Branding Session Prep: Everything You Need to Know

Having a clear vision for your branding session is key to making sure you get the most out of it. It’s about thinking through both how you’ll use the photos and how you want your brand to come across visually:

• Where will these photos show up? On your website, social media, or maybe in some local ads?
• What part of your business do you want to highlight—your process, workspace, or the personality behind your brand?
• How do you want your brand to feel in the photos? Friendly and approachable, polished and professional, or a mix of both?
• What visual style best represents your brand—clean and simple, bold and colorful, or something more warm and inviting?
• Are these photos for a new product launch, a rebranding, or just to give your brand a fresh look?

Taking the time to think through both the practical side of how you’ll use the photos and the creative side of how you want your brand to be seen will help make sure everything comes together perfectly. It’s all about capturing your brand’s unique story in a way that feels true to you.

Now that you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your photos, it’s time to turn those ideas into a solid plan. This is where the fun begins! Let’s start thinking about how to bring your brand’s story to life visually.

• What makes your brand unique? Think about the key elements that set your business apart and how we can show that in the photos—whether it’s the location, props, or your personal style.
• What vibe are you going for? Do you want your photos to feel laid-back and casual, polished and professional, or a mix of both? The overall mood will guide things like lighting, outfits, and location.
• How should people feel when they see your photos? Whether you want to inspire, connect, or make people smile, emotions play a big role in branding. We’ll think about how to evoke the right feelings through your session.

This is all about taking your vision and turning it into a visual plan that captures your brand’s essence. Next, we’ll get into the details—creating a storyboard and planning the specific shots.

Planning a key shots for your branding session helps ensure you capture everything you need, from headshots to action shots. Even a simple shot list keeps things organized and makes the session more efficient.

Here’s an example of what you might include:

• Headshots for your “About” page
• Cover photos with space for text
• Action shots that capture your work process
• Candid moments that highlight your personality
  

As you plan, it’s also helpful to consider how long each setup might take. Managing time well means you can fit in everything without feeling rushed.

If you prefer to keep things spontaneous, that works too! Just be sure to share your ideas with your photographer in advance—this helps us plan the technical aspects, so everything runs smoothly on the day of the shoot.

Even if you’ve chosen a photographer based on their unique style, it’s still helpful to create a visual mood board to make sure your session aligns with the look and feel you’re envisioning. Platforms like Pinterest are great for gathering ideas that inspire you.

A mood board can guide you in choosing the right locations, outfits, angle and props for your branding session. It gives you a clear picture of the overall look and feel you want to achieve.

If you’d rather leave the creative direction to a photographer, that works too! I am always happy to help my clients to come up with ideas that fit their brand.

Props are a great way to bring personality into your branding session and highlight what makes your business unique. Before the shoot, think about the items you use regularly in your work. Whether it’s just one special object or a variety of tools, these props help tell the story of your business.

For example:

• If you’re a personal trainer, bring resistance bands or kettlebells.

• If you’re a digital marketer, a laptop and a favorite coffee mug can be great props.
• If you’re a jewelry designer, bring a few signature pieces or your design tools.
• If you’re a real estate agent, consider bringing keys, a clipboard with property listings, or a model home.

These small details add a personal touch to your photos and help visually tell the story of your brand without overwhelming the main focus—you.

If your business involves client interaction, including a model in your session can make your branding photography more dynamic. Models don’t need to be professionals—they can be real clients, colleagues, or people who represent your target audience. Showing your service or product in action makes your brand feel more relatable and helps potential clients envision themselves working with you.

For example:

• A massage therapist might invite a client to participate in the session to showcase their services.
• A personal trainer could feature a client in action to demonstrate workouts.

Including people who reflect your business adds a personal touch that resonates with viewers.

The best place for your branding session is often where you do your work. Whether that’s in your office, at a gym, or even at home, capturing you in action and in your own space helps tell the story of your brand.

If you don’t have one fixed location, think about other places that reflect your business. Maybe it’s a cozy coffee shop where you often work, a park where you meet clients, or a recently completed project site that showcases your work. The goal is to choose a location that feels authentic and complements your brand’s personality.

If you’re not sure where to shoot, don’t worry! Your photographer can suggest great options based on the vibe you’re going for, whether it’s a sleek office space or a relaxed outdoor setting.

When it comes to hair and makeup, it’s all about what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Some people prefer to have their makeup done professionally before the session, while others like to do it themselves. Both options work, but here are a few things to consider:

• Makeup: If you’re planning to have your makeup done professionally, it’s important to choose a look that works well in photos. For the best results, try to avoid overly shimmery eyeshadows, as they can catch the light in unexpected ways, and go light on the powder to keep your skin looking natural. Subtle contouring works best to avoid harsh lines, and just a touch of highlighter will give you a nice glow without too much shine. Bold lip colors can be great, but softer shades often look more flattering on camera.
• Hair: A photoshoot is a great excuse for a professional blowout! Hair worn down often looks flattering in photos, but if you’re more comfortable with it up, stick with what feels natural to you.
• Glasses: If you wear glasses regularly, it’s best to wear them for your session as well. If you only wear them occasionally, we can take a few shots with and without them. Glasses with non-reflective lenses are ideal to avoid glare in the photos.
• Nails: well-groomed nails can make a big difference in close-up shots, so it’s a good idea to keep them neat and clean.
• For men: consider shaving or trimming facial hair before the session for a polished look. A fresh shave the day before will help avoid any redness or irritation in the photos.

The key is to feel like the best version of yourself, so choose what makes you feel confident and ready for your session.

One of the most common questions before a session is: “What should I wear?” Don’t worry, here are a few simple guidelines to help you decide.

For your branding session, choose outfits that reflect who you are as a business owner and how you normally present yourself to clients. You want to look polished and professional, but also stay true to your personal style.

Think about what your clients typically see you in. If you don’t usually wear a blazer to meetings, there’s no need to wear one for your session either. Stick to outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident.

If you’re struggling to decide, look at the colors used in your brand—your website, logo, or marketing materials. These can inspire your outfit choices, and from there, you can select complementary colors to complete your look.

A few key items can make your branding session run more smoothly. Here are some things to consider bringing:

• Extra Clothes: Having a second outfit or accessories gives you flexibility in case you want to switch up your look during the session.

• Touch-Up Items: Pack makeup for quick touch-ups, a hairbrush, and anything else you might need to stay fresh during the shoot.

• Water and Snacks: Staying hydrated and energized is important, especially if the session runs long or includes multiple locations.

Being prepared helps keep the session flowing smoothly and makes sure you stay comfortable throughout.