I have known Delvis Simmons for over 12 years. She is the founder of La Vie Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, a boutique medical spa for laser treatments, advanced skin care and HydraFacials. I have been her client for many years, and I have photographed her and her spa a few times over the years.
So when Delvis decided to launch her new website, she called me. She wanted new, fresh photos that show who she is today and what her spa really feels like. Let me walk you through our session, and share my best tips if you are thinking about new photos for your business.
What is a branding session, and how is it different from a headshot?
A headshot is one great photo of you. A branding session tells your whole story: who you are, where you work, what you do and how it feels to be your client. You get a full library of photos for your website, your blog, your Google profile, your social media, your newsletter and even print.
For a business like a spa, a clinic or an office, clients want to see three things before they call: you, your space and your team. A good branding session shows all three.
Why fresh, real photos matter more than ever
Your website, your Google profile and your social media are often the first time a client "meets" you. If your photos are five years old, people notice. And today it is not only people looking. Google and the new AI search tools also look for fresh, original content that shows a real business.
There is also a big difference between real photos and AI generated pictures. In the Getty Images report Building Trust in the Age of AI (2024), 98% of people said authentic images and videos are pivotal for trust, and 90% want to know if an image was made with AI. A 2025 Clutch survey found that nearly 40% of consumers would trust a brand less if it used AI images without saying so.
For me, this is simple. Your clients want to see you, your space and your team. A real photo builds trust. A fake one can break it.
Step 1: The consultation
We talked first. Delvis showed me her ideas for the new website design, and I went through her current site and walked through her spa to see the rooms, the light and what we could use. She also showed me the outfits she had in mind.
Then, to be time efficient, we picked a day when Delvis was not seeing clients, and when her colleague could also come in. Nobody was rushed, and the spa looked calm and beautiful.
Step 2: Outfit one, telling the story room by room
We started with Delvis in a black top and soft beige pants. Simple, elegant and professional, and it looks great against her white spa.
Then we moved room by room. In the treatment room we showed her equipment and the space where her clients relax. A horizontal photo like this one is perfect for a website banner, because there is room for text.
Behind the scenes photos are often the ones people love most. Many professionals use a tablet every day now, so we included it naturally, the way she really works with her clients.
Step 3: Outfit two, warm and elegant
For the second look, Delvis changed into a white ruffled blouse. This outfit feels warmer and more personal, great for her About page and for social media.
We used the beautiful details of her spa, like the decorative white door and the natural light from the windows, so every photo still feels like La Vie Spa.
Step 4: Outfit three, the professional look
The third outfit was her white lab coat. This is the look her clients see during treatments, and it shows her expertise right away.
A seated pose in the lounge gives a different feeling, relaxed and confident at the same time.
And of course, a photo in front of her sign. Your business name in the photo is great for your website and for Google, because people connect your face with your brand.
Step 5: Her team
Toward the end of the session, her colleague came in. We took her individual portrait, then the two of them together, interacting naturally, and also photos of her colleague at work behind the scenes. Clients love to see who will take care of them.
Step 6: The small brand details
Do not forget the details. Business cards, products, logo, flowers at the front desk. These little photos are perfect for social media posts, your blog and your newsletter.
At the end of one session, Delvis had a full library of photos she can use for a long time: for her new website, her blog, her Google profile and her social media.
My best tips for your branding photos
Bring 2 to 3 outfits, sometimes more. One elegant, one business, and one that fits your profession, like a lab coat or a uniform. Delvis had all three.
Do it once, and do it well. One planned session is more cost efficient than small shoots every few months, and your photos look consistent everywhere.
Plan your day. Choose a day without clients, and schedule your team at the end, so everyone has time.
Show what you do. Behind the scenes photos of you working, with your tools, your tablet or your computer, tell your story better than words.
Get your space ready. Make sure your studio or office is clean and organized. A few fresh props help a lot. You can find beautiful pieces at Marshalls, TJ Maxx or HomeGoods: a plant, candles, a nice vase or books.
Use your sign. A portrait in front of your business name or logo is great for your website and social media.
Bring your brand. If you have new branding coming, like new colors or a new logo, share it with me before the session so the photos match your new look.
Think about where the photos will go. Website banners need horizontal photos with room for text. Instagram and stories need vertical ones. We plan both.
Update every year or two. Fresh photos keep your website, Google profile and social media feeling current, for your clients and for search.
Thinking about new photos for your business?
If you have a new website coming, or your photos are a few years old, this is a great time to update them. I photograph business portraits and branding sessions in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Palm Beach and Juno Beach, in my studio or at your office.
Thank you, Delvis, for trusting me again. You can visit La Vie Spa at laviespagardens.com and on Instagram @laviespagardens.
Please call me at 561-307-9875 and let's plan your session together.
The full session
