Purpose Over Pretty: Building a Visual Strategy That Works
Tue Feb 03 2026
Episode Summary
Tune into Make Space for More as host Melissa Swink interviews brand photographer Julie Gile, who shares her journey from personal tragedy to professional success. Julie discusses the importance of storytelling in brand photography – especially the need for strategy and intentionality in capturing visuals that resonate with clients.
You’ll learn tips and tricks for working with clients, the difference between headshots and lifestyle branding, and the significance of investing in growth through coaching and team building. Julie also provides valuable insights into preparing for a brand photo shoot and how to use your visuals for effective marketing.
Key Highlights:
Brand photography is not just about taking pretty pictures. Intentional brand photos help you tell your unique story and connect with your audience.It’s OK to let your personality shine! Lifestyle branding photos capture the real you, helping ideal clients feel like they already know and trust you.When your visuals match your business goals, magic happens. Smart visual storytelling can transform your marketing strategy.Great brand photos start with understanding what makes your clients tick: What are their dreams, values, and target audience?Growing a successful business is a journey. Get tips for investing in professional development and how Julie has surrounded herself with the right team. Want to feel amazing in front of the camera? Tune in for advice about preparing yourself and your mindset for your next photoshoot, so your brand photos will capture the authentic essence of your business.
About Our Guest:
Meet Julie of Julie M Gile Photography: a brand- and commercial-photographer who’s boosted over 500 businesses by turning visuals into emotional connection. Her studio kicks off with expert strategy and ends with images that feel authentic, alive, and unmistakably human. She builds not just pretty but profitable images that connect your story. Let’s dive in. Julie offers a free 30 min Brand Strategy Session to clarify your brand’s top goals, and give you smart, actionable ways to implement these. Contact Julie here for more information: https://www.juliemgilephotography.com/let-s-connect
About Melissa:
Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.
Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.
Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more!
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If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
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Episode Summary Tune into Make Space for More as host Melissa Swink interviews brand photographer Julie Gile, who shares her journey from personal tragedy to professional success. Julie discusses the importance of storytelling in brand photography – especially the need for strategy and intentionality in capturing visuals that resonate with clients. You’ll learn tips and tricks for working with clients, the difference between headshots and lifestyle branding, and the significance of investing in growth through coaching and team building. Julie also provides valuable insights into preparing for a brand photo shoot and how to use your visuals for effective marketing. Key Highlights: Brand photography is not just about taking pretty pictures. Intentional brand photos help you tell your unique story and connect with your audience.It’s OK to let your personality shine! Lifestyle branding photos capture the real you, helping ideal clients feel like they already know and trust you.When your visuals match your business goals, magic happens. Smart visual storytelling can transform your marketing strategy.Great brand photos start with understanding what makes your clients tick: What are their dreams, values, and target audience?Growing a successful business is a journey. Get tips for investing in professional development and how Julie has surrounded herself with the right team. Want to feel amazing in front of the camera? Tune in for advice about preparing yourself and your mindset for your next photoshoot, so your brand photos will capture the authentic essence of your business. About Our Guest: Meet Julie of Julie M Gile Photography: a brand- and commercial-photographer who’s boosted over 500 businesses by turning visuals into emotional connection. Her studio kicks off with expert strategy and ends with images that feel authentic, alive, and unmistakably human. She builds not just pretty but profitable images that connect your story. Let’s dive in. Julie offers a free 30 min Brand Strategy Session to clarify your brand’s top goals, and give you smart, actionable ways to implement these. Contact Julie here for more information: https://www.juliemgilephotography.com/let-s-connect About Melissa: Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits. Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love. Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and...