Investing in a brand photo shoot is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business. High-quality website photography and strategic visuals set you apart, make you feel confident, and help you attract the right clients.
The idea of being photographed isn’t typically fun, but you’ll have a wonderful day when you have a professional branding photographer (me!) help you get all the details ready. I’ve found that entrepreneurs who feel well prepared are much less anxious about photo shoot day.
Here are seven tips to ensure your brand photo shoot is smooth, strategic, and successful:
1. Find a Strategic Professional Branding Photographer
The most important step is choosing the right photographer—someone who specializes in brand photography, not just headshots or portraits. A professional branding photographer knows how to highlight your personality, capture your business story, and guide you through everything from wardrobe to location selection. When you work with someone strategic, many of the other details naturally fall into place to make your shoot successful.
2. Define Your Brand Style and Goals
Before your brand photo session, clarify how you want your images to feel and what you’ll use them for. Brand images are so valuable even aside from use on your website! Your branding photographer can help translate those goals into the visuals that align with your brand identity.
3. Plan Outfits that Reflect Your Brand
Clothing is a big part of your overall look. Choose outfits that coordinate with your brand colors and match the tone of your business. A good photographer will help you select pieces that look great on camera and give you variety across your gallery. Just because something looks beautiful on a hanger, doesn’t mean it photographs well, which I can advise you on.
4. Choose a Location that Tells Your Story
The setting should feel like “you.” Whether it’s your office, a cozy coffee shop, a bright studio, or an outdoor spot, the right backdrops enhance your brand message. I can suggest locations that complement your vision and provide versatility for your website photography. In fact, I recently wrote an article that gives you great ideas for locations.
5. Incorporate Props that Actually Make Sense
Props bring your work to life. At first you might think laptops, notebooks, and coffee. But you working with product samples, enjoying a favorite passion or handling tools of your trade can personalize it further. A branding photographer can help you choose props that look natural and add interest without feeling staged. She’ll also be hyper aware of things that should NOT be in each image, which is just as important!
6. Think Ahead About Where You’ll Use Your Images
Are your photos for your website, social media, email marketing, or podcast interviews? Share that list with your brand photographer so she can capture wide shots, tight profile images, and everything in between. This ensures your photos work in all the right places.
7. Relax and Be Yourself
The best images come from authentic moments. A professional branding photographer knows how to put you at ease and capture natural expressions. Trust their direction, lean into the process, and let your personality shine.
A successful brand photo shoot starts with choosing the right partner. With a strategic professional branding photographer guiding you, you’ll walk away with website photography that not only looks amazing, but also works hard for your business, helping you connect with your ideal clients and grow with confidence.
If you’re ready to make your dream of a successful brand photo shoot a reality, please reach out for a no-obligation call to discuss how we might make that dream a reality!
