17/05/2020
7 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BRANDING PHOTO SHOOT.
1. Dress for the part.
Before the photo session, it is a good idea to discuss colour palettes with the photographer. As a general rule, the clothes you are wearing for your shoot should be cohesive with your brand's colours. Using consistency in images will allow clients to easily recognise a brand from the competitors.
It is best to opt for a fitted look and it is also recommended to steer clear of prints, which look busy and can distract the eye. Clothing should be used to accentuate, not steal the show. Plan your outfits in advance!
2. Use professional make-up and hairdressers
DIY may be less expensive, but it may result in poor quality images that turn people away. Professionals know what type of make-up and hair styles should be used to bring out a person's best features, and they will also use specific strategies that work best for a professional photo shoot, such as using heavier eye make-up and highlighting techniques.
3. Plan the messaging in advance.
This is probably one of the most helpful things a client can do for their photographer. As brand photographers, we need to know the messaging of the brand. What makes them unique? Who is their audience? What story do they want to tell through their images?
We might ask for some examples of captions they might be posting or specific topics they will be discussing with the content we are helping them create.
All of that information completely shapes a session that supports and matches the content and the resulting images.
4. Create an inspiration board.
You could create a private board on Pinterest with ideas and inspiration to share with your photographer. Then, invite your photographer to the board and together you can collaborate on ideas that you think will work for your shoot.
It would be really helpful for you to share a visual idea of what it was that you were going for and the types of photos you hoped to capture.
5. Location, location, location
Your home may not always reflect the style of your brand. Let your photographer know in advance what you are looking for and they will help you to find the perfect venues for your brand photo shoot. This may increase the cost of the session a little bit for a venue fee but when your photos perfectly match your brand's aesthetics, it will be so worth it.
6. Use props.
Props can be very useful to express a brand's mission and aesthetics. Those who wish to keep a continuity of colour in all images but don't want to wear the same colour of clothing can use a prop to make the scene pop. A nutritionist, for instance, could use some fresh fruit and vegetables in the background, or hold a glass of brightly-coloured juice. A splash of colour can go a long way.
7. Use music to enhance the mood and relax and have fun.
A photo shoot may feel intimidating, especially in the beginning, which is why music is often used on set to help everyone relax and feel at ease.
Your photographer is going to do their best to make you feel at ease and will want you to have fun. Your first few images may feel a little awkward and stiff, but just know that it will get better as you go along.
Idle chatter, with music playing in the background, will make your session feel more like an afternoon with a friend.
Conclusion.
One of the best investments of time or money that you can make in your business is to do a branding photo shoot. Your overall goal for your branding photo shoot should be to create a recognisable story through images that your customers can easily attach to your business.
When your audience sees your images they should immediately know they are yours. The consistent and high-quality photos created with a well-prepped and executed branding photo shoot will give you images that will elevate your brand and grow your business.
