5 Tips for your next Brand Photo Shoot

Beautiful, on brand photography makes up a huge part of the overall style and look of your website, so getting your brand photography just right is super important.

Brand photography can be a full-day studio photo shoot with a pro, or a quick afternoon shoot in your garden with your partner or friend. Either way, making sure that you are properly prepared for your photo shoot will make a huge difference to the quality and style of your final photos. 

Here are 5 tips to help you nail your next brand photo shoot:

1. Nail your branding ahead of time

Make sure that you have your brand identity nailed down beforehand so you feel confident in the colors, tone and style of your brand and therefore the photos you’ll be taking. Figuring out your branding on the fly will just add to the stress of the day, and can lead to your photos not communicating your brand’s values or style properly.

2. Create your shot list

Then, write out a shot list of all of the types of photos you’d like and what sorts of locations you’ll need to be in. I like to just brain-dump everything I’d like to have onto apiece of paper and then go back and try to arrange them by location and outfits to make a rough plan for the day.

As a good rule of thumb, try to have at least 3-5 different set ups each time you take brand photos so you’ll have a nice variety of shots to use for your website and social media. It’s also great to plan for some non-portrait photos such as close ups of your workspace or details of your work to add interest and texture. 

3. Try on your outfits a few days before

Take some time to try on all of the outfits you’re thinking of wearing for your photo shoot a few days beforehand. Make sure you feel comfortable in them and can move about easily – no point in looking amazing while sucking in your gut if you need relaxed sitting shots for your website! I like to do this just a few days before my photo shoots so I am sure the clothes fit me perfectly now.

The one exception to this rule is if you need to buy new clothes for your photo shoot. In that case, go ahead and buy what you’ll need whenever the time is right but do take a moment to re-try those new clothes with the rest of your outfits a few days before your shoot to make sure everything fits comfortably and works as a complete ensemble.

*Bonus points if you take a quick photo of yourself in each outfit and do a quick check for anything, you’d be upset to find in your final photos such as see-through tops, visible bra straps or unflattering angles.

4. Gather your props

Think of everything you might need to complete your photos. If you are sitting at your desk, for example, take some time to think of which objects you’d like to have on your desk.Then, take some time to find items that fit with your brand style and colors for a beautifully cohesive look.

It’s a nice touch to have something living in your photos, such as plants, fruit, animals or even just your hands to give a sense of authenticity and realism to your images. 

A good rule of thumb is to always have too many props rather than enough! Perhaps on the day the tight close up you were planning for your headshot looks empty and that extra pillow or potted plant can make all the difference!

5. Relax and be natural

This is easier said than done, but try your best to remain relaxed on the day since your discomfort will most definitely show through in your photos. Try starting with some “easy” poses, such as you working or doing something you do all the time, and then work up to the more staged shots later on. Another good tip is to talk to your photographer(or friend or partner who is taking your photos) about something completely unrelated to what you are doing. Distraction is your best friend when feeling self-conscious and if you can get a fun, lively conversation your face will naturally exude your energy!

Final Thoughts

Hopefully these tips will have you excited and ready for your next brand photoshoot! Remember, you don’t have to be an influencer or model to have great photos that build a strong connection with your audience (in fact, the more natural your photos are the better for your business!!)