Time to say good by to stock images!
Planning a brand photoshoot is a fun step to take in your business!
But as someone whose planned brand photoshoots in the past, I know planning a brand photoshoot can feel like a huge, confusing, what the heck do I do moment…. but with the right preparation, you can walk into your brand shoot feeling confident and come out with amazing, on brand photos that elevate your entire brand experience.
Coming from a brand and website designer, having on brand photos is a huge part of the whole branding process and the absolute cherry on top for creating a cohesive brand.
Stock images have their time and place, but please, please, please don’t let them stick around for too long!
High-quality brand photos not only make your business look that much more professional when you pair it with the branding to match, but also help build trust and connection with your audience.
And you’ll also just feel really cool ok, and thats always a plus.
In this blog we’ll walk through, step by step, how to plan a successful brand photoshoot.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan a successful brand photoshoot.
1. Define Your Goals
Why do you need a brand photoshoot?
Start by identifying the primary goals of your photoshoot. Are you looking to refresh your website? Create content for social media? Launch a new product?
Defining your goals will help you determine the types of shots you need and the overall vibe of the shoot.
Questions to Consider when defining your brand photoshoot goals:
- What message do you want to convey through your images?
- Who is your target audience?
- Where will these photos be used (e.g., website, social media, marketing materials)?
2. Create a Mood Board
What is the visual style of your brand?
Creating a mood board on Pinterest or Canva helps visualize the aesthetic you’re aiming for and helps define a clear visual style so that your photos are attractive and on-brand. Start by collecting images that represent your brand’s style, colors, and vibe.
This will also be a valuable reference for your photographer and anyone else involved in the shoot. I’ve shared my brand photoshoot mood boards with my photographer in the past and she LOVED seeing the vision on paper before we began shooting.
Thing you can include in your brand photoshoot mood board:
- Color palettes – they should be on brand
- Sample photos
- Poses and expressions
- Props and locations
- Outfit inspiration
3. Choose the Right Photographer
Who can bring your vision to life?
Finding a photographer who understands your brand and has experience in brand photography is sooooo important!
Look at their portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision and don’t hesitate to ask for references or have an initial meeting to discuss your goals and expectations.
I will always suggest booking with someone that you vibe with!
Which is why you might want to have a few conversations with your photographer before hand to get to know them better, especially if you’re booking with them for the first time.
What to Look For in your photographer:
- Experience with brand photography
- Style consistency
- Positive reviews and testimonials
- Make sure you vibe with them!
4. Plan the Details
What are the details of your photoshoot?
I’m just a planner by nature…and you probably are too if you’re reading this… but the success of a photoshoot often lies in the details.
Plan out every aspect, from the location to the props, the outfits (!!!) and schedule.
Try to have a general idea of how props are going to be used and which outfits are going to be used when!
A well organized and thought out shoot minimizes wasted time…. for both you and your photographer.
Okay, sounds obvious but… what are the details???
Key things to consider when planning your brand photoshoot:
- Location: Choose a location that reflects your brand. Whether it’s your office, a studio, or an outdoor setting, make sure it aligns with your brand aesthetic.
- Props: Gather any props that support your brand message. This could be anything from branded products to lifestyle items that your audience connects with.
- Outfits: Plan outfits that represent your brand’s style and colors. Chose things that you would normally wear (unless youre going for a super stylized/themed shoot). At the en dog the day you want to feel comfortable and like yourself. (A Pro Tip: do a “sit test” to make sure your outfits look just as good sitting as they do standing.)
- Schedule: Plan the shoot during the best time of day for lighting and ensure you have enough time to capture all the necessary shots without feeling rushed.
5. Create a Shot List
What specific images do you need?
A shot list!!!! This is a comprehensive checklist of all the photos you want to capture during the shoot. Having one of these is so handy when the day actually comes, of course your photographer will help with suggestions along the way, but a shot list helps make sure you don’t miss any important shots & helps keep the shoot aligned with your branding goals when you’re swept up in all the fun-ness of the shoot.
PRO TIP: Something else you can do is set up a tripod and record some of the shoot on your phone which you can later use as B-Roll for instagram!
Sample Shot List for your brand photoshoot:
- Headshots of you &/or team members
- Landscape orientation images for website headers.
- Product shots in various settings (if you have products)
- Behind-the-scenes images of your workspace
- Candid shots to capture personality
6. Have fun!!
Planning a brand photoshoot takes some time and effort, but the results are well worth it! At the end of the day just have fun and be you. By preparing a few weeks ahead of time the day of your actual brand photoshoot wont feel so overwhelming & hectic.
Getting professional brand photos only adds to your brand experience by elevating your business, making your brand more relatable, professional, cohesive and memorable.
By following these steps on how to plan a brand photoshoot, you’ll be well on your way to a successful day that easily captures the essence of your brand.
