We were lucky to catch up with Osiris Cote recently and have shared our conversation below.

Osiris, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I see plenty of photographers offering brand photo sessions in my area, but every time I scroll through their socials or websites, I notice one big thing missing: strategy.
Brand photography isn’t just about posing with a laptop or a cup of coffee—sure, that can work sometimes, but my approach is more intentional. I dive deep into your brand to uncover what truly makes you unique and relatable. After all, that’s what your clients really want to see: a personal brand that feels authentic.

Osiris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Osiris, a Chicago-based personal brand photographer who helps creative entrepreneurs and small business owners strategically create visual content that resonates on a personal level. When I’m not working, you can find me baking sourdough bread, tending my spring garden, or crocheting a cozy blanket—my own ways of nurturing creativity.
My journey into brand photography started somewhat by accident in 2018. A local personal chef booked me for what she called a “lifestyle session,” asking for food stills, action shots in the kitchen, and a few headshots. At the time, I had no idea I was actually doing brand photography, but she loved her photos! Looking back, I realize I would have approached it with more strategy if I knew then what I know now. Over the next few years, I kept hearing more about personal brand photography. By 2020, I was hooked—this niche was still new and not many photographers were doing it. I dove into as much education as I could, and over the past five years, I’ve refined my process to highlight what makes each business owner unique.
We all tend to buy from people we like and trust, right? That’s exactly where I come in. I help entrepreneurs and small businesses show they’re likable and trustworthy. I’m most proud of the transformations I see when clients realize their photos truly reflect who they are. That personal touch and focus on authenticity is what sets me apart. I don’t just take pictures; I guide my clients through a deep-dive process that uncovers what makes them special, so their visuals spark real trust and engagement.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

As a photographer, creativity is at the heart of what I do. That said, the business side of photography is just as crucial. For me, navigating that side of things was a learning experience. A lot of my growth came from connecting with my peers, and in the early stages, The Rising Tide Society was one of the most valuable resources I could find.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

SEO. Hands down. Learn about it and apply it to your industry/niche.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://osiriscote.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osiriscote

Image Credits

Lisa Kathan
Being Joy Photography
Osiris Cote