10 tips for a Successful Brand Photo Shoot

Tip 1 - Choose a Photographer You Feel Comfortable and Aligned With

If you only take away one tip - THIS IS IT. Choose a photographer you vibe with.

How does one do that?

First, check out their website.

This will showcase their curated best work. And let you know if you love their style.

Next, check out their social media.

This is where you will get a sense of their personality. Does this person feel like someone you are aligned with and would be excited to work with? Awesome! Book that discovery call to really get that vibe check. And if you feel energized, comfortable and it’s a HELL YES! Time to book :)

Tip 2 - Know What the Goals are of your Brand Shoot

Knowing the goals of your shoot will help you plan all the details with your brand photographer. Starting with finding the best package they offer, etc.

Some examples;

1. You want to showcase your new product, service or offering.

2. You’ve rebranded and the old photos don’t feel like you or where you are going with your business.

3. If you are an author, actor or singer - You need fresh images for PR or media package.

4. You just need a few new headshots

Once you have this answered this will lead us to tip 3…

Tip 3 - Know Where your Photos are Going to be Used

When you know where your photos are going to be used this will help you determine a couple things

• Social media only

  • Mostly vertical images with room for cropping

• Website

  • A mix of sizes and crops

• Print

  • Magazine article, Signage, Billboard, etc

Tip 4 - Consider if you need props

And not just the cliche’s like, the coffee cup and/or laptop. Let’s think outside that typical ‘brand photo’. Your brand photos shouldn’t look like everyone elses. And if they do…then they have failed.

Why?

Because they aren’t YOU or your brand.

A great brand photographer can help guide you and find props that elevate your images.

Tip 5 - Know your 3-5 Words that Describes your Brand

These words will anchor your entire shoot.

For example, I had a life coach client who wanted to showcase in her brand images Resilience, Peace, Clarity, Confidence and Inner Strength.

Her shoot looked very different from another client who was a real estate agent who wanted to showcase Honest, Ambitious, Reliable.

For me, brand photography isn’t cookie cutter.

It’s HIGHLY custom.

Because there is only ONE of you and your business.

My aim with brand photography is to create images that bring in those dream clients that are perfectly aligned and are more than happy to invest in your service, product or offering. And that’s done by creating images that showcase your brand.

Tip 6 - Hire professional Hair + Makeup team. Extra points for Wardrobe stylist

Professional hair, makeup and wardrobe styling really take your images to the next level. Especially ones that specialize in photo and video shoots. They know how the makeup, hair and wardrobe translate on camera.

Tip 7 - Give Yourself Time to Plan your Outfits

I’ve seen time and time again the stress that occurs when trying to plan all the outfits too close to the shoot.

I recommend having all your outfits done and ready to go at least 1 week out from your shoot. And in between check in with your photographer that your outfits vibe with the overall plan of your shoot.

Some things to consider;

Do they work with the location?

Are the colors flattering for your skin tone?

Do you have variation in your outfits? In style and color.

Are your outfits steamed and lint free?

If you are able - investing in a wardrobe stylist can take the stress of ‘what do I wear?’ away. They work with finding pieces that are flattering, stylish, colors that are perfect for you, the location and match your brand aesthetic. Check out one of my faves - Abby Young.

Tip 8 - Pick Locations that Speak to you and your Audience

This one connects back to your 3-5 words that describe your brand.

Location can really set the tone.

Do you need a minimal modern studio location?

City scape?

Indoor beautifully styled Airbnb?

Beach/Mountain/Outdoorsy Look?

Tip 9 - Consider if you Need to Add Video Along with Photos

You’ve put in a lot of work and investment to have killer brand photos adding on video can give you that extra layer to your marketing.

Tip 10 - Mentally Prepare yourself to be in Front of the Camera

It can be anxiety producing to be in front of the camera. You get stuck in your head, wondering if you are doing all the things right.

My best advice - Be present.

The more you are present and relaxed the better the photos turn out.

It all comes down to trust. If you’ve picked a photographer who’s style you love and personality you vibe with.

Let go.

Easier said than done.

But I promise great photos will follow.