We’ve all felt it lately—clients hesitating, inboxes a little quieter, and that lingering question in the back of your mind: Should I hit pause?

If you're a coach, consultant, or small business owner navigating this shifting economy, I get it. When things get uncertain, the instinct is to pull back. Cut costs. Press pause on anything that feels “extra.” But visibility? That’s not extra. It’s essential.

As both a brand photographer and business coach, I’ve weathered market dips before—and here’s what I know to be true: The brands that keep showing up (strategically) are the ones who come out stronger.

If you’ve ever tried to find a brand shoot location that’s equal parts beautiful, versatile, and aligned with your brand aesthetic, you know it’s not always as simple as renting a pretty space. The best brand photography locations aren’t just backdrops—they need to work with your brand, your wardrobe, and your goals for content creation.

That’s why we’ve curated this 2025 Sonoma County Brand Shoot Location Guide: a list of standout homes and spaces we’ve scouted (and photographed in) that are perfect for lifestyle portraits, elevated personal branding, and high-impact visual storytelling.

If you’ve already read Why Your Business Needs Professional Brand Photography, you know the stats don’t lie: visual content drives trust, boosts recognition, and directly impacts buying behavior. 

As a Bay Area brand photographer and creative partner to some of the region’s most forward-thinking founders, I want to take you one step further.

Because here’s the truth: It’s not just about having beautiful photos. It’s about working with a San Francisco brand photographer who understands how to create imagery that supports your business goals, speaks your clients’ language, and positions your brand as premium from the very first glance.

In the world of business, where every move you make has potential, your startup deserves to be seen not just as another entity, but as a well of value. The impact professional photography has on a startup's brand identity is the first step in building trust, and establishing a consistent online presence.

Your brand is more than just a logo—it’s the experience, emotion, and trust you build with your audience. As a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur, your personal brand is your business, and nothing establishes credibility faster than high-quality, professional brand photography.

Jessica isn't merely navigating the stresses of HR complexities; she's revolutionizing them with her systems. With a foundation in organizational behavior and an MBA to her name, Jessica approaches HR with a balanced perspective that prioritizes both the human element and business needs. Her unique expertise in the alcohol and beverage industry equips her to address its specific challenges, crafting policies and practices that not only meet compliance requirements but also ensure employee safety and well-being.

Kate is a distinguished marketing and communications strategist with a robust skill set encompassing brand strategy, market positioning, public relations, and integrated marketing. She has been a driving force in the success stories of multiple venture-backed start-ups and marketing agencies, including WUWTA, Stemodontics, and Nuvolum.

In a world where hustle and burnout are often the norm, the concept of a 4-day work week might sound like a distant dream. But what if I told you that it's not only achievable but can also lead to a more balanced, fulfilling, and successful career in your business!

With over a decade of experience capturing the essence of brands and entrepreneurs across various industries, we understand the power of stunning and strategically crafted visuals. These mini-sessions, held once every quarter in a bright, urban minimalist studio, are designed for individuals seeking high-impact portraits without committing to a full session.

Amanda Breckenridge is a top executive coach dedicated to helping leaders like you strengthen your influence and impact. With over 15 years of experience in high-growth startups, Amanda understands the complexities of scaling businesses. She's worked with over 200 senior executives and 400 leaders, helping them navigate challenges, sharpen their leadership skills, and create lasting impact.

I started the commercial and editorial photography for Everviolet in 2018 and have been working with them annually ever since. Together, through collaborative efforts and careful guidance, we elevate our models (real survivors), creating images that tell inspiring stories and leave a lasting impact on viewers.

In today’s crowded digital marketplace, standing out is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re building a personal brand or defining your business’s identity, it’s about clearly articulating your unique value and leveraging it to create new opportunities for yourself. A strong, well-defined brand can establish you as a trusted authority in your industry, draw in your ideal audience, and open up new avenues for growth and revenue. 

Creating a visual mood board for your branding session is such an important step in cultivating a shoot that produces imagery that supports your brand strategy and marketing efforts.

In today’s crowded digital marketplace, standing out is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re building a personal brand or defining your business’s identity, it’s about clearly articulating your unique value and leveraging it to create new opportunities for yourself. A strong, well-defined brand can establish you as a trusted authority in your industry, draw in your ideal audience, and open up new avenues for growth and revenue. 

Sam Garden is a divorce and relationship coach in San Francisco. We specialize in brand photography for coaches in the SF Bay Area and beyond.

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a published author? Worry no more! Meghan Stevenson Books is here to help entrepreneurs, experts, and thought leaders turn their nonfiction book ideas into reality. With a track record of success and a passion for making dreams come true, Meghan and her team are dedicated to guiding aspiring authors through the complex world of publishing.

Whether speaking to audiences globally, guiding my clients through change management transformation, providing leadership and communication coaching, or facilitating best practices and synergy within a Board of Directors, my heart is in every moment of growth and transformation, helping individuals and organizations reach new heights.