How To Prepare for Your Brand Photoshoot (with examples!)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. However, I only recommend products I use and love.
I have been doing brand photoshoots for my business for the past 7 years. It is so important to SHOW UP and be visible for your audience.. especially when you are a solopreneur and the face of your brand, like me. I’ve learned something new with every photoshoot. Here is a compilation of my best tips, so you can rock your brand photoshoot like a boss (with examples!) 📸 *This blog post was updated in March of 2022.
1. Choose the right photographer
I cannot emphasize how important this is. When it comes to hiring a photographer, there are a few things to keep in mind.
If you’re stuck on how to find a photographer, message me for my contact list. You can search google or Pinterest for “brand photography (your city),” …but to be honest, I have had the best luck by finding photographers on Instagram.
All photographers ARE NOT EQUAL. Do not hire the cheapest person you will find, because you will get what you pay for. Professional photography is an investment, and having the right professional images, to showcase you and your business, can make or break a website and social media presence. This is not the time to cut corners and cheap out.
Here’s what to look for..
Someone local or willing to travel to you (usually for a fee.) It does you no good if you find your dream photographer on Insta, but they live across the country.
A portfolio and photography style that resonates with you. This is the most important thing. Make sure the photographer does portrait and/or lifestyle photography, if that’s what you’re hiring them for. (Don’t hire someone to take your personal brand photos if they have only ever shot weddings, real estate, products, etc.)
Every photographer’s style is unique. Some will take portraits that are light and bright, while others will have an editing style that is more dark and moody. It just comes down to personal preference, and what you want the aesthetic of your brand to be. A photographer’s portfolio is typically a good way to tell beforehand what your photos are going to come out like.
A photographer who fits your budget. As I said before, pro photography is an investment and not a time to cheap out.. HOWEVER, I don’t recommend breaking the bank or going into debt over this. You should be able to find someone who fits your budget as well as your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
If you’re budget is tight, ask if they offer a mini-session option. (This is a quick photoshoot that usually results in about 20 images.) Or you can try reaching out, telling the photographer you needs and budget, and asking if there’s a way they can make it work, by offering you a modified package (if their standard packages are just out of reach.)
Before you sign or pay for anything, ask exactly what your session will include, and get it in writing. You need to know:
- how long your session will be
- how many outfit changes they allow
- who will be handling your hair & makeup
- where you will be shooting
- how many locations
- how many images they will take
- their process for selecting which images will be edited (will you decide or them? It’s much better if it’s you!)
- how many final, high resolution images they will deliver
- how you will receive the final image filesMake sure expectations are set in stone on both ends, you don’t want any surprises!!
2. Be Yourself! 💖
This may sound obvious but it’s important. If you have a signature look, that should override the rest of my advice below. If your brand color is yellow and you ALWAYS wear yellow, wear yellow! Or if you haven’t left the house in 5 years wearing anything other than black, for heavens sake feel free to wear black. Do you! Remember the goal of the brand photoshoot is for people to get to know, like, and trust you BEFORE they meet you in person. That’s what a strong online presence is all about.
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2. What to Wear 👗
Don’t overthink this. Wear clothes you feel comfortable and confident in. Whether you are petite or plus size, form fitting clothing looks best on most body types. Baggy outfits will make you look bigger.
If you dislike certain features it’s perfectly fine to hide them with clothes.
It’s great to be fashion forward, but try to pick pieces that are timeless, meaning you won’t be embarrassed by them in a few years. *Trust me, it’s HARD to get pictures of yourself off the internet once they’re on there.*
Keep it classy—don’t show too much skin, keep cleavage modest, don’t wear anything that you would be embarrassed for your Dream Client to see you in
Dressy/casual is more approachable than overly dressy/formal. Only rock a power suit if you would actually wear a power suit in real life.
Don’t wear stuff that is too seasonal. (See example below)
Go with soft and neutral colors because they will make your face the focal point of the photo, which is what we want. Black and bright colors or loud patterns are distracting and take the attention away from you. No bueno.
If you’re still struggling with this, just wear something you would wear to meet with a new client who you want to impress. You should always bring lots of options to your photoshoot and the photographer can also help you decide. 😊
Burnt orange sweater; cute but a little too seasonal
Light/pastel and white clothing usually photographs well, especially if you have fair skin
3. Hair and Makeup 💄
I recommend wearing a little more makeup than you normally would during the day because the camera tends to wash you out. If you have light brows or lashes, you should darken them with makeup so they don’t disappear in your photos. Trust me it’s not a good look.
If you usually don’t wear any makeup at all, wear some but go for a natural look. I recommend mascara to make your eyes pop, bronzer or blush, and a subtle lip color. If you wear no makeup at all to your photoshoot, the camera will make you look like you just rolled out of bed.
If you’re really good at doing your own hair, save your money. Personally though, I love to get a Blow Out from Blo Dry Bar. They wash your hair and style it however you want for around $45. Or if you’re super savvy, kill two birds with one stone and book your Brand Photoshoot in the afternoon on the same day that you get your hair cut and colored. Just make sure your hairdresser uses enough product or hairspray so your look will last the rest of the day.
Make sure your hands and nails look clean and presentable. Chipped nail polish is way more noticeable than you think.
4. Props
It can feel awkward to take photos empty handed, so make sure to bring some props. I never know what to do with my hands. 🙈 Depending on what line of work you are in, appropriate props will vary. Props should represent YOU and your business. You are telling a story, remember—your story. I like to be photographed with a coffee cup in my hand, or a glass of wine when appropriate. If you work on a computer all day like I do, bring a laptop, tablet and phone to pose with. If you’re a beauty business pro, bring some of your favorite tools like tweezers, lash wands, etc.
If it makes sense, it can be a good idea to bring a friend to pose as a client. This is especially helpful if you want to get action shots for your beauty business. Just make sure the photographer approves this ahead of time. See examples below.
Action shot for a lash studio
Bring a friend to use for staged shots like this.. just confirm it’s OK with the photographer first!
5. Time of Day & Location
Wherever you decide to shoot, make sure to contact the venue in advance. Ask if they charge a fee to take photos there and whether or not you need a reservation.
You will typically get the most flattering light in the late afternoon, however, a talented photographer should be able to work with various lighting and times of day. My photographer Christian always brings supplemental lighting as well for certain shots. We typically schedule our shoots for 3–7pm.
Whether you are shooting indoors or outdoors, you want to be the focal point of the photo to be YOU so make sure the background isn’t too distracting. I love to shoot in my apartment because it floods with bright indirect sunlight during the day. If your house is dark (or in need of a makeover), drive to a cute neighborhood and walk around. You’ll be surprised what nice backgrounds you can find in front of a plain wall or plant. Soft abstract art also makes a nice background.
Shot outside, late afternoon - aka “the golden hour”
Shot indoors / dark space with flash, for a particular retro style
Abstract art as a background for a portrait; more interesting than a plain white wall
6. What Poses / Shots to Take
If you do your brand photoshoot with us, I’ll make sure you get the following:
Headshots: these are essential for your profile pic on social media, and your ‘About’ or ‘Bio’ page on your website (which is the most visited page on your site, statistically speaking.) Even if it’s awkward make sure you get at least a few shots of you SMILING—they will attract people to you the most.
Action shots: You doing what you do best.
Lifestyle shots: This sounds more intimidating than it is. Basically this just means candid shots of you smiling, looking fabulous, laughing, walking down the street, playing on your phone, etc. These come in handy for social media, especially Instagram.
Detail shots: Up close shots of whatever is happening in your photoshoot, example below.
Venue shots: If you have a brick and mortar business, studio or workspace that you want to showcase.
Product shots: If you sell products or use special products that will mean something to your customers. Also great for bloggers who do affiliate marketing, etc.
Venue shot - Lash Studio
Venue shot - Queensborough Cocktail Lounge
Action shot - Calligraphy class
Lifestyle shot - shoot outdoors in NYC
Product shot
Details shot
In Conclusion
That’s it! Please don’t hesitate to message me if you have questions about this post. And don’t forget to check out my resources below to get the most out of your day in the spotlight.
Click here to view our Brand Photography Portfolio!
x, gretchen
Bonus: My Favorite Places to Shoot in Central San Diego:
Cafe Gratitude (Little Italy) - no fee to shoot here. Just make sure you order food and drinks!
Tocaya Organica (Downtown) - no fee to shoot here. Just make sure you order food and drinks!
Communal Coffee AKA Coffee & Flowers (North Park) - fee & reservation required
Better Buzz Coffee (Hillcrest) - fee & reservation required
Moniker General (Liberty Station) - fee & reservation required
West Bean Coffee (Banker’s Hill) - not sure about fee or reservation
Union Cowork (North Park) - not sure about fee or reservation
Shot at Better Buzz Hillcrest
Shot at Tocaya Organica Downtown
Shot at Cafe Gratitude in Little Italy
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I’m a Brand Designer and Strategist living in NYC. 9 years ago I quit my job to start this business, and now I’m here to help you do it too! I specialize in helping established female millennial entrepreneurs transform their brands.. to attract Dream Clients and grow their businesses, so that they can make more money, be their own bosses and live the life they deserve!