Brand Photography (Part 2): HOW to Plan a Shoot
This post is the 2nd in a 3-part Brand Photography Series. We first explored WHY Brand Photography matters, then HOW to plan a Brand Shoot, then WHO to work with.
As we explored in my last post, photos that authentically express the spirit of you and your business can be such a gift.
You may just want a few really great portraits; you may want a full brand shoot that becomes your entire visual world. You may want something in between! Each photographer will have their own process, and will likely guide you through much of this. Nonetheless, here are my top tips for planning a brand photo shoot:
(1) Find the right Photographer
Start your search early as it can take time to find someone that’s aligned with your style, budget, location, availability, needs, etc.
Timing & Availability: If you’re working with a specific timeframe for your brand / website (re)launch, make sure their availability and turnaround time works for you, so that you can get your edited photos back in time.
Scope & Budget: The number of photos included in a shoot can range from a handful to hundreds! As a ballpark number, 50+ photos will give you plenty to play with when it comes to your website and content. If you’re happy to use stock imagery for much of your visual world, then around 10 portraits is fine too.
Style & Approach: Share your work and mood board with them so that they get a good sense of who you are, and the look + feel you’re going for. Ask yourself… Are you moved by their photography? Do you resonate with their style? Do they care about capturing the truth of you? Do you feel safe and yourself with them?
(2) Prepare your Props
These are items that express you and your work, be it literally or symbolically. This could be books that are core to your craft; mugs of tea to symbolise cosy conversation; journal and pen to symbolise deep reflection; sacred items from your altar or meditation practice; and anything else that is part of your world, e.g. your laptop, oracle cards, oils, crystals, herbs, artwork, etc…
(3) Prepare your Outfits
Bottom line - whatever you feel good in, and feels aligned with your brand vibe. You can also ask yourself what your Fully Expressed Self would wear!
(4) Plan a Shot List (optional)
Some photographers take a more structured approach to shoots, others are more organic. If it feels helpful, you can think of 'scenes' that portray your offerings, tools and themes of your work, so that you have photos that reflect them.
(5) Choose your Location(s)
Whether it’s in your work space, your home, a rented space, a studio, or outdoors, good natural lighting makes all the difference.
(6) Prepare a Playlist (or 2!)
Music is such a powerful way to relax, get into our bodies, and create the right vibe. Prepare a playlist with music that you love, or that captures the mood / energy / range of emotions that you want to convey through your photography, be it sacredness, sensuality, badassery, cosiness, peace, power, liberation, joy, etc.
(7) Spoil Yourself
Turn this experience into a deeply nourishing act of self love. Give yourself the time and space to adorn and pamper yourself, whether that’s getting your hair / nails / makeup done, treating yourself to a beautiful outfit, or getting plenty of sleep & hydration.
(8) Bring a Friend (bonus)
The work you do is deeply relational, so it’s great if you’re able to convey this in some of your photos. Be ‘in session’ with a friend (conversing / hugging / practicing your modalities), or maybe even a few friends if you do group work. This is a great way to capture authentic, in-your-element shots, and to give your viewers a true sense of how you hold space.
(9) Go for Variety
Don’t overthink this, but if your photographer asks for some specific guidelines, then think variety - get both horizontal and vertical shots; zoomed-in details and wide-angle shots; face-to-camera portraits and in-action shots; pictures of you and pictures of your space and objects… etc. This will give your more range and options when it comes to creating your brand and website.
Hey there!
I’m Christina Paul, a therapist turned Brand Therapist, here to help women share their medicine with the world through branding, websites, and visibility.
I work mainly with coaches, therapists, creatives and change-makers - women who are part of the gentle revolution our world so desperately needs.
If you’re feeling a connection, feel free to explore my offerings, find me on Instagram or subscribe to my e-community for love letters sent straight to your inbox.
