5 Inspiring Commercial Photography Campaigns and What You Can Learn from Them
In today’s world, brands compete in a landscape saturated with photos, videos and fast-moving visual content. Standing out requires more than nice images – it requires strategic, story-driven commercial photography campaigns that feel authentic, emotionally compelling and aligned with your brand’s identity.
As Kit Haselden explains,
“Professional photography helps brands stand out and look authentic in a very busy market. It gives businesses a chance to truly show who they are and highlight the services and products that make them unique.”
This article explores five inspiring campaigns, including real examples photographed by Kit Photography, and breaks down what businesses can learn when planning a new project. If you’re considering a shoot, this will help you approach your next commercial photography campaign with clarity and purpose (learn more about our commercial photography services here).
What Makes a Commercial Photography Campaign Truly Inspiring?
When you look at standout commercial campaigns, several elements consistently make them memorable. Strong storytelling, clear creative direction and genuine emotion heavily influence how audiences connect with a brand.
Core Components of Inspiring Commercial Photography Campaigns
| Component | What It Means | Why It Matters |
| Storytelling | Imagery that communicates narrative, emotion and purpose | Helps audiences connect with the brand |
| Brand Alignment | Visual tone reflects brand personality and values | Builds trust and recognition |
| Creative Direction | Lighting, composition, talent, styling, setting | Makes imagery distinctive and premium |
| Authenticity | Real moments and natural interactions | Increases relatability and engagement |
| Message Clarity | Images support the campaign’s central message | Strengthens marketing impact |
| Execution Quality | Strong planning and cohesive editing | Results in polished, consistent visuals |
Campaign 1: Greencross – A Warm, People-Centred Campaign
Greencross Vet Hospitals wanted imagery that reflected their caring, people-focused culture. Kit captured genuine interactions between vets, clients and their pets — the heart of their brand.
As he explains,
“Photographing a vet with a client and their pet, three personalities in one frame – created something naturally engaging.”
The authenticity of these moments resonated strongly, leading multiple Greencross locations to request the same approach and resulting in a cohesive, human-centred visual library.
Campaign 2: Daily Flow by Zoubayda Goisisi – A Creativity-Led Pilates Campaign
This campaign shows how powerful strong pre-production can be.
Kit recalls,
“It was a well thought-out brief – location, talent, wardrobe, grooming, everything aligned.”
Soft, bright lighting and dynamic movement helped express the energy of the brand. Over a four-hour session, Kit created a wide set of portraits, lifestyle moments and workout imagery, enough content to support Daily Flow’s marketing for six to twelve months.
Campaign 3: Queen Victoria Market – Storytelling That Feels Alive
This campaign centered on capturing the market’s real people and vibrant everyday moments.
As Kit shares,
“We spent two days capturing energy, warmth, excitement and everyday stories that make the market feel alive.”
The result is a collection of genuine, character-filled images that celebrate the spirit of one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.
Campaign 4: Guard Labs – Premium Product Photography With Impact
Guard Labs needed product images that felt premium and energetic. Kit combined clean studio lighting with water-splash effects to introduce movement and excitement, then paired these with real-life usage scenes. This blend of technical precision and lifestyle context helped create a modern, performance-driven visual identity.
Campaign 5: KordaMentha – A Brand Identity Transformation Through Photography
KordaMentha sought imagery that felt warmer and more human. Kit shifted lighting, tone and environment to achieve a friendlier, more contemporary look.
As he notes,
“The brand instantly felt more human and modern. It was a powerful refresh.”
The updated visuals supported a broader repositioning of the organisation and helped modernise how the brand is perceived.
What Your Brand Can Learn from These Campaigns
Here are some of the most valuable lessons for businesses planning their next photography project (or exploring professional brand photography campaigns).
1. Strong Pre-Production Shapes the Outcome
A clear moodboard, message and creative direction establish the foundation for an effective campaign.
2. Lighting Is the Fastest Way to Improve Imagery
Better lighting immediately elevates professionalism and visual polish.
3. Authenticity Always Stands Out
Genuine expressions and interactions resonate far more than staged moments.
4. Consistency Builds Recognition
Unified tones, colours and lighting styles strengthen brand identity.
5. Capture Plenty of Variety
Portraits, lifestyle images, product shots and behind-the-scenes content extend the lifespan of your campaign.
Planning Your Own Commercial Photography Campaign
If you’re preparing for an upcoming shoot, you can explore our step-by-step guide to planning a successful commercial photoshoot. It covers everything from pre-production and creative direction to lighting, talent and logistics.
👉 Read the full guide: Preparing for a commercial photoshoot
Final Thoughts
From Greencross and Daily Flow to Queen Victoria Market, Guard Labs and KordaMentha, these campaigns show just how powerful story-driven photography can be in shaping a brand. When creativity, planning and authenticity come together, photography becomes one of the most impactful tools for elevating your identity and helping audiences truly understand who you are.
If you’re exploring how strategic imagery can support your long-term brand presence, it’s worth considering how professional commercial photography contributes to consistency, trust and visual storytelling. Strong, intentional imagery doesn’t just enhance a single campaign – it helps build a clearer, more cohesive brand for years to come.
Ready to Elevate Your Next Campaign?
If you’re planning a commercial photoshoot or exploring fresh visual ideas, we’d love to help bring your brand’s story to life.
Reach out to discuss your project or request a tailored quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kit is a seasoned Kiwi-born photographer with over 15 years of industry experience. Starting his journey in Christchurch, New Zealand, before moving to Melbourne, Australia, where he founded Kit Photography in 2012.
With a deep passion for photography that began in his early teens, Kit has honed his skills across various genres, including capturing people, products, and properties. His extensive experience allows him to tell compelling stories through powerful imagery, showcasing his technical expertise and creative vision.
Kit’s client-centered approach and friendly professionalism create a comfortable and dynamic atmosphere on every project. His ability to understand his clients goals ensures exceptional results and lasting professional relationships.
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Commercial Photography
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Find out how our commercial photography services can help you stand out from the competition, and elevate your business image.