When you’re planning a shoot with a Vancouver Branding Photographer, location is one of the most powerful storytelling tools you have. It shapes the mood, the colours, the energy of your images — and most importantly, the way your audience feels about your business the moment they land on your website or scroll past one of your posts.

As a Vancouver branding photographer, I spend a lot of time helping clients choose locations that actually support their message, not just “look pretty.” Your environment should say something about your business: welcoming, elevated, artistic, warm, structured, bold, or relaxed. The right location becomes a visual extension of your brand.

Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, café owner, wellness professional, service provider, or small local business, here are some of the best locations in Vancouver for creating strategic, scroll-stopping brand imagery — plus tips for choosing the place that reflects your story.

Why Location Matters in Brand Photography

Your brand photos aren’t just images — they’re communication tools.

A clean, minimalist studio signals professionalism and clarity.
A cozy café speaks to warmth and approachability.
A natural outdoor space conveys ease, groundedness, or creativity.
A stylish boutique interior communicates curation and personality.

Your location sets expectations before a single word on your website is read.

For example, one of my favourite recent shoots took place in a café setting. The brand wanted to position their space as a place to work, meet, and connect — almost like a boutique, slower-paced version of Starbucks. Shooting in their actual location helped us:

• Show the atmosphere of their café
• Highlight their high-tea offerings
• Create art-driven product shots
• Introduce the faces behind the brand

That’s the power of choosing a purposeful location.

(If you want more inspiration on how your brand photos can work for you, you may also like: How to Use Your Brand Photos Strategically →)

What Makes a Great Brand Photo Location?

Before we dive into specific Vancouver spots, here are a few criteria I use with clients when selecting a location:

1. Lighting

Good natural light is non-negotiable. It softens skin tones, highlights details, and makes everything feel high-end.

2. Visual consistency

Your background should match your brand colours, tone, and aesthetic.
Earthy? Minimal? Bright and airy? Bold? Rustic? We choose a space that naturally supports those elements.

3. Functionality

Can you move around easily?
Is there space for wardrobe changes?
Does it allow props, laptops, food, product shots, etc.?

4. Story

Does the location help your audience understand what you do — or how you want them to feel?

If a location doesn’t support your message, it’s not the right location.

For more about how brand imagery actually shapes your business image, you might enjoy:
How a Branding Photographer Elevates Your Business Image →

The Best Vancouver Locations for On-Brand Photos

Below are my go-to environments in and around Vancouver.
The “best” one is always the one that visually aligns with your brand.

1. Boutique Studios (Clean, Minimal, Professional)

Studio spaces — whether natural-light studios or smaller creative lofts — are ideal for:

• Coaches
• Consultants
• Creatives
• Photographers
• Wellness professionals
• Anyone wanting a polished, high-end feel

Studios give you full control: lighting, props, sets, wardrobe changes, and a clean visual foundation.

This is perfect if you want a gallery of images that feel consistent from top to bottom.

Best for brands that want to communicate:

clarity, confidence, elevated simplicity, modern professionalism.

2. Cafés & Coffee Shops (Warm, Approachable, Lifestyle-Driven)

Vancouver has no shortage of beautifully designed cafés — and they make incredible backdrops for brand photos.

A café setting tells your audience:

• You’re relatable
• You’re approachable
• You work in real spaces
• You value connection and community

This is a great option for:

• Creative entrepreneurs
• Writers
• Designers
• Real estate professionals
• Lifestyle-driven brands

And if you’re a café or bakery owner, shooting in your own space allows you to highlight atmosphere, signature beverages, pastries, customer experience, and special offerings like high tea.

Best for brands that want to communicate:

warmth, creativity, community, hospitality, lifestyle, accessibility.

3. Your Workspace or Studio (Authentic, Behind-the-Scenes, Relatable)

Your audience wants to see where the magic happens.

Whether it’s:

• A home office
• A bakery kitchen
• A design studio
• A treatment room
• A workshop
• A retail storefront

Shooting in your own space roots your brand photos in truth.
It shows your process, your tools, your environment, and your personality.

This type of location is especially powerful for:

• Makers and artists
• Wellness providers
• Therapists and practitioners
• Café owners
• Product-based businesses
• Educators and coaches

These images help potential customers feel like they’re stepping into your world.

4. Outdoor Urban Spaces (Modern, Editorial, Energetic)

Gastown, Mount Pleasant murals, Yaletown brick, Coal Harbour waterfront, or the West End’s softer tones — Vancouver has endless outdoor backdrops.

Urban environments are ideal for brands wanting something:

• Modern
• Trend-forward
• Creative
• Editorial
• Bold

They work well for:

• Influencers and creatives
• Personal brands
• Fashion or beauty professionals
• Real estate agents
• Start-ups and modern service providers

Editorial outdoor images feel confident and contemporary — perfect for brands ready to stand out.

5. Outdoor Natural Spaces (Grounded, Earthy, Calm)

If your brand leans toward:

• Natural wellness
• Sustainability
• Mindfulness
• Outdoor recreation
• Holistic practices

…then Vancouver’s natural beauty becomes your built-in brand palette.

Think:

• Pacific Northwest forests
• Beaches
• Open grassy fields
• Lakeside tones
• Earthy trails

Soft, grounded, natural imagery helps your brand feel rooted, calm, and intentional.

How to Choose the Right Location for Your Brand

Here’s a simple framework I use with clients:

1. Start with your brand values

Are you warm and friendly? Minimalist and modern? Luxe? Playful? Bold?

2. Consider your audience

Where would they want to imagine themselves with you?

3. Think about the content you actually need

Tutorial-style shots? Workspace scenes? Product styling? Client interactions?

4. Choose a location that supports the story

Not every brand needs a café.
Not every brand needs a studio.

The right location is the one your business can grow into.

What Happens After You Pick a Location?

Once we choose where to shoot, I help you plan:

• Wardrobe and colours that make sense for the setting
• Props and tools that support your messaging
• A shot list tailored to your platforms
• Layout-friendly images for banners, website sections, and social media

If you want a deeper look at how strategic brand photography works, you might find this post helpful:
How to Use Your Brand Photos Strategically (and Get the Most Out of Your Investment)

About the Author | Kelly Warkentin

Kelly is the founder of Kindred Brand Imagery, a Vancouver-based Branding Photography studio who specializes in creating strategic brand imagery for small business, personal brands and hospitality brands. With 8 years of experience with building her own brand, Kelly helps entrepreneurs who want to stand out, stay true to their values, and actually connect with the people they’re here to serve. When she’s not photographing clients, you’ll find her playing with her three little ones, coffee in hand, or doing some cool things on an aerial silk.

Explore the branding photography process at kindredbrandimagery.com