How to Plan a Brand Photo Shoot

If you’re a service provider, showing the “face behind your business” is an important part of building trust with your audience. Your clients are more likely to buy from you if they feel like they’ve seen your face often and can trust you.

That means, you’ll want to fill your website and social media accounts with high-quality pics of yourself that show off your unique style, personality, and are a seamless extension of your branding. Here are a few of my favorite tips to plan for your photoshoot.

Get Inspired for Your Brand Photoshoot

My favorite spot to get inspired for a brand photoshoot is Pinterest. Create a “brand photoshoot” board and save all your favorite outfit, prop and pose ideas. You can also send this board to your photographer to get aligned before your brand shoot.

You can check out my brand photoshoot Pinterest board here.

Create a Shot List

Next, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting practical photos during your shoot that you can easily use on your website and social media content. Do a comb-through your website and make a list of any images you might need.

For example: As a brand designer, I might want a picture of me putting together a mood board or working on my computer. Both of these images I could use on my services page to help show the behind the scenes of what I do.

Find Your Photoshoot Props and Outfits

Props are another important part of your brand shoot. If you’re a service provider, consider bringing any “tools of your trade” like a laptop, camera, iPad, books etc. Fun props like disco balls, flowers and beverages are another great way to add some interest to your photos. Here’s a quick list of props to consider:

• plants + florals

• food (produce, sweet treats etc.)

• beverages (sodas with fun packaging, matcha, coffee etc.)

• books

• writing utensils

• tools of your trade (computer, camera, notebooks, kitchen utensils etc.)

• antiques - visit a local antique store and see if you can find any interesting objects that fare also on brand

• furniture

Similarly, you’ll want to find outfits that match the look and feel of your brand. I recommend something you feel comfortable and confident in.

💡 TIP: Nuuly rentals are one of my favorite places to get fun outfits for my brand photoshoots. I spend most of my life in casual athleisure, so I love that I can easily rent dresses, blazers and other unique outfits from Nuuly without the commitment of buying.

My final thought on props and outfits is sometimes less is more. Most of these photos will be used in the context of your website and social media. That means, they’ll be surrounded by text, color and other graphic elements. For this reason, don’t be afraid to keep it simple!

Find Your Photoshoot Location

Finally, look for a photoshoot location that’s either neutral or matches the vibe of your brand. I’ve also done photoshoots in my home office. If you chose to do one in your home, be mindful of clearing out clutter. You may want to ask your photographer to make sure there’s ample lighting.

💡 TIP: Peerspace.com is a great place to find photoshoot locations. Especially for my nutrition and chef clients, there are tons of beautiful home kitchens available to rent through Peerspace.

Most photoshoot locations will also have colored backdrops which can be a great way to incorporate brand colors into your shoot. Even a touch of color can really bring your photos to life. (see this peachy-beige below I used in my brand shoot)

P.S. Don’t neglect video content!

Finally, ask your photographer if they can also grab some video content. (Even if it’s just with their iPhone.) Trust me, having some video clips already made will come in handy for social media.

💡 TIP: Make sure there is some negative space in your video content like a blank wall so you can overlay text for reels.

Hopefully that helps you plan for your next photoshoot! If you have questions or are unsure of anything, reach out to your photographer and trust their expertise.