A step by step guide to brand photos that get RESULTS
Are you a savvy entrepreneur pondering an investment in professional brand photos but wrestling with wallet hesitations? Well, kudos to you for being mindful of your hard-earned cash! You’re not just throwing money around for appearances – you’re after value. Investing in a pro brand photographer is your ticket to standing out in the online crowd, forging connections, and turning heads in this saturated digital landscape. It’s not just about pictures; it’s about making more money, being seen, and building genuine trust with your dream clients. Let’s dive into how to ensure you’re not just spending, but investing wisely.
Personal brand photoshoots are very different from other photo sessions you may be used to such as family or wedding photoshoots. In all scenarios, of course we want you to look stunningly fabulous and natural. However the difference is that brand photos must be ever so intentional starting with the end in mind rather than organically capturing moments. If we skip a few very important steps in the brand photography process, even with the most talented of photographers, things can go off track, real quick.
I’m sharing with you my own step by step process on how I help small businesses create brand images that spark a connection with their audience and genuinely “work” for their bottom line. I could easily break each step down into its own full article, and maybe at some point I will, but for today, I'll give you the basics on each step.
Step 1.
The big “W’s.
Ask yourself WHY you need these photos, WHO do you want to see them, WHAT do you want the viewer to think and feel about them, WHERE will you use them and WHEN do you need them by. This is a crucial starting point and sets the base for the next steps. Planning a website update? Think about what images you need and where they’ll be placed. Planning social media posts? Start planning your content calendar now. Launching a new product or service? How will you be communicating that? What images can we create that will support that?
Starting with the end purpose and goal in mind helps up create images that actually work towards your goal and that are unique to your brand only.
When you work with me, I send out a brand questionnaire to all new brand clients to help you to start thinking about these things.
Step 2.
Communicate with your photographer.
Get on the same page as your photographer about all of your “W’s”, your hopes, visions and goals for the session. Have any insecurities or worries about being in front of the camera? Now’s the time to lay that all out on the table.
Step 3.
Create a shoot list with your photographer.
Brainstorm a list of must have images together based on what you’ve discussed about your brand. This is a much more productive and beneficial process when done in collaboration with your photographer rather than just handing over a Pinterest board. With my own clients, this is done in a planning meeting that happens well before your shoot. When these first few steps are done right, the rest becomes much easier.
Step 4.
Choose a location.
Now that we know the goals and vision for your brand session, we can decide where we’d like to shoot. This can be a studio, your office or storefront, your home, somewhere outdoors or a combination of these. Whatever most aligns with the vision created in the first few steps.
Step 5.
Select Wardrobe.
At this point, we have a pretty clear vision of what these images are going to look like. Another stroke of the brush is adding your outfits to compliment you, the setting and the vision that has been created already. Always have a few outfits to use throughout the session. Choose clothes that fit well, that you feel amazing in and that represent you and your brand.
Step 6.
Arrange professional hair and make up.
I highly recommend this step, even if you’re not typically a “glam girl”. Leaving your hair and makeup to a professional will greatly impact your confidence going into your session and increase the quality of your images.
Step 7.
Set the stage.
If the session is taking place on your own turf, like your home or workplace, make sure you prep your space and have all your comforts on hand to help put you at ease. Declutter and then declutter again. Most times that just means picking up your pile of papers and stray cords and moving them to another room temporarily. An epic playlist is a must. Have some water on hand to stay hydrated, a coffee or tea, your favourite scented candle or essential oils etc. Create your happy place.
Step 8.
Shoot.
At this point, all the heavy lifting and big decisions have been made. You’re going in with a clear vision and purpose. Now’s the time put all into action, be in the moment and totally slay your session. This is the fun part.
Step 9.
Put your images to work.
Once those beautifully curated images are in your hands, time to share them with the world. Show your face, share your brand story, connect with your dream clients, be seen and most importantly, build up your business.
You can't just leave them on a hard drive, you have to put these images to work if you want them to work.
Step 10.
Repeat as needed.
Brand photos shouldn't be a one and done event. As entrepreneurs, we need to continue to tell our brand story as it grows and evolves. Building a great relationship with your photographer who truly gets your brand will make all the difference in the world for your upcoming brand photography sessions. They’ll keep getting easier and more effective each time.
Like anything, when you create a solid foundation, the rest falls into place. Careful thought and consideration in the early phase goes such a long way and truly helps to create brand images that are unique and aligned to your brand.
Imagine the impact of having a library full of images created just for your brand that you can draw from anytime to share your unique story and connect with those who you are desperately trying to reach.
To learn more about my brand photography, head over to my main website below. I’d love to work with you on sharing your brand story with the world.
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