The Role of Narrative in Growing a Business: Photography, Video, and Words
Every business has a story, but most don’t fully understand how to tell it in a way that truly connects with people.
Over the years, I’ve learned that combining photography, video, and written content is one of the most powerful ways to make a story memorable and meaningful. In this post, I want to share how I think about narrative and how it shapes the way I work with clients.
Narrative Builds Connection
I’ve seen firsthand that people engage most deeply with brands that feel human. Narrative helps a business move beyond products or services and into values, personality, and purpose.
When I plan a shoot or a video session, I start by thinking about the story the client wants to tell.
Who are they speaking to? What feeling do they want to leave people with? Photography captures moments, expressions, and environments. Video adds movement, sound, and personality. Together, these elements allow a story to resonate on multiple levels.
Photography as the Visual Voice
Photography is my favorite part of storytelling because it freezes authentic moments that words alone can’t capture.
When I’m photographing a client:
I pay attention to details that communicate who they are — posture, environment, lighting.
I think about cohesion: how these images will work together across social media, websites, and other platforms.
I aim for authenticity, even when the moment is staged — the goal is always for someone viewing the image to feel like they “know” the subject.
It’s fascinating to see how an image can instantly communicate a brand’s personality and values, sometimes more effectively than a paragraph of text.
Video as the Layer of Emotion
Video is different — it brings movement, sound, and context to the story. I often use it to:
Show processes or behind-the-scenes moments
Capture candid expressions or interactions
Communicate tone and energy that still images can’t fully convey
I approach video as an extension of photography: it’s not just about visuals, it’s about creating a story that feels alive and engaging.
Words Tie It All Together
Even with strong visuals, words are essential. They give context, explain purpose, and connect emotion to meaning.
When I help clients shape their written content, I focus on:
Clarity — making sure the audience understands what the brand stands for
Personality — letting the client’s voice come through authentically
Story flow — ensuring visuals and words reinforce one another
Writing becomes the glue that holds the narrative together, allowing the story to be experienced as a whole.
Bringing It All Together
What I love most about storytelling in business is seeing how these elements interact. A photograph tells one part, a video adds depth, and words provide clarity. When these layers are thoughtfully combined, the story becomes something people not only notice — they remember.
For me, it’s never about perfect images or slick copy — it’s about finding and expressing the heart of the story. That’s the part that resonates, inspires, and sticks.
This version is:
Behind-the-scenes and personal — readers get insight into your approach and mindset.
Educational — explains how storytelling works without any promotion.
Readable — clear subheadings and natural flow.
At the end of the day, what matters most is the story itself — the truth, intention, and personality behind a brand. Photography, video, and words are simply tools to bring that story to life. When they work together thoughtfully, they help a business connect with real people in meaningful ways. For me, the most rewarding part of this work is seeing a story unfold and knowing it resonates, not because it looks perfect, but because it feels authentic and human.
