How to Prepare for Your Personal Brand Shoot
Now that you’ve booked your branding photo session...now what?
Without a doubt, the more prepared you are before your session, the more you’ll get out of it. But who the heck knows how to prepare for something like that unless you’ve done it before? Don’t worry, I’ll save you the trouble of scouring the internet for articles or digging up weird Youtube videos!
Here are my top tips for getting ready for the branding session of your dreams:
1. Tell me all about your business
Before a photoshoot, I always send out a detailed questionnaire. I know, I know...you’re busy and don’t want to spend time filling out a worksheet like you’re in the fifth grade, but the more clearly I can understand the unique heart of your business, the more equipped I am to plan an effective photo session. Then, I always follow up with a phone call or Skype sesh to discuss the plan I’ve put together for the session. This way, we can make sure your branding photos accurately reflect, well, your brand.
2. Get Inspired!
Mood boards are all the rage at the moment and, you know what, I don’t hate it! Dig through magazines, Instagram and Pinterest to gather ideas for your photoshoot. What styles, colors and layouts are you drawn to? What makeup and hairstyles do you love? What locations, props and poses feel meaningful to your business?
When I planned to redesign my kitchen, I went to town pinning ALL the dreamy kitchen ideas. Before long, I began to notice all of the kitchens I loved were blue and white, and guess what? I now have a blue and white kitchen! In the same way, collecting the things that inspire you help to define what you love more clearly so we can incorporate those elements into your photos.
3. List your must-haves
Man, I love a good list! For a photoshoot that flows smoothly and doesn’t miss a thing, take some time to list out all of the images you’re going to need for your marketing materials. Looking for banner photos? Write that down! Need some detail shots? List them out. Want to get a photo of you popping champagne to celebrate the next goal these branding photos are going to help you achieve? Let’s do it! The photos we take could range anywhere from headshots to you in your kitchen hanging out with a steamy mug of coffee, so get creative.
4. Location, location, location!
When you’re trying to determine a location for our session, consider the goals you’re trying to meet with your marketing. Do you want to seem approachable, laid-back and relatable? Let’s kick off your shoes and settle in on your couch. Looking for something adventurous and earthy? Let’s discuss some beautiful outdoor locations. Want to appear professional and go-getter? Let’s find a beautiful desk.
Considering the locations you’ll need to complete your list of must-haves is also key. If you wanted a banner image with tons of white space for text...we need to find a location that has that white space. And if you want to advertise your physical location or a product, taking adorable photos of you in your kitchen may not be the best way to go. Think strategically.
5. Raid your closet
When it comes to clothes, they speak volumes! So, start by considering the emotions behind your brand, your brand colors and what adjectives you’d use to describe your brand. Quirky, professional, bold, nostalgic, natural, chic, classic, fun...choose a couple of words that fit your business, and then match your clothing to those words.
But there are a few truths about dressing for photos that everyone should follow, no matter the brand. Fitted clothing always looks better in a photo than something baggy. Patterns are fun, but try to avoid small, busy, distrating ones. Accessorize tastefully. Bust out the iron. And bring more than you think you’ll need. By following these simple rules and dressing to match your brand, you’ll arrive at your session ready to kick butt!
6. Consider some props
Ask yourself what you need to effectively convey the message behind your brand. What are the tools of your trade? How do you accomplish what you do for your clients? Bring those things! And to make sure you don’t forget anything, make a few days before your photoshoot so you can check each one off as you pack.
A few examples you may want to consider are a laptop, coffee mug, the products you sell, flowers, a tote bag, a pen...and maybe a bottle of wine. Bring whatever props will help you show your work and personality, and we will find ways to use them!
7. Looking your best
You can prep all you want, but at the end of the day YOU are the selling point behind the brand, so we want to make sure you’re looking your best. Fingernails seem like a small detail but, man, do they ever show up in photos! Make sure they are trimmed, and painted a clear or nude color unless something brighter works well with your brand. If you dye your hair, schedule an appointment to freshen it up about a week before your photoshoot. Plan to get a good night’s sleep so you wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session (and maybe avoid alcohol) so your skin looks fresh. And most of all, relax! There’s no need to stress, because I’m here to guide you through every step of the way.
By doing a little prep work ahead of time, you’ll be ready to truly enjoy the experience of taking branding photos. You won’t feel like you’ve forgotten something or like we might miss a shot you need. You’ll feel free to be confident, excited and live it up on this wild ride!