A branding shoot is soooo much more than just taking some new headshots - the whole thing is an opportunity to tell your brand's story, showcase your work, and connect with your audience. Social media and websites our our digital storefronts - and people want to connect with the brand or business before they buy.
Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or a creative professional - incorporating elements of your work into your branding shoot can make all the difference, and help tell the story you want to convey.
If you’ve been thinking about booking in a branding shoot (yes! A thousand times yes!) - you can make the most of your shoot by carefully considering location, props, and more - so I thought I’d pop together a few tips to get you started.
Location, location, location
Choosing the right location is the first step in planning a successful branding shoot. Think about places that resonate with your brand’s identity. Are you a yoga instructor? A serene outdoor setting might be perfect. Are you a chef? A cosy kitchen or a bustling market could tell your story.
The location sets the scene and helps convey your brand’s message. Think about the vibe you want to project and how the setting can enhance that. Sometimes, even unexpected locations can add a unique twist to your branding. And if you’re looking for a blank canvas space that looks tidy and professional - my studio in Aotea, Porirua offers just that.
Props that tell your story
Props are an awesome way to add context and depth to your photos, making them more engaging. Think about the tools of your trade, the products you offer, or items that symbolise your brand values - say, if you’re a florist, having a variety of flowers and arrangements, or if you’re a writer, including your favourite books on the desk in your shot. The key is to use props that enhance the visual narrative without overwhelming the main subject - you. Be subtle and thoughtful.
Team members and “clients”
Just you in the photos, or keen to have some other people in the mix? This is up to you, and will guide the kind of shoot you book. Having your team in the photos can showcase the collaborative spirit of your business and make your brand appear more personable - and it’s always an awesome opportunity to get fresh team photos or new headshots of team members.
Don’t have a team but you often interact with customers or clients? Consider staging some shots with “clients” to depict real-life interactions and scenarios, to give people a peek into what you do - if you’re a graphic designer, it could be a staged shot of you talking and brainstorming with a client - or if you’re a physiotherapist, you could enlist someone to act as your client and get some shots of you working behind the scenes. Authenticity is crucial though - so even staged shots should feel natural and true to your brand. We can talk through these ideas together and come up with some scenarios that work for your business.
Brand colours and identity
Your branding shoot should reflect your brand’s colour palette and overall aesthetic. Have a brand kit or a set of guidelines? Keep these in mind, and choose outfits that match your brand colours to keep things consistent when you integrate your images into your website and social media.
Incorporate branded pieces like logos or signage subtly into the shoot to reinforce brand recognition (like a subtle bit of product placement!). Consistency in colour and style helps in creating a cohesive brand identity that is easily recognisable.
And speaking of product placement…
Decide if you want to include your products in the shoot. Product placement can be particularly effective for businesses that sell goods. For example, if you’re a candle maker, we could grab some shots of you wrapping up and boxing your candles, or even lighting one. Showing your products in use or in real-life settings can help your potential customers envision them in their own lives - and having them alongside images of you builds trust in your brand.
Branding shoots are a fantastic investment into your business - providing you with a huge range of shots that tell your story and help you to connect with your audience. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about for a while - pop on over to my business photography gallery and take a peek at my work - and then flick me a message to get things started!
