Hey, I'm Lisa, a Chicago area brand awareness expert. I help creatives & coaches get visuals that align with their unique vision and deliver real results. I love creating authentic & compelling storytelling images for creative and soulful people.

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I'm Lisa! I'm so excited to be able to share my favorite tips, expert insight, and some real-life stories of the coaches and creatives I get to work with every day!

You don’t need to practice poses in the mirror.

You don’t need to Google “how to pose for brand photos” the night before your shoot.

A good photographer knows how to guide you, adjust you, and capture you so that you look amazing.

Where brand photography often falls apart isn’t in the posing, it’s in the lack of strategy.

woman looking at inspirational motivation cards brand photo

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.

Brand Photography Trends to Leave In the Past

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a brand photo session strategic, this guide breaks it all down. Think of it as your insider look at what actually goes into brand photography that works.

Brand Photo Session Strategy Chicago photography

Every year, I work with incredible creatives, coaches, and small business owners who are ready to elevate how they show up. And after photographing more than 15 brands in 2025 — from travel designers to medical professionals to business coaches — I started to see patterns emerge.

2025 Chicago coach and creative brands lisa kathan photography

Here’s the truth: your 2026 marketing success is being built right now.

Most small businesses start planning their marketing in January…just as they’re catching their breath from the holidays. But by then, you’re already behind.

This is your sign to start setting up Future You for success.

Your 2026 Marketing Needs to Start Now brand photos Chicago

I'm Lisa! I'm so excited to be able to share my favorite tips, expert insights, and some of the real-life stories of the coaches and creatives I work with every day!

Help! What Do I Wear to My Brand Session?

Download the FREE Brand Style Guide