How do you plan for a personal brand photoshoot?
Planning a personal brand photoshoot starts with understanding your own personal brand and your ideal client. During the planning phase, we will discuss your brand story, define the specific looks you want to capture and decide on the locations, props, and outfits that reflect your brand’s personality. You may want to include a makeup artist or hair stylist to ensure you look polished and professional. Consider the variety of shots you’ll need—branding photos for social media, your website, and marketing materials—and ensure you’re prepared for different outfit changes. The goal is to capture a wide range of photos representing who you are as a person and business owner, which you can use across multiple platforms to engage with your potential clients.
Brand Photography Shot List: Introduction
If you’re looking for a brand photoshoot shot list – you’re in the right place!
A well-executed brand photoshoot can transform how your business is presented to your target audience and potential clients. A comprehensive brand photoshoot shot list ensures you capture all the specific shots needed to connect with your ideal clients.
Whether you’re a service-based business looking to highlight lifestyle photos or a product-based business showcasing product photos through creative flat lays, a photography shot list helps you stay on the same page with your brand photographer. From banner images to individual shots perfect for social media posts and email marketing, the right planning makes all the difference in a successful photoshoot.
This guide will walk you through the essential elements to include in your personal branding photoshoot shot list, ensuring you capture everything needed for impactful social posts and client-facing images.
- Define Your Brand Identity and Vision
- Choose Your Photographer and Additional Talent
- Plan Your Shot List
- Select Your Location
- Choose Your Outfits
- Prepare Your Shoot Day Essentials
- Pre-Shoot Organization and Timeline
- Confidence Tips for the Day
- Post-Shoot: Reviewing and Using Your Photos
1. Define Your Brand Identity and Vision
Before planning your brand photoshoot, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your brand, brand story, and brand color palette. This will serve as the foundation for your photos, ensuring they reflect who you are and what your brand stands for.
Start by thinking about the key message you want to convey through your photos. Are you aiming for a modern, bold look or something more soft and approachable? Having this clarity upfront will guide your decisions on everything from outfits to locations.
Once you’ve solidified your vision, head to Pinterest to gather visual inspiration. Look for photography styles, color schemes, poses, and props that resonate with your brand. Create a dedicated board where you can organize your ideas and refine the look and feel you want to achieve.
In addition to Pinterest, explore competitors and others in your industry. Pay attention to how they’re presenting their brands visually and identify what works and what doesn’t. This can spark ideas for your shoot, while helping you avoid common clichés. By blending your vision with external inspiration, you’ll be prepared to create photos that truly reflect your unique brand identity.
2. Choose Your Brand Photographer and Additional Talent
1. Communicate Your Vision: Share your brand vision, mood board, and specific needs, including the types of shots and any location or props you have in mind. I will collaborate with you to bring your vision to life, offering guidance and suggestions.
2. Consider Additional Talent: Depending on your needs, you may want to hire extra help:
- Makeup Artist: For polished or camera-ready looks.
- Hair Stylist: To keep your hair consistent and styled.
- Videographer: If your brand uses video content, capturing footage alongside photos can be efficient.
3. Plan Your Brand Photography Shot List
Solid brand photography shot list ensures you capture all the images you need. It should include the photos, poses, and settings that best represent your brand.
#1. Define Photo Uses: Start by identifying where the photos will be used. Knowing where the photos will be used helps ensure you and your photographer shoot in the correct formats. Here’s what to consider:
- Website: Plan shots for banners, about pages, blog posts, or product listings, leaving space for text overlays.
- Social Media Posts: Instagram requires posts, stories, and ads in a mix of square, landscape, and portrait formats.
- Marketing Materials: High-resolution images are essential for printed materials, like brochures or flyers.
#2. Create a Detailed Shot List: Break down the specific shots you need. Leave room in your shot list for flexibility and spontaneous ideas to capture authentic moments during the shoot. Here are some things to consider for your shot list:
- Headshots: Capture different expressions and angles for versatility.
- Lifestyle Images: Show you in action—working, interacting with clients, or using your products.
- Creative Shots: Playful poses and unique angles that show your personality.
- Product Shots: High-quality images of products or you performing your service.
4. Select Your Location
The location you choose plays a big role in making sure your photos reflect your brand’s identity. It helps set the tone and tells your story visually.
#1. Indoor vs. Outdoor: Decide whether you want your shoot to be indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both.
- Indoor Studio: Offers consistent lighting and easy access to props, making it ideal for a polished, professional look.
- Outdoor Locations: Natural settings like parks or urban spaces add variety and authenticity but may require more planning for weather and lighting.
- On-Brand Spaces: To enhance storytelling, consider locations that reflect your business, such as a cozy café or creative studio.
#2. Book the Right Space: Once you’ve determined the type of location, secure the perfect spot.
- Peerspace or Airbnb: These platforms offer stylish, unique spaces that can align with your brand.
- Professional Studios: Many photographers can access studios with essentials like backdrops and lighting.
#3. Focus on Lighting: To enhance the overall quality of your photos, choose a location with good lighting, especially natural light.
#4. Incorporate Props and Décor: Use props and décor to make your photos more personalized and engaging.
- Branded Items: Include tools of your trade, such as a laptop, branded stationery, product packaging, or anything that visually represents your business.
- Personal Touches: Bring in personal items, like a favorite coffee mug or a meaningful book that aligns with your industry, to add personality and authenticity to your shots.
- Stylish Décor: If the location allows, incorporate décor elements like flowers, furniture, or accessories that match your brand’s vibe to elevate the overall aesthetic of your photos.
5. Choose Your Outfits
The outfits you choose for your brand photoshoot should align with your brand’s color palette and style and make you feel confident and comfortable. Here’s how to plan and prepare your outfits for the big day:
#1. Coordinate with Your Brand Colors: Select outfits that reflect your brand’s color palette to create a cohesive and visually appealing look. Consider wearing clothing that aligns with the tone and style of your brand.
#2. Plan for Variety: Bring multiple outfits with different vibes, such as casual, professional, and creative looks. This will give you a range of photos for different purposes.
#3. Accessorize Thoughtfully: Don’t forget accessories like jewelry, scarves, shoes, and bags. These items can add texture and interest to your photos.
#4. Comfort Matters: Choose outfits that not only look great but also make you feel comfortable and confident. This will help you relax and focus on the shoot.
#5. Prepare Everything in Advance: Ensure your clothes are clean, ironed, and tailored. Pack each outfit with corresponding accessories to avoid last-minute scrambling on shoot day.
#6. Photograph Outfits: Take photos of each look before the shoot to see how the colors and styles work together. This will also make it easy to reference your outfits on shoot day.
6. Prepare Your Photoshoot Day Essentials
Being organized and well-prepared will help you stay focused, calm, and ready for a successful shoot. Here’s how to ensure you’re ready for any situation:
#1. Pack Your Outfits: Bring all pre-selected, coordinated outfits and backup options for variety. Don’t forget extra undergarments, shoes, and accessories to match each look.
#2. Makeup for Touch-Ups: Even if you hire a makeup artis, pack essentials like powder, lip balm, and other items for quick touch-ups throughout the shoot.
#3. Gather Props and Tools: Bring branded items you’ll be using during the shoot, such as your laptop, notebooks, product samples, or other props that align with your brand.
#4. Stay Hydrated and Energized: Pack water and snacks to keep your energy up and stay comfortable during long sessions.
#5. Emergency Kit: Have last-minute essentials like lip balm, a hand mirror, fashion tape, a Tide pen, and safety pins for quick fixes and wardrobe malfunctions.
7. Boost Your Confidence for the Big Day
Feeling confident is key to capturing authentic, beautiful photos that truly reflect your brand and personality. Here are some tips to feel your best for leading up to and during your brand photoshoot:
#1. Practice Posing: Spend some time in front of a mirror practicing different poses and expressions. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
#2. Relax and Have Fun: Bring a playlist that lifts your mood and keeps you energized. The more relaxed you are, the more natural your photos will look.
#3. Trust Your Photographer: They’re the expert, so let them guide you. Trust their advice on poses and setups; don’t be afraid to ask for feedback if you feel unsure.
#4. Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, facial, or waxing before the shoot. Feeling refreshed and polished will boost your confidence and ensure you look your best in every shot.
#5. Remember, You’re Perfect the Way You Are: Embrace your unique beauty and personality. Confidence comes from within, and your authenticity will shine through in your photos. You don’t need to change a thing—just be you!
8. Post-Shoot: Reviewing and Using Your Photos
#1. Photo Selection: Go through the images and pick the ones that best capture your brand’s vision. Choose a variety that can be used for different purposes (e.g., website, social media, marketing materials).
#2. Implementing Your Photos: Use your new images strategically across platforms—website banners, social media profiles, blog posts, newsletters, and ads. Make sure the photos support your brand’s story.
#3. Maintain Visual Consistency: Ensure the chosen photos align with your brand’s overall aesthetic in terms of colors, tone, and style. This will help maintain a cohesive visual identity across all your content.
FAQs: Brand Photoshoots
What is included in a branding photoshoot?
A branding photoshoot typically includes the following elements:
- Pre-Shoot Consultation: A discussion with the photographer to define your brand vision, shot list, and key visual needs.
- Photography Session: The actual shoot, capturing a variety of images (headshots, lifestyle shots, product photos, action shots, etc.) in different settings or outfits.
- Edited Photos: You will receive a set of professionally edited, high-resolution images for use across your marketing platforms.
- Usage Rights: Ensure you understand the licensing agreement and usage rights for your photos—most branding shoots include full commercial rights.
How far in advance should I book a brand photoshoot?
I recommend to book your brand photoshoot at least 2-3 months in advance. This allows time to coordinate with the photographer, find the perfect location, and prepare your outfits and props. If your shoot requires additional talent (e.g., makeup artists or stylists), scheduling them well in advance is also crucial to ensure availability.