4 THINGS TO HAVE IN PLACE BEFORE YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT

BY MICHELLE KNIGHT

I can't speak highly enough about what a well-branded photoshoot can do for your business and brand. In fact, a few months ago I wrote a blog post on the 7 Tips For a Well-Branded Photoshoot, you can read more about that by clicking here >>

This blog will serve as an extension of that post, for the female entrepreneur looking to make a major impact with her brand photos and to carry her personal story and style into her photos.

Before we dive in I want to mention the importance of having a clear image of your brand! A photoshoot can amplify your brand to new levels, but if you aren't clear on the foundational message behind your brand, including the aesthetics, then you are basically throwing money down the drain. You can always learn more about developing your brand on my YouTube channel >>

Alright, let's talk about the top five things to consider when preparing for a brand photoshoot.

Brand Photoshoot tip #1:
the EMOTIONS OF YOUR BRAND

One of the foundational pieces I teach when it comes to branding is knowing how you want people to feel when they see or hear your brand, so you can only imagine how powerful this is when preparing for professional photos. Before you even start creating your Pinterest Inspiration Board you want to know what emotions, preferably your top five, that you want to communicate with your photos.

This will also support you in the overall branding process so if you want a deeper dive into why this is important and how to identify your brand emotions read this post here.

It doesn't do anything to have a nice-looking brand, you have to make people feel something if you want to grab their attention. So start with identifying your brand emotions, then use those emotions to find images on Pinterest to share with your photographer. Bonus points if you also tell your photographer the emotions you are going for - they love that information!

Brand Photoshoot Tip #2:
a photographer to match your brand style

This might be one of the second most important things you do for your brand photoshoot. Seriously, your brand photos have the ability to have you standing out online in no time (I know I keep saying that, but it is true) and because of that, you want to find a photographer that can capture the true essence of your brand style.

Remember the emotions I talked about beforehand? Well, I highly recommend researching photographers by looking at their past work and pay attention to how you feel.

Do you feel anything, or are the photos falling flat?

Do your brand emotions come through when looking at their work?

Do you feel their current work reflects what you’re going for with your brand photos?

Photographers tend to have a style they stick to regardless of what they are photographing, making sure their style matches what you envision for your brand!

brand photoshoot tip #3:
Take into consideration your brand colors

You have your brand colors right? Well, your brand colors are rooted in your brand emotions (see this full circle happening). If you don’t have your brand colors sorted out then check out this post here.

Knowing your colors is an important step in the photography department because you are going to be using these photos to show up online via social media, Pinterest, your website and more. These photos are going to become your quote templates, your cover photos, your Instagram feed and so much more.

Understand what colors compliment your brand from the beginning so you can pick out clothing, locations and lighting that fall in line with those colors.

Now, I'm not saying you can only wear black and white if your colors are black and white, what I'm saying is if your colors are deep orange and green (cough cough**) then you might not be rocking hot pink and eating cotton candy, catch my drift?

brand photoshoot tip #4:
Create an authentic style to match

I hope you can see how each of these tips is building on the next - it only seems natural that once you've considered your emotions and your colors that you make sure your authentic style is in alignment with all of the above.

This is an easy one to get lost in because so often we think we have to dress a certain way or look a certain way to be taken “serious” as a business owner. Well, I'm here to tell you F that, no seriously F it.

Your photoshoot should be an extension of you, I mean that's what your personal brand essentially is. So if you don't wear dresses, like ever, don't go buy a fancy dress cause someone else did. Stick to what makes you feel confident and shows your true personality, just elevate it up a bit.

Spend a few extra dollars on some new items, new jewelry, some new makeup and possibly a stylist who gets you - all of these elements will help you carry your personality into your photos and to your ideal client.

Here’s a peak at some of my brand photos and how my personality comes through!

GRAB YOUR FREE PHOTOSHOOT CHECKLIST

After having my first photoshoot in August 2016, I watched my brand really start to take shape! I started standing out more online, my brand had a consistent feel across social media platforms, my audience began to grow and my message became clearer to those I wanted to reach - all from a photoshoot.

Not to mention photos are a great way to build Brand Affinity with your audience. Don’t know what that is? Check out this blog post here.

However, just like with anything with your brand it has to start with you! You are your brand and everything else is just an extension of that. If you haven’t started working on your personal brand, here’s a free guide to support you with your next steps.