Ever scroll through your social media or website design and see brands with photos that just ooze their vibe?
They scream confidence, professionalism, and everything your brand aspires to be.
Maybe your last photoshoot left you feeling a little...meh. Or the stock photos you’re using on your socials and website are not capturing the heart and magic you know your brand has.
Don't worry, friend! I’m spilling the 7 secret weapons I use to guide my brand clients when they are planning their own brand photoshoots. These tips help them not only communicate well with their photographer but also gain the confidence they need to conquer this big day.
And if you know me, I like to organize everything to make sure there are no missed opportunities to get the most bang for my investment.
As a business owner and brand strategist, I understand the crucial role of visual factors in telling an impactful brand story.
Did you know that up to 90% of purchases are influenced by visual factors? And….if you present your visual brand consistently, regardless of the platform, it can increase revenue by up to 23%.
Preparing well for your brand photoshoot can make the difference between good and
great results.
It’s not just about snapping beautiful pictures; it is about creating a visual story that reflects your soul and style. Hint…the more personality you can bring out, the better.
Whether you're a fellow small business owner, an aspiring creative, or someone who loves personal branding, I hope this sparks your own creativity.
7 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Brand Photo Shoot
Define Your Brand's Story
If you haven't worked with a brand strategist before, here are a couple of basic brand story questions to help you.
a) “Who is your target audience?” This question gets thrown around a lot, but I’m telling you, it gets thrown around a lot because it’s IMPORTANT. If you have not gone through the brand strategy process before, think through a few key questions about your people.
Imagine your dream client walks through the door. Who are they? What emotions do you want your ideal client to feel when they experience your brand? Can you describe the visual style that resonates with them (Classic, Modern, Fun, Colorful, etc.)? What are some challenges they face that you can help them solve and how can these scenarios be captured in a photo?
While brand strategy is a
more involved process than just knowing your target audience, this is a great starting point.
b) “What is your brand’s personality?”
Crafting your brand personality is like giving your brand a voice. Think about the core values that drive your business and the emotions you want to evoke in customers. Understanding your ideal audience will help you pick personality traits that resonate with them. With these in mind, brainstorm adjectives that describe your brand's character.
Create a Shot List and Planning Document
Now that you’ve defined your brand’s story, creating a shot list is easier. To get the creative juices flowing, you may start with a simple Google Doc or a Pinterest board.
If you’re Pinterest user, create a board and gather your faves. Here are a few search terms to try: {your industry} Brand Photo Shoot Examples, {your vibe} Photo Style ideas, Pose Reference, Photo Editing Style Examples, {your industry} Brand Photo Prop Examples.
Your photographer may present you with a document or questionnaire to help you communicate the vibe you want them to capture. They may also want to collaborate with you to create a shot list.
When creating your shot list, communicate the platforms you plan to use the photos on. Some examples could include business website design, Instagram posts, Facebook covers, Pinterest graphics, guest blogging, business cards or email signatures. Make sure you consider size, orientation (portrait or landscape), and white space if you are planning on layering text over images when making your shot list.
Choose and Collab with your Photographer
There is no shortage of photographer talent out there. Finding the best photographer for your brand comes down to personal preference but here are a few things that can help you weigh your decision.
Look at online portfolios of work so you can get a feel for the editing style, composition, flattering and unique vantage points, and tone that is right for your brand. It won’t make a lot of sense to choose a photographer who creates light and airy photography if your brand’s vibe is dark and moody, you know?
Your photographer will have some recommendations about location, and you can bounce ideas off each other if you have some thoughts on location, too.
Most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable talking to them about your desires for the shoot, the must-have photos want to capture, and any concerns you might have. Communicating well prior to the shoot can help ease your mind if you have jitters, too.
Plan Your Outfits
This is a big one! Clothing can take your brand to a whole new creative place.
My advice? Find outfits that are confident-boosting and on-brand (think color palette, style, and personality), but take it up at least one notch. This can make you stand out against competitors and ultimately help your brand’s personality shine through.
In my most recent brand photo shoot with
Ashley Brooke Collective, I took my own advice and took it up a notch (okay, maybe two or three) with a full bright pink satin pantsuit and colored snakeskin heels. I also added a disco ball as a prop. I feel like the photos brought a fresh, modern, and confident vibe.
Would I wear that suit in real life? Probably not. Hillary Clinton can keep that trend going, 😆 but it was perfect for a brand photoshoot.
Plan Your Props
Bring the industry-specific things you use every day that tell your story. For example, a realtor might bring a “sold” sign to their shoot. Consider props for flatlays (photographs taken from a bird' s-eye view) and other details that might be helpful when you are creating content for your brand.
Product-based businesses have an opportunity to capitalize on lifestyle product photos to further capture the essence of the brand.
For service-based businesses, asking a friend to be an “extra” in your shoot can help showcase the way you interact with your customers, especially if your brand personality has a lot to do with the care of your customers.
Take it a step further by infusing your brand with more personal, authentic elements. Think of hobbies and quirks outside the business that relate to or bring out your personality with your audience. In my recent photo shoot, my photographer brought confetti and champagne and I brought my turquoise roller skates.
Scout the Perfect Location
When selecting a location, there are definitely some things to consider. First, it needs to be a location your photographer feels comfortable with.
For example, if your location idea is on-brand but has less-than-ideal lighting, it may not be the right fit. Talk with your photographer and make suggestions to find just the right spot.
Once you’ve found a few places with good lighting and ample spaces, narrow it down from there with the location that compliments your brand well and suits your budget.
For me, finding this
cute Airbnb in Des Moines, Iowa helped bring the creative vision to life. I turned a brand photoshoot into a two night work retreat for myself and it cost about the same as a couple of hours in a rented photography studio.
Prepare Your Mindset
Feeling a little camera shy? Totally normal! But remember, the photographer is there to capture your awesomeness, not judge you.
A few things that might run through your mind prior to your shoot could cripple you. Don’t dwell on your insecurities. Set your mind to rocking this shoot with confidence.
The best things you can do are get enough sleep, stay hydrated, steam your clothes 😁and focus on feeling fantastic!
Approach the shoot with the idea that you’re on a fun adventure. Your photographer will direct you, so you can trust the process. This is a chance to celebrate your brand and all that you’ve worked so hard for.
BONUS TIPS:
Plan out the Beauty Essentials:
Things like haircuts, nails, makeup, spray tans, etc all need advanced planning. So give yourself some time to think it all through.
Bring Snacks and Water: Stay hydrated and energized throughout the photoshoot.
Enlist Helpers: I invited
my amazing virtual assistant to help me with setting up and taking behind the scenes content during the shoot. I also had another friend help me with setup the evening before the shoot.
Review the Contract: Double-check the details of your contract with the photographer, including deliverables, usage rights, and cancellation policies.
Bring a Hype Playlist: Music can help set the mood and keep you pumped up during the shoot, especially if you want to include some power poses. I also wouldn't judge you if you turned on that music in front of the mirror for a little practice before the big day. Here is fun playlist that works for my brand, but you may want to create your own!
So there you have it, bosses!
These 7 steps and bonus tips will have you rocking your next brand photoshoot with confidence and creativity. Remember, this is YOUR chance to show the world the magic behind your brand. Don't be afraid to infuse your personality, have fun with it, and let your unique awesomeness shine through!
Want to chat more about showcasing your brand or website? Hit me up!!
And if you take action on these tips and slay your brand shoot, be sure to tag me on social media.
I can't wait to see your brand come alive through photography!
Your designer friend always,
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I get to use creativity everyday to help entrepreneurs focus on their passions to discovering their brand's "sweet spot" in the marketplace...and I absolutely LOVE IT!
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