How To Plan A Brand Photoshoot
There are a few things you need to have prepared for a successful brand photoshoot. You want to make sure you’re picking the right photographer and incorporating all of the right props and poses to convey your personality.
And lucky for you, I’m spilling all my secrets and tips below on how to plan a brand photoshoot.
Finding A Photographer
Searching for a photographer can feel like finding a needle in the haystack. This is where Instagram will actually come through for you (for once). Being able to search for your a photographer on Instagram is super simple and makes the browsing process seamless.
Here’s what worked for me when finding my photographer.
Using location-based hashtags that involved keywords such as photography or photographer. For example, I was searching: ‘Atlanta Brand Photography’ and ‘Atlanta Brand Photographer’. You can always search via Google too.
Click into the photographer’s profile to thoroughly view their portfolio, and view their website (if provided).
Look at their aesthetic and style of shooting/ editing. This one can make or break your brand photos, and can guide you to finding the perfect photographer for your shoot.
Make sure they are in your budget. Most photographers will have pricing on their websites, but if not reach out to find more information.
Selecting A Location
Location, location, location. I cannot stress the importance of the location of your brand photoshoot. It sets the tone, vibe, and overall aesthetic for the shoot.
Think about the scenery, the props, the colors, etc. The location should give off the vibe that coincides with your overall brand vision. For example, mine was neutrals, textures, and lifestyle-focused. The studio I came across had white floors and walls, a textured off-white couch, neutral decor, and lots of natural light.
When I came across the studio I used for my brand shoot, my photographer had previously shot there — which made booking the place an easy decision. But, if the photographer has not shot there, no need to stress. You’ll just want to be prepared with your list which is what we’ll get into next.
Creating A Shot List
Alright, so you have your photographer and location. Now, you’ll want to start creating a shot list.
Your shot list is a compilation of inspiration, visuals, and items you’ll need for the day of your shoot. Here are a few things to consider when creating your list.
Create a Pinterest board and start pinning all the inspiration of different photos, poses, lighting, outfits, etc. to it.
Once you have the board filled with inspiration, create your shot list from there. This will include props or items you wish to bring to the shoot — think laptop, iPad, wine bottle, coffee cup, tote bag, etc.
Make sure to share your Pinterest board with your photographer prior to the shoot to give them a better look into your vision, and specific poses you’d like to shoot.
Building Your Wardrobe
One more thing you’re going to want to add to your shot list is your outfits. Quite possibly my favorite part!
Sticking with the same aesthetic and vibe from your location, tying in your brand style, colors and overall look will create the perfect setting. So, when you’re picking out your outfits think about the colors and textures you’re choosing. Do they have relate back to your brand’s style and speak to your target audience?
Hot tip: Create 4-5 outfits that won’t have you changing every 10 minutes because it’ll save you time! If you’re wearing jeans and a white button down, add a hat or swap out your shirt for an easy ‘outfit change’.
Consider pieces that are timeless but still scream YOU, your brand and tell a story.
Recap Your Photoshoot Plan
Alright, now that you have all of the pieces to planning your brand photoshoot — let’s recap below for a little checklist.
Find a brand photographer
Secure a location
Create a Pinterest board with inspiration
Create a shot list
Plan your outfits accordingly
Feel free to save this blog post to your Pinterest to refer back to when planning for your brand photoshoot!
