How Intentional Brand Photos Can Instantly Elevate Your Business with Hannah Merideth of Pilates Barre Lex

My journey with Hannah began in 2020 when I reached out to Hannah via direct message, seeking to expand her network in Lexington. At the time, Hannah was an influencer—a title she humbly no longer uses—who graciously agreed to meet me for a photoshoot. Despite being strangers, the two spent a day walking around downtown Lexington, capturing beautiful images that would go on to build my portfolio.

From that initial meeting, a professional relationship and a deep friendship blossomed. Over the years, I have worked with Hannah multiple times, capturing everything from branding photos to personal portraits. Five years later, the bond between us remains strong. I have witnessed many seasons of Hannah’s business journey, including the launch and growth of Pilates Barre Lex.

Pilates Barre Lex: A Vision Realized

Hannah’s entrepreneurial spirit began at the age of eight when she started her first business—a homemade card company. Selling cards to members of her church and homeschool group, this small venture ignited her lifelong desire to create and serve others. After high school, she pursued a career in dental assisting, where she enjoyed helping others but felt there was more she was meant to do.

When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of the dental industry, Hannah found herself reevaluating her career path. A friend introduced her to Pilates, and despite not enjoying her first class, Hannah gave the practice a second chance. After several sessions, she fell in love with Pilates and its mindful movement, leading her to get certified as an instructor.

Hannah’s journey took another turn when she had the opportunity to co-own a Pilates studio. However, after a time, she realized the vision of the studio didn’t align with her own. With courage and determination, she decided to take the leap and open Pilates Barre Lex on her own. This decision was not without its challenges, including the uncertainty of financial stability, but it was a risk she was willing to take.

Creating a Community-Focused Wellness Space

Pilates Barre Lex is more than just a fitness studio—it’s a community. Hannah wanted to create a space where people could not only focus on their physical health but also find a sense of belonging and connection. Unlike traditional gyms, where members often come and go without interacting, Pilates Barre Lex encourages a strong sense of community among its members. For Hannah, this was crucial in fostering a supportive environment for both physical wellness and social connection.

In her nearly three years of business, Pilates Barre Lex has flourished, with membership growth, a dedicated team, and a vibrant community. Despite facing personal challenges, including health diagnoses, Hannah has managed to sustain and grow her business while maintaining balance in her life. She credits her ability to juggle these demands to the strong foundation she’s built with her business and the community she’s nurtured.

The Importance of Brand Photography

As an entrepreneur, Hannah knew that creating a brand that resonated with her target audience was essential. She wanted to attract individuals who valued the same things she did—wellness, community, and a high-quality experience in a boutique studio setting. One of the ways she knew she could stand out was by investing in professional brand photography.

Despite the many startup costs—commercial leases, equipment, utilities—Hannah recognized the power of professional photography in creating a visual identity that would appeal to her audience. She understood that while stock photos are often generic and forgettable, high-quality, custom images can capture the essence of a brand and draw people in. For her, it was both a logical and creative investment.

The decision to prioritize photography was not an easy one, but in hindsight, it was worth every penny. As a creative individual, she values the beauty and storytelling power of photographs, and she knew that well-executed visuals would help her build a strong, recognizable brand for Pilates Barre Lex.

For businesses in saturated markets, standing out is crucial. The visual element of your brand, particularly through well-executed photos, can make a lasting impression on potential customers. Whether you’re in a crowded industry or one with fewer competitors, photography helps elevate your business and makes your brand more attractive to the right audience.

Trust and Connection Through Photography

Hannah had worked with me before and trusted me to capture the essence of her business. A big part of effective brand photography is the photographer’s ability to connect with their client and understand the business’s personality and core values. This trust is vital in creating images that truly reflect the brand’s essence.

Photography is more than just capturing a moment—it’s about telling a story. The photographer’s ability to showcase both the calm and fun side of the business owner through their images speaks to the power of personalization in brand photography. It’s about bringing out the authenticity of the business, not just staging perfect shots. And as the business grows, these authentic photos continue to resonate with potential clients.

Documenting the Growth of a Business

The journey from a blank-walled studio with just one reformer to a fully furnished space with seven reformers and a Cadillac trapeze table symbolizes not just business growth, but also the evolution of the brand. Photography plays a role in documenting that growth and capturing the transformation.

These photos do more than showcase new equipment—they communicate a shift in the business’s identity and its commitment to providing a premium, inclusive, and welcoming experience for its clients. The fact that her studio has evolved with these high-quality photos is a testament to the lasting value of good photography.

The Impact of Consistency in Brand Imagery

Consistency is a key element. It is important to regularly update photos across all platforms—from Google to social media to the website. By keeping their visuals fresh and consistent, her business is able to reinforce its identity and make a cohesive impact on potential customers.

Using imagery consistently also ensures that the messaging across different channels is aligned. It’s not enough to post beautiful photos; they need to reflect the true nature of the brand. The photos weren’t just marketing—they were a direct reflection of the studio’s core values. Prospective clients could feel the authenticity of the brand just by browsing the website or Instagram, which is exactly what you want your potential customers to experience.

Leveraging Photography for SEO and Engagement

Brand photos also have a significant role in boosting SEO and online engagement. For example, Hannah shared how clients found her studio through Google, were impressed by the consistent and high-quality images on the website, and ultimately decided to visit the studio. It’s not just about attracting people online—it’s about converting that interest into real-life visits.

The importance of regularly updating images on platforms like Google My Business cannot be overstated. These photos help the business rank higher in local searches and create a seamless experience for potential clients, from online research to booking their first class. Furthermore, maintaining an active social media presence with regular photo updates helps foster trust and credibility, encouraging even more clients to take the next step.

Maximizing the Investment in Brand Photography

The discussion also touches on an often-overlooked aspect of brand photography: using the photos effectively. It’s not enough to simply have professional images taken—you have to use them. Brand photos are only useful if they are actively incorporated into your marketing efforts. Whether it’s social media, emails, or your website, these images should be strategically placed to maximize their impact.

Many business owners worry about whether the images are “good enough” to share, but the advice is clear—don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Posting the first photo is the start of a process. As you continue to use and refine your imagery, you’ll become more comfortable with sharing your brand’s story through visuals.

Using Photography to Build a Personal Connection

Hannah’s commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment is key to her business. The images taken throughout the process have helped communicate these values visually. Clients who walk through the door of the her studio feel a sense of alignment between what they saw online and what they experience in person. This connection is essential for building trust and long-term loyalty.

The imagery helps clients visualize themselves as part of the brand’s community—whether through a welcoming photo of the studio space or images showing a diverse group of people engaging in the services offered. By ensuring that the visuals align with the core values of the business, the client has successfully communicated that everyone is welcome at PBL, regardless of their background or fitness level.

Behind-the-Scenes: The Planning and Execution

The process begins long before the camera starts clicking. Preparation is key to ensuring the shoot runs smoothly and that every shot aligns with your brand’s message. By filling out intake forms, providing mood boards, and discussing your vision in advance, you ensure that your photographer understands exactly what you need. The more organized the session, the more productive and enjoyable the experience will be.

From the initial planning stages to the shoot itself, clear communication is crucial. When working with a professional photographer, you’ll notice how they can read the room and adjust on the fly. Whether it’s switching up outfits or changing the location to avoid distractions in the background, great photographers like this are excellent communicators who ensure that every detail works in your favor. It’s this level of coordination and flexibility that makes the difference between a good session and a great one.

Creating Authentic, On-Brand Photos

During the actual session, the goal is to capture the essence of your brand in the most authentic way possible. It’s not about stiff poses or forced smiles—it’s about allowing your personality to shine through naturally. As one client shared, the photographer made them feel so comfortable that the session felt more like a collaborative effort than a traditional photoshoot.

The best brand photographers don’t just direct you; they guide you in a way that feels effortless. They’ll tweak small details, like adjusting your position or shifting your focus, to ensure that every shot highlights the uniqueness of your business. Whether you’re working with a small team or participating in a shoot involving multiple people and models, this approach ensures that the photos truly represent your brand.

The Long-Term Benefits of Working with the Right Photographer

The relationship with your photographer doesn’t end when the session is over. A great photographer will continue to understand your business’s growth and evolution. Over time, they’ll be able to consistently capture new phases of your brand, ensuring that your visuals stay fresh and relevant. Many clients even develop long-term relationships with their photographers, inviting them back for future shoots as their business grows.

Brand photography is an invaluable tool for small businesses. It’s not just about having pretty pictures for your website or social media; it’s about creating a visual narrative that speaks to your audience and helps you build a stronger connection with them. By working with a photographer who understands your business and values, you can capture images that tell your story and reflect your brand’s true identity.

If you’re ready to elevate your business with brand photography, take the time to find a photographer who resonates with your vision. The investment will pay off in the form of strong, authentic visuals that help you connect with your audience and stand out in a competitive market.