Investing in brand photography is an exciting and serious investment—so if you’re wondering whether or not you’re ready for your brand photoshoot, this blog post is for you.
What is a branding photoshoot?
If you ended up here you probably already know what a brand photoshoot is, but in case you didn’t, a brand photoshoot is a photoshoot for your brand! In other words, it’s a photoshoot where you take photos of yourself and your products so you can use them to market your brand.
Brand photography (and honestly, branding in general) is something that you should invest in early on because it plays a huge part in the impression your brand leaves on people and potential clients, so you want it to be high-quality and represent your brand personality.
While it’s one of the most important business investments you can make, not everyone is ready. Here are four signs that you are ready to take the leap and invest in brand photography.
- You already know what your brand is about
Before you invest in brand photography, you want to be clear on what your brand is and that includes your mission, vision, and what sets you apart from your competition. This is beyond important because your brand photography should represent everything your brand stands for. So if you feel you have a clear understanding of your personal brand, that’s a great sign.
(If you feel rocky about what your brand stands for, try out these brand strategy exercises.)
- You can envision where you want your brand to go
You’re aware that brand photography isn’t for right now, it’s for the exciting direction you’re heading in. You can envision the person you want to become and how she shows up on camera. And, you can imagine the essence behind the business you’re dreaming of being in charge of.
Yes all around? That’s another sign that you’re ready to show up to your brand photoshoot, step into your power, and celebrate how far you’ve come and all of the big things you’re ready to attract your way.
- You’re clear on your business goals
Similar to #2, brand photography isn’t for the short-term and that’s why it’s so important that you’re clear about your business goals before you step in front of the camera. What kind of clients are you wanting to attract? Where do you see yourself in 3 months? Or, 6 months? Or even within the next year? What are your top goals? And, a question that is often overlooked, what do you plan on using your brand photography for?
When you’re clear on the goals of your business, you’ll be clear on the goals for your brand photoshoot, making it worth the time and investment.
You’ll know you’re ready to invest in brand photography when you can answer all of these questions:
- What is your why, vision, mission, purpose, and values?
- What do you want your client to know about your brand?
- Who is your target audience and what specific problem do you solve for them?
- What sets you apart from your competition to solve this problem?
- Where do you plan to market your photos?
- What tools do you use in your business life?
- What brands do you most identify with/feel aligned with your brand?
- What photos are you currently using?
- What’s your work process?
- What are your brand aesthetics?
- Are you planning to capture any photos for a launch or upcoming service, etc.?
- Do you know what photos you need to fill your marketing gaps?
In other words, if you’re crystal clear about your brand and your business, it’s a good sign that you’re ready.
Next, start planning for your brand photoshoot
- #1 – Start brainstorming your photoshoot direction
The best place to start? Pinterest!
Create a board and start pinning all of the things that catch your eye whether it’s a font, color, outfit, location, or someone else’s brand photoshoot. That way, you’ll understand the essence of what you’re going for and will have something to share with your photographer or a brand designer/brand strategist, if you decide to hire one to help plan your photoshoot.
- #2 – Find the right brand photographer
Once you have a general feel for what you want your photoshoot to look like, start searching for the perfect brand photographer. You’ll want to consider everything from their photography style, personality, budget, and location requirements. You’ll also want to find out if they include photoshoot creative direction planning. If they don’t, consider hiring a brand designer or brand strategist to help put together your creative direction so your photoshoot represents your brand and your brand story.
(If you hire me as your brand photographer, I do both parts for you!)
- #3 – Find the perfect location
Finding the perfect location for your photoshoot sets the tone for all of your photos. You want to pick a location that fits with what your brand stands for.
(If you’re working with someone on your photoshoot creative direction, they can help.)
Think about what scenes you want to capture and the different spaces you’ll need to make that happen so you can plan and rent everything beforehand.
- #4 – Plan your outfit and props
The outfits and props will probably be something you cover if you have a branding expert helping out with your photoshoot direction. Your outfits and props are another piece of your brand story and will help you come across exactly the way you want to with your ideal clients.
Don’t forget about the small stuff like nail polish, accessories, and everyday props like notebooks and pencils!
How much does a brand photoshoot cost?
The cost of brand photography varies. Some photographers only charge a few hundred dollars, but their services don’t include planning the creative photoshoot direction. Others cost thousands of dollars but include brand strategy and art direction.
If you’re on a budget and only need a few photos taken, some brand photographers offer mini-shoots!
Another factor that adds to the cost is renting a location. Whether it’s a studio, an Airbnb, or another type of rented space by the hour (like Peerspace offers), don’t forget to factor in the price of your location for your overall photoshoot budget.
If you read this blog post all the way through and are feeling confident that you’re ready to have a brand photoshoot of your own, congratulations! It’s such an exciting step.
And if you think we’d be the perfect fit for one another, read over the details of my brand photography sessions.
(You should only inquire if you’re all for having a photographer that’s your ultimate hype girl, teases out your inner confidence, and helps you craft 3 compelling storylines that perfectly represent your brand. 😉
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