How to prepare for your brand photoshoot
You’re excited about your branding shoot, and now the burning question: how to prepare to look your best in your images?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. There are some easy steps to get you prepared for your shoot. And not only that, they’ll keep you excited while you’re getting ready.
Let the fun begin!
Wardrobe
Your outfits can make or break your branding images. They can be the deciding factor whether you’ll be excited and proud to fully and visibly show up for your audience. Use these ideas to help you choose your outfits:
Choose outfits that you love, and colours that make your eyes sparkle, and represent your personal style and – most importantly – your personal brand.
Bring a number of different outfits, especially tops, that will help to enhance your features: we will choose the ones to photograph you in that look good on you, work well on camera and are appropriate for your audience.
Prioritise outfits that are nicely fitting over baggy clothes – I will make sure to help you ‘pose’ in a way that will make you look naturally flattering!
Avoid busy patterns and much rather choose solid, bold colours.
Bring outfits that are relatively timeless, and not too seasonal – that way you can use your brand photos all year round.
Bring accessories that are important to you and/or represent and complement your personal brand – for example, you may want to be known for showing up with signature glasses or unique earrings.
Props & Scene-Setters
Props help to set the scene for who you are and what you stand for. Decide what to bring by considering the stories you want to tell, and your brand colours.
STORIES
What stories do you want to share that will help you connect with your audience?
What everyday activities do you do that help your clients get results?
What is quirky or different about you, your offer and your brand that you want to showcase?
(I’m planning on being photographed wielding a magic wand in my next shoot 😉)
BRAND COLOURS
Make sure you select your props that match your brand colours.
Decide if you want your accent colour to be prominent in your photos. If so, then choose to wear outfits that sport that colour or we use backgrounds in that colour.
Alternatively, you may prefer to hint at your accent colour with props and scene-setters (like flowers, plates, notebooks etc.) and use your primary brand colours for larger areas of your photos.
Colour Analysis
If you haven’t yet and are unsure about what colours are good for you, I recommend having your colours done. A professional colour consultant will be able to guide you to the colours that will bring that extra sparkle to your eyes and make your cheeks look effortlessly rosy.
Hair, Nails, Makeup & Teeth
In the run-up to your brand photoshoot you may want to make these appointments:
Hair: Ensure you have your hair cut relatively freshly and your hair colour touched up.
Nails: If you wear nail colours, choose neutral colours, or complimenting ones that won’t clash with your outfits or props.
Makeup: Whether you will do your makeup yourself, or get it done on the morning of your session, choose a simple but well-done makeup styling. Make sure go darker than you would for your everyday makeup as the camera has a tendency to ‘swallow’ some of the makeup. Make your eyes stand out and reduce any skin shine.
Teeth: Your smile is your most winning feature, and I’ll be encouraging you to laugh and smile naturally during your session. With this in mind, you may like to book an appointment with your dental hygienist to give your teeth a fresh polish. I can also retouch your teeth in your images – just let me know if that’s something you’re worried about.
You may also choose to book a professional hair & makeup artist to make you look camera-ready on the day.
Get in touch if you’d like me to add this to your photoshoot.
What not to worry about…
Wrinkles and laughter lines: I make sure to find flattering lighting to effortlessly help to smooth lines, and I will naturally retouch every photo that you’ll receive.
Spots etc.: All chosen images will be delivered professionally edited, so any spots will not feature in your final brand images.
Glasses: If you normally wear glasses, and may want to ask your optician for a couple of blank frames. Alternatively, I’ll make sure to position your glasses on your face so that there won’t be any annoying reflections.
Extra weight: I specialise in fully guided AND natural posing, so some extra weight will be taken care of with skilled posing.
Not being photogenic: Don’t worry, it’s not your job to be photogenic. It’s my job to guide you through your photo session and to deliver amazing brand images that you’ll love
“12 Hour Before” Checklist for your Brand Shoot
Enjoy a relaxing bath the night before, give yourself a pampering facial.
Make sure you’ll get a good night’s sleep.
Eat some nourishing breakfast so you can enjoy your photo session.
Pre-pack your outfits, underwear, accessories and props etc. ready to take to your shoot.