How to prepare for your brand photo session

Booked in for a commercial brand or personal branding photo session?

Read my expert tips on how to prepare for it so you get some incredible shots.

I love small businesses and the people behind them (being a small business owner myself!). I know what a big deal it is for you to come out from behind your desk and in front of the camera. It can feel really daunting!

Whether you’re a commercial client wanting updated photos or refreshing your personal brand, my job is to make it easy, enjoyable, and fun for you! I’ve put together some ideas and advice to help you and/or your team prepare for an amazing brand photo session with me.

End result? Photos you’ll LOVE for a long time and are proud to share online or with your customers.

 

 

Preparation is the key to a great photoshoot

So, you’ve paid your booking fee for a commercial or personal brand photoshoot with me and are feeling quite nervous (and a little excited) as the day looms close. I hear you! Many of my clients experience the same feelings so the good news is you’re not alone.

The key to making sure everything goes well is to plan a little before we meet up.

 

 

Have you filled out my questionnaire?

After paying the deposit and signing the contract, you’ll receive an email from me with a link to your client portal. The portal has your contract, invoice and a basic questionnaire which covers:

• Information about your business and activities.
• Your goals and plans for the future – launches or products coming up.
• What shots you prefer. You’ll also receive a suggested shot list and must-have photos list. from me before the shoot to make sure we are on the same page.
• Where you work, what tools and equipment you use and your workspace. Will you need a studio space or a different location in which to take the photos?
• Values you’d like to show in the photos, for example, authority, passionate, trustworthy.
• Props to be used like laptops, pens, books, or mugs.

 

 

Please take the time to fill out my brief so I don’t miss the mark on the day. The more detail and info you give me, the better your photos will turn out!

Don’t feel like writing in a briefing document? No worries! We can book in a Zoom call to go through the questions or chat over the phone.

Once the brief is done, I’ll create:

• a suggested shots list
• a must-have shots list
• an outfit guide for you

My expert tip? Create a mood board before your photoshoot. Use Pinterest or Canva to find the different types of shots you need and how your brand should be communicated visually.

What’s a mood board?

Used widely by all types of creatives (including myself), a mood board is a collection of images and styles that’s used to create a certain feeling or ‘mood’ or communicate a big picture idea (like the one below).

I can help create a mood board (if you need it) for personal branding photoshoots only. This service may be available for some commercial clients.

 

24 hours before your brand photoshoot

Yay! You’re one day away from your photoshoot. It’s time to check off a few things before we meet up.

BRAND PHOTOSHOOT CHECKLIST

One	Clothes	Plan your outfits with matching accessories and shoes. Clothes should be ironed and ready. For men: Stick to classic styles in neutral colours (though if you want to add a pop of colour, that’s fine). For women: Try and avoid too-large prints, neon colours, or overly baggy clothes.
Two	Props	Include all the props you need like laptops, chargers, phone, books, stationery, mugs. If you have props in your brand colours add them in!
Three	Skin	Make sure to drink plenty of water so your skin looks nice and hydrated the next day.
Four	Hair	Women: Hair should be washed and clean if you’ve hired a makeup artist for your photoshoot. If not, makeup, nails and hair must be done before you come in. Men: Please make sure your hair is cut or neat and tidy.
Five	Nails	Women: Make sure your nails are clean and polished for the hand shots. Men: Neat, trimmed, and tidy nails.
Six	Sleep	Head to bed early and get a good night’s sleep so you feel fresh and ready for the camera.

 

I’ll also give you a call a couple of days before your photo shoot to make sure everything is clear and answer any questions you may have.

 

It’s time to click some amazing shots

The day of your photoshoot is finally here. I’m so excited to meet you and/or your team and take some great shots that’ll show off your business.

Here’s a tiny checklist to keep in mind before you come in:

•  Skin should be clean and free of makeup if you’ve booked a makeup artist on the day.
• If you haven’t booked a makeup artist, please do your makeup, nails, and hair before you come in.
• Plan to leave home early and arrive 15 minutes at the location before your session to run through any last-minute ideas or requests with me.

PS: I love to have a little chat before we begin your photoshoot so you’re feeling nice and relaxed before I point the camera your way.

Ready to have your best photoshoot ever? Let’s do this!

 

BOOK YOUR SESSION IN

 

Common questions clients ask me

1. What kind of clothes should I wear?

Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. It could be relaxed shirts, trousers, even your favourite printed top. The key is to choose clothes that match your brand values and the look you’re going for on your website or profile.

If you’re unsure, please bring along different tops and bottoms to the shoot and I can help you decide what works best.

PS: Choose stylish but comfortable shoes for the shoot. If you never wear heels, perhaps this may not be the time to start! Don’t be scared to add some personality in the form of rings, or a colourful necklace or earrings.

2. What types of poses will I be asked for at the photoshoot?

Depending on your goals and what you’re trying to communicate, I’ll guide you as to what poses will work best. Common poses include leaning forwards and smiling directly at the camera or sitting on a stool or sofa looking at me or away into the distance. Poses are also customised for each client’s business.

3. What happens once the photoshoot is over?

I’ll do a quick debrief with you on how the photoshoot went and check that we covered all the shots from the shot list. After that, it’s time to pack up and wait for your photo gallery to be emailed to you which takes about 3-4 weeks.

4. Does the shoot include hair and makeup?

If you need hair and makeup for yourself or your team, it’s a separate cost to the photoshoot. You can bring in your own makeup artist or book a hair and makeup artist I regularly work with. Ask me for their contact details when booking in a date for your shoot.

5. Can I skip hair and makeup?

I’d highly recommend a professional hair and makeup session for great photos and to help you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

“Karen is a star. Super calm and warm which is helpful if you’re nervous when a camera is being pointed at you. She was easy to work with and the photos had a fast turn around and in my inbox within 2 weeks.  The photos are FANTASTIC quality, provided in both low and high resolution. I appreciated the easy communication pre and post shoot and support she provided in addition to all the work with the photos…. I’ll be working with you again soon!!! Thank you for everything.” Estelle.