chicago area
branding photographer
Personal branding photography for women who are done being the best-kept secret in their industry.
- Built for where you're going, not where you've been
- Guided, unhurried, probably more fun than you're expecting
- Real, specific, unmistakably you
The last shoot didn't feel like you. let's change that.
Most women who book with me have been putting this off for a while.
Some tried an AI app that came back looking like a stranger wearing their face. Some had a corporate shoot that was technically fine but somehow still wrong. Some have been using the same photo since 2019 and quietly wince every time they have to send it somewhere.
The thing they all say: "I just want to look like myself."
Every session starts with a planning call so that by the time you walk in, nothing is a guess. And once you're here, my job is to get you out of your head. I watch for the freeze, redirect it, and we slow down until the real you shows up in the frame.
That's why the reaction, when the gallery lands in your inbox, is almost always the same.
Yes. That's the whole point.
"Is that really me?"
real results
"From start to finish, working with Ann was both professional and genuinely fun."
As a new business owner, the thoughtfully curated resources she provides helped me get really clear on who I am and what my services mean to my clients, and the final photos are a true testament to that work. Not to mention, they feel like me! Beyond her talent, Ann is incredibly kind and a true cheerleader for women in business.
- Samantha, Wellness Coach
What to expect
Every branding session starts before you ever set foot in the studio.
this is for you.
We talk about your business, your brand, what you're trying to communicate, and what images you actually need. By the end of it, we have a real plan.
Professional Hair and Makeup right at the studio before your shoot.
A full creative suite built around your business story including headshots, lifestyle shots, and detail shots with head-to-toe posing guidance.
The Shoot
Hair & Makeup Included
The Planning Call
Call Ann (217) 417-5988
email: Ann@annkam.com
I'd love to chat with you! Fill out the form below to get in touch.
Let’s fix this.
What Makes This Different
A few things worth knowing
Hair and makeup is included in every single session - not as an add-on. I want you to feel supported and empowered, not frustrated by having to to find and book a hair and makeup team yourself.
I think like a business owner, not just a photographer. Every image we plan has a purpose. Hero shot for your homepage. Lifestyle photo for your about page. Detail shots that show how you work. We build a library, not a collection of pretty pictures.
The studio is my home in Barrington - mid-century modern, warm, and nothing like a commercial photography space. My dog Rumi will greet you at the door. It's that kind of place.
And 15 years of doing this. My work has been featured in the New York Times, People Magazine, Inc., and Business Insider. I hold awards from Portrait Masters and WPPI. I've been doing this long enough to know how to make you look like yourself on your best day and to make the whole experience feel like the opposite of what most people dread about having their photo taken.
Clients Come From All Over Chicagoland
The studio is located in Barrington - easy to reach from the suburbs and even Chicago. Women regularly make the drive from Naperville, Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Wilmette, and Evanston. We also work with clients from Lincoln Park, River North, and the Gold Coast who want a fun, intentional, personal experience .
If you're searching for a personal branding photographer in the Chicago suburbs, I'd love to connect.
RESERVE MY SPOT
Get inspired by women who stepped into the spotlight with brand images that reflect their story, style, and next-level goals.
Rodina Botanicals:
Natural Skin Care
Meredith
Travel Advisor
Citygirl Events
Event Planner
Real Women. Real Brands. Real Results.
“
"I cannot recommend Ann enough!
From start to finish, my personal brand shoot was an absolute dream."
- vivianne
Choosing the right fit
Headshots vs. Branding Photography
Headshots are a great fit if you just need a few updated photos for profiles or bios. Branding photography goes further by telling the story behind your business - showing who you are, how you work, and what makes you different - so potential clients can understand, trust, and choose you with confidence.
What’s Included in
Your Brand Photoshoot
+ Strategy call to plan your visuals
+ Professional hair & makeup
+ Multiple outfit changes
+ Wardrobe guidance
Every branding session includes:
+ Full posing & expression coaching
+ Professional retouching
Our Approach
ABOUT US
My sessions are guided, intentional, and supportive. I help you plan the right images, coach you through posing and expression, and create photos that feel natural, current, and unmistakably you. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s clarity, confidence, and images that actually work for your business.
Who This Experience Is For
Women who are building something. Entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, realtors, lawyers, health professionals, creatives - whose online presence doesn't match the level they're actually operating at yet.
Women who are tired of hiding behind an outdated headshot that looks nothing like them.
Women who want to open their website and feel genuinely proud.
I work with a lot of women over 40 - women who have spent years being the person behind the brand, not in front of the camera. Women who say some version of the same thing: "I've never felt great in photos."
That changes. Every time.
“
Ann was amazing! She did an incredible job capturing my story.
This was a great experience thanks to Ann.
- eva
What this makes possible
Clients use their images to elevate their brand, attract higher-level opportunities, show up confidently across their website and marketing, and finally feel proud of how they’re seen.
Investment
Brand photoshoots are an investment in your visibility.
Most clients invest $2,500 - $5,000+, depending on the image collection that best supports their business and how they plan to use their photos & videos.
This is about choosing a set of images that works hard for you - not just today, but across your website, LinkedIn, and marketing over time.
FAQs
Q. What should I wear?
Don't worry, during our consultation we will talk about your brand and what to wear that will not only look good on camera, but will help tell your brand story.
Not at all. Most of our clients feel the same way! That’s why we provide full posing and expression coaching. We’ll guide you through every step so you look and feel comfortable.
Q. I feel so awkward in front of the camera - will that show?
A brand photoshoot is a strategic photography session designed to create images and videos you can use across your website, LinkedIn, and marketing. Instead of focusing on a single headshot, it builds a cohesive library that shows who you are, what you do, and how you work.
Q. What is a brand photoshoot?
It depends on how many stories your business needs to tell. For some professionals - like realtors or accountants - a smaller collection (around 10 images) can work well for a mix of headshots and lifestyle photos. For businesses with more unique services, multiple offers, or ongoing marketing needs, a larger collection (often 30–50 images) allows us to tell a fuller story across your website, email campaigns, blog posts, and other content. During your planning session, we’ll map out what makes the most sense for you.
Q. How many photos do I actually need for my business?
Branding photoshoots can take place at my home studio in Barrington, Illinois, or on-location in a space that makes sense for your business. We will discuss the options that best tell your story as a part of your planning call.
Q. Where does the shoot take place?
Clients typically use their images on their website, LinkedIn profile, email marketing, social media, speaking materials, and PR features. The goal is versatility, not just a single use.
Q. Where will I use these photos?
Headshots are ideal if you only need a few updated images for profiles or bios. Branding photography is more comprehensive - it’s designed to show who you are, how you work, and what makes your business different, so potential clients can quickly understand you, trust you, and feel confident choosing you.
Q. How is branding photography different from headshots?
Yes, always. Every branding session includes professional hair and makeup done at the studio or on site before we pick up a camera. You show up. We handle the rest. No coordinating a separate team, no day-of scramble.
Q. Is hair and makeup included?
That's actually one of the most important conversations we have. After your shoot we map out exactly where each image is going: which ones are for your homepage hero, which ones are for your about page, which ones rotate through social media, which ones go on your LinkedIn. You leave with a gallery and a plan, not just files sitting in a folder.
Q. What do I do with my photos after the shoot?
In most cases, yes. Photography for business purposes is generally considered a marketing expense and is deductible. That said, everyone's situation is different, so check with your accountant. Most of Ann's clients treat their session as a business investment, because that's exactly what it is.
Q. Is branding photography tax deductible?
Yes. We offer a variety of payment plan options including Klarna and Afterpay.
Q. Do you offer payment plans?
Headshots are ideal if you only need a few updated images for profiles or bios. Branding photography is more comprehensive - it’s designed to show who you are, how you work, and what makes your business different, so potential clients can quickly understand you, trust you, and feel confident choosing you.
Q. How is branding photography different from headshots?
LET'S DO THIS THING, ok?
WANT IN?
I can't wait to help you level up. Send over your info and we'll connect on the best way to move forward.
Who I work with
Don't see your profession?
This list isn't exhaustive. If you don't see yourself here, reach out! I'd love to chat about photographing you.
Show agents and sellers exactly why they should call you first.
Musicians
Specific to you, not a generic "musician with instrument" shot. Your sound, in an image.
Med Spas
Polished without being cold. Approachable expertise, exactly what your clients are looking for.
Home Stagers
Polished, personable, and worth the commission. Your photos should say all of that.
Therapists
Your clients are looking for someone safe. These photos tell them you are.
Speakers
The image library that gets you booked. Confident, commanding, completely yourself.
Realtors
Coaches
Your clients need to trust you before they book. These photos do that.
Interior Designers
Let's photograph you in spaces that reflect your aesthetic and your eye.
Dentists
Approachable, professional, and nothing like a stock photo. Your patients will notice.
Call Ann (217) 417-5988
email: Ann@annkam.com
I'd love to chat with you! Fill out the form below to get in touch.
