5 Ways You Can Prepare For Your Brand Photoshoot
Unless you're new around here, you've probably heard us mention the many benefits of branded photography before.
Branded photos are one-of-a-kind.
They're high quality and on-brand.
They'll help you attract your ideal client.
They set high expectations (and high prices).
They make your brand more authentic and approachable.
They can be used for EVERYTHING. No really. See for yourself!
There's no reason for us to sell them to you again - you're already hooked!
That leaves just one thing left to figure out... what should you do to prepare?
HERE ARE 5 STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT! #NotAFashionDisaster
1) NAILING YOUR VISION
Going into this, you probably have an idea of what you want your brand photos to look like, right?
To prepare for your brand photoshoot, we ask all of our clients to put together a Pinterest inspiration board. (We encourage you to get on this as soon as you book with us. It helps us get right down to business!) Not only does this help you refine your vision and explore new ideas, it helps us understand and bring that idea to life!
You should search for all kinds of images: color palettes, poses, environments, locations, props, accessories, makeup, and more! Once we find the perfect fit, we'll help you brainstorm and prepare each and every detail for your brand photoshoot.
2) PORTRAYING YOUR PERSONALITY
This is a brand photoshoot. (Thanks, Captain Obvious!)
Your brand photoshoot - while meant to visually communicate your brand and its values - is also a celebration of you and your business up to this point! Let's treat it that way!
Your brand photoshoot should be FILLED with you and your brand's personality. One of the biggest reasons we encourage personality is because it really helps you speak to (and land) your ideal clients! The ones who truly connect with your brand and are committed to being a part of it.
So if you're a coffee shop kind of worker, let's show that! If you're the type to dress up even when working from home, let's show that! Or if you are a comfy couch kind of worker, let's show that!
Personality can be portrayed in your brand photos in several ways. Your outfit (whether professional or casual) says a lot about you and your brand. Your accessories tell an even more meaningful story. Your coffee mug, computer stickers, and planner even have something to say!
That's the exciting part about a brand photoshoot. EVERYTHING has meaning. Everything in the shot tells your story. It's all strategically thought out and intentional.
3) PICKING THE PERFECT OUTFIT
We know you were probably only concerned about this part, but we had to make sure we got the foundations of a successful and well-thought-out brand photoshoot first!
Let's start with the purpose of this shoot. It's to communicate your brand, right? What better way to do so than through your brand colors?! It all depends on your personality, but for some, this means going full out and really embracing their brand colors in their brand photos! In other situations, that might mean bringing your brand color to the table in a subtle, but significant way.
Our accent color is a bright, engaging red color. We could show up in a bold red suit and dress... or we could tone it down and use red as an accent. For us, this method fits better with our aesthetic. It all depends on your personality - there is no right or wrong choice on this!
On that note, try to avoid busy patterns. Simple, solid colors are SO much more engaging and clear on camera! Accessories are encouraged but they should feel on brand for your business. For a more refined look, go for the simple and classic pieces. Or if you're going for fun and excitement, bring in that flair through your accessories!
You also want to come with a variety of looks for your brand photoshoot. Of course, you could bring a few different outfits to change into, but we strongly recommend layering your outfit instead. For men, this might be wearing a full-on suit (tie included)! As we progress through the shoot and engage with the environment, you might remove some layers to bring out a more relaxed and casual look.
Not only does layering provide variety in your photos, it makes for a much more efficient photoshoot! If you bring multiple outfits, it slows down production because you have to stop, change, and return to the location to shoot. Layering means you take off or put on a layer of clothing and you're ready to go again! The energy in the room never changes!
If there was one piece of advice we could give regarding outfit choices: do you. Bring your personality, style, and uniqueness to the table! Don't ever feel like you have to fit in some box or be something you aren't. That's not the point of a brand photoshoot!
4) LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Your story shines in the way you dress, act, and feel. But the real magic of storytelling lies in the details.
The location you choose contributes SO MUCH to your story!
A bustling and busy coffee shop says you're a fast-paced, high-energy worker. You're ready to get things done! An organized office space, on the other hand, says you're a professional, detail-oriented kind of person. You're eager to take charge. There's no wrong choice in location either! Wherever your personality shines through the most is where you should be!
5) BEFORE YOU SHOOT
Once you've nailed down the majority of your brand photoshoot direction, you're close to being ready for your brand photoshoot. There are only a few details left...
How should you prepare for your brand photoshoot in the days leading up to it?
We can't recommend dry cleaning enough before a shoot. There's nothing worse than trying to stand out in your photos and being hidden by the many wrinkles in your shirt.
Do some extra self-care in the week leading up to your shoot. (More on this in our upcoming blog!😉)
Get some sleep the night before your shoot! Looking bright-eyed and well-rested is the 2nd most important feature of your photos - behind confidence!)
Get in the zone! We want to see passion, confidence, and personality! Do whatever it takes to get you there! We guarantee there will be mood music playing during your entire photoshoot, so send us your favs and we’ll add them to our playlist!😍
At the end of the day, you're after some high-quality photos that tell your story AND sell your brand. Our mission is to help you nail your aesthetic, tell your story, and grow your business. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for some extra guidance with your visual identity.
After all, that's what we're here for!
YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIGURE THIS ALL OUT ON YOUR OWN!
WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
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