Yes it’s an investment but a brand photoshoot can be a total game changer for your creative business.
If you don’t prepare for it properly though you’re going to end up disappointed with a load of images you don’t like. We’ve seen lots of clients turn up a bit flustered, unsure of what they want or need. We get it – it’s not something you do every day and for many people it feels really uncomfortable (Toby, I’m looking at you.)
Professional brand photography is essential though for building brand recognition – it allows you to show your unique skills and talents and build trust amongst your audience. You’ll also get great content for your website and socials and feel more confident about putting your product and service in front of the right people.
If you’re photography looks unprofessional – what does that really say about your brand?
Plan your shoot right and not only will you feel really prepared, you’re likely to meet a photographer who gets what you’re all about and becomes an integral part of the growth of your business.
Gather Inspiration
First up, start by collecting images that speak to you and your audience. What sorts of colours, lighting, mood, outfits, locations, and poses are you drawn to? Are you looking for an editorial feel, something dark and moody, light and airy, colourful and fun or more serious and considered.
If you’re working with a brand designer, make sure the images you’re gathering align with your brand messaging and aesthetic. Pinterest boards are great for this, or even a shared folder of screenshots. Try not to get too caught up in what’s ‘on trend.’ Instead, focus on what feels true to your brand – this will help your photographer understand the look and feel you’re going for.
Photography by Emma Ledwith
Book Your Photographer
There are many brilliant brand photographers out there so do your research. If you have a recommendation then great! Take a look at their website, portfolio and instagram to see if their editing style aligns with your inspiration and then book a call.
It’s so important that you gel with your photographer and you feel comfortable with them – a brand shoot is a really personal experience so you need to feel like you’re all on the same page. Make sure you discuss what options are available to you too. Are you looking for a half day, full day or mini shoot? Is there an area of expertise that they specialise in such as product or lifestyle photography, how much do they charge to shoot outside of their location?
Get clear on expectations, share your inspo, and once you’re all happy, get a date in the diary 🙂
Book Your Venue
Ideally it s great to have multiple locations for your brand shoot but bear in mind this will take more time and organisation. Having a variety of locations means you have options when posting content on social media dependent on the time of year – you might use outdoor shots when posting in the summer and studio based shots during the winter months. You’ll also have a good variety of images which allows for more flexibility across your different platforms. Most importantly though the location you choose will set the tone. Whether it’s your own studio, a local café, or a hired space , make sure it reflects your brand personality.
Don’t forget to think practically – is there good natural light? Can you bring in props? Do you need permission to shoot there? If in doubt, ask your photographer for recommendations – they will know some real gems.
Limekiln Photography by Nicola Drummond Photography
Decide What Photos You ACTUALLY Need
Before you get carried away with backdrops and outfit changes, get clear on what these images are for. Do you need headshots for your website? Product photos? Social content? Think about where the images will be used – banner crops, Instagram squares, about page, email headers – and plan around that. If you’re currently rebranding and your website is having an overhaul, make sure you speak to your web designer too. They will expect to see a range of landscape and portrait images so they have flexibility and options within the design.
Once you have an idea of what you need, make sure you have a variety of images that showcase different elements of your business. There’s no point having hundreds of posed photos if you’re not showing what you actually do or what you actually sell. Think about your working day – what does it involve? Make sure your photographer is really clear on what parts of your business you want to show so you have a good variety of posed/ unposed/ product/ working/ images.
Knowing what you need will stop you wasting time on photos you won’t use.
Book Hair and Make Up (if that’s your thing)
This isn’t a given. If you don’t fancy it then don’t do it but a little bit of R and R on the day of the shoot can give you a boost of confidence, especially if you’re feeling super nervous. From experience, I’ve never booked hair and make up and I wish I had. Book someone you know and who’s familiar with your style – just make sure you feel comfortable on the day. The night before, drink plenty of water, get a good nights sleep and avoid booze at all costs!
Decide On Props
When we talk about props we’re not talking about executing a full on performance. Instead we’re thinking laptops, tools of your trade, sketchbooks, coffee cups, packaging – anything that helps show what you do. Keep it simple and intentional as too many props can be distracting – just pick a few that feel authentic.
If you’re unsure, have a chat with your photographer and brand designer– they’ll help you figure out what’ll work best.
Photography by Nicola Drummond Photography
Plan Your Outfits
Like locations, its good to have a few outfit options for your shoot. If you’re looking to use your images throughout the year, seasonal outfits work really well. Choose outfits that feel like you and are comfy, clean, and photograph well.
If bold colourful patterns are part of your brand then wear them! Alternatively your brand might be more refined and therefore neutral colours work best. Avoid any detailing that’s going to irritate you or get in the way and if you buy something new, make sure you’ve looked at it from all angles before the day. Your photographer will likely shoot you from the front, behind and sideways so you don’t want any, ‘urrgh, I didn’t know it looked that’ moments!
Lay all your outfits out in advance – full looks including shoes and accessories – so you’re not scrambling about on the day.
Photography by Nicola Drummond Photography
Before The Day
A few days before the shoot, check your timings and make a little checklist so nothing gets forgotten. If you’re using a location you’ve never been to, do a quick recce or get familiar with the address and parking situation. And most importantly – get a good sleep the night before!
On The Day
Give yourself plenty of time so you’re not rushing. Eat something, drink a glass of water and pop your favourite tunes on. Most importantly, trust your photographer – they’re highly experienced and will guide you, so don’t overthink every pose. Just relax, be yourself, and have fun with it.
Keep referring back to your checklist and make sure you’re ticking off the images you need. If you need to take a little break then just ask but make sure you’re sticking to schedule. If you’ve paid for an hourly, half day or full day shoot then you need to be mindful of this.
Share Behind The Scenes
Everyone loves a sneak peek so don’t be afraid to share some behind-the-scenes moments on your stories or feed. It helps your audience feel connected and gives them a glimpse of the work that goes into your brand. Plus it builds a bit of excitement before you share the final shots.
Credit Your Photographer
When you share your images, please give your photographer a little shoutout. Not only is it good etiquette, but it also supports their work – and if you loved the shoot, they’ll appreciate the kind words. A tag in your post or a mention in your caption goes a long way.
Map Out Your Content
Once you’ve got your final images, don’t just let them sit in a folder. Think about how you’ll use them across your website, social channels, email newsletters, and beyond. Create a content plan so you know when and where to share them. You’ve invested in these photos so you want them to work hard for you!
If you’re working alongside us we always recommend great brand photographers who are really experienced and will nail the style you’re looking for. Do your research, get prepped and enjoy and if you need any further advice or tips around sharing your brand identity then get in touch.
Speak soon!
Hannah and Toby
