How to plan for your brand photoshoot
Good Brand photography and videography is an investment and therefore you want to make sure you're getting the very best from your experience and it's serves your business, well.
When to know when it's the right time to book a brand photoshoot?
If you're just starting out with your business, it can be tempting to put off having photos taken until you've made your first few sales and - it may be the only way to do so if the funds just aren't there in the beginning - of course.
However, if it is possible, I would suggest that having the photos taken early on is a really great way to support your business launch, you'll already have your headshots, photos for bio and the images that are going to connect you with your new audience so it's a great way to not delay yourself and possibly move your brand forward quicker.
Brand photography is not one of those once-and-done tasks, photos do need regularly updating. This will of course differ with each business model, but I would suggest having at least one shoot a year as your brand changes and evolves, as well as physical changes - hair style, colour etc.
Once you've decided it's time, it's crucial to be confident about your brand values, ideal clients and also where you'd like the photos to be used and what you'd like them to do for your brand so the shoot can be planned strategically rather than just producing pretty photos that are unlikely to be a real asset to your business.
Having a clear direction on your style and values will play massively into choosing the right photographer for you. It needs to be a decision based on so much more than just location and which is closest to you. Who is aligned in values, style and who you are going to feel comfortable working with, especially if you're nervous about being in front of the camera.
Once you've reached out to your desired photographer and had a call / coffee to discuss in more detail - tell them everything, honestly, I don't believe there is such thing as over sharing with your photographer, it makes our job easier and it's sure to get you better results! If you have any concerns, ideas, ways you'd like to portray your story and even if they're not set in stone - ideas on where you'd like to take your brand in the future.
These decisions will all help you discuss with your photographer about what's the right location and the best outfits to suit your vision.
WHAT ARE THE PHOTOS FOR?
Be clear on how the photographs are going to be used once you receive the gallery. Do you need more headshots for PR and websites, do you need website banners to be photographed in landscape? Will you need a series of photographs to accompany a spread in a magazine.
This should not be an afterthought, it will guide not only what is being captured in the shoot but also how the photographer will capture them. Both in aesthetic but also the crop and orientation of the images to best suit where they'll be shown.
Choosing a location
Your location choice will be heavily tied to what you brand is. Many choose their place of work or their home to photograph in. This often works particularly well if you are a creative of physical products; an artist, illustrator, jeweller or such. However if you do not create physical products or have many tools that help you with your job, then you may want to hire a location house for masses of variety of rooms and often gardens too. A studio if that style of photography was supportive of your desired outcome. I find it's also really nice to incorporate personality evoking locations such as the beach, in woodland; somewhere that makes you feel grounded or at peace, if it's a part of you, it can be a really lovely part of your brand story.
What To Wear for your photoshoot
What to wear for your photoshoot is something many worry or get stuck on - it does need to be strategic but beyond anything, you really do need to feel comfortable.
Strategy; you want to chose outfits that speak the language of your tone of voice and the clients you want to attract, are they corporate suited clients (and is that you, too?) or are you more relaxed and feel more comfortable in soft textures and relaxed fitted trousers. If you are able to , it is worth choosing 2-3 outfits to swap in and out to create a diverse gallery, think also about changing jewellery and hair for a subtle but noticeable variety in the photos.
Colours will be informed by your brand colour palette and also your surroundings. It is usually advised to keep patterns to a minimum, not only to keep focus on you but also some patterns do not photograph well, creating a distortion.
I advise clients to think about timeless outfits rather than what is in fashion currently as trends change so often. Be true to yourself and your brand. If you are a sustainable brand with eco values - a high street, fast fashion outfit will not connect your brand with your ideal clients.
There's so many ways to communicate your brand values with your outfit choices, I have another blog specifically on what to wear.
