Alright, so you’ve decided your business is ready for a branding shoot. Wondering how to have a successful brand photoshoot. I know that if you want to invest in brand photos you also want to get the best return on investment.

Throughout my years as a brand photographer serving businesses based in Dallas, Texas, I’ve seen what makes or breaks a branding shoot. There are 3 keys to a successful brand photoshoot. And here they are: vision, planning, and commitment

Vision for a Successful Brand Photoshoot

I often tell potential clients that not all businesses are ready for a brand photoshoot. In order to have a successful branding shoot that has a great return on investment of time and money, you need to have a vision. This means that you have to be clear on your brand.

That means you need to be clear on your brand voice, your brand visuals (logo + fonts), and brand mission. You need to know who your business serves best. In other words, who is your ideal client persona?

Without knowing or understanding these items, your brand photoshoot will not yield the most strategic photos. As your photographer, I want to make sure that you get all the photos you’re hoping for. And we can only do that if you have a vision for your brand.

I highly recommend that if you are in the startup phase of your business that you work with a brand designer first. They will help you define your brand voice, identify your brand values, and get you on the right path of telling your brand’s story.

If you’re in a phase of rebranding your business, work with your brand designer or web designer first. Then come see me. Working with someone who’s working with a designer makes your brand photoshoot process so much more targeted and strategic.

Planning for a Successful Brand Photoshoot

Part of my process when working with clients and creating their brand photos is that I have an extensive planning method. It starts with a client questionnaire where you’ll dive deep into your brand story and distill your messaging. It’ll help you see and understand who you’re talking to.

Next, we’ll put together a mood board. If you’ve had a brand photoshoot before, then you probably have done this. If this is your first professional branding shoot, then I will help you put together a moodboard.

After your mood board and questionnaire is complete, we’ll meet virtually for your planning and strategy call. On this call, we’ll discuss the vision of your photoshoot. We’ll chat about any upcoming launches – whether that’s a new website, new products or services, or anything else you may be putting out into the world. We’ll strategize how you intend to use these photos so that you can get the best return on investment of time and money.

Next, I’ll put together your creative brief. This is a summary of the ideas and plans that we made on the planning and strategy call. This document serves as a guide for your photoshoot so that we make sure that we are actively bringing your ideas to life.

Commitment to a Successful Branding Shoot

Now this may be something that isn’t often talked about when it comes to a successful brand photoshoot. It’s your commitment. I sometimes see clients who rush into a branding shoot and aren’t ready. Either it’s too soon in their business journey, or they rush the process, or they just aren’t committed to the process.

Creating brand photos that help you make more money takes time and work! They don’t just happen! These photos are targeted and intentional. Not just pretty. They are pretty with a purpose. The purpose is to bring in more clients and help you make more money through selling more of your offers.

I prefer and love to work with clients who are all in on the process. I need you to have the buy-in to the photoshoot. It’s my job to bring your vision to life, and it’s your job to know what you want. If you don’t know where you want to take your business or who your ideal client is, then maybe you’re not ready for a brand photoshoot. And that’s okay!

3 Steps to a Successful Branding Photoshoot

So if you’re in the market for giving your website, social media, and marketing a facelift with new brand photos, keep reading. I’m dropping the 3 steps to a successful branding photoshoot.

Step 1. Have a vision. Know your brand inside out. Work with a brand design professional if you need help with understanding or building out your brand. Know what offers you’re launching or relaunching. Understand who you’re speaking to or want to speak to.

Step 2. Plan and strategize. When it comes to your visuals for your brand, you have to have a plan. We need to know who you’re targeting and wanting to connect with. Hire a photographer who has a planning workflow in place. If you find a photographer, make sure they know how to photograph small business branding photos. It’s a red flag if they have no plan and they just show up and shoot.

Step 3. Go all in. This means rent the dream location, hire the hair & makeup artist, consult with a wardrobe stylist, purchase the props. Make the most of your investment and set yourself up for success to create the photos that will last you for the next couple of years or until your next launch.

Brand Photoshoot Resources

How to Stand Out with Brand Photos in 2024

What to Look for in a Brand Shoot Location

The Difference Between Headshots and Personal Branding Photos

READY TO BOOK YOUR HEADSHOTS OR PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOS?

If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur in the North Dallas area, including Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Plano, Little Elm, and more – and you’re looking for a branding shoot with a photographer with a proven planning process in place, I’m ready to chat!

Step 1. Get in Touch – click and contact today

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