One of my favorite recent projects was working with ReStored Thrift Store, a nonprofit thrift shop that wanted to elevate its brand presence online. Christine from Lake Design Co. reached out when ReStored decided it was time for a new website. She pulled me into the project because the store was still relying on outdated—and honestly, pretty cringy—stock photos.

We scheduled a one-hour brand photoshoot at one of the ReStored locations to refresh their image library and capture photography that truly reflected the heart of their store.

Then Christine and her team at Lake Design Co. built a brand-new Squarespace website using fresh copy, our images, and a beautiful new layout with subtle animations. The result? A clean, inviting site that’s easy to navigate and feels completely aligned with who they are. The before-and-after transformation is wild—it’s amazing how much impact updated photography and a thoughtfully designed layout can have on a brand’s presence online.

To see Christine’s process for this custom web build, view her portfolio here.

Why Storefronts Need Personalized Brand Photos

While working on this project, I was reminded of just how important it is for storefront businesses to invest in custom photography instead of relying on stock. Seeing the before-and-after side by side made it so clear: photos make or break how your brand is perceived online. Here’s why:

1. Give customers a preview before they walk in

Images of generic clothing racks or overly-cheesy, smiling models won’t connect. Showing your actual displays, the products you sell, and the atmosphere of your store builds trust and helps potential customers imagine themselves there.

2. Highlight your logo & branding

And don’t forget your branding! Incorporating your logo in photos—whether through storefront signage, packaging, or team members wearing branded apparel—creates instant recognition and consistency. It subtly reinforces your brand colors and identity across every image, tying your online presence back to your physical space. Those small details make your visuals feel intentional and authentic.

3. Photos designed for your website

When your photographer and designer work together, the photography can be intentionally crafted to fit your site’s needs. Wide hero banners, negative space for text, and vertical vs. horizontal crops—we plan for these details in the shot list so everything works seamlessly.

4. Put faces to the brand

Whether it’s professional headshots of your team or candid shots of staff and volunteers, featuring real people helps customers feel connected. Those familiar faces can become part of the reason they visit.

5. Create marketing assets that go beyond the website

Custom photos aren’t a one-time investment. You can repurpose them for social media, print materials, newsletters, signage—the list goes on. Suddenly, your brand looks consistent everywhere you show up.

6. Boost SEO and site performance

Stock photos are everywhere, and search engines know it. Real, unique imagery helps your site rank better, and optimized images keep your site fast and user-friendly.

The Importance of Scheduling Your Brand Photos and Website Together

Here’s the magic: when brand photos and web design happen at the same time, everything clicks into place.

The photos are styled and shot for the website design.
The site is built around real content, not placeholders.
You avoid extra fees later (like swapping out old photos and redesigning layouts).
The whole process is faster and easier, with joint planning calls, questionnaires, and two creative partners working in sync.

That’s exactly why Venlo Studio (my team) and Lake Design Co. collaborate so closely. Together, we help brands tell a cohesive story from the first click to the first step inside the door.

Just keep in mind, we both work on a first-come first serve basis. So if you’re thinking of updating your website and photos, be ready to plan about 3 months in advance so we can be sure to fit you into our schedules!

Preview the Gallery

Closing Thought

Your storefront deserves to be represented online as beautifully as it looks in person. Stock photos won’t do your story justice—but personalized brand photography paired with intentional design will.

If you’re a store front business looking to elevate your photos, we’d love to help.
Reach out.

Why Every Storefront Business Needs Personalized Brand Photos