How to Prep for Your Branding Photoshoot
Branding photoshoots are something that a lot of small business owners dream of doing when they start their business - but how do you prep for everything that goes with a branding photoshoot?
I recently took my own branding photos (with the help of my husband, since we are both photographers), and learned a LOT about the process of planning and also executing a great brand photo session.
Because I had this experience, I want to make it easier for YOU to have a good plan going into your brand shoot so you have all of the photos you need.
Here is the process you should try to follow to prep for successful brand photoshoot:
Start By Pinning Inspiration
Before you even start looking for a photographer, head over to Pinterest to create a board filled with inspiration for your photoshoot.
You’ll want to start with this step because it will answer a ton of questions - like location, photo style, outfits, etc. - that will bring clarity to your planning process.
When you are on Pinterest, first just lookup “branding photos” and pin the images that jump out at you.
After you pin for a while, head back to your board and take notice of the patterns you see in the following:
Location – are they outside? Inside? In a cozy house setting? In a bright office?
Outfits – what are outfits that you are drawn to/fit your brand? Do you want to stick to more versatile neutrals, or do you love a good, vibrant outfit?
Posing – is the posing full of movement? More relaxed or more professional looking? More abstract?
Photo style – are the photos light and airy? Vibrant and true to color? Dark and moody? Grain or no grain?
Details - What images are you drawn to that don’t include you (could serve as inspo for your detail images)?
Complete Your Session Research
After gathering your inspiration for the photoshoot, you are going to want to sit down and actually figure out the overall details of your session.
I would recommend finding a local photographer that fits the style you were inspired by on your Pinterest board.
Here is a step-by-step guide on finding the best brand photographer for you.
I always suggest trying to find photographers that are niched down as brand photographers, as they have more experience with brand photography, but I always think it’s more important to find a photographer that fits your style!
After reaching out to your photographer, they will most likely guide you through the actual planning of your session.
Talk to them about your location needs, share your Pinterest board for inspiration, and plan out how many outfits you want to do (I recommend at LEAST 3, since you will want to use this content for a while).
Brainstorm the Types of Content You Need
Next, you’ll want to sit down and get to the nitty gritty of your photoshoot.
Start with your outfits. Try to put together outfits that fit the style of your brand and provide diversity (so all your photos don’t look the same).
I would recommend trying to put outfits that can mix and match, since you will probably need to quickly change in order to not waste precious photoshoot time.
Also, plan out makeup and hairstyles in advance, in case you want any diversity in that area. I would recommend keeping it simple (unless you are promoting hair/makeup)!
Finally, plan out all of the images and content you need. You will definitely need photos of you (posed, in action, etc.), but also think about detail images that you will want for your website and social media platforms.
They could include products you sell, objects that relate to your profession, or maybe even some nice flatlays. The key with this is to overplan detail shots, as you often don’t take as many as you want!
With all of those steps, you should be EXTRA prepared for your brand photoshoot!
Remember that it should be a fun experience, and your photographer (and Pinterest) will be an excellent source to help you if you need some direction in planning.
Good luck to you on your brand photoshoot!