A branding photo shoot is a crucial element in building a successful and memorable brand.
High-quality and stunning photographs can help you stand out from the competition, capture the attention of your audience, and convey your brand’s unique personality and values. By investing in a branding photo shoot, you can create a library of images that can be used across a range of marketing materials, including your website, social media channels, advertising campaigns, and
more.
Sometimes, preparing for a branding photo shoot can be intimidating (I know from experience!), especially if you are new to the world of professional photography. To ensure that your photo shoot is a success, there are several important steps you need to take before the shooting day. The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone! When you book a photo shoot with me, I will guide you through the entire process of preparing for it, and make sure you are ready and comfortable when you are in front of the camera. A photo shoot should be a pleasant and empowering experience, after all!
Steps to take when preparing for a branding photo shoot
1. Take the Archetype test
To define the visual strategy for your brand, and get the ideas for the photo session, I use the Archetype theory. Archetypes are ready-made personality patterns that play an integral role in how people understand each other. I believe archetypes can be a great support in building your visual strategy. As the first step of our preparation for the session, I will send you the Archetype quiz to fill in. We will discuss the results and use them in our planning.
2. Look for inspiration
When preparing for a photo shoot, it’s best to start by consulting with the photographer. We’ll discuss your goals and preferences, explore the possibilities, and you can ask me for suggestions. After that, head towards the Internet for inspiration: websites like Pinterest, Instagram, or Flickr are a good source of ideas on poses, lighting, composition, and styling. Make a mood board, if you’d like. You can always try to look for inspiration on the websites or social accounts of people you admire, to see if there would be something that can work for you there.
3. Find the location
Finding the right location for your images is one of the most important elements of the plan. The location you choose can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your photos, and can help convey the message and personality of your brand. A well-chosen location can provide context, depth, and visual interest to your photos, making them more engaging and memorable. The perfect location is one that is consistent with your brand identity and message, aligns with your values, and resonates with your target audience. I discuss this during the initial consultation with all my clients and we come up with ideas for the best places together.
4. Get the right clothes
Choosing the right clothes for a branding photo shoot is important because the clothes you wear are a means to express your brand’s values, personality, and messaging. What kind of impression do you want to make? If your brand is casual and relaxed, you may want to wear comfortable, casual clothing. If your brand is more formal and professional, dress in business attire. Also, stick to your brand colors and try to incorporate them into your outfit. This can help reinforce your brand identity in the photos. And don’t forget the accessories! They are as important as the clothes. But you knew that already, I’m sure!
On a last note, remember that it’s very important to wear clothes that are comfortable, make you feel great, and will make this experience a glamorous one!
5. Think about Props
Props can be used to add context and tell your story. The props you choose should align with the brand’s values and personality, and should enhance the overall message you want to communicate through these images. Consider the brand’s colors, style, and theme, and choose props that complement these elements. Avoid using props that are too busy or distracting, and focus on simple, high-quality items that will reinforce the brand’s identity. We will discuss this as well in our consultation meeting!
6. Give yourself a confidence boost
Before the photo shoot, have a day of pampering. Go to the hairdresser, have your nails or eyebrows done, go to a spa and get a massage. Hydrate well and do a light stretching. This will make you feel great and confident, and that will show in the photos.
7. Appointment with makeup artist
Looking your best for a branding photo shoot means wearing some makeup, too. I collaborate with an amazing makeup artist that will boost your confidence even more. We will book her for the day, so you don’t have to stress about doing your makeup yourself. She will work with your preferences and style and do some magic with her brushes!
8. Sleep well and rest
Having a good sleep the night before the photo shoot will help you look and feel your best. Try to avoid spending too much time looking at a screen before going to bed, avoid alcohol or too much caffeine, and get eight hours of sleep. Arrive at the photo shoot feeling energetic and ready to create the best images that will help your brand grow and will make you feel empowered!
I hope this article gives you more clarity on how to prepare for a branding photo shoot and more confidence that you will get the best results out of it. I’ll be there for you, guiding you through the entire journey, and also on the day of the photo session, directing you for the poses and reminding you that you are already amazing. All that remains is to capture that in photos!
Kasia Giska