Preparing for a Branding Photoshoot
When I started to take this business full time, one of the repeated pieces of advice was for me to invest in a branding photoshoot. What is a branding photoshoot you ask? Well, it is a planned shoot with a professional photographer which will produce a collection of photos that you will be able to use for business purposes, whether it is for marketing materials or social media.
When I thought about being solo in front of the camera - you can only imagine the level of nerves that set in. I am the one who loves to be taking the pictures rather than in the pictures. Same as with networking, I knew that I needed to do this no matter how much it scared me.
Putting myself out there in an authentic manner was very important and I knew that in addition to showing my work, I needed to show the face behind the business. So I did some research and of course took in some recommendations on who to work with for my shoot and booked it as soon as I could. I immediately put the deposit down so I couldn’t take it back.
So here are a few things that I learned from my branding photo shoot that may be able to help you if you are thinking of planning one for yourself!
Make A Plan.
You are going to want to truly plan ahead. Determine the true purpose behind your shoot. Are you going to use it to celebrate something - an anniversary or accomplishment of some sort? Is it for social media or website purposes only? Be sure to know how you are going to use these photos once you receive them back. Once you have a plan in place a lot of the other details will be based off of the purpose of the shoot. If you want to go above & beyond, create a Moodboard of inspiration to bring with you to the shoot - it will help you stay on track with your vision and give the photographer an idea of the feel you are looking to accomplish.
Come Prepared With Props.
Being a calligrapher, I knew I had to bring a few items that either showcased my work or items that I used in my every day projects. I brought my pointed pen, engraving machine, as well as some finished products of all sorts. No matter your line of work, some up with something that will help relay the message through a simple photo that makes your line of business clear to the viewer. Whether you bring a laptop or a magazine - having a prop to add to the dimension of the photos will be super helpful!
Bring Multiple Outfit Choices.
You are going to want an array of choices when it comes to your outfits. Colors, style, etc. all will play a role in circling back to the purpose of your shoot. (Pro Tip: If you don’t know what to wear, there are stylists you can hire in order to help you choose outfits) I brought a few different looks that I thought fit my personality and my business. If you want to bring outfits that go with your branding and brand colors that is also a great choice especially if you are using these photos for your website and social media!
Choose The Right Photographer.
This may seem like a no brainer, but there are so many photographers out there and you are going to want to do research in order to choose the best one that aligns with your brand and your vision. If your brand vibe and voice is dark and moody you aren’t going to want to choose a photographer whose editing style is light and airy. If you want more candid action shots rather than posed make sure you work with that type of photographer. Again, the purpose of your shoot will help guide you on this choice.
Location Choice.
There are endless options as to where you can choose to have your shoot. Whether it is in the photographer’s studio or if you have your own location/storefront - you’ll again, want to choose one that works with the purpose of your shoot. Maybe you want to do multiple locations in order to get a variety of shots - make sure that is all part of your plan and throughly communicated with the photographer.
I am so happy that I listened to the advice to get a shoot done! I loved the opportunity and experience! I also loved every single photo I got back and have continuous ways to use them throughout my website, social media, marketing materials etc. If you are thinking about doing one but hesitant for any reason - just go ahead and put that deposit down! You will not regret it!
