How to Get Started with a Branding Photoshoot

So, you know you need a refresh on your website. You’ve used the same handful of images from your phone so many times you cringe when you see them. You’ve heard of brand photography but have no idea how to get this ball rolling. Let me pull back the curtain!

A branding photoshoot is an essential part of building a strong and recognizable brand. It can help you showcase your products or services, highlight your unique personality, and connect with your target audience on a deeper level. Lets take a look at how to get started:

1. Choose Your Photographer

Choose a photographer who specializes in branding photography. A lot of local photographers offer a little bit of this and a little bit of that photography wise. They may do weddings, families, and branding. However, branding photography is an animal unlike all the others. And to be done correctly, it requires a photographer who full immerses themselves in your business. They need to understand it, and you, as completely as possible to truly be able to capture what you need and allow you to get the most bang for your marketing buck. Also, you can look for someone who has experience working with businesses in your industry. They’ve already done a lot of the market research, which will help them to better serve you. And lastly, look for a photographer that has a portfolio that aligns with your brand’s style and personality. While the coloring on an image can be (and should be) specialized for each brand, the foundation of the artist rarely changes. So, look for a photographer who’s style really speaks to you.

2. Define Your Brand Identity

Before you get in front of the camera, it is critical to define your brand identity. If you’ve hired a brand photographer, they will walk you through this process. Ask all the right questions and really drill down so that the images delivered to you are going to speak to your ideal client. While working through the process of fine tuning your brand’s identity, consider your brand’s values, personality, and your target audience. This will help you choose the right location, props, and outfits for your shoot. A little lost on how to establish your brand’s identity and your ideal client, click the link at the end of this blog for a worksheet that will help you get there!

3. Plan Your Photoshoot

Work with your photographer to plan your photoshoot. Choose a location that aligns with your brand’s values and personality. Consider the time of day, lighting, and weather conditions. Choose outfits and props that complement your brand’s style and personality. When working with Style House, we provide a branding session planning guide at booking. This helps get the wheels turning on what you’d like your shoot to look like; as well as working through the details of your brand’s identity. You will also receive our Ultimate Guide to Styling Your Branding Shoot. What to wear, what accessories to use, how should your hair and makeup be done? All these questions get answered and then some! A week before your shoot, you will receive our personalized detailed shot plan for approval. This will allow you to see what images we plan to take, a copy of the inspo images you provided, the vibe of each set, the colors we’re using, and all the details/props. It keeps us organized the day of, so that nothing gets missed.

4. Prepare Your Products or Services

Having images of your products is a must when you’re having a branding session. It gives you countless images to use for your website and social media posts. But, having work process images of you providing your service with a “client” (rather than hire a model, just ask a friend!) is the piece de resistance of your branding shoot. It allows your ideal client to see what your service is all about and picture themselves in that spot.

5. Promote Your Photoshoot

Promote your photoshoot on social media and other marketing channels. I don’t know about you, but I could watch behind the scenes Reels all day. They are an amazing way to stop that scroll and get noticed. Have your photographer grab a little video on the day of your shoot! Sharing a behind the scenes video with a final edited image…chef’s kiss!

6. Review and Use Your Photos

Honestly, this may be the hardest part and it is why last year we added on the service of social media strategy and management. Picture this…

I kid. But seriously, here you are. You’ve dropped a healthy chunk of money on some branding images. You now have a gallery of 60+ images and haven’t the slightest clue where to start. And you think, why did I do this to myself? We get it! You’re obviously going to want to refresh your website and post some images on social media. But, what to do beyond on that? If you can’t afford to hire a social media manager, here is our 50,000 foot overview on how best to use these images. Create a spreadsheet with “buckets” of social media topic ideas. Then create folders on your computer, named for each one of these buckets. Place the images that fit each category into the corresponding folder. It is okay to copy an image and have it in more than one folder. When you have an idea for a post that one of these bucket headers, you’ve already got all your images nicely organized. Just grab one and go!

A branding photoshoot is a valuable investment in your business’s success. Use these tips to hire the right photographer and start creating a memorable and effective brand image. Remember to have fun and let your brand’s personality shine through in your photos!

For more information on a branding shoot with Style House Creative Agency, click here

To receive a copy of the worksheet that will help you start nailing down your brand identity, click here