How to Prepare for Your Business Branding Photoshoot

Brand photography is good for business. Fact. You should definitely invest in it, but don’t just take my word for it. Here are three reasons why it’s such an important investment for your business and some handy pointers on how to prepare for your own branding shoot so that we can get the most out of it.

Strong imagery is an essential part of any marketing strategy
Images help you connect with your customers
Photography helps you to tell your brand story

Where to do your business branding photoshoot

We’ll need to choose a location that’s right for your brand so that it reflects your brand values - in other words - gives the right vibes. The location will also depend on the type of business you’re in and how photogenic your usual set up is. All well and good if you’re a florist surrounded by gorgeous blooms on the daily, but not so much if you’re just starting out and hustling from your bedroom. Hey, many successful businesses started this way, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right backdrop for your brand photography session! Here are the kind of places that may suit:

Your workspace / office (great for service-based businesses)
The place where you work with your customers (perfect for customer-facing businesses such as florists, massage therapists, yoga studios, counselors, etc.)
A hired studio / lifestyle space (a good solution for remote businesses, or businesses with less-than-photogenic daily working environments)
The outdoors (great for health and wellness businesses)

business branding studio photography.jpg

What to wear to your photoshoot

You want to feel your best and, most importantly, comfortable in what you’re wearing for your shoot. Whatever your vibe, here are a few pointers to follow:

Don’t wear anything with big branding - this shoot is all about you and your business, not free airtime for another!
Avoid busy patterns - these are tricky to work with and we want you to stand out, not clash with the background.
No twinning, please! Check with your business partner to avoid showing up in the same outfit. Exception: if you’re in uniform. Obvs.
Don’t wear all black or all white, unless you’re so trendy that you can own it and 100% flaunt it!
Do wear neutrals - these are best to work with and no, neutral doesn’t have to be boring!
Wear colours that complement your brand (not too matchy-matchy with your brand colours, but keep them harmonious).
Do bring your own style and individuality (and yes, this can shine through even in uniform).
Have options! It’s a good plan to have 2-3 outfits, or at least a change of top in case you’re just not feeling it on the day.

What to bring with you

Having some select and relevant props on hand can help to add stylistic or emotive effects. But less is more... there’s a fine line between subtle and cliché. These are some examples of things you could bring:

The tools / materials you use in your business (i.e. laptop, notepad/pen, iPad, clipboard, etc. or a mug of tea and box of tissues for a counselor, or a yoga mat for a yoga instructor, you get the idea).
Any relevant products you either sell to your customers or use with your customers (i.e. massage oil for a massage therapist, jewellry for a jeweller, etc.)
Although we love furry friends, unless they’re integral to your brand, please leave them at home, mainly to avoid the risk of your photographer AKA me getting majorly side-tracked!

What to ask for help with

Models
If you want to include some shots of you working with customers / clients but don’t want to actually use real customers / clients, no problem! I can help find you a model. I’ve sourced models for a massage therapist and an orthopaedic surgeon (true story) but you may need a hand model for a food or jewellery business, or a client for a well-being consultation. Just ask.
Locations
I can help business owners find a suitable location or a studio / lifestyle space to hire if needed. Are you a business coach who works remotely from your kitchen table? Or a startup business that doesn’t have a physical address yet? Don’t worry, we’ll find the perfect solution to fit your brand.