How to Prepare for a Brand Photoshoot
Recently I finally had the brand photoshoot I’d been dreaming up for years. A photoshoot is an incredible way to breath life and energy into your brand. Photos are the best way for people to see what your business is really all about and connect with the person behind the business. And one of the best parts is that a really great photoshoot will give you content you’ll be using for years to come!
While a photoshoot can be an exciting, it can also be a little nerve-wracking. No matter what you’re feeling — taking some intentional time to prepare will ensure the day runs smoothly and you get the results you’re hoping for.
Below are some tips to help you prepare for a seamless and successful brand photoshoot…
Define Your Goals
It’s important to start with the why behind your shoot. Take some time to answer the following questions…
What is the purpose of the photoshoot?
Where will you be using the images? Do you need to get any specific images for your social media or website?
What do you want to convey through the images?
What is the mood or tone you want to set?
Do you want these to be lifestyle images (in some type of realistic environment)? Or be done in a studio with a color backdrop?
Clarify the Vision + Vibe
Creating a clear vision for your photographs definitely involves Pinterest. Spend some time pinning images you want to emulate during your photoshoot. The more pins, the better for this exercise! Click here to a look at the Pinterest board I created for my photoshoot here for an idea how many ideas I came into my experience with.
Showing your photographer exactly what you want to create will provide lots of creative direction in terms of the shot list and overall goals for the shoot.
Unsure about your brand vibe?
Check out my free Authentic Branding Method guide — 7 fun, simple steps to create a clear vision for your brand.
Choose the Right Team
Selecting the right team is super important.
When looking for a photographer you’ll want to take a look at their previous work to get a feel for their style and if it’s a match for what you want to create with your photos. Hiring a studio photographer (for color backdrop photos) or a lifestyle photographer is different so make sure the creative you choose is able to meet the vision you’ve identified.
Other professionals you might want to hire are:
A creative director to help you zero in on the vision, style, aesthetic, and shot list.
Videographer if you want some video content as well.
A makeup artist to give you that glow up the day-of.
A hair stylist to make sure your locks are beautifully tame.
A wardrobe stylist to help you bring your authentic style into the photoshoot and have you feeling super confident knowing that who you are is fully representing in the outfits you choose.
Models if you want to “work with a client” or have a group of people in your pictures. As you reach out to folks think about who your ideal client is and showcasing them as your model(s).
Plan the Logistics
Now it’s time for the details that is going to make your day run smoothly. Spend some time deciding on and preparing your…
Location
Props
Schedule
Outfits (and potential outfit changes)
Scenes you want to create
How you’ll be incorporating your brand colors (outfits, props, scenes, etc.)
Snacks, food during the day, etc.
Day Before Prep
The days leading up to the photoshoot are important to make sure you’re ready to go and everything is in place for a successful shoot.
Try on your outfits for a final fit check and them iron or steam those babies
Lay out your props or put them in a bag (if you’ll be going to a location)
Want to include flowers at all? Go out and purchase those!
Get your nails done to make sure your hands and feet are photo ready.
Check in with your team for final coordination and see if they need anything else from you
If your shoot involves your space then clean up and make sure that everything you don’t want photographed is put away.
Take good, loving care of yourself and spend some time relaxing so you can bring that authentic, calm, grounded energy into these pictures.
Have a Backup Plan
No matter how well you plan, there may be unexpected challenges on the day of the photoshoot. Make sure you have a backup plan in case of bad weather or any unforeseen circumstances. This will help you stay calm and focused leading up to the photoshoot.
The ability to get to know the person behind the business is really important these days in establishing the know, like and trust factor. This is your chance to be who you are and share it with the world through your images! Once you’ve planned your shoot and the day has arrived, now it’s time to trust and let the magic unfold. Let go and be fully present for the experience knowing you’ve done all you can to make it everything you want it to be (and then some!)
If you want some help identifying your visual identity, preparing for your photoshoot or bringing those images to life on your website, reach out for a discovery call and let’s connect!
