How to Plan a Brand Photoshoot
Brand photography is officially getting the hype it deserves. I had overlooked it for the first few years in business and realized how much value I was missing out on when it came to the way my brand was presenting itself online. My brand photographer now (my saviour when it comes to capturing my brand’s vision), was my client at the time and I figured it was time to make the investment.
I was only posting my portfolio and client work on social media platforms. Through this I was entirely missing out on the audience that wanted to get to know me before making the move to inquire and work with me directly. My inquiries increased significantly when I started showing up on a personal basis for my studio.
I realized… If I wanted to offer this luxury boutique experience, how are people supposed to know they’ll be working with me on a close-knit basis without seeing that online?
01: FIND THE RIGHT BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER
There are a lot of experienced photographers out there to help you capture your brand’s visuals. The trick is finding the right one. We truly value professional relationships at our studio. A photographer would be the exact same case, as once you’ve found your photographer, you can return and they know exactly who you are and what you want.
Consider the following when looking for a photographer:
Check out their work and editing style online
Check their reviews/testimonials online
Ensure they set up a consultation/strategy call to go over your goals, brand strategy/messaging, and the aesthetic of your brand
You receive a shot list of ideas for props, poses, and more
You receive a mood board for visual inspiration
They’re professional and will ensure you’re comfortable at your session
02: GATHER INSPIRATION & MAKE A PLAN
When you book brand photography you might also be booking a space to shoot in. You book these by the hour and to ensure you receive as much value as possible, there should be a plan set in place to ensure you get every shot within a time constraint.
Consider the following when gathering inspiration and making a plan:
Consider utilizing Pinterest as a place to scout inspiration for poses, styling and shot ideas; either share this with your photographer or ask if they help to create this
Find a studio space that will compliment your brand’s visual identity (E.g., Search: Minimalist White Toronto Photography Studio, Bohemian Bold Toronto Photography Studio, etc.)
Hot Tip: Consider booking your photoshoot during when the sun isn’t too strong but is present, quieter days during the week like Tuesdays, etc.
Decide how many outfits you can fit in and how many changes you’ll be doing (e.g., 2 outfits for a 2 hour photoshoot, 1 for each hour of shooting)
Be strategic with the clothing you wear — make sure it accentuates your brand’s colour scheme
Plan out your props ahead of time! (E.g., computer, tablet, phone, headphones, candle, notepad and pencil, magazine, glasses, books, etc)
Block out time with your photographer in the following way:
1st Quarter (30 Minutes): Portraits - Outfit 1
2nd Quarter (30 Minutes): In-Action/Service Shots - Outfit 1
3rd Quarter (30 Minutes): Prop Styling
4th Quarter (30 Minutes): Team/Portraits - Outfit 2
Hot Tip: You or the photographer should set alarms for when those intervals are coming to a close to see if you’re falling behind or ahead
03: AFTER YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT
This is where even more magic happens and we can often get antsy, but it’s best to be patient to achieve the best results out of your photo’s editing. It roughly usually takes 2-3 weeks to receive your full edited gallery of photos. Always ensure if you’re booking a photoshoot and need photos to inquire ahead of time. Rushing this work is never recommended.
How to best use your new photos:
Slowly release them to social media
Update your website with your new photography
Post them on Pinterest to gain more traction and help out with your SEO
Liven up your email newsletter
Update your headshot across social media platforms, especially LinkedIn
Freshen up your blog’s content with your own photos
Use them for ads online and in print
Welcome
I’M DANIELLE LABONTÉ
Brand and website designer working with ambitious entrepreneurs, leaders, and scaling companies seeking impactful and refined branding built upon both strategy and storytelling.
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