Planning a successful branding photoshoot has been a transformative experience for my business and online content. If you have an upcoming branding session, join me as we walk through the planning process! I’m sharing insights from my perspective as both a content creator who often collaborates with photographers and a former branding photographer.
I understand what it takes to orchestrate a successful personal branding photography photoshoot. This week’s video will document my preparations for my next personal branding photography photoshoot in Charleston, SC. You’ll see my planning process in action, complete with practical steps to enhance your own preparation. Honestly, organizing a personal branding photography photoshoot is incredibly enjoyable, and I hope you’ll love following along!
Plan Ahead
The cornerstone of a successful branding photoshoot is thorough preparation. I recommend booking your photographer at least 3-4 months in advance. Additionally, schedule any studios, florists, hair or makeup artists you wish to collaborate with around the same time. Popular vendors get booked quickly, so advance planning is crucial to working with your preferred team. I always plan early because I usually have a specific photographer in mind and want to secure a spot in their schedule before it fills up.
Two bonus tips: First, when searching for photographers, especially if you haven’t worked with them before, request to see a full gallery. Look for a personal brand photographer who offers a diverse range of final images. While discovering photographers is great, ensure your final gallery serves all your needs.
I prioritize a mix of horizontal and vertical images, various poses, and overall variety. Second, consider booking at least one more hour than you think you’ll need. Your personal brand photographer can guide you on this, but I often find I need extra time for additional images or unexpected delays.
Create a Pinterest Board
Another key element of planning a successful branding photoshoot is creating a Pinterest board. In my experience, the shoots for which I carefully planned and created an inspiration board resulted in images I continue to use. My Pinterest board typically includes several elements. First, I determine the overall vibe I want for my photos. Then, I think about poses, outfits, and locations. I often start my board before booking a photographer, using it to help identify potential collaborators.
As I pin images, I look for emerging trends: Are the images relaxed and organic or fun and playful? Understanding my vision helps me select the right photographer and achieve the desired final images. While pinning, it’s crucial to keep your brand and message in mind, ensuring consistency throughout your brand visuals and aesthetic. I find it invaluable to gather all my brand elements on this board.
Plan Your Outfits
Selecting outfits might be one of the most challenging aspects of organizing a branding photoshoot. Often, it’s hard to predict how things will look, but I rely on my Pinterest board to source pieces that reflect my vision. The more precise my pins, the better the outcome. I once replicated an outfit from a pin, and it remains one of my favorites.
Before the shoot, I set a budget for new outfits to ensure I achieve the look I envision, boosting my confidence in my choices. When picking pieces, I focus on items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks without complete changes. For instance, I pair my favorite jeans with 4-5 different tops to diversify my looks and photos.
A simple shirt swap or added accessory can extend the variety of images. Quick outfit changes during the shoot maximize your time with the photographer, so it’s essential to minimize time spent changing clothes.
Create a Shot List
Creating a shot list is crucial when planning your branding photoshoot. Collaborate with your photographer to craft an effective list, as their insights can be invaluable. I consider a few key points when developing my shot list: identifying gaps in my current photos, planning for upcoming promotions or launches, and determining the imagery required. Sending a list of props to the photographer also ensures we capture a variety of shots.
Create a Timeline
Establishing a timeline, though it may seem excessive, is vital for maintaining sanity on the day of your shoot. It provides a clear outline of the day’s schedule, especially when managing studio time, hair and makeup vendors, flower pickups, and other logistics. Documenting each timing detail helps alleviate stress. Break down locations and desired shots for each venue, and collaborate with your photographer for their insights. A timeline enhances confidence for both you and the photographer, ensuring you achieve your desired outcomes.
