how to plan a successful brand photoshoot as a client

i’m an Edinburgh based branding photographer, and I’ve planned my fair share of brand photoshoots!

I put a lot of effort into planning my brand photoshoots, and for great reason!

• A good photoshoot planning process reduces stress

• I can really tell the difference in the final shots if the planning process was collaborative and aligned

• Planning can help address anything that comes up on the day and make for a more fun, more beautiful shoot overall

I’ve definitely spotted a few common areas that crop up in successfully planned shoots, so today I wanted to share what makes the difference from a client perspective in case you’re looking to plan a brand photoshoot of your own.

With longer shoots, multiple subjects or a handful of locations, having a shoot plan becomes all the more important!

Fern Interiors

how to plan a successful brand photoshoot as a client

research and find the right brand photographer

Picking the right person to deliver your brand photos is important! Take your time and consider what would be most important to you in your brand shoot:

• Are you nervous about having your pic taken? If so, which photographers demonstrate they know how to make clients feel comfortable?

• Which photographer has a visual style that most embodies your vision for your business?

• Do you want an experienced photographer who has been in business for many years, or a newer photographer just starting out?

• Do you want a photographer who has a collaborative approach to their work who will include you, or one who’s comfortable taking total creative control?

• What budget do you have, and does that impact how soon you could have the shoot?

Don’t be afraid to email a photographer with any questions you have beforehand. We all know that choosing the right photographer is both highly personal and deeply important, so most of us are more than willing to answer a few questions without expecting a client to commit!

start your brand photography moodboard now

I love making a good moodboard! Typically mine are Pinterest boards (you can follow me here) and I make one for every single brand shoot I do.

There are so many reasons to consider making a moodboard!

1. You can find photos that might inspire your shot list. Maybe you find a session capturing someone else in your industry, and their shoot features some shot ideas you’d like to be inspired by. You might also find photos of folks from totally different industries that fit with your goals.

2. It will help in finding the right photographer. Maybe you’ve Pinned a photo from a local photographer without realising it. Perhaps the feel of the board reminds you of a photographer you already follow. Any photographers you approach will be able to look at your board and tell you if they think they’re the right person for the job, based on what you’ve curated so far!

3. It springboards the planning process. I love it when clients already have a mood board because it gets them a little further along in the planning journey!

allow enough time for a shoot

I typically spend 3 - 6 weeks planning a brand photoshoot and 6 weeks editing my sessions, adding up to as much as ten weeks in total. If you are looking to plan a Christmas themed-shoot, I’d recommend getting in touch during the summer (or before). Clients’ calendars get busy, people need annual leave, illness can occur, so always bear this in mind when deciding when to get in touch. I also like being able to spread out the instalments for clients’ payments more, which is possible with a longer lead time.

consider investing in a beautiful location

There are a handful of things that I think are essential for a great photoshoot location:

what makes a great branding photoshoot location?

• great natural light

• plenty of space

• a variety of rooms/backgrounds suitable for multiple set-ups

• a design that feels like it’s in keeping with your branding

• bonuses to spaces that already feature house plants/props

• extra bonuses to spaces that require minimal styling

Sometimes, a client comes to me who hasn’t considered hiring a location and their home isn’t the best fit for them. When this happens, I have a few suggestions:

1. Find a bright, beautiful cafe whose aesthetic resembles your own. Cafes are a great option for startups and young businesses on a smaller budget. I’ll always aim to shoot when the cafe is less busy – usually in the afternoon after the lunch rush or first thing in the morning. As with any location I’m asked to source, I ask for permission and offer a free photo to say thank you for using the space; I’ve never had a cafe say no.
   Pros: cafes are free and can be absolutely stunning.
   Cons: you’ll need to be confident having your photo taken somewhere public.

2. Borrow the home of a loved one with great taste. I shot one session back in 2019 in the peaceful cottage of the client’s godmother. It was fantastic, because the client was moving home at the time and felt her house really wasn’t going to be shoot-friendly! I would still offer to pay for a cleaner to take any pressure off your loved one, so that everyone knows the space will be prepared and ready.
   Pros: an inexpensive option, instead of paying to hire a space properly.
   Cons: not all homes are suitable and it can be a tricky day to coordinate, as three people’s schedules need to align.

3. Ask your co-working space for permission. Again, I always offer a photo as thanks, but co-working spaces often let you shoot there for free or very inexpensively. They often offer a variety of locations, from desk set-ups to cosy settees for cuppa shots.
   Pros: it can be inexpensive or even free to use.
   Cons: it’s a public space and needs a little coordination to ensure you have permission to shoot on a quieter day.

4. Hire an Airbnb. This is my personal favourite from this list and I now offer this option as an add-on to all my shoot packages: I’ll research Airbnbs in a suitable area, contact the locations for permission, and usually offer a couple of free photos to say thank you again! Good Airbnbs start at around £150, depending on where you’re looking, and they have always been a worthwhile spend for my clients given the ease and versatility they offer.
   Pros: A beautiful, clean space, for less than a couple of hundred pounds.
   Cons: This is the most expensive option on this list.

think about which time of your suits your business best

I’m going to caveat this by telling you my “autumn-themed” brand shoot I had for my own business was actually done in February! Instead, I’d encourage you to consider which props and outfits to prioritise sourcing or saving for a shoot. The time of year being in line with your branding is a bonus, but not an essential. Here are some props to consider for each season:

seasonal brand photoshoot prop suggestions

spring

• fresh flowers

• your favourite swishy skirt

• confetti

• your new planner

summer

• your favourite fresh fruit

• picnic blanket + basket

• sandals

• house plants

autumn

• squashes and pumpkins

• cardigans + knits

• dried flowers

• Tarot cards

winter

• fairy lights

• your favourite winter coat

• candles

• your most beloved mug for coffee

prepare in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident

I’ve got a full guide on how to prepare for a branding shoot here on the blog, but the most important thing you can do is what makes you feel your best.

Some ways that clients have prepared for their shoots are:

ways to prepare for a brand photoshoot

• get plenty of sleep the night before

• go for a run/do a workout in the morning to get endorphins going

• have your hair styled

• hire a makeup artist

• get your nails professionally done

• meditate first thing in the day

• journal just before the session

• drink plenty of water (ideally including during the week running up to the shoot)

• have your favourite dinner the night before

book in for your brand photography journey

I have limited availability this autumn and winter! Find out more about my brand photography and get in touch for a shoot of your own here.

In the meantime, lots of love and happy Monday,
Anna xxx

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