A picture tells 1,000 words. You’ve heard it before. Pictures tell stories. What story do your Instagram and website pictures tell? Is it an inviting story that appeals to your audience? Have you thought about the power of your pictures?

Maybe you’ve been using stock images for the last few years of your business and want to finally develop your own images to promote your brand. You won’t regret taking this next step.

 

  

Q: What is a branding photoshoot?

A: A photoshoot that captures your brand’s story.

A brand photoshoot is more than just getting new headshots. A brand photoshoot will capture your brand story, the story you believe is worth your followers’ time. 

Capture everything that encompasses your brand (your brand colors/aesthetics, your humor, whether or not you drink coffee or tea). No detail is too small.

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Q: DO I NEED A QUARTERLY PHOTOSHOOT?

A: In my opinion, yes.

Whether you are an eCommerce website or a service provider you need photos. 

How do you expect to create new content when you don’t have any new content?

Stock images? WRONG.

There are plenty of amazing stock image websites out there, but don’t you want your content to be your own? Don’t you want someone to see your pictures, and without seeing your face in them say, “oh that’s definitely a Buzzing Blonde picture.”

Planning your own branding photoshoot is going to be what sets you apart from your competition and consistently tells the story you want to be telling.

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Q: HOW MUCH DOES A BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT COST?

A: It depends. Cost will depends on a few things: 

• The photographer

• The location (are you renting an Airbnb or renting a studio for the day)

• Props + outfits

• Hair and makeup (if you choose to get your hair and makeup done)

• Meals (depending on how long the photoshoot takes)

I have had photoshoots that have cost me anywhere between $600 – $2,000. I personally think you should set aside a budget for your photoshoots at the beginning of the year so you know when to space them out.

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5 STEPS TO PLANNING YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT:

STEP 1: Set a Goal

Before you can plan your brand photoshoot you need to set a goal for yourself. What are you hoping to get out of this photoshoot besides photos (obviously)? 

What imagery are you wanting to get from this photoshoot, and where are you wanting to use this imagery?

Are you getting images for your website? Social media? Email marketing? All of the above? It’s important to note where you are wanting to use this image so that your photographer knows what kind of shots they need to be getting (vertical vs horizontal). 

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STEP 2: Find a Photographer

Finding a photographer isn’t hard in today’s world. If you were to open Instagram right now and type in “brand photographer” or “photographer,” Instagram is going to show you photographers in or around your area. You could also turn to Facebook and ask for recommendations. Whatever photographer you choose, be sure to find one who fits the aesthetic you are wanting to achieve. If you are wanting light and airy pictures, don’t hire a photographer who clearly shoots dark and moody pictures. Do your research.

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STEP 3: Create a Mood Board

After you’ve found your photographer, you’re going to want to create a secret Pinterest board with all your inspiration (poses, outfits, flat lay ideas, etc.), and be sure to share the board with your photographer. 

Creating a mood board not only will help keep you organized but will help your photographer understand your vision and be sure to capture all the images you desire. 

Your mood board will also help you develop your shot list and prop list, which brings me to step number four.

 

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STEP 4: Create a prop/ shot list

Once you’ve created a mood board, you will need to make two lists. A shot list and a prop list.

A shot list is a list of poses you want to get. 

Here’s an example of what my shot list looked like for my last photoshoot:

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• Flat lays with beauty items

• Maddie & computer

• Maddie & phone

• Maddie & planner

• Maddie doing hair/beauty routine

• Detail images of the salon

• Robe with towel on head + sunglasses

• Spinning in the chair – GIF

A prop list is a list of all the props you are going to need for your photoshoot. Props are what I believe make my audience and clients go “wow, you think of everything.” 

Here’s an example of what my prop list looked like:

• Bee mug

• Yellow blanket

• Bee pillow

• Computer

• Notebook

• Drybar curling iron and clips

I also make a list of outfits I want to wear and in which shots I want to wear them.

For example:

• Honey shirt with jeans – salon

• Honeys Making Moneys shirt with cheetah skirt – salon

• Yellow blazer with black jeans – studio

 

BUZZING TIP: IF YOU AREN’T WANTING TO GO OUT AND BUY A WHOLE NEW WARDROBE USE A SERVICE LIKE “RENT THE RUNWAY” TO RENT FUN PIECES THAT YOU DON’T WANT TO SPEND A FORTUNE ON.

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STEP 5: Create a timeline for your day

Once you have secured your photographer, location, and date, it’s time to create a timeline for the day! 

Creating a timeline is going to be what keeps you and your photographer on track to making all your photoshoot dreams come true!

Buzzing tip: Use your shot/prop list to help you come up with your timeline. Also, most photographers will create this timeline for you, but if they don’t, you can create one for them to help them stay on track! It’s also helpful if there is someone there to play time keeper and keep both you and your photographer on schedule.

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Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready for your photo shoot! So, take the first step. Write down ideas you have to promote your content through pictures and think about the power that pictures have for your audience. Start looking for a photographer that can best highlight your business and dream! Snap to it!