Preparing for Success: How to Make Your Brand Photoshoot Truly Represent You.
- Liz Devonshire
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
Imagine you’re talking to a friend who runs a really successful PR business and has decided to invest in a photoshoot. She’s been in business for three years and is doing well, but feels she needs to move up a level. She already has a website and social media accounts, but they’re full of stock photos and don’t showcase your friend’s business as well as they should. She wants that to change.
Talking to your friend, whose photoshoot is tomorrow, you realise she’s not at all prepared. The photographer is coming to her home office and has vaguely mentioned outdoor shots, also asking if there’s a cafe nearby. Your friend is talking about the outfits she’s considering from a shopping trip at the weekend, and whether she’ll have time to do her hair and makeup before the photographer arrives at 9.
What do you think is going to happen?
We’d all hope that the photographer is great and that your friend is actually more prepared than she’s letting on, so the result is scroll-stopping photos that make her beam. Unfortunately, though, in my experience, this situation is more likely to result in a stressful experience and underwhelming images that don’t work for what your friend needs.
With more than 20 years as a photographer, I know that amazing brand photography doesn’t happen by accident. The magic behind those attention-grabbing images that attract your ideal clients is actually all in the preparation. So, today, I’m sharing the scoop on why doing your homework before your brand photoshoot is essential if you want imagery that boosts your visibility and transforms your business.
Doing Your Homework
Your photography doesn’t stand alone - it’s part of a bigger picture that tells your brand story. By investing in professional brand photography, you’re investing in powerful visual content that will help you reach the people who need you. But here’s the truth that many people don’t realise: the photographer can’t do it all. The most successful photoshoots happen when clients put in the work beforehand.
In my previous article, 5 Tips for Planning Your Shoot, I went through 5 steps that will help you get clear about what you want from your photographs and how to achieve it. When I’m working with my own clients, you’re not left to do this alone. We talk through each element, making sure you consider who you’re talking to, what you want people to feel and how you’ll be using your images.
One of the things I’ll always ask you to consider is why you do what you do. While this may feel fluffy and unnecessary, this exploration helps pull out your difference, the thing that will encourage your clients to choose you over someone else - these are the things that help you stand out and build a brand that really works. I’ve written an article about Finding Your Why here that might help.
Investing in Your Business, Investing in Your Future
A photoshoot is a significant financial investment; it’s important you get what you want from it so the investment pays off. To get the best results, you’ll need more than just a fantastic photographer; you’ll need to do your homework and prepare for the shoot, investing time and possibly more money, but the results will be worth it. There are a few things to think about.
Location, Location, Location
Where will your photoshoot be? Think about what you want from the space, the impact it will have and whether it will appeal to your audience. I looked at this in my previous post, Setting the Stage: Choosing the Perfect Location.
While some people are lucky to have Insta-worthy spaces at their fingertips, I advise most of my clients to look around for the perfect spot, then book and pay so you get exactly what you want. If you haven’t officially requested access to a space, you’re likely to have unnecessary pressure and lose control of the situation.
I’ve seen clients try to save money by using free locations, only to waste time dealing with interruptions, poor lighting, or being asked to leave. A paid location gives you:
Control over your environment
Peace of mind during your shoot
Dedicated time without interruptions
Professional backdrops that elevate your brand
Colour Magic
Within both your location and setup, colour is incredibly important. (So important I wrote a whole other blog about it here, True Colours: Make Your Brand Photography Pop.)
Thinking about where you’re using your photography - websites, social media, banners, and more - consider the style and colour profile that will fit your brand and marketing most effectively. Colour might be a consideration in your location hunting, scene setting, and outfit selection; put some time into this.
Choose 2-3 core brand colours to feature in your shoot for brand recognition.
Consider whether colour blocking for impact or pops of colour in neutral settings are more your style.
Find pops of your colour around your location, and bring your own with props.
Think about your different platforms, your website may already be saturated with your brand colour, while on socials, you might need extra to help you stand out.
Style Power
Thinking about your appearance isn’t vanity; it’s essential to your comfort in the photoshoot
and about representing your brand authentically and professionally.
Think:
What does your brand represent?
What do you want your audience to see and feel?
Do your outfit choices align with your brand colours and personality?
And remember, your clothes shouldn’t wear you, they should complement and enhance who you are. The same goes for hair and makeup - you still need to look like you!
I looked at this in a previous article that might help (When Comfort Meets Camera). Put some time into choosing outfits and styling that work for your marketing, and consider an additional investment here too, whether that’s in accessories or professional help.
Call in the Experts
This might be a time when working with professionals makes all the difference. Consider talking to:
A brand strategist to help clarify your message
A stylist with experience and understanding of visual branding
A makeup artist specialising in photography makeup (it’s different!)
On the day of your shoot, I’ll be focusing on you and on how to get the best images I can, but the ultimate purpose is to create photography that reaches out to your clients. You need to know who they are and what they care about so we can figure out how to capture it. The more information you bring to our collaboration, the better I can serve your vision and your brand.
If your budget won’t stretch to professionals, don’t worry! There are alternatives:
Scout free locations, but have backup options
Build a capsule wardrobe that works for your brand
Consider makeup counters offering complimentary services with purchase
Use Pinterest for styling inspiration specific to your brand colours and audience
Use your friends - for their styling talent, statement accessories, or awesome spaces
There are more suggestions here on how to stretch your budget.
The Alignment Factor
When everything aligns - your understanding of your target audience, messaging, styling and location - the results can help your business soar. But this alignment doesn’t happen by chance; it requires thoughtful preparation.
I’ve seen the difference between clients who prepare and those who don’t. Those who do their homework consistently feel more confident during their shoot, get more usable content, and report better engagement with their imagery afterwards.
Make the most of this opportunity to delve deep into your brand and make use of your photographer’s expertise. Remember, you’re hiring a professional for their skill and vision; their expertise isn’t just in using a camera, but in considering how your photography will enhance your brand.
Preparing for your brand photoshoot isn’t just about looking good on the day - it’s about creating strategic visual content that works hard for your business. The time, energy, and resources you invest in preparation will pay dividends in the quality and effectiveness of your final images.
Are you ready to elevate your brand with photography that truly represents you and speaks to your ideal clients? Why not book your Discovery Call today, or if you prefer DM me and we can chat about how I can help you.
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