Let's Talk Dirty...
Figure out the WHY of your Branding Photoshoot. Your photographer needs to know where you’re using the images and what you’re using them for. They will be able to shoot with more intention and get you all the images you need.
Find out where you want to use the images, and why you decided that you want a branding photoshoot now. Do you want updated headshots, product images, behind the scenes? Where are you using the images? Social media, website or event print materials?
Maybe you have no idea why you want to do this or where you want to use the images but you know you need to up-level with a Branding Photoshoot. This is where consults come in. I will sit with you ( or chat over FaceTime) to help you figure all of these things out long before we shoot. Don’t get too overwhelmed with this, I am here to help!
Be Organized
Put together a shot list. This can be done with the help of your inspiration board ( that I send every client). A shot list is crucial to a branding photographer – it makes sure that we get all the content you need out of a Branding Photoshoot and maximize your money.
If you don’t have a clear idea of what you want, think about the content you want to put out (emails, blogs, instagram and facebook) and think of images and subjects that would support that content.
Visit this blog post about 5 Types of Images that Attract Your Ideal Client to get a better idea of what you might need.
Choose your Location Wisely
So you took the time do plan all of these things out, but now you have to figure out where to go for the Branding Photoshoot. Do you need to be outdoors, in a coffee shop, in your home?
I recommend keeping the amount of locations to a minimum. Max 2-3 for a 1.5 hour session. And that all depends on how far each location is from the next, If you’re not sure where to go, here are some ideas that might help you.
- rent an AirBNB
- rent a show home
- rent a local office space
- use a family member or friend’s home
Be Stratigic about Props
Keeping the props minimal and classic will go a long way to keeping your images as fresh and usable for as long as possible. Trendy props are fun, but you can’t always use them further down the road and you content might lose its usability quickly. Think of props as enhancements and tools to help keep your hands busy. Keep them relevant to your business and personality. For example if you don’t wear glasses, don’t bring any. If you don’t use a day planner, don’t buy a new one just for the shoot.
You also have to keep your props logical. Adding a succulent to that tequila bottle might look good… but it doesn’t always make sense. Ex: If you are mixing cocktails, bring different glasses, citrus, garnishes, bar tools and ice. A mix of textures like trays, tea towels, throws and placemats can also help elevate your images without looking too “fake”.
Get Picky with your Wardrobe
Aim to have a different outfit for every “shot” or theme on your shot list. The goal here is to make it look like you had multiple sessions on different days and provide as much variety to your Branding Photoshoot as possible. I want to maximize your ROI (Return on Investment) because we might as well get as much content as possible for your business.
Here is an outfit inspiration board for you to pull from BUT I like to keep things clean and simple. When in doubt, send me a text of your outfit ideas and I would be more than happy to help curate your shoot’s outfits.
