How to prepare for a branding session
Your business's visual identity is a crucial aspect of your brand's success. Professional branding photos can help you convey your business's values and personality which works to build trust and desirability with your dream clients. However, a successful branding photoshoot doesn't just happen by chance. It requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here's some tips on how to prepare for a personal and business branding photoshoot.
Define your business personality
Know your brand identity: Before you even think about the photos, make sure you have a clear understanding of your brand's values, mission, and personality. This will guide the visual elements of your photos.
Style and mood: Decide on the style and mood you want to convey - this will be closely tied to your brand’s personality. Are you aiming for a corporate and professional look or a more casual and creative vibe? Think about it like this - bright colours and playful compositions create a very different feel to serious facial expressions and moody lighting .
Choose your photographer carefully:
Research: Look for a photographer with experience in business branding photos. This way, you’ll know they are specifically skilled in photographing business and business owners and will be able to think of things to elevate your photoshoot that others can’t.
Alignment in style is important: Choose a photographer whose style aligns with yours - this is key. A photographer whose portfolio consists mainly of studio lit, corporate imagery will not suit a business with a playful vibe and a love of the outdoors. View their social media and website to get a sense of how they like to photograph and edit.
Choose someone you can trust: Having your photo taken requires a lot of vulnerability so it’s important that you choose someone you feel you can trust. Read their reviews and copy on their website to get a sense of personality or better yet, speak to them before you book so you can ensure you’re on the same page.
Preparing for your session:
Location and props: Choose a location that fits your brand's identity which involves consider whether an outdoor or indoor location (or both) is best. Plan any props that will enhance your brand story to better tell prospective clients what it is you do (and how!).
Wardrobe: Coordinate outfits for everyone involved. Ensure that the clothing complements your brand's color scheme and style.
Hair and makeup: You might like to arrange to have your hair and makeup done if it’ll make you feel more confident.
On the day of the session:
Time management: Allow time before and after your session to ensure you’re feeling organised and can relax afterwards - having your photo taken requires a lot of energy!
Posing and expression: Remember to relax and be yourself as authenticity is a crucial element of branding photos. Your photographer should have worked to build a sense of trust and comfortability and they’ve got lots of tips and tricks up their sleeve to work out how to best showcase your business.
By investing time and effort in preparing for your business or personal branding photoshoot, you'll be better equipped to convey your brand's message effectively. High-quality branding photos can elevate your business's image and help to connect you with your dream clients.