As a small business owner, your branding photoshoot is a vital opportunity to capture the essence of your brand and communicate it effectively to your audience. Today, I’m collaborating with an expert photographer, Leigha Smith, who specializes in business branding photography to bring you the top 15 tips for a successful photoshoot. These tips will help you maximize your session and ensure you get the best possible results.
1. Define Your Brand Identity
Before your shoot, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your brand identity. This includes knowing your brand colors, values, and the message you want to convey through your photos. A well-defined brand identity will guide the entire photoshoot process and ensure that the resulting images are consistent with your overall branding. Spend time brainstorming and solidifying your brand’s unique qualities. This clarity will help your photographer capture images that truly represent your business. Pull images that you love from Pinterest. I always look for a "power pose" that captivates confidence and this helps me to find the exact image I want for my business cards.
Think of your favorite actress and look up images of them. Are there any that poses or images that stand out to you? Show these to your photographer for inspiration and try to replicate them.
2. Quick Outfit Changes
To add diversity to your photos, plan for quick outfit changes during the shoot. Different outfits can portray various aspects of your brand and keep your content fresh and engaging. Consider how each outfit aligns with your brand’s color scheme and overall aesthetic. Quick outfit changes can also help you create a versatile portfolio of images that can be used across different marketing platforms, from your website to social media. Wearing outfits with pockets gives nervous hands a place to hang or a fun option to play with for light movement.
Consider scarves, earrings, headbands, blazers or anything that helps you change up the look quickly. Having a friend join that has these accessory changes ready can also help to keep things on track.
When I did my photo session, I planned neutral outfits and avoided trendy clothing. I wanted my photos to stay relevant throughout the next handful of years and didn't want to look outdated. I dressed in a simple base (white tank shirt) and layered over it (different cardigans, 2 styles of earrings, etc). This gave me the opportunity to change in less than a minute and capture multiple looks.
3. Upgrade to a Longer Photoshoot
Investing in a longer photoshoot session can be highly beneficial. This extra time allows you to visit multiple locations and capture a variety of scenes, providing you with a wealth of content for all your marketing needs. A longer session also reduces the pressure to rush through different shots, resulting in higher-quality images. With more content, you can ensure that your marketing materials stay fresh and relevant for a long time. #ExtendedPhotoshoot #ContentCreation
4. Pick your Location Wisely
Find a location that is specific to your industry and who you serve. Some fun examples we have done in the past include: A hospital coffee shop for a doula, a Malibu ocean theme or a therapist that's branding is all about calming the waves of life, a commercial realtor used the inside of an Ethan Allen, a wedding planner used an outdoor venue, etc. Finding a cafe that has your same colors and vibe is great, but getting permission to use it for a couple of photos might be a challenge. If you are using a shared public area, consider the hours it is busy. Having a lot of pedestrians, cars and uncontrolled elements can take away from your photos. Lighting is another consideration with location, time of day and backgrounds. Outside patios with light backgrounds can be a great option during off hours.
Do you have any connections that own a coffee shop, restaurant or cool store you can use before or after opening hours? You might consider giving them permission to use your photos for their marketing in exchange for letting you use their location.
5. Use Props and Tools
Props and tools that reflect your business can add depth and context to your photos, making them more relatable and interesting. Think about items that are integral to your business operations or that symbolize your brand values. For example, if you run a bakery, incorporating baking tools or ingredients can help tell your brand’s story. Thoughtfully chosen props can make your photos more engaging and visually appealing.
If you work on a computer, phone or tablet, make sure your devices are clean and free of any distractions (ie: cracked screens, missing keys, stickers, pop sockets, etc). Invest in a case that is aesthetically pleasing, neutral and within your branding color palette. Avoid sticker logos, as these can look tacky or distracting. You can consider adding pops of your accent color within your outfit and props (ie: journal, pen, headband, shirt, shoes, etc). While you don't want to go overboard with your accent color, have fun by adding little pops of it.
*Rule of thumb: Primary color should be 60% of your design, the secondary color should be 30%, and the accent color should only take up 10% of your design.
6. Mock Client Meetings & Interactions
Bringing a friend or hiring a model to act as a client during your shoot can create authentic and relatable photos. Going through the motions of a client meeting can produce images that showcase your business in action. This approach not only adds authenticity to your photos but also helps potential clients visualize what it’s like to work with you.
Give views a glimpse of "Behind the Scenes" or "What it Would Look Like" to work with you, using your props & tools. Print graphs, papers or papers in your branded colors.
7. Choose a Target Audience Model
Selecting models who resemble your target audience can ensure that your photos resonate with your ideal customers. This strategy makes it easier for potential clients to see themselves using your products or services. Consider the demographics and characteristics of your target audience and choose models that reflect these attributes. This approach can make your branding more effective and relatable.
8. Appeal to Emotion
Focus on creating images that evoke emotion. Photos that tell a story or capture genuine moments are more likely to engage your audience. Think about the emotions you want your brand to convey and work with your photographer to capture these feelings. Emotional branding can create a stronger connection with your audience and make your brand more memorable.
9. Go Beyond Headshots
While headshots are important, they can be mundane if they’re the only type of photo you have. Include a variety of shots that showcase different aspects of your business and personality. Consider action shots, candid moments, and images that highlight your workspace or products. This variety can make your branding more dynamic and interesting. 1-3 headshots are great for things like LinkedIn, email signatures and account profile pics. The rest need to be candids and fun!
10. Plan for Instagram
When planning your photoshoot, consider the types of photos that will perform well on Instagram. Images that tell a story or grab attention quickly are perfect for social media. Think about your Instagram grid and how the photos will fit together to create a cohesive and visually appealing feed. Engaging photos can increase your social media following and boost your brand’s online presence. #InstagramReady #SocialMediaBranding
11. Talk to Your Website Designer
Always consult with your website designer before the shoot. They can provide valuable insights on the types of photos that will best complement your website design and overall branding strategy. Your website designer can suggest specific shots or styles that will enhance your site’s visual appeal and user experience. This collaboration ensures that your photos align with your brand and business goals. #DesignerCollaboration #StrategicBranding
12. Consider Branding Redesigns
If you’re planning to update your branding assets, coordinate these changes with your photoshoot. Consistency across all your branding materials is key to a cohesive look. New photos can highlight and reinforce your updated brand identity, making your marketing more effective. Work with your photographer to capture images that reflect your new branding and create a unified visual presence. #BrandRedesign #ConsistentBranding
13. Pay attention to the small details
Your photoshoot will probably include some closeups of your hands. From touching props, to staged poses, it is important to keep clean and non distracting fingernails. Consider getting a manicure with a matte nude or use press-on nails. Wear a light ring in either gold or silver and if your field is known for time management, wear a watch. You can easily change these small accessories off between looks.
14. Find a Photographer You Are Comfortable With
Choosing the right photographer is crucial, especially when it comes to branding your business. A good photographer not only has the technical skills to capture stunning images but also understands your vision and the message you want to convey. It's important to find someone whose personality clicks with yours, as a comfortable and trusting relationship will lead to more authentic and natural photos. Reviewing their portfolio is essential—ensure that their style resonates with your brand and that they have experience in branding photography. A seasoned photographer will know how to highlight your unique strengths, making your brand stand out in a crowded market. Investing in the right photographer can make all the difference in how your brand is perceived, so choose wisely.
15. Utilize Photo Styling Guides
These guides help curate a unique look that enhances your website design, tells your story, and attracts your target audience. Hiring a website or marketing manager prior to your shoot ensures you get photos that align with your brand, business goals, and audience. Our guides provide valuable tips on styling, posing, and selecting props, making your photoshoot more effective and aligned with your brand strategy.
At Kinship Creative, we offer free customized Branding Photo Styling Guides with all our website projects. We want you to get the exact photos for your website so they complement the story we are telling. We also include photo ideas for your marketing, all included at no extra cost!
16. CELEBRATE!!!
As soon as your photo session is over, GO CELEBRATE! Let down your hair, put on some cozy loungewear and go do something relaxing! Photoshoots can be nerve-racking and having something to look forward to afterwards can really help! If you had a friend come to support, go have a nice lunch and enjoy!
By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your business branding photoshoot is a success. Ready to elevate your brand with stunning visuals? Contact us today to get started and let’s create photos that speak to your audience and drive your business forward!
Thank you to Leigha Smith Photography for your pointers! We LOVE collaborating with Leigha on branding photos!
Leigha Smith specializes in Golden Light, Branding, Headshots & Family Photography and is located in Thousand Oaks, California.
A little about Leigha:
I love to surprise my clients with a sneak peek within 24 hours and I deliver the complete gallery in less than a week! My work is more than creating stunning photographs, it's about collaborating together to build community and give you solace that you have someone who see's the best in you and your family!
Chadd, a content creator and actor, started working with my clients as a videographer, interior photographer and drone operator. Our passion lies in working together and utilizing our distinct talents to serve our clients.
Beyond the lens I love to read, go thrifting with my daughter, cook with friends, hike, make yummy espresso's (two shots over ice with a splash of cream), I just started playing pickle ball and I travel to Whidbey Island & Los Barriles yearly. Margaritas with chips, fresh salsa & a bean dip is my love language and I'm pretty sure 50% of my brain is filled with song lyrics from the 70"s - 2000"s.
To Contact Leigha, visit http://leighasmithphotography.com
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