So you have your brand that’s perfect for both you and your business, now what? One thing that every good brand needs is a brand photoshoot. Having professional brand pictures helps elevate your brand and keep a consistent look across all platforms. This blog was written to help guide you through the sometimes challenging process of obtaining these brand pictures by outlining the eight steps you need to take in advance to prepare for your successful brand photoshoot.

• Step One: Determine Your Vision

When determining the vision for your brand photoshoot, there are a few different ways you could go about it. One way is to make a Pinterest board with imagery and vibes that coincide with your branding. Another way is to make a mood board or collage of pictures cut out of anything from magazines to newspapers to make a cohesive inspiration board that aligns with your branding. You can also do both too! The clearer your vision is for the photoshoot, the easier it will be for your photographer to get on the same page as you to execute on that vision, and the smoother your shoot will go. 

• Step Two: Find Your Team

Finding your team may seem difficult but, in the online world, photographers are around every corner. Depending on your budget, some photographers may even be willing to travel to your dream location. However, for logistics purposes, it will be easiest to find someone local to your area. Once you find a few photographers, take a look at their portfolios to find one that would match the style you are wanting best. You’ll want to find a photographer whose style aligns with your creative vision so that you aren’t having to force the look you want to achieve.

• Step Three: Find Your Location

Now it’s time to find the perfect location for your photoshoot. This is possibly one of the most important steps on the list. The setting of your photos can make or break the brand vision you had in mind. If you want an elevated, professional look, you may opt for locations with big office buildings or the hustle and bustle of a big city. If you’re a food blogger or a chef you may want to find a nice kitchen and dining room table to use in your pictures. If you’re a personal trainer or fitness coach, a gym may be a good place for you. The opportunities are endless. Just make sure the scenery matches your branding and makes sense for your type of business. 

You also want to pick a location that has the same colors as your brand. If it doesn’t, your images will clash with the rest of your brand visuals. 

If you aren’t sure of your brand colors yet, I recommend finding a location that has very minimal colors so it will match whatever colors you decide to pull in with your brand design. 

• Step Four: Create a Shot List

The next step to take in preparation is to come up with a shot list. A shot list is essentially a checklist for both you and your photographer to ensure all the pictures you are wanting get taken. A shot list helps put your photoshoot into perspective and gain a good idea of what to prioritize and how the pacing of the session should go. You should bring your shot list with you to the photoshoot to make sure nothing gets overlooked or forgotten. 

Pro tip: Remember to also add detail shots to your list. You’ll want images of your hands working on your computer or typing on your phone. Other good pictures are flat lays of your desk with papers and a coffee. These will come in handy when you are building out your site and get tired of having pictures of yourself smiling at the camera everywhere!

• Step Five: Prepare Your Wardrobe

Now it’s time to pick out your outfits. Similar to location, you want your outfits to match your branding. If your brand is formal, you’ll want to make sure your outfits are formal. If you have more of a relaxed brand image, don’t be afraid to throw on some jeans and a comfy blouse. Plan to have around three outfit changes, give or take, that are all different but adequately relevant to your branding in one way or another. As long as you love your outfits and it matches your branding, you can wear whatever you like. (Remember to keep in mind your brand colors when choosing outfits! If you aren’t sure of your brand colors, go with neutral colors.)

• Step Six: Decide on Hair, Makeup and Accessories

Now that your wardrobe is picked out, it’s time to expand on it. Hair, makeup and accessories are all great ways to accentuate your outfits and further tie your photoshoot into your branding. When deciding how you want to do your hair and makeup, consider hiring a hair and makeup artis. For your accessories, try and think of the full picture when it comes to your outfits. You’ll want to pack everything from jewelry to handbags and purses. Just keep in mind that accessories can heavily affect the overall visual look and feel of your outfit, so make sure they are all on brand too.

• Step Seven: List Out and Pack Props

Props are a great way to liven up your pictures and give them some personality. Depending on your business and your personal interests and hobbies, there are a ton of options for props. If you are a business mogul, you can bring a briefcase, some folders or binders, a laptop, and other items you use to complete your daily business tasks. For realtors, you could go with things like for sale signs, house keys, or a bottle of champagne to celebrate your clients’ closing. Books, bags, coffee cups, phones, stacks of money, etc.; the world is your oyster, just make sure your props align with your branding to make it as cohesive to your photoshoot as possible. 

• Step Eight: Get There Early and Bring Music

Photographers have busy schedules. The last thing you want to do is run late and miss half of your session. Make sure you are prepared and get there with plenty of time to spare. Another thing to keep in mind is photoshoots can be awkward and can feel drawn out sometimes. I suggest making or finding a good playlist to lighten the mood and cut some of the awkwardness and quiet times down. 

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I know that was a lot of information thrown at you, do you think you’re ready for your branding photoshoot? I think you are! 

Planning for a branding photoshoot may seem overwhelming at first glance, but that’s only if you don’t go into it prepared. Just remember to go in with a clear vision of what you want and to have fun with it. Brand photoshoots are a great opportunity to reinforce a solid brand identity across all platforms.
If you would like more guidance on your brand photoshoot, we offer photoshoot preparation as an add-on option to our Brand Design package. You can get more information on that here or email us for more info!