If I could narrow down to one specific key to having an epic brand photoshoot, it would be this: plan as much as possible. You’ve probably heard the phrase in construction: measure twice, cut once. The same principle applies to photography meant to draw in your ideal clients. Planning a brand photoshoot should take at least twice as long as the rest of the process. So here are the six questions you should ask before booking any session. And the answers just may help you decide which photographer to book.
Planning a Brand Photoshoot Question 1: Who?
The first of six questions to ask to plan a brand photoshoot is “who?” Let’s start with who you serve. Who is your ideal client? Where do they shop? What things are important to them? How can you speak directly to them?
Who are you? Are you fun or serious, detail-oriented or impetuous, chocoholic or addicted to fitness? What makes you different from the competition? Do you need others besides yourself to be photographed for the full effect? Do you need to show your team? Will portraying clients be beneficial to show your process?
2. What?
What message are you trying to get across to your audience? Which aesthetic matches your brand? What tools can’t you live without in your business? Are there items you need to bring with you to showcase your personal brand?
Let’s start with what you use in your everyday business. Cell phone, laptop, bags, pens, planners, calendar, ring light, magazines, fitness equipment, etc? Every business is different. Look at what you use and plan to bring it with you. This will personalize your session and make your photos unique!
Every brand has a certain look. What are your brand colors? Which fonts do you use? What editing style do you like? There’s a huge difference between true to life, light and airy, moody, vintage and classic. Some photographers have a style they don’t stray from and some will match your style. If you have a specific aesthetic your brand is known for, please ask your photographer if they can achieve this look.
What you SHOULDN’T worry about? Practicing poses. It’s good to let your photographer know if you really want to try something. But they will coach you into how to do that pose in a way that is most flattering to you personally.
3. Where?
Where are your images going to be used? Do you only need them for your website and social media? Which locations will they be used on your website? This may determine whether they need to be horizontal or vertical. Do you want to write a message on the photo? This means the photographer will have to leave some negative space. Do you want to send these out on printed materials or put on a billboard? Locally or nationally? This will affect the license your photographer will grant and most likely how much you will pay for such a license.
Which locations fit your brand aesthetic? Do you want to rent an AirBnB or do you want to show your home work environment? Or does the local coffee shop in which you do the majority of your work match your brand?
4. When?
How long do you need for your session? (Hint: It often takes longer than you would think. Once you tell your photographer what you would like to accomplish, they will tell you how long you will need to achieve these results. Check out the session pictured above that took eight hours to photograph. The owner originally thought it would take two or three.) Do you need dozens of photos or just a few? When do you need the photos back by? Do you have a big launch coming up? Do you need time to get promotional materials or ads together?
What time of year is best for the photos you need to represent your brand? If in a studio, this may not make much of a difference, but it’s hard to photograph in the snow in the middle of summer (unless you’re willing to travel). If you’re trying to show summer workouts, you want leaves on the trees.
5. Why?
Why are you passionate about your product and service? What’s the motivation behind what everyone else sees? Why do you get up every morning and do what you do? Why do you keep going even when things get difficult or when everything seems unbearably busy?
What problem are you trying to solve? Did you overcome something and want others to feel the same way? Do you want a better life for your children? Do you offer a product you wish existed when you were looking for it? Are you all about improving your community?
These questions will most likely be asked by your branding photographer. So if you think about them now, it will help you prepare for your introduction meeting.
Planning a Brand Photoshoot Question 6: How?
How do you want your brand represented? Are you the face of your brand? Do people need to know who you are? Or if it is product based, how do you want the photos to appear? Do you need strong shadows? Do we need to bring or rent extra lighting equipment? If hiring models, how do you want them to be dressed? And do you need a certain demographic represented?
Do you want to bring a creative director? Or do you need video of behind the scenes of you working? How will you style your hair? How many outfits do you need?
Final Thoughts on Planning a Brand Photoshoot
Before all of this gets very overwhelming, let me ease your mind a little. The majority of the work of planning a brand photoshoot is the job of your photographer. There are some photographers who will just show up and photograph the session. But knowing which questions to ask will help you choose one that will align with your goals. I hope this information helps you choose the right one. Happy planning!
