What is a branding shoot? Why do does one matter for your business?

Are you building a business? Or growing another income stream? Or maybe you’ve been running your small business for a while and you’re ready to level up.

If so, chances are you’ve considered getting a headshot. However, a headshot cannot tell your full story.

A Branding Shoot is More than a Headshot

A branding shoot is not just a headshot! It is way more than that. A branding photoshoot is an opportunity to tell the story of your brand and business through photos.

It enables you to tell the whole story of who you are. You’re more than a headshot, am I right? You have a dynamic personality and business.

A brand shoot goes beyond just headshots. It showcases your business, conveying your complete story through photos that include you, your team, products, process, workspace, and more. It highlights what sets your business apart.

Branding Shoots Create The Know, Like, Trust Factor

Even in this fast paced world, submerged in social media and short form content, people still connect with people. I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer to purchase from someone I know, like, and trust rather than a big company (if I can help it). It’s why influencer marketing works – the influencer shares their lifestyle using a certain product and that may influence your own purchase…if you trust them.

Brand photos let potential clients connect with you on a personal level. They follow your journey, getting to know and trust you because you consistently share photos that reveal who you are and what you do.

A brand photoshoot provides you with a library of photos, ensuring you consistently connect with potential clients and build that know, like, and trust factor.

A Brand Shoot Can Elevate Your Business

You can use brand photos everywhere. On social media, promotional materials, your website, marketing materials, email marketing newsletters, interview profiles, and much more.

Professional brand photos make a difference. They can be used on social media, your website, marketing materials, and more. Quality photos convey professionalism that phone photos can’t match.

Brand photos can give you more visibility, consistency, and confidence, taking your business to the next level.

Stand Out From the Compeititon with a Brand Shoot

Does this sound familiar?

”There are so many dentists in my area!”

“I see so many interior designers in my area!”

“How do I choose a doctor when there are so many doctors in my area?”

“There are so many (insert profession here) in my area!”

But what makes your business different from anyone else in your industry is YOU. You are the thing that makes your stand out from the competition.

Having branding photos that showcase you, your personality, and what makes your brand different is what will differentiate your business from the competition.

How to Stand Out in Your Industry

Think about it…

Two lawyers.

One client.

The client is choosing between the two.

For all intents and purposes, their expertise level is equal.

Lawyer A only has one headshot.

Lawyer B has branding photos.

On Lawyer A’s website, their headshot is professional, in a suit, arms crossed. Nothing wrong with that.

Lawyer B’s branding photos show the lawyer meeting with clients as well as what they do outside the office, like baking cookies, and more.

If you were choosing between the two, who would you choose?

For me, I’d be drawn to Lawyer B. They seem relatable and approachable right off the bat. They’ll be helping my problem quick!

There is something magnetic for your brand when you can show off who you are and what you do. A custom branding photoshoot tells your story, shows what you do, and how you can help your customers.

In a competitive market, what sets you apart is YOU! Having branding photos that showcase your uniqueness and brand’s essence is what distinguishes you. Real and relatable photos that tell your story connect with clients on a deeper level.

Tips for Planning a Branding Shoot

Alright, we’ve covered what a branding photoshoot is, and so the question remains, are you ready for one? Here are some next steps to take if you’re realizing you might need a personal branding shoot.

Find the best photographer for you

The biggest mistake I see business owners make when looking for a photographer is choosing any photographer. However, finding a photographer that specializes in branding photos makes a difference.

Personal brand photoshoots are meant tell the story of who you are, so it’s crucial to find a photographer who can do that. Storylines are key to creating a comprehensive library of photos. This is not just headshots and you need to make sure the photographer you hire can create those storylines for you.

Look at the photographer’s website. Check out their social media pages. Do you like their style? Or like the way they edit their photos? Do you see yourself in their photos? And do they fit within your budget?

Planning is key to a successful branding shoot

Any personal brand photographer worth their salt will take the time to really understand you and your business, what you do and why you do it as well as who your ideal client before you ever step in front of the camera.

If you choose a photographer for your branding shoot, but they don’t do any planning of any kind with you, that’s a RED FLAG. I can’t emphasize the importance of planning in order to have a successful branding shoot.

Every client receives a client questionnaire to my clients after they book so that I can learn more about their business and target client. We also have an in-depth planning call that will create the structure and gameplan for your branding shoot.

I want to know about how you started your business. I want to know why you chose the industry you are in. And what it is that you are passionate about. I also want to know what you love outside of your business. How do you spend your free time? What do you do when you’re not working? The answers to these questions, along with your branding colors, your vibe, and your personality will help me tell your personal brand story.

Create goals for your branding shoot

A branding shoot without a plan is just a portrait session. In other words, you’ll get pretty photos, but you may not get the photos you’re hoping for.

What is the main goal of booking a photoshoot? Are you launching a new website, doing a rebrand, or getting ready to release a new product?

Think about, “What do I want these images to communicate?”

Ask yourself what the strategy and purpose for the photoshoot and share them with your photographer. The key to success is to make sure your photographer understands your vision. Communicate if you’re looking for photos for social media or for a specific purpose like a sales page.

Create a mood board and share it with your photographer

If you hire me as your brand photographer, I will give you with lots of information about how to prepare for your branding shoot. I ask every client to make a Pinterest board for inspiration and ideas. It’s important to have photos that communicate your vision. What are the types and style of photos you’re thinking of or looking for?

Sometimes a client will say they want a certain look, such as “relaxed and approachable”. However, my interpretation of “relaxed and approachable” may not be what they are thinking of. Seeing an example of what you see in your mind will help whoever you hire understand and enable them to create what you are looking for.

Pinterest is such an awesome tool when planning a personal brand shoot. There are tons of examples of poses and photos on Pinterest that will help you communicate the type of photos you like with your photographer. A Pinterest board acts as a blueprint for your shoot.

Choose your outfits based on your brand colors

Here’s a pro tip when it comes to choosing clothing for your branding shoot: choose colors that fit with your brand colors. Don’t have a signature color yet? Choose one and start incorporating it into your wardrobe.

I can’t say enough good things about getting a color analysis done. Check out this post to see how it can make a difference.

Reasons To Get Professional Color Analysis For Your Business

Besides wearing your brand colors, make sure your wardrobe options are ones you love and make you feel confident and empowered. Generally speaking, stay away from in the moment trends and anything that doesn’t feel like you. Choose clothing that fits your aesthetic and are within your branding color palette.

Think about branding shoot locations that make sense for you

What is your business and where do you do most of your work? Are you on the road a lot? Do you have a studio or an office?

Maybe you work from a coworking space or artist collective. Or maybe you’re in a yoga studio or gym.

Whatever the case may be, choose locations that make sense for your business and brand. Your photographer will be able to help you narrow down some locations and make recommendations.

There are natural light indoor studios, Peerspace rentals, AirBnbs, private homes, coworking spaces, and more. The options are really endless when it comes to finding a location for your branding shoot.

Use props that enhance your story and reflect you brand

Another great addition to your brand shoot is props. These can be useful to tell your story with more depth.

If you’re a realtor then you probably work from your phone, a laptop, and have tools like a tape measure and maybe a clipboard. If you take photos with clients who close on their new home with a sign, bring the sign and maybe some keys. Infuse items that give dimension to your photoshoot.

It’s important to share some meaningful things since you are your brand. And people like buying from people they know, like, and trust.

Another great idea is using props that have meaning and perhaps a story behind them. Maybe it’s your purse that you purchased after your first big sale. Or maybe a writing pen that your grandmother passed down to you.

Think about where and how you plan to use the photos

Before you ever plan or book a brand photographer for branding shoot, you MUST know how you plan to use them. Even if it’s not exact, it’s good to have an idea of where you want to use them.

You don’t want to go through the whole process of planning and doing the photoshoot, only to end up with a gallery full of photos you don’t feel like you can use.

This is why planning is so important.

Do you need photos with negative space for your website or marketing materials?

Creating a specific shot list for your website and social media with the size and orientation for each will help keep you focused. This way your photographer knows exactly what to take (because hey, they aren’t mindreaders) and you can maximize the usability of your photos.

Make sure that whoever you hire, they help you with planning, they work with you to get you exactly what you want, and make your shoot fun!

Ready to book a brand session for your business? Read more about the Signature Brand Shoot Experience.

READY TO BOOK YOUR OWN BRANDING SHOOT?

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

More Branding Shoot Resources

How to Prep for a Brand Photography Shoot

6 Important Questions to Ask a Branding Photographer

7 Tips for your Personal Branding Shoot

Branding Session Questions – What You Need to Know