How to Plan an Effective Brand Photoshoot

If there's one thing I've learned as a former teacher, a business owner, and a mom, it's that failing to plan means you're planning to fail. It is SO important to begin with the end in mind, so that you can backwards plan everything you need to bring, do, and remember as you execute your photo shoot. Whether you're working with a brand photographer like me or flying solo, you HAVE to walk through the four steps below to set yourself up for success!

Determine Your Goals

What exactly are you hoping to get out of your brand shoot? Do you need a hero image for your blog? Content for your Instagram? Product photos for your Shopify store? When you begin with the end in mind - what you actually need to HAVE at the end of your shoot - you can start to plan what shots you will need to capture.

Along with figuring out the big picture of the types of photos you plan to have, I recommend you think about how you picture yourself sharing these photos as well - especially if you want content for social media! It's so easy to say "oh I just want some lifestyle or outfit photos for Instagram!" then get your photos back and realize that you have no idea what you want to SAY along with them. I challenge you to plan captions and content that you'd like to share, and then plan photos that lend themselves to the words you want to say.

If you're thinking - WHOA that's a lot to plan - you're right! If you do decide to work with me, I'll hold your hand the whole way, but if you're planning a shoot on your own, give yourself time and space to do this work! You will absolutely get out of your shoot what you put into planning it.

Consider your overall style

If you already have established brand guidelines, be sure to plan a shoot that aligns with your existing aesthetic. For instance, if you're a feminine service-based business, a shoot at a cute coffee shop makes perfect sense. But if you're a tell-it-like-it-is business coach, you might consider shooting in more of a professional office environment. Consider the messaging that your color palette, fonts, and logo communicate and try to mimic or compliment those same messages through your photos.

Starting from scratch? Don't worry - I got you! The first step in determining your overall style is figuring out who your ideal client is. What appeals to that person? What problem are you solving for them? Do you need to convey authority or understanding?

I know that defining your style can be challenging, so I find it's best not to get too caught up in making sure it's perfect! Remember that as you change and evolve, so will your business, and so might your style. Just pick some guiding principles that resonate with you and you ideal client, and run with it!

Plan for props, wardrobe, and variety

By now, you're probably like "Whoa, Sarah. This is a lot of work." Yup. And that is exactly why we need to make DAMN sure that you get your time and money's worth with your shoot. Having variety planned into your shoot is KEY to making sure that you get numerous images that you can use for a long time.

Bring multiple outfits in line with your color scheme and style, accessories to change things up, and props that compliment your brand. For service-based businesses think about things like laptops, planners, pretty pens, coffee mugs, and anything that might allude to your service. For product-based businesses, plan on having some finished products but also whatever "ingredients" you use to create your product!

Nail down a shot list

The last and (maybe) most important step - though I would argue it's hard to do this step without the previous three - planning a shot list! Your shot list is the specific list of photos you plan to capture. If you're working with a brand photographer, she should collaborate with you to ensure that she provides ideas and guidance as well as captures any "must-have" images that you want. Be as specific as possible with your needs! If you need a blog header image with your face to the left and negative space to the right where you can incorporate your name, make sure to let your photographer know!

However, I would argue that the shot list is even MORE important if you're planning on your own - especially if you've roped a friend (or an Instagram Husband) into shooting for you. Consider making a visual shot list with inspiration from Pinterest or other accounts you like, so they can see exactly what you want the end result to look like.

Ok y'all. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but it is SO important to me that you get exactly what you want and need out of your brand shoot. I KNOW how transformative it can be to have images that align with your brand, that you are proud to share, and that make you and your online presence look and feel LEGIT.

If you're interested in planning your very own branding shoot with me, drop me a line to set up a free consultation call!