In today’s visual world branded photos are a must! As a web-designer I don’t even start designing a site without having professional photos. Plus, they help bring a professional and personalized touch to your brand. So today, I’m sharing my essential tips for planning a stress-free brand photoshoot, in 6 easy steps! 

Step 1: Find a Photographer You Love

Not sure where to find one? Here are a few ideas to start your search 

• Instagram – Narrow down your search by using local photographer hashtags
• Facebook Groups – Try searching “Your city + brand photographers” like “Los Angeles Brand Photographers:” or utilize any small business Facebook groups you may already be a part of
• Google – Specifically search “brand photographer in (fill in your local area)”
• Your personal network – Do you have an entrepreneur friend who has done a photoshoot in the past? Ask for their photographer’s contact. Maybe you’re really inspired by another brand’s shoot, they’ve probably mentioned or tagged their photographer and if not, don’t be too shy to reach out to the brand and ask. 

Remember photographers have unique styles, so, check out their past shoots and be sure you like the look of their photos before reaching out to them. 

Step 2: Pick Your Location 

So, you’ve chosen your photographer, congrats! You’re one step closer to getting your dream brand photos. The next step is to lock in your location; there are many potential locations to bring  your dream photoshoot to life. If you’ve already taken the time to create an aesthetically pleasing home office, start there. If ‘office makeover’ is still on your to-do list – I feel you! Luckily, there are so many other options. 

You can rent a creative studio for a few hours through the website Peerspace. Some Airbnb’s will even let you rent the space for a photoshoot, just make sure to clearly communicate that you intend to use the space for a photoshoot to avoid any extra fines from the host. 

Of course, there’s always the great outdoors and what makes a better backdrop than nature? Keep in mind, an outdoor shoot requires a bit more research and planning than an indoor shoot. 

Things To Consider When Choosing Your Location

• Double check the weather is suitable for your shoot
• Lighting plays a big role in good photography, so choose a well lit area and know when the sun is rising/setting with a site like Time and Date 
• Plan your shoot for a time when your location won’t be too busy 
• If you’re planning to have multiple outfits, plan out where/how you’ll change

Whether your location is indoors or outdoors, make sure that the colors in your environment won’t clash with your brand colors. 

If you’re really struggling to find a good location, ask your photographer for help. They’ll probably have some favorite spots of their own. 

Step 3: Gather Inspiration 

It’s important to be clear with yourself, and your photographer, about what you’re looking to achieve with your photos. I love using Pinterest to get inspiration for everything from outfits, poses, and flat lay ideas. Make sure to share that inspiration with your photographer and ask them to create a shot list. All this pre-planning allows you to have a smooth photoshoot day and focus on feeling confident in front of the camera. 

Step 4: Pick Your Props

Props help give your hands something to do in photos and give your photos more variety. When it comes to sourcing props, you can always ask your photographer what they have and if you chose to shoot in a creative studio they’ll likely have some too – just note it’s likely to be an additional charge. Don’t want to pay for props? Chances are you have a lot of items around the house that are perfect. As long as it matches your brand’s aesthetic and color palette, it can be a prop. Some ideas are candles, books, glasses, mugs, vases and more. 

Don’t forget your everyday work tools like your laptop, phone, planner, etc. so you can get good day-in-the-life photos. 

Step 5: Pick Your Outfits

The first rule when picking outfits for your brand photoshoot: keep your brand colors and your photo backdrop in mind. Let’s say your brand color is pink. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to wear pink and have a pink backdrop (unless that’s what you’re going for), but, you should try to incorporate your brand color in either the background, your outfit, or the props. You can always stick to a neutral-colored outfit too. 

If your photographer allows it, bring multiple outfits to give your photos more variety. 

Step 6: Have Fun!!!

The planning is done! You’ve locked your photographer, location, props, outfits and made sure you’re clear on your inspiration and shot list. There’s only one thing left to do and it’s to have fun and be yourself. 

P.S. When you hire me as your branding & website designer I can help you source a brand photographer and I’ll coordinate with your photographer to create a shot list for you! 

Book your discovery call below to get started on building your dream website.