8 Key Tips for a Successful Branding Photoshoot | Denver Branding Photographer
In the visually-driven world of business, your branding photos will make or break your marketing.
More importantly, branding photos aren’t just a pretty picture nor can you hire just any photographer for your branding photos. It actually doesn’t help you to have a smiling picture with your laptop and a pretty setting like everyone else has.
Instead, you need your branding photos to represent what your brand stands for, align with your brand colors and tone, and actually speak your message to your target audience. These photos need to help your business and brand stand out so people know what you do and want to hire you. You also need high quality images you can actually use that will fit your needs for your website layout, social channels, and marketing materials.
Plus, when done right, your branding photoshoot and final images should actually give YOU a confidence boost! Because when you LOVE your photos, you can’t wait to show potential clients your website and marketing materials — thus, resulting in more clients and revenue.
So, to help you prepare, here’s a guide for businesses and professionals on how to get the most out of your business or personal branding photoshoot sessions.
8 Key Tips for a Successful Branding Photoshoot
1) Define Your Brand
Before your photoshoot, take the time to define your brand. This is so important to do BEFORE your photoshoot so that your photos can align with your brand colors, tone, story, target audience, and key offers/products/services. When you start with your branding, you will then have a clearer idea of the types of shots you’ll need to get for your website, socials, marketing materials, ads, offers, etc. If you have a Branding Guidelines document, share with your photographer to get the most out of your session.
Also, check out my other blog post: Top 5 Worst Branding Photo Mistakes (and how to avoid them).
2) Choose the Right Location
Choosing the right location sets the tone for your branding photos. Denver offers a myriad of unique and picturesque settings, and we can help you select a location that complements your brand. Whether it's an urban backdrop, a cozy coffee shop, the stunning natural landscapes, or a tip-top co-working space, the right setting enhances the visual narrative of your brand. The backdrop for your session needs to tie into your branding to set the right tone and setting for your type of business.
3) Set Your Photoshoot Timing
This completely depends on the location you choose and the vibe you want. Most of the time, if you are doing your photoshoot indoors, morning through afternoon is a great time. If you are doing photos outside in nature, you’ll want to consider the photoshoot timing more. Maybe you’re going for a soft, light and airy branded vibe, in which case, you’ll want to choose an early morning time just after sunrise. Maybe you need a dark, spooky vibe with artsy lighting, in which case, you’ll want to shoot just after sunset or later. Plan your photoshoot at a time that aligns with your brand. The right timing can significantly impact the mood and aesthetic of your photos.
4) Style Your Wardrobe
The clothing and accessories you choose for your branding session is a powerful part of the visual element in your brand. Opt for outfits that align with your brand's personality and resonate with your target audience. I like to say, if your branding colors include blue and purple, don’t choose to wear a red blazer, even if it’s your favorite. Your wardrobe needs to be “on-brand.”
As a bonus tip, solid colors are best with minimal patterns. Patterns, unless intentional, are busy and can distract from the point and focus of your images. If you don’t have clothing in the colors of your branding colors, go neutral — white, black, tan/beige, gray, etc.
Get my Free Marketing Photo Checklist here to help you understand the types of photos you need to effectively market your business, why they matter, how they help increase your revenue, and even some bonus pro-tips!
5) Gather Props & Elements
Much like your wardrobe, the props you choose help speak to your target audience what you do, how you help them, and why they should choose you. How do you work with your clients? Do you use any tools or materials? Are there any special elements that make you you for your ideal clients to resonate with? (a.k.a. my Minion coffee mug all the way.) It’s always a good idea to pack a bag of wardrobe and props and bring more than you think you need. Sometimes adding a little extra of your flair to the background or a table setting makes all the difference to help your brand and photos stand out!
6) Start Pinning
Maybe this is uncommon advice, but as a photographer, I want to know what you like! So please, scroll Pinterest. Make a board for Branding Shoot Inspiration. Fill it with outfits, colors, poses, props, ideas, and everything you like. This helps collaborate better on ideas to make your branded photoshoot unique and fit you, while pulling inspiration from images you like.
7) Prepare for the Unexpected
Denver's dynamic weather can add an extra layer of charm to your photos, but it's essential to be prepared. Have a backup plan for unexpected changes in weather, and trust that your photographer is equipped to adapt and capture stunning images regardless of the conditions.
In addition, it’s always a great idea to pack some extra make-up, hair brush, hair spray, tissues, safty-pins, and just about anything else you can think you might need as an emergency kit for your shoot.
8) Relax and Enjoy the Process
Finally, remember that feeling relaxed and enjoying the process translates into authentic and natural-looking photos. Be early. Trust your photographer. Have fun. Let your personality shine.
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your branding photoshoot.
Ready to Book Your Branding Photography Session?
I have had the honor to travel to and had clients fly to work with me from Las Vegas, Chicago, San Diego, Iowa, Florida, Canada, Finland, and more!
Whether you’re near Denver, Colorado, traveling in, or interested in flying me in, I’d love to chat with you!
The best way to do a shoot — make a Mini Business Retreat out of it!
My out-of-state/country clients will take a weekend or few days to fly into Denver, have their photoshoot, and spend an extra day workshopping their business making the trip into a business retreat! (Plus, it’s a write off!)
I have a professional Hair & Makeup Artist and location recommendations to design your Branding Photography Session. In addition, before your session, I send you a questionnaire to design your session and we book a Zoom consultation call to discuss wardrobe and prop options, details for your shoot, and answer any questions you have.
Want to make sure you get all the photos you need during your personal branding or business branding photography session?
Get my Free Marketing Photo Checklist here to help you understand the types of photos you need to effectively market your business, why they matter, how they help increase your revenue, and even some bonus pro-tips!
