How to Prepare for your Brand Photoshoot

BE YOURSELF. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people show up to have photos taken and are attempting a “new look” that they wouldn’t wear normally. Don’t wear all new clothes or a totally new hair style or excessive make-up, just be YOU. Bring several options for clothes and have photo examples on-hand as a frame of reference. Besides being yourself, being inspired and excited to do the shoot makes a huge difference in how the shoot goes and how the final images turn out.

It depends. A mood board is always a good idea if you want the photographer to understand the overall tone and style you have in mind. A shot list is key if there are very specific photos you need: i.e. a photo of me using a certain tool, a headshot for my about page, several photos for my services page, etc. Knowing where we are shooting a few days ahead of time is also crucial for my planning. (Outdoors, indoors…both?)

For me, the shot list is part of the photographer’s brief. The brief would tell me what the client expects from me: how many photos am I producing?; What is our goal?; What are the photos for and where will the client be using them (web, socials, printed materials)?

Creating a shot list is a good exercise for the client to do even if they don’t necessarily stick to it the day of the shoot. Sometimes, things come up on a shoot and we get creative, or a new idea seems better…I think it’s good to be organized, but also trust your gut and trust your photographer!

Referrals are mostly how people find me, but there are tons of platforms online where photographers are listed for hire (Freelancer.com, Upwork, Fiverr, etc). If you don’t get a direct referral I would shop around and see who is in your budget, but also whose portfolio speaks to you. It’s my personal opinion that a good photographer can adapt his or her style to match the client’s vision; but a photographer’s eye, and the way he or she edits the photos will be unique and you should keep that in mind too. I also believe you really get what you pay for when it comes to professional photographers, just throwing that out there!

Creating a shot list will help you decide where to shoot and at what time. If an indoor location is ideal, visit the location first and take a few pictures of the area which might work for your photos (This will help your photographer know what kind of lighting might be necessary). If you also need an outdoor location, scout out your neighborhood, find a few places that might work (neutral-toned walls are always good!), save the map pins and share them with your photographer. He or she will then be able to tell you what time of day would work best depending on the sun’s positioning during that time of year. Bear in mind, some locations work great, and others turn out to be a bust. That’s why having a few will keep the shoot flowing. If something isn’t working, we can move onto the next locale.

Also important: If you are shooting in a business locale that is not your own, always ask if you need permission to set up lights or permission to shoot during business hours.

Wear clothes that you feel good in, and that feel like you. The more options the better. Think about having different colors for different backgrounds. Definitely bring several neutral tones, and colors that correspond to your branding. If necessary, come prepared with hangers and a steamer.

If your line of work has a defining tool or piece of equipment associated with it, it’s a good idea to have those items on hand and mention them in your shot list. For example, if you are a chiropractor you would want to be in your studio and capture moments with you interacting with tools and clients. Even if you don’t have specific tools assigned to your craft, unique props are a fun way to set your brand apart. You can brainstorm about it ahead of time and include them in your shot list.

Arrive ready and have someone with you keeping an eye on it. While I am focused on the expression and the lighting, it’s good to have someone who is keeping an eye on your shirt coming untucked or your forehead becoming shiny. Per makeup: Start with a more natural makeup look first; then go into full makeup if you want a more glamorous look. The same goes with hair.

If you don’t have the budget to hire an art director or assistant, recruiting two friends to help is ideal. One person to keep an eye on props, hair, makeup, the shot list… and another person to help the photographer, hold reflectors, be the go-between. Also, if you want images with clients or group interactions make sure your friends are onboard to have their pictures taken with you, or hire professional models. Another huge benefit of having a friend with you is it helps to keep things light. Someone to look at (besides the lens) can really help the subject relax and have fun with it.

That’s the golden question! That’s the photographer’s job. A good photographer will look at the subject and see what’s working for them and will help them figure out how to move their body, or articulate their expressions. One thing you could do to get yourself “ready” is to watch some videos on Youtube on HOW TO POSE for the camera. Then, expect your photographer to get you to the finish line during your shoot.

It’s helpful to have a brand guidelines book ahead of time and most importantly examples of photos that match the brand’s aesthetic. If you want brand colors in the shoot it needs to be planned ahead of time. Using props as pops of brand color works great. Or, for example, find a wall that is close to your brand color of choice and in the editing phase I can shift it to match. If it’s a completely different hue, the outcome will not be nearly as good.