Strike a Pose! 7 Tips To Nail Your Personal Brand Photoshoot
Planning a brand photoshoot can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling everything else in your business. You want the photos to truly reflect your brand’s identity and the vibe you give off. That’s why having a plan in place before shoot day can make all the difference.
From defining your brand aesthetic and choosing the right outfits, to making sure you've captured versatile shots for all your platforms, we'll cover everything you need to know. Plus, I've added a few personal tips - like thinking ahead about blank space for text overlays and requesting b-roll footage - so you can maximise your time and investment.
Ready to make your brand photoshoot as stress-free and successful as possible? Let’s get started!
1. Define Your Brand and Plan Your Vision
The foundation of a successful brand photoshoot is clarity on your brand identity. Whether you’re working with a brand strategist or tackling this on your own, make sure your photographer is fully aware of your brand’s personality. You'll want to be clear on these key elements:
What does your business offer?
What are your mission and vision (your why)?
Who is your target audience?
What are your brand tone words (describing the mood and aesthetic)?
What are your brand colors and styles?
With this information, create a mood board (Pinterest is great for this!) that visually reflects the type of photography you want. For example, if your brand is playful, welcoming, and warm, select images that are colorful and upbeat. This will help your photographer understand the vibe you’re going for.
When choosing a photographer, it’s essential to find someone whose portfolio aligns with your desired aesthetic. Check their website and social media for consistency and don’t be afraid to share your mood board with them to ensure they’re able to capture your vision.
Also - take the time to talk with them before you book. This will help you get a feel for whether they’re right for you.
I decided not to work with a photographer I spoke with for my very first shoot because she seemed to focus a lot on flattering my larger body and less on the vision / message of my brand - this was a red flag for me.
2. Plan Your Outfits
The best way to maximise your time on shoot day is to plan and prepare your outfits well in advance. Think about your brand’s personality and choose 2-3 looks that feel authentic and comfortable to you, while trying to fit with your brand colours where possible.
Skip taking an excessive wardrobe to avoid wasting time on unnecessary outfit changes. Instead, pick outfits that can transition well across different settings – perhaps something bold, something casual, and something professional.
Tip: Comfort is key! Comfortable clothes that feel great will boost your confidence in front of the camera.
3. Create a Shot List
A well-prepared shot list is essential to ensure you capture all the images you need. Start by thinking about how the photos will be used. Do you need headshots for your website? Do you want lifestyle shots for Instagram, or maybe some images for email newsletters?
Consider requesting different orientations (landscape for website banners and portrait for social media posts) to have plenty of options. Don’t forget to plan for shots with blank space behind you so you can overlay text or graphics in the future.
Your shot list could include:
Celebrating a business milestone
Professional headshots
Lifestyle images of you working (on your laptop, writing notes, etc.)
Engaging in client work or creative projects
Having this written down ensures nothing is missed on the day and gives your photographer a clear direction.
Tip: Ask if your photographer can also capture a few short b-roll clips – these can be great for Instagram stories or website banners. These snippets can add a dynamic element to your brand presence.
4. Don’t Overcomplicate Outfits
On the day, you’ll want to keep things flowing smoothly. Overloading on outfits can slow down the shoot and create stress. Stick to 2-3 curated looks that truly reflect your brand and personal style. You’ll feel more relaxed and won’t waste time faffing around with last-minute decisions.
Plan for different settings or moods but keep it manageable, and make sure the outfits work well together.
5. Compile a Checklist of Essentials
A checklist is your best friend when it comes to making sure everything runs smoothly on the day. Aside from your planned outfits, consider what else you’ll need:
Laptop, phone, and any props that reflect your work
Notebooks, pens, or other tools that symbolise your brand
Lip balm and a mirror to keep your makeup in check
Fashion tape and a sewing kit for any potential wardrobe malfunctions
Prepping these items ensures you’ll have everything on hand and avoid those “oh no” moments when you arrive at the shoot.
6. Pick the Perfect Location
Your shoot location is another critical decision. You can opt for a photography studio, use your home office, set up in a cute café (check if they’re open to this!), rent a beautiful Airbnb, or find outdoor spots that match your brand's vibe. Think about the aesthetics that reflect your business: does a cosy café or a sleek modern workspace better represent you?
If you’re renting a location, make sure it’s functional – places that offer clothing racks, mirrors, and lighting equipment can simplify the process and save you time.
Tip: Think ahead about whether you need a mix of portrait and landscape shots to use across different platforms like your website, Instagram stories, or blog posts.
7. It’s Shoot Day!
The big day is here! You’ve prepped your outfits, chosen your location, and finalised your shot list. Now’s the time to pack your essentials, review your checklist, and step into the spotlight.
A brand photoshoot is not just about capturing your visual identity – it’s also about having fun and letting your true personality shine. Curate a playlist that energises you, relax, and enjoy the experience. Remember, the more comfortable and authentic you are, the better your photos will turn out.
Tips for Success:
Stay Organised: Keep your shot list and outfit checklist handy throughout the day to avoid missing any key shots.
Ask for Blank Space Shots: Don’t forget to get some images with blank space behind you. These will be great for adding text or graphics later on.
Plan for B-Roll: A few extra b-roll clips can give you content for social media and create a more dynamic feel for your website.
With these steps and a little planning, you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free and successful brand photoshoot!
And remember to have fun!
