Lidia Drzewiecka: Brand Photography & Web Design for Authentic Identity

The gap between generic images and genuine identity

In my early career I saw many personal brands using headshots or stock images that felt generic. I felt there was space for a hybrid approach: combining strategic design thinking with photography that feels genuine, emotive, narrative, and powerful. That belief grew into Visuable.

I tested the idea by experimenting with conceptual shoots, identity work, storytelling, and combining photography with web design. Over time I saw that many clients wanted more than just a website or photo session, they wanted a visual identity that aligned with who they are. That became Visuable's core offering.

Five critical gaps in brand photography I identified

1. Generic headshots or stock images that didn't reflect their true brand identity.
2. Disconnect between their photography and their website design.
3. Pretty images without strategic storytelling or narrative depth.
4. Lack of confidence in presenting themselves visually.
5. No unified visual identity across photography, web, and brand elements.

I wanted to create an agency that bridges these gaps, offering photography rooted in narrative and identity while building a digital presence that reflects the authentic soul of each brand.

Developing the visual branding approach

I began offering brand photo shoots under the "visual branding" idea, planning conceptual, identity-driven shoots informed by strategy. My blog notes I first coined this approach around 2015, blending identity, performance, staging and narrative in photography.

I accepted small projects (entrepreneurs, coaches) and iterated my process: client questionnaires and discovery, moodboards and visual direction, strategic shoot planning, narrative-driven photography sessions, and full web design, brand identity, copy and SEO support.

Then I added full web design, brand identity, copy, SEO support to expand into a creative agency model.

Attracting purpose-driven entrepreneurs and creatives

Over time Visuable attracted a range of clients: coaches, healers, authors, speakers, consultants, creative professionals, and small service businesses. I often work with clients who have outgrown simple headshots and want a deeper visual identity.

Five elements that define my creative approach

1. Strategic and Visual in One: I don't just take pictures. I design identity systems and websites that reflect the soul of your brand.
2. Narrative and Performance Sketching: My photographic approach is rooted in telling a story through location, style, staging, posture, and props.
3. Authenticity and Vulnerability: I encourage clients to present themselves honestly, not forced or over-posed.
4. Technical Plus Emotional: Quality in lighting, retouching, and layout, but also in feeling, connection, and expression.
5. Ease and Support: From planning, styling, and direction to delivery, clients tell me they feel comfortable, seen, and confident through the process.

How I attract purpose-driven clients

• Case studies and transformations: Sharing before-after visual changes that demonstrate impact.
• Educational blogging: Posts on brand photography theory, identity work, visual storytelling (e.g. how brand photos shape perception).
• Social media storytelling: Behind-the-scenes, shoot stories, client spotlight images, visual work naturally lends itself to shareable content.
• Clear package structure: Photo shoots, web builds, identity work to simplify decision making.
• Free consultations: Helping people understand what's possible before committing.

Six lessons from building a creative agency

1. Start with your story, not your visuals: Understand the "why" before the "how."
2. Document your process early: Onboarding, questionnaires, deliverables so your operations can scale.
3. Use visual work as your marketing: Your own photos, website, behind-the-scenes show credibility.
4. Be clear in your packages and outcomes: Make choosing you simple.
5. Show evidence: Client results, transformations, testimonials.
6. Don't shy away from vulnerability: Real connection often wins trust over perfection.

What I'd change if I started over

If I could start over, I would invest earlier in video content showing shoots, process and client stories, build more group offers or mini-courses to reduce dependence on one-to-one time, systemise processes earlier with client briefs and workflows so I can bring in collaborators without losing consistency, and create scalable educational content with earlier development of workshops and courses.

Where I'm taking Visuable next

I plan to expand Visuable's reach globally by offering more remote services: identity, web and visual packages for clients wherever they are. I also want to deepen educational offerings: workshops, mini-courses on brand photography for entrepreneurs, maybe mentorship for upcoming brand photographers.

My goal is that when someone wants imagery that feels true, powerful, and brand aligned, they think of Visuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Visuable's approach to brand photography unique?

Visuable moves beyond generic headshots by blending strategic design with emotive, narrative-driven photography. The focus is on telling your unique story and bringing your authentic identity to life, ensuring your images are not just pretty but also powerful and aligned with your brand's soul.

Who is the ideal client for Lidia Drzewiecka's services?

Lidia primarily works with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, coaches, authors, speakers, and creative professionals. If you feel you've outgrown simple headshots and need a deeper, more cohesive visual identity across your website and photography, her services are designed for you.

What does the creative process involve?

The process is collaborative and strategic. It starts with discovery questionnaires and mood boards to understand your brand's essence. This is followed by strategic shoot planning and a narrative-driven photography session, which can be integrated with full web design, brand identity, copywriting, and SEO support to create a unified presence.

How does Visuable help clients build confidence?

Many clients lack confidence in presenting themselves visually. Visuable addresses this by creating a supportive and comfortable environment. The focus on authenticity and vulnerability, rather than forced poses, helps you present yourself honestly and feel truly seen, which naturally boosts your confidence.