Planning a brand photoshoot can seem daunting, but it’s an exciting opportunity to showcase your business and bring your brand to life visually. Whether you’re building a website, crafting social media content, or updating your marketing materials, having a cohesive set of brand photos is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your brand photoshoot and ensuring it aligns with your vision.
Start With Inspiration
The first step to planning a brand photoshoot is gathering inspiration. A great place to start is Pinterest, where you can create a board filled with images that capture the essence of your brand. Look for examples of lighting, poses, props, outfits, and locations that resonate with your business’s personality.
Or you can do a google search and go to images to find some inspiration.
Questions to get you started:
- What feelings or messages do you want your photos to convey?
- Are there specific brand colors, textures, or themes you’d like to include?
- What will these photos primarily be used for (website, social media, marketing materials)?
Having a clear vision will not only guide your planning but also help your photographer understand your goals.
Choose the Right Photographer
Finding the perfect photographer is critical to achieving your desired results. Not all photographers specialize in brand photography, so it’s essential to choose someone with the right experience.
Things to look for in a photographer:
- Brand photography experience: Unlike event or family photographers, brand photographers understand how to craft visuals that resonate with your business goals.
- Style alignment: Make sure their portfolio reflects the vibe you’re aiming for—whether it’s airy and modern or moody and editorial.
Questions to ask your photographer:
- What’s your typical turnaround time for edited photos?
- Do you help with planning a shot list, styling, and props?
- Are there limits on outfit changes or time per session?
- Do you have recommendations for shoot locations?
- How do you help clients feel comfortable in front of the camera?
Choose the Perfect Location
Your photoshoot location sets the tone for your brand imagery. Collaborate with your photographer to identify venues that fit your brand’s style, whether it’s a bright studio, a cozy coffee shop, or an outdoor space.
Tools to find a great location:
- Peerspace: A platform to rent photoshoot spaces.
- Airbnb: Look for homes or spaces with unique decor.
- Google: Search for photography studios near you.
Consider the vibe you’re aiming for: light and airy, bold and colorful, or sleek and professional. The setting should align with your brand message and give your photos a polished look.
Select On-Brand Outfits
Your outfit choices play a significant role in creating a cohesive visual identity. When picking outfits for your photoshoot, think about your brand colors, style, and audience.
Tips for choosing outfits:
- Stay on-brand: Luxury brands may lean toward chic and tailored looks, while casual brands might opt for jeans and sneakers.
- Incorporate brand colors: Use coordinating colors without being overly matchy-matchy.
- Plan for variety: Bring outfits for different seasons or moods to maximize the versatility of your photos.
- Hire hair and makeup help: Professionals ensure you look your best and that makeup is photo-ready.
Clothing rental services like Nuuly are great for finding unique, high-quality pieces for your shoot.
Bring Props That Reflect Your Brand
Props add personality and depth to your photos. Think about tools, products, or elements that represent your business or process.
Guidelines for props:
- Use items that are integral to your work (e.g., laptops, notebooks, tools).
- Include small, styled items to enhance flat-lay shots or action photos.
- Be creative—move beyond generic ideas like coffee mugs to something that speaks to your brand’s personality.
For example, a graphic designer might include sketchbooks and design tools, while a fitness coach might use weights and healthy snacks.
Create a Detailed Shot List
Maximize your time by planning a shot list ahead of the photoshoot. A shot list ensures you capture all the images you need without scrambling for ideas during the session.
Essential shots to include:
- Close-up and distant posed shots.
- Casual, candid photos with natural smiles.
- Photos highlighting your hands at work (typing, sketching, or crafting).
- A mix of face-forward and profile shots to add variety.
Share your shot list with your photographer in advance to ensure alignment.
Day-of Tips for a Seamless Photoshoot
The day of your photoshoot can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can help you stay calm and confident.
Helpful tips:
- Arrive early: Get comfortable in the space before the session starts.
- Set the mood with music: A playlist can help you relax and have fun.
- Bring your inspiration board: Print it or use a tablet to reference your poses and vibe.
- Capture behind-the-scenes content: Use a phone tripod or hire a videographer to record snippets for future marketing materials.
Final Thoughts
Planning a brand photoshoot takes time and thought, but the results are worth it. A successful session will leave you with a library of professional photos that capture your brand’s essence and elevate your marketing efforts. Once your shoot is complete, it’s time to showcase your photos with an updated website, cohesive social media presence, or polished marketing materials.
Need help integrating your new brand photos into your website or marketing strategy? Let’s chat about how we can elevate your online presence!