What comes to mind when you think of a brand? We often interpret it as the catchy slogan or the logo of a business. What many people tend to forget is that the brand is a representation of who you are along with your products or the products of your endeavors. Just as important as the tangible, observable elements of your brand are the intangibles —the ways your brand gives your target audience an idea of what you stand for and how you make them feel. This feeling people get when they think of your business is a huge part of your brand. It can sell your business and services, even before a customer or client has a conversation or real life interaction with you.
Instead of opting for stock photos to represent your brand, a brand photo shoot that is customized for you is such an important investment in growing your business. When done well, a brand photo session captures your authentic self. It delivers images that helps your audience understand the real you. Building the know-like-trust factor we hear so much about.
Once you understand and acknowledge the need for a brand photo shoot for your business, here are some tips on how best to prepare so that your session is a success.
1. Create a list of where the photos will be used
You will find that the photo that would best suit the homepage of your website would not necessarily be the best for your social media or your sales page. It is vital to create a list that covers the wide range of content to meet all of your business needs. When considering your business marketing needs, understand that certain photos would best serve each particular situation compared to another.
Go through your website and think of the different kinds of images you’d like to see on each of your pages. Are they horizontal or vertical? Do you need generous negative space for text and other design elements? Anticipate future uses for your brand photos as well. Will you need a traditional headshot for submission to events, panels or markets where you’ll be a participant? Anticipate and plan! Preparation is key! [Insert your own favorite platitude here.] It will guarantee you get the most out of your investment in brand photos for your business.
2. Create An Inspiration/Mood Board
Find inspiration and create a visual aid for what you want to achieve during your brand photo session. Your photographer needs to understand what you are looking for, right? As much as your photographer can provide guidance on the most common types of images, the images must work for your needs. How well a photographer, including yours truly, understands your concept and story can determine the resulting photos.
As necessity is the mother of invention, Pinterest is the mother of inspiration. I personally love Pinterest! I encourage my clients to use it. We share a Pinterest board and contribute to it with lots of ideas. As a client, the ideas you add to the board helps show your style and aesthetic preferences. When gathering ideas, consider choosing color palettes that represent and complement your brand colors.
If you’d like some additional ideas, I’ve put together a free Inspiration Guide that includes a complete shot list of twenty poses to help you get your creative juices flowing as you think about or prepare for your brand photo shoot. This free guide is for you, no matter which photographer you choose.
3. Gather props
At least a few days before your session start putting props into a box that you can easily access. As you go about your daily routines, you’ll use or come across things that may work well for your upcoming brand session. A nice pen, a framed motivational quote, a few sketches, a favorite book, a handmade basket, etc. You won’t use every prop, but it’s better to have everything together in one place, ready to go rather than scramble the day before your photo shoot frantically collecting props. Again, preparation is key!
Props are such a powerful tool to illustrate your brand story and relay your personality. Also, and this is huge, having your hands occupied helps with the all too common concern of not knowing what to do with your hands. I hear this all the time!
Some very simple props that work for almost everyone include a cell phone, a cup or mug, a notebook or sketch pad and a pair of sunglasses.
4. Choose The Right Outfits
What else represents you better than your own personal style? I have a friend that would say, “you lose your sense of style, you lose your sense of self.” Needless to say, she’s got a distinct style and strong confidence in her selfhood.
Your outfits should reflect who you are, your brand and what you do. If you have an established brand color palette, perhaps wear items with similar or complementary colors. Layers and textures look great, and accessories are also good for adding your personality and brand story.
That said, avoid big logos, characters or brand labels. This can even include your own brand logo, especially if you’re thinking of a brand refresh in the near future. If you go through a rebrand, get a new logo, etc. you should still be able to use your brand photos.
Remember, what you wear can help you ooze confidence or make you look and feel self conscious. Be presentable, be comfortable and most of all be you.
5. Have Fun!
When you’ve prepared well for your brand photo shoot, your job the day of is to show up, trust your photographer and, last but not least, have fun! It will show in the final images.
