You’ve invested in brand photos. You love them—they’re beautiful. But here’s what happens about three months later: your feed starts to feel static. You’re re-using the same images. Maybe switching up the crop or throwing one in black and white to keep things fresh.
Your website gallery is gorgeous, but it doesn’t move. And you’re starting to wonder if there’s a better way to tell your story.
What if you could bring your brand to life with video—right during your branding photoshoot? With movement, sound, and the kind of storytelling that makes people feel like they’re right there with you?
That’s what adding video to your branding session does. And it doesn’t have to be a separate production. It happens right alongside your photos.
The Secret Ingredient Most Brand Content is Missing: Sound
Scroll through Instagram. How many Reels do you actually watch with the sound on?
Most brand videos are just pretty visuals set to trending audio. They’re eye candy (and hey, eye candy has its place), but they don’t let you in.
Brand films are different.
When I create long-form video during your session, we’re capturing immersive audio: your voice telling your story—not scripted, just you in the moment. The sounds of your creative process. The whir of a sewing machine. The quiet focus of your workspace.
Sound brings people into your world in a way visuals alone can’t. It’s what makes someone stop scrolling, turn their volume up, and actually feel something.
(Honestly? This is my favorite part of what I do now.)
Short-Form vs. Long-Form: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break down the two types of video you’ll get from a branding session—and how you’ll actually use them.
Short-form video clips (3-5 seconds):
Quick bursts of movement—often silent or paired with trending audio. These are perfect for:
- Instagram or TikTok carousels (paired with photos to add energy)
- Your website header (eye-catching movement when someone lands on your homepage)
- LinkedIn posts (stopping the scroll in a professional feed)
- Your Google Business profile (a video thumbnail that stands out in search results)
They’re great for grabbing attention. But they’re designed for quick consumption—usually watched on mute while scrolling.
Long-form brand film (2-3 minutes):
Your full story, with immersive audio. This is designed to be watched with sound ON, and it works beautifully for:
- Your website About page (lets visitors hear your voice and see your world—this is your most powerful sales tool)
- Email signature or campaigns (share your story with potential clients and collaborators)
- YouTube or Vimeo (evergreen content that lives beyond social media algorithms)
- Presentations or pitches (show it at pop-ups, conferences, or client meetings)
- A pinned LinkedIn post (introduce yourself to your professional network with something that actually feels like you)
And here’s the bonus: that same 3-minute film can be clipped into 10-15 short pieces for social media. You’re not starting from scratch every time you need content.
Why Long-Form Video Gets You the Most Mileage
Here’s what I always tell clients: start with long-form. Here’s why.
1. A 2-3 minute brand film can be cut into dozens of short clips—but you can’t go the other direction. You need the full story first. Then you pull the best moments for quick content.
2. Long-form is shot in that wide, cinematic format—like movies. Not the tall, skinny vertical videos you see on Reels. This matters because widescreen works everywhere: your website, YouTube, email campaigns, presentations.
Vertical video? It really only works on Instagram and TikTok. On your website, it looks awkward (like trying to fit a portrait in a landscape frame). And let’s be real—Instagram changes what it wants every six months. Remember when everything had to be square? Widescreen has been the standard for decades. It’s not going anywhere.
Plus, widescreen is actually how we see. Look up right now—your field of vision is wide, not tall. So when your brand film is shot in that format, it feels more natural. More immersive. Like you’re actually there.
(And yes, I still make sure you get vertical clips for Reels. I shoot smart so you get both.)
3. It’s connection, not just content. When someone lands on your website, they’re choosing to learn about you. A brand film—with your voice, your hands at work, the real sounds of your process? That builds trust faster than any written bio.
See the Long-Form Video in Action: Meet Patricia
Patricia shares her journey from her grandma’s workshop in Honduras to her studio in the Richmond District of San Francisco—sewing, block-printing, creating art with her hands. This 3-minute film also gave her 12+ short clips for Instagram and LinkedIn. One session. Full story. Months of content.
Here’s What You Actually Get
One branding session with video gives you:
- 30+ brand photos
- 1 long-form brand film (2-3 minutes)
- 10 short video clips (3-5 seconds each)
- 6-12 months of content
That’s a full content strategy, not just an add-on.
Common Questions About Adding Video to Your Branding Session
How long does a session with video take?
A full branding session with video is usually 6-8 hours. I’m shooting both photos and video simultaneously, so you’re not spending extra time posing or setting up different equipment.
Do I need to script what I say on camera?
Sometimes, yes. If we’re planning a voiceover or interview-style branding session, we’ll map out what you want to communicate beforehand. The delivery, though? That’ll feel natural—I have a few tricks to help you sound like you, not like you’re reciting lines. And I always leave space for spontaneity; the unplanned moments are often the best ones.
Every session comes with a customized shot list, so you’ll know exactly what we’re capturing and never feel lost. I’ll guide you through it every step of the way. For sessions where I’m capturing you working without narration, no script is needed at all. Just show up and do your thing.
What if I’m awkward on camera?
Most people feel that way at first. But here’s the thing: I’m not asking you to “perform.” I’m filming you doing what you already do—working with your hands, creating, being in your element. When you’re focused on your work, you forget the camera is there. That’s when the magic happens.
Can I use the brand film on Instagram, or is it just for my website?
Both! The full 2-3 minute film works beautifully on your website, YouTube, and as a pinned LinkedIn post. And I’ll also give you 10 short clips (pulled from that same film) that are perfect for Instagram Reels, Stories, and carousels.
How much does a branding session with video cost?
Branding sessions with both photography and video start at $5,500. You can learn more about packages and what’s included here.
Ready to bring your brand to life? I work with small businesses and creatives across the Bay Area—let’s talk about what a session could look like for you. Let’s hop on a call and chat!
