually make decisions.

Do This Instead: Website-First Brand Visuals

In 2026, the smartest coaches and creatives are making sure they have:

• Banners that stops the scroll (can be photo or video!)
• Warm, confident About Me page visuals…try a collage mixture with photos of you, headshots and vignettes to grab attention
• Service page visuals that support the copy
• “Directional” photos that guide the eye to CTAs
• Photos that support your messaging and SEO

Your website is your hardest-working employee — it deserves photos built for conversion, not just compliments.

📌 Read HERE to see if your website is doing its job.

Leave It: AI-Generated “Brand Images”

Maybe you’ve had this thought? “Should use AI-generated photos instead of spending my time and money on a real photoshoot?”

Please don’t. Creepy hands, dead eyes, unrealistic beauty are not the vibe.

Do This Instead: AI-Assisted Strategy with Human Photography

AI is great for helping you brainstorm, gather inspiration, clarify ideas, or refine messaging. But trust, connection, and emotional resonance come from human-led imagery.

Now more than ever, your clients are looking for authenticity and real human connection. An AI-generated profile pic is the opposite of that, and it may cause your potential clients to click away.

Ready for Photos That Actually Move the Needle in 2026?

My Signature Brand Session is designed for entrepreneurs who want thoughtful strategy, a clear storyline, personality-filled images, and content that actually supports your business goals.

Get pricing and info about Signature Brand Session HERE.