HOW TO PLAN A BRAND PHOTOSHOOT

Jul 15

First things, first let’s touch on personal branding really quick...shall we.

Your brand is not your logo, your colors, your fonts, it’s about your story. Who are you? What do you do? What is your mission? How do you do it? Personal touches that showcase your personality.

It’s a visual representation of you and what you do!

WHY DO I NEED BRANDED PHOTOS

You need branded photos to showcase you, your brand, your story, and your mission. People only buy or work with people they “know”, “like”, “trust” and the best way for that to happen is through intentional branding, storytelling, valuable content/services/products, and amazing visuals.

WHERE DO I SHARE MY PHOTOS

I highly recommend having a branded photo session to showcase your brand and your story and to share those images on your website. Your website is a visual representation of you. You would also share those images on social media, newsletter, business cards, media kits, thank you cards, etc...you name it!

I share my images on my website, social media, newsletter, everywhere…EVERYWHERE!

WHEN SHOULD YOU PLAN FOR A BRANDED SESSION

The rule of thumb in business for new headshots is every year and I would say the same for personal branded photos. Each year you change, your mission could tweak a little, and kick-starting the year with a new session is definitely motivating. Branded sessions are perfect for a new launch, products, etc. Many content creators will have branded photo sessions per season so that they have a collection of photos that reflect that time of the year.

Capturing your story will take time and is something you will need to continue to do throughout the year. Currently, I need photos of me with the kids. Have grace with yourself on this one as well but get it done.

WHO SHOULD TAKE YOUR PHOTOS

There are many ways to get the job done and I would work with a professional if you have no clue about photography. If you have some idea about what it takes to create great visuals, you can always set up a camera, tripod, timer, use God’s lighting (the sun) and get it done.

When I first started back in 2016 blogging on my first website...I did just that. A timer and God’s lighting. Now, these weren’t amazing but they were good and got the job done. Flash forward now to 2020, I have a whole new website and I worked with a professional photographer for my branded images. I love these photos! I love working with the following Indianapolis photographers: Tanisha Pinex, Martina Jackson, and Krystal Highbaugh - Krystal is the one that captured the branded shots in this post for my website.

I also offer branded photo session, click here to learn more.

BRANDED PHOTO SESSION FROM MY PORTFOLIO

HOW TO PLAN IT OUT

Ok, let’s get to the work.

Make a list of your goals for the session. What story do you want to share?

That you are a mompreneur? Photos of you working and with the kids would be best.

A Realtor? Photos of you touring a home, your signage, images with you and clients, shots of you working, and a great headshot.

Be intentional in your planning, is this session for your website? Rebranding? New Ebook? Course? Etc?

Breakdown of My Story:

Starla - Her Fun Loving Self

Starla - Wife Life

Starla - Mom Life

Starla - Creative Lady

Starla - Lifestyle Content Creator

Where will the photos be used? This will help you and your photographer determine if the photos need to be shot wide (16:9) for website banners, 3:2 (2:3 vertical) or 4:3 (3:4 vertical) for standard sizing, 1:1 for social media. This is also the time to decide if you would like vertical or horizontal shots.

Oh...you thought beautiful images just happen?

HA! It takes work and planning to create amazing visuals.

Create A Mood Board. This will help you visualize your session and help your photographer know what you are looking for. You can use Pinterest to find images and create a board to share with your photographer of the shots you want as reference.

Create A Shot List. This takes me back to my production days in college at Ball State. This step is taking the mood board and the other steps above and breaking it down into actionable steps to get the perfect shot.

Story - Starla, The Photographer

Shot Description - I want a shot of me with my camera to use on website and social media

Framing - Vertical, Tight Shot

Location - Indoor, Ironworks Hotel Lobby

Props - Camera

Outfit - Branded colors - Black, White, Gold

Hair - Marley Twist Down

MakeUp - Natural Dewy / Glow Look

Notes - A variety of shots of me with the camera, look fun and inviting

Gather Props. I have an unknown rule that whenever I see something that matches the color scheme of my brand...I buy it! I have a drawer of beautiful black and gold items that I use for props. This step is simple, gather props that will help you tell the story for that shot. Use props that will tell the story or help visualize what you do.

Outfits. Hair. MakeUp. You want to pick an outfit, hairstyle, and makeup look that represents the story you are telling, your personal branding, personality, and mission. You also want to think about your background and lighting and what colors to avoid. Working with stylists can help you find that look that represents you and your brand. In the end don’t stress out too much on this one, pick an outfit, hairstyle, and makeup look that compliments you, makes you feel comfortable and confident!

PHOTOS FROM THE BRAND SHOOT I DID MYSELF USING MY OLD IPHONE IN 2016

That’s pretty much it for all the pre-work it takes to plan your branded photoshoot. Follow the steps above for a perfectly planned session and be flexible. There have been many times where I didn’t have the set up I wanted but the photos still came out wonderfully because it showed my personality and captured my essence.

Let’s connect online - FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM or send me an email - hello@starlakaymathis.com