The Psychology of Engagement: Why People Click on Photos of People
Why do we try to turn fleeting experiences into lasting images? Photos don’t just freeze moments in time. They also open doors, spark engagement, create connections, and build trust in your brand.
When scrolling through LinkedIn or Instagram, I often find myself slowing down at the sight of a familiar face. Logos and graphics slip past almost unnoticed, but a spontaneous expression in a photograph always stands out. It’s a simple reminder that people connect most strongly with people, and the same is true for visual content.
Why Faces Capture Our Attention
Humans are naturally drawn to faces. We have always relied on subtle cues to understand one another, but nothing communicates emotion as directly as the face. We recognise expressions instantly, not because we’ve been taught, but because we’ve evolved to. A smile, a frown, or raised eyebrows can say more in a moment than words ever could.
Other signals, like a sigh or a laugh, can give us clues, but they’re often shaped by culture and can be open to interpretation. Faces are different. They’re universal. They cut through uncertainty and speak a language everyone understands. That’s why a genuine expression in a photograph feels so powerful. It’s the most immediate way we connect with each other.
Why People-Centred Photos Work
I have noticed that social media posts featuring people receive significantly more likes, comments, and shares than posts without people in them. For entrepreneurs and SMEs, professional event photography for small businesses means more than keepsakes; it creates marketing assets you can use across platforms.
Professional event photos featuring real people can:
Increase engagement on LinkedIn posts.
Create a more relatable “About” or “Events” page on your website.
Strengthen newsletters and email campaigns.
Here are some practical ways to get the most from your event photography:
Share candid photos on LinkedIn to encourage meaningful comments and interaction.
Use people-focused photos on your website to create instant connection with potential clients.
Highlight team and guest photos in newsletters to build community and strengthen relationships.
Showcase your brand’s personality and professionalism in presentations or pitch decks.
By reusing your professional event photos across platforms, you’re building a consistent, trustworthy image for your business.
📸 Ready to build a library of professional event photography for your small business? If so, I’d love to help! Get in touch here.