Let’s talk branding shoot poses.

I hear it all the time from clients before their shoot. “I don’t know how to pose. I don’t know what to do with my hands.” And don’t worry, it’s my job to tell you what to do!

Are you getting ready for your first branding shoot and don’t know what types of photos you need or want? I’ve got you covered.

Planning Branding Shoot Poses

You are planning out your branding shoot and you’ve filled out your brand questionnaire, you created a stunning inspiration board that outlines the vision for your photoshoot, you’ve chosen your perfect photographer for you by asking the right questions, and you’re feeling good about the outfits you selected to wear!

Now on the day of your photoshoot, you want to have a list of every shot and pose you want to capture! Here’s my list of 8 different go-to types of branding shoot poses I try to take during every client’s photoshoot in addition to all the photos we have brainstormed together.

8 Useful Branding Shoot Poses

1. WORKING ON A LAPTOP

Done right, the working on a laptop pose is a useful photo to have in your branding photo library. This is a classic pose for most online business owners because your laptop is life, right?! Maybe it feels a bit overdone, but this shot comes in handy if you want to share about a great virtual meeting you just had, or how you love the versatility of being able to work anywhere from your laptop.

Think about how you use your laptop – for meetings, for research, for writing, etc. How can we personalize a working on laptop photo? This photo is great to accompany any business-related topic you want to discuss as part of your marketing strategy.

2. THE CREATIVE PROCESS

This pose will be different depending on what your industry is. But it’s an important one to include because when people choose to work with you, they love to see behind the curtain. There is something truly intriguing about getting see someone’s creative process.

Maybe you brainstorm with clients, create a mood board, tear pages from magazines, do a virtual or in-person styling consultation – whatever the case may be, show your creative process. And even if you’re in an industry that’s not considered “creative” there’s still some magic that you do when you work with clients.

3. WRITING IN A NOTEBOOK

I don’t know about you, but as an entrepreneur and small business owner, I’m always coming up with ideas whether it’s for my business, a new project, a promotion, or offer. I’ve got ideas all the time. I’ve found that the best way to capture those ideas is on paper. I have notebooks filled with all kinds of things.

This is a great branding shoot pose for every type of entrepreneur. You can show off your to-do list, your idea list, what you’re working on, or just show you working on your business. All business owners need a creative outlet when it comes to business in order to combat burnout.

4. BRANDING SHOOT POSES: WORKING WITH A CLIENT

I love when a business owner wants to show themselves interacting with a client during their brand photoshoot! It feels so natural and candid like the viewer has the opportunity to watch the magic unfold. This type of photo also allows the potential customer to envision what it would look like to work with the business owner, which a lot of services are all about providing a remarkable one on one experience and that detail shouldn’t be overlooked but instead communicated through your brand photos.

5. LIFESTYLE HEADSHOT

I never offer just headshot photo sessions, because with brand photography I can tell a story and capture more intricate details of an entrepreneurs brand. However, I see the value of having several high-quality headshots of a business owner to use in their marketing. They come in handy for profile photos on social media, on an ‘about me’ page on their website or in press features. Headshots don’t have to feel stiff and “corporate-y”, I love when my subject looks and feels relaxed and happy. They look much more approachable!

6. BRANDING SHOOT POSES: WORKING IN ACTION POSE

I loooove photos like this! It might seem like a weird photo to capture but it’s incorporating a human element into an otherwise boring product photo. Something about the fact you can’t tell who the person is makes it mysterious and more intimate yet it doesn’t take away from the focus of the photo.

Another example would be photographing a necklace on a person but cropping the photo from the lips down. Anytime there’s a person in the photo versus the product just being photographed on its own (ie. the necklace laying on a backdrop) the customer can envision themselves wearing or purchasing that item. Which is the goal of marketing!

7. THE CREATION PROCESS

Another favorite shot/pose of mine to capture during a brand photoshoot is an entrepreneur creating! I tell them to ‘get in the zone’ and pretend I’m not there. I’ll pipe in if I need them to adjust slightly so the photo has a better composition or if the lighting looks better when they change angles.

You may be wondering, how is this different from the creative process? I separate the two because one is the planning stage, the other is bringing it to life! They work together to tell the full brand story.

8. THE FINISHED PRODUCT

Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to get photos of your finished project. This is especially true if you sell physical products or work on big projects that include tangible items. For example, if you’re an interior designer, people LOVE to see the “after” photos. They love to see the “before” with a mood board or a blank space. But the after is always very powerful.

These are great hero photos and should be used in prominent places throughout your marketing. (ie. ads, homepage of the website, social media banners) This isn’t so much a “pose” as it is an essential shot to capture.

Branding Shoot Poses for Everyone

Now, if you’re nervous about getting in front of the camera, do not worry about a thing. I know that it can be nerve wracking to get your photos taken. It’s my job to help you feel at ease and comfortable.

I’ll tell you right now, I don’t expect you to be a model or to know how to pose. I don’t expect you to act like an influencer or to know what to do in front of the camera. It’s my job to direct you into the poses.

Now, if there’s anything or any part of your body that you don’t feel comfortable with, please do let me know. I want to make sure that you love your photos, so if you are self-conscious about your midsection (that’s mine!), feel free to tell me up front. If you have a preferred side of your face or want to cover your arms, it’s completely okay to tell your photographer.

When you tell your photographer about the areas you want to accentuate or not, it helps to determine poses that are flattering and should be to your preferences.

Brand Shoot Ideas

A brand shoot is a way to take pictures or make videos that show off a brand’s products or services. When thinking of ideas for a brand shoot, you need to think about what the brand is about, who their audience is, and what looks good. For example, if the brand is all about being eco-friendly, you might want to use natural colors and materials. If the brand is for younger people, you might want to use bright and exciting colors.

You also need to think about where the pictures or videos will be shown. If they will be on social media, they need to be easy to look at and share with others. The main goal of a brand shoot is to show off the brand’s products or services and make people like the brand more.

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BRAND PHOTO SHOOT

Personal Branding Photography – What You Should Know

How to Know When to Hire a Brand Photographer

Find the Right Brand Photographer for Your Business

How to Use Your Brand Photos

READY TO BOOK YOUR OWN BRANDING PHOTOS?

Step 1. Get in Touch – click here to get started

Step 2. Discovery Call – we’ll chat about your business and your vision for brand photos

Step 3. Book your Shoot – if we’re a “match” let’s get you on the schedule and start planning