Brand photography is an essential part of creating a personal brand. But, before you show up for your brand photoshoot, there are some things you can do to make sure your brand photos are the best they can be! 

1. Have a clear idea of your vision for your brand photoshoot.

The first step in preparing for your brand shoot is having a clear vision. If you haven’t taken brand photos before, it can be hard to know what to expect and how to start planning. Pinterest is a great place to start finding ideas and inspiration for your shoot. You should also know where your brand photos will live—Will they go on your website? Will you use them on social media? Where will you need to use headshots as profile pictures? Will you need some branded stock images? Once you know where your photos will be showcased, you can make a shot list of ideas you’ll need during your shoot. It’s also essential to have your brand identity clearly in mind in the planning stage. What brand adjectives best describe my business? What are my brand colors? What mood do I want to create with my photos?

2. Pick the right brand photographer.

The next important step is to find the right brand photographer. It’s best to go with an experienced brand photographer with experience in the style of photos you are looking for. If you can’t find a local photographer, try looking for photographers in a few nearby cities!

3. Choose the right location for your shoot.

Do you want your brand photoshoot to take place outdoors or in the studio? Or maybe you have an office where you want to take your photos! Look back at your list of images you will need and ensure you can get all of your photos at the location you choose. I love shooting brand sessions at Create + Bloom Studios because there are so many options for backdrops and lighting here! Whatever your vision for your shoot, we can make it happen.

4. Select on-brand outfits.

If you will use your brand photos on your website and social media pages, make sure your outfits go well with your brand colors and mood. This is another task that Pinterest can help you out with. Look up outfit inspiration in your brand color palette. You can either shop online for the outfits you find or bring your ideas to a local boutique for styling help! I love helping my clients pick out the right outfits for their sessions, and I’m always available to give feedback on your ideas!

5. Communicate your vision with your photographer.

It’s essential to communicate with your photographer early on in the process. Let them know where you will use your brand images, your brand colors, and your vision for your session. They might have ideas and advice for things you haven’t thought of yet. Your photographer can also help you find the right location for your shoot and pick the best backdrops and sets for your session. Or, if you are looking for a hairstylist or makeup artist for your session, your photographer might have some good local recommendations.

6. Look your best for your brand shoot by getting plenty of sleep and taking care of your skin.

After all of your hard work and planning, you want to make sure you’ll look your best in your brand photos. A few tips from a photographer would be to get plenty of sleep before your session, stay hydrated, and don’t skip out on your skincare routine in the weeks leading up to your shoot. It might be a good idea to book a facial a week or so before your shoot as well!

7. Prepare yourself mentally for your shoot.

It is also important to feel confident in front of the camera, so preparing yourself mentally is key to looking and feeling your best! I love hyping my clients up before and during their shoots to help them feel great. When you feel confident, it will show in your photos!

Looking to book a brand photoshoot in the Sacramento or Bay Area? Contact me today!