Planning Your Branding Session
You’ve decided to do a branding photo session with us. Hurray! You are the face of your brand and it’s so important to be visible to your clientele. We want your photos to work for you and your business, so let’s chat about planning your branding session.
First of all, we want to properly capture you and your brand. Every photographer’s style is unique, as is every business. We want to represent YOU – your personality, your values, your services that you want to portray. We will take the time to plan everything with you, to be sure we capture you/your team suitably.
If you are doing a team session it is important to make sure all these tips are communicated with everyone.
What to Wear
There are a few helpful suggestions we can pass along to make this decision an easy one.
Firstly, we want you comfortable and confident so pick items that make you FEEL amazing. Do note that when photographed, form fitting clothing does typically look and photograph best.
Timeless pieces and classy items will keep your photos relevant over time. Remember that you want to attract your dream clientele.
Soft and neutral colours are best as they will keep you as the focal point of the photo. (White, Cream, Tan, Navy and Black) Bright colours or busy patterns can take attention away from you.
If you are doing a session with your team/staff, it is very important to communicate with the entire team about the priority of dressing cohesively. Set a few neutral tones that everyone should aim for to keep it classic and consistent
All this being said if you have a signature look or brand colour that you want to include, do you! We want you to be yourself. Our main goal is to have people see your face, get to know you and trust you before meeting you.
Location & Time
Our studio is always open for your branding sessions. We have options for a casual set and/or a plain backdrop. We can accommodate most timeframes in our studio for you and/or your team.
For those with a brick and mortor location, you may want to have your session in your own space. Show off where your business is, what it looks like and what you do while in that space. We are happy to discuss this option and check out your space to see if it is a good fit for photography. Again, this option can accommodate most daytime hours.
The other option is outside. We are open to chatting about locations outdoors if that feels right for the vibe you are going for with your branding shoot. Lighting does play more into outdoor sessions so depending on time of year, we can lead you in the right direction for what time we recommend you have your photoshoot.
No matter which option you choose, we look forward to getting wonderful photos for you and your brand.
Details
You want to keep the finer details in mind.
– Makeup and Hair – depending on the look you are going for, there is the option to get your makeup and hair professionally done. Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists will be able to achieve a look that will photograph best. Don’t worry about it being “too much”! Communicate with them if you typically do not wear makeup – they will keep it very natural but still photographable.
– Accessories – keep it simple. Again, just make sure you are keeping yourself as the focus opposed to accessories for your outfit.
– Cleanliness – double check details like your nails and shoes are clean and presentable as either may be seen in your photos.
– Clean shoes are welcome in the studio! Please don’t wear the shoes you want in the photos outside before the session.
Props
Depending on the type of branding photoshoot we are doing with you, it may feel appropriate to have props included. They should only be used if they represent your business. Items like laptops, phones, books, a camera, beauty tools, workout equipment or any prop that tells your story. Remember that these sorts of additions should be discussed with us before the session so we can plan around them, have ideas in mind to include them or let you know if you think we can work with them.
Shot Options
Your business will dictate the type of shots you may want to prioritize. Keep in mind that options may include headshots, a team/staff photos, product shots, brick and mortar shots if you have store front or location you want to share and action/lifestyle shots. Let us know ahead of time If you need photos for a business card, etc, We will make sure we find out exactly what you want out of your session, prior to your booked day.
We hope this information has helped while you prepare for your branding session. Our main goal is to simply showcase you. We are here to answer any questions you may have and help you plan to feel the most comfortable during our time together.
Can’t wait to work with you!
Shauna & Gareth