The often forgotten element of a striking brand: Photos! With phone pics only going so far (fine for socials, but pleeeease leave them out of your website!), high-quality imagery is crucial for conveying your value to customers. At a time where visual storytelling is at its peak, a brand photoshoot isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about crafting images that resonate with your audience and align with your branding. I’m all for Stock Images when needed, but generic imagery can only take you so far – and let’s face it, that cheesy headshot you took 8 years ago (you know the one) doesn’t quite mesh with your business’ new branding. So whether you’re a fresh startup or an established company, nailing your brand photoshoot is vital for conveying your identity and values effectively. To help you get the most out of your brand photoshoot, here are four steps to help you ensure your photos hit the right mark:
Prioritize Your Brand Aesthetic
With an infinite amount of editing styles out there, it’s so important to have a clear idea of how you want your overall photo aesthetic to look. From your clothing, to your makeup, to the colour of the couch (the details matter!) it all plays a part in how your photos will come together. Is your brand colourful and fun? Then you probably want your photos on the bright side with a lighter backdrop. Branding more dark and upscale? Maybe photos with shadows and moody, negative space fits your aesthetic. Whatever your brand identity, keeping that aesthetic front of mind when planning your shoot will help ensure your photos turn out seamlessly tailored to your business.
Location Is Key
If you think your photographer can whip up the photos of your dreams with just any location – think again! Location has everything to do with how your photos look and feel. From the lighting (the more natural light, the better!), to the decor and vibe of the space, it all plays a huge roll in setting the scene for your photoshoot. Location absolutely ties into your #1 with your brand aesthetic so make sure you consider: Natural light, background variety, wall colour, and seating options.
Prep a Shot List
I always recommend clients do a bit of research (aka Pinterest’ing) before their photoshoot. Why? So we have some structure and I know exactly what my client is expecting and hoping for. With a shot list, the shoot can be optimized from start to finish, maximizing your time and ultimately allowing us to capture more images that fit what you need.
Consider Hiring a Hair & Makeup Artist
This can truly make a world of a difference if you find you’re not confident in front of the camera. Knowing you look and feel your best absolutely comes through in the photos and not overthinking your hair or makeup can help you get comfier in front of the camera quicker. It’s not everyday you get a whole photoshoot for you and your business so what better reason to treat yourself to a makeover!
A successful brand photoshoot is more than just a series of pretty pictures; it’s an opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality and connect with your audience on a deeper level (bu-bye stock photos!) By following these four steps, you can ensure that your next photoshoot is not only visually stunning but also authentically aligned with your brand.
