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How to Prepare for Your First Brand Photo Shoot
12 tips to help you make the most of your investment
Getting ready to have your first professional photos taken can feel very nerve-wracking, can’t it? This is really putting you in the spotlight; no more hiding behind the scenes with a single headshot taken more than a decade ago (or is that just me?). You’re probably keen not to waste this opportunity or your money. And there’s so much to think about.
This article is based on my own experience and the aim is to help you feel thoroughly prepared for your first brand photo shoot. It’s a long one, so settle down with a cup of tea and a notebook to hand for your own inspired thoughts.
And remember, you don’t have to do everything on the list, pick and choose whatever feels relevant to you and your business.
Planning for the Shoot
1. Schedule any personal grooming appointments
It might surprise you how often your hands appear in the pictures. You might be pointing to products, typing on the computer, writing with a pen, leaning on a desk or holding something.
And there may not be any close-ups of your legs but if you like feeling sleek and groomed, getting waxed is a great way to make sure your inner confidence matches the self-assurance you’ll want to convey in the photos.
Even if you don’t usually wear makeup, it’s still advisable to apply minimal coverage and colour to avoid looking washed out. It’s also a good idea to test your look beforehand. Ask someone to take a few photos of you in the same setting and time of day as the shoot will take place. Then adjust your makeup as necessary.
If you have the budget, the time and the inclination, why not have a facial a or a massage the week before to really get your celebrity mindset going!
2. Ensure your day goes as smoothly as possible
Make sure you give your clients fair warning that you won’t be available that day. This goes for any family members and friends who love to call you during working hours as well! Give yourself the mental space to focus solely on the photo shoot.
Finally, ask someone to be your assistant on the day (see Tip 10).
Photo Content
3. Decide on images for specific purposes
Some shots can be reused on different platforms and media but plan images that are directly relevant to your written content and brand messaging.
Aside from the specifics, be sure to ask for two or three close ups where you are the main subject, preferably with a plain white backdrop. These are always good for Home, About and Contact pages and online profiles.
It’s also very helpful to have photos with some empty space to the left or right so you can incorporate wording. This was the premise for the slider photos at the top of all my landing pages, starting with my Home page.
4. Choose different outfits, preferably in your brand colours
If you have brand colours, it’s fun to try and use those in your clothes (or other props) to give visual coherence. It’s a subtle reinforcement to help clients recognise your colour palette and associate it with you.
Wear clothes you feel comfortable in. And you don’t need to splash out on new items. Maybe you feel you should be the perfect weight or have the perfect outfit to be worthy of a photo shoot. You’re fine just as you are. Imperfection makes us more relatable and the important thing is to be yourself and feel at ease. People want to see the real you. (Also, then it won’t be a shock if they ever meet you in person!)
5. Don’t be too ambitious with location
Forget about fantasy, keep things simple and ground yourself in your reality. Start with your place of work and perhaps one other location within easy walking distance. Don’t you find it interesting to see where other people live and work? To me, it feels far more engaging to see your true location and work setup.
If you’re shooting in two locations, I recommend starting with the primary setting. Firstly, you may be nervous at the start, but you’ll also be freshly groomed and looking your best. Secondly, if it takes longer than expected, it won’t matter as much if you don’t make it to the next location.
6. Be deliberate about your surroundings
Look around with fresh eyes to see what clutter can be moved aside for the day. Don’t let there be too many visual distractions. A simple background will draw people’s eyes to you or your products.
The photographer doesn’t always notice the details in each shot either. Prep your space as thoroughly as possible then view the scene you have in mind from where you imagine the photographer standing. See if you spot anything unsightly or awkward. Position chairs or even yourself to cover up things that can’t be moved.
7. Prepare useful props to support your brand
This one is fun to think about. If you sell products, they are the obvious choice to include in your photos. The challenge might be how to make them seem more personal. Showing people using your products or framing them in a beautiful setting will add character and purpose.
If you’re a service provider like me, there may not be any obvious props other than your work environment. With translation and copywriting, it wasn’t easy to think of many physical props so I had to get creative.
Here are a few suggestions to incorporate subtle nods to your business and other visual elements to support your brand identity.
Top Tip
Always go back to the main question.
Is what I’m showing relevant to
· my business
· my brand messaging
· my clients?
Pictures of you working at your desk and computer allow clients to visualise you working for them, as well as indicating productivity. Perhaps if you make a lot of notes, an image of you writing in a nice notebook or on a sheet of paper could convey all the planning, creativity and thinking time involved in your work.
When there are images of you working at a computer, be careful about what you are showing on the screen. Make sure there’s nothing to betray client confidentiality. But you could show your own working documents.
If you have a shop, you could show your order page or have a printed sheet showing part of your catalogue. If you’re a service provider, are there any documents that show what clients can expect when they work with you?
Whether you sell products or services, consider who to include in your photos. Would it be helpful to include not only yourself but also other team members or staff, customers, clients or even suppliers and partners in your photos? How can you show your potential clients the benefits of working with you or buying from you through these images?
What kind of plants or flowers could represent your business? If you buy new, it doesn’t have to be a big investment. But you could just as easily use plants you already have or borrow some from a green-thumbed friend for the day.
Feel free to reorganise your bookshelves so they look neater or have a more interesting arrangement. They make a great backdrop. Even if the books are the main subject of the photo, you might want to include a hand reaching to pick one up. As my photographer said, it adds a human element.
Books make great background props or subjects for blog posts
Move any pictures, statues or other art pieces into or out of the scene. You don’t want too much clutter, but often we have more blank spaces on the wall than we think. Again, anything with your brand colours is a great way to add visual interest and subtly emphasise your brand identity.
And you can always change the art in the background to make the shots feel different in the same location.
Mixing a little of the personal into your images will help people to connect with you as a real human before they even know you. Use something specific to you. For me, it’s tea and biscuits.
Then there are more generic touches. Candles add interesting light and warmth. Blankets and cushions add texture and softness, even in an office setting.
What personal details could you incorporate to add character to your brand identity and your shoot? One word of caution: watch out for too many repeated images. I didn’t need quite so many shots of my Denby tea set!
Can you remove any items in your chosen setting that clash with your colour scheme? (Or bring in things from other rooms that match your brand palette. Cushions, blankets, mugs, chairs, etc.)
Are there any books or artwork that may send the wrong message?
Some people include a glass of wine to show relaxation or celebratory champagne in their imagery. Personally, I preferred to keep any alcohol out of the picture as it served no purpose for my brand messaging.
Do you want to show your partner and family? Many people have a family picture on their About pages because it aligns with their brand messaging. This is particularly true if you are your brand. But you might want to keep that side of yourself private or separate from business. It’s entirely up to you.
Consider where your boundaries lie between work and home life. And always go back to the main question: is what I’m showing relevant to my business, my brand messaging and my clients?
The Day Before the Shoot
8. Clear your schedule, get ready and practice self-care
If you can, dedicate the entire day or as much time as you can to preparing for the shoot. It’s amazing how long it takes to get your clothes, props and settings in order. Even if you’ve cleared your work schedule, you’ll probably have some last-minute emails or calls to answer but try not to assign any major tasks to this day.
Don’t experiment with new beauty products or treatments (this is also good advice for the week or two before the shoot). But do treat yourself to a tried-and-tested face mask, dedicate some time to applying your favourite creams and potions, or practice any other self-care routine that helps you relax.
I also recommend eating light, nourishing food to avoid bloating. And you might want to abstain from alcohol to aid sleep and avoid puffy eyes.
You want to look and feel your absolute best on the day!
The Day of the Shoot
9. Give yourself plenty of time and mental space
When you’re with the photographer, put your phone on silent so you can be fully present for this investment in your business and future self.
10. Have someone else there to assist and support you
Having a friend, daughter, son, assistant, partner or parent with you is useful for a whole array of tasks that you won’t have much time for.
For example, they can:
• prepare changes of clothes
• take props away or pass new ones
• make tea or coffee and fetch water
• light candles
• safeguard and move bags, coats, changes of clothes and other props on location.
Another great bonus is that an assistant can take behind the scenes photos, which are great for social media and blog posts like this one. My teenage daughter made an excellent paid assistant and is the author of the two BTS shots shown in this article.
11. After the session, plan an easy evening or a special treat
Now, remember to reward yourself and give yourself some breathing space. If you can, take the rest of the day off and plan an easy meal or go out to celebrate if you feel like it.
All that preparation and the experience itself can be very draining and you might not have slept well the night before. If you’re anything like me, going in front of the camera might take you far out of your comfort zone. And that makes it all the more important to be kind to yourself afterwards in whatever way feels good to you.
Reflecting for Next Time
12. Make a note of lessons learned
While everything is still fresh in your mind, make notes on what went well and what didn’t. Did you over or under prepare? What would you do differently next time?
And when you receive the photos – such an exciting moment! – think about whether they really serve their purpose. Did you brief the photographer well enough? Do the images complement your written content? Would it be better to have more of certain types of pictures, such as head shots, product photos or horizontal images?
Record the lessons you’ve learned so that you make even better choices when the time comes for your second photo shoot.
It's All Going to Turn Out Fine
For now though, rest assured that if you follow these tips and work with a good photographer, there will be some great images to use. The results from this first experience will be well worth overcoming any resistance and nerves you may be feeling.
Good luck!
And remember, brand photos are only one of the cornerstones of a great website, along with brand design, web design and web copy. If you haven’t got your website copy sorted yet, I’d love to help you out.
