This past weekend, I had the pleasure of getting a brand photoshoot done, and every single time I have a session, it sparks a burst of inspiration that I absolutely love.

Brand photoshoots have been a consistent investment in my business for years, and the very first one changed the game for me.

Back in the early days of my business, I used whatever photos I had on hand and put them on my website. But I yearned to capture the essence of my brand, to showcase the deep dive I'd taken into my ideal customer, messaging, and the emotional aspects I wanted to convey to my ideal customer.

Photography is one of the most powerful ways to share your brand with the world. After that first transformative experience, I swore by brand photoshoots as one of the best investments for online branding.

Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, you’ll discover:

My top tips to prepare for a brand photoshoot, and what to do BEFORE you even start snapping pics.
Tips for performing a DIY photo session for your website or content
My top tips for finding a photographer that matches your brand!

For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 99 now.

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Elevating Your Only Presence with Brand Photography

The initial investment in a brand photographer back in 2016 was intimidating. But, incredibly, that same photographer has been with me for seven years now, documenting the transformation I've undergone as the founder and CEO of Brandmerry.

Looking back at those photos, I've seen not only personal growth but also a surge in brand confidence. It's an invaluable asset as a brand owner, and I truly believe brand photography revolutionizes your online presence.

After my first brand photoshoot, I started using those photos in my marketing efforts, particularly in Facebook groups, where I was actively promoting my business at the time.

My brand photos stood out because of their unique, darker, and moody style, amidst the pink and Eiffel Tower-themed images flooding the platform. It was unintentional, but this distinctive style immediately elevated my engagement levels and set me apart.

Since that day I've been advocating for brand photography, even providing a free photo shoot guide on my website.

While my previous brand photoshoots were predominantly done outdoors to depict a freedom lifestyle, this time, I invited my photographer into our home. We've worked hard to make it our own, and it's where we spend most of our free time.

Our lifestyle has shifted from traveling the world and living in an RV to settling down, and this change in our lifestyle called for a different energy and presentation. As I prepared for this photoshoot, I began to think about how others could benefit from having fantastic photos for their businesses. You don't necessarily need to rush out and hire a photographer, though I believe they are an incredible investment.

Your brand photos have numerous applications across your website, social media, blogs, Pinterest, and more. The key is to have photos that capture your brand's essence at the moment, which can be shared online. The following tips are what helped me prepare for my most recent session.

Brand Photoshoot Tip #1: Understanding Your Brand

The most crucial aspect of a successful brand photoshoot, whether DIY or professional, is understanding your brand.

You need to have done the groundwork and the branding work to create a foundation for your photos. My signature branding process involves understanding your niche, ideal customer, messaging, signature offering, and emotional branding. All these elements are interconnected and contribute to creating outstanding photography that aligns with your brand.

Brand Photoshoot Tip #2: Finding Inspiration

To get into the right mindset for your photoshoot, it's essential to find inspiration. Inspiration serves a dual purpose, helping you envision your poses, backgrounds, colors, and props while also guiding your photographer (or friend) during the session.

I typically turn to Pinterest, starting with a broad search for brand photography and then narrowing it down based on the vibe I'm aiming for.

In my recent photoshoot, I wanted to capture my connection with nature and plants, an integral part of my life and brand. My search was focused on images featuring plants, nature, and inside my home, which helped me convey the emotions I wanted to evoke.

Brand Photoshoot Tip #3: Location Matters

The location you choose for your photoshoot plays a pivotal role in setting the mood and conveying your brand's emotions.

I prefer a single location for cohesiveness, and it helps me maintain a comfortable timeframe. In my most recent session, the location was our home, which perfectly aligned with my brand's essence.

Our home embodies the emotions I want my brand to convey - a welcoming, inviting space where people feel comfortable and valued. But the location choice should also match your brand and personality. Over the years, I've shot in different locations, from parks to lakes to forests, all of which align with different aspects of my brand and emotions.

Brand Photoshoot Tip #4: Curating Your Look and Props

Your clothing choices and props are essential for creating the right vibe in your photos. I prefer to keep my outfits simple, with solid colors that match my brand. The key is to stay true to your everyday style.

I typically aim for three different looks in a photoshoot, which provides versatility for my content over several months.

Regarding props, it's not necessary to go out of your way to buy new items. Incorporate elements that are already a part of your life, brand, or surroundings. The goal is to highlight authenticity. Using items such as hats, jackets, or even family members and pets can add a personal touch to your photos.

Brand Photoshoot Tip #5: Getting in the Right Vibe

Feeling comfortable and natural during your photoshoot is crucial. It's perfectly normal to feel nervous in front of the camera, but getting into the right vibe can make a world of difference.

During my most recent shoot, we made a conscious effort to set the stage. We baked bread, enjoyed coffee, played music, and had organic conversations with our photographer, Jay.

These simple actions transformed the energy of the photoshoot, making it a relaxed and enjoyable experience. We also played around with music, which added an extra layer of fun and authenticity to the photos. Remember, it's essential to let your true self shine through in your brand photography.

Going the DIY Brand Photoshoot Approach

If you're taking the DIY route, all these steps are still applicable.

You'll need to follow the same process to create photos that authentically represent your brand. Use movement, take a lot of photos, and don't worry if not every shot is perfect. The magic often lies in the in-between moments.

Smartphone cameras work perfectly well, and you don't need fancy equipment. When shooting your session try and take a series of photos, or create a video and pull stills from the video itself.

You can use various editing apps to enhance your photos if necessary. And remember, it's essential to stay true to your brand in your DIY photos, just as you would with professional shots.

Finding the Right Photographer for Your Brand Photoshoot

If you're considering a professional brand photoshoot, research is key; you must find a photographer whose style aligns with your brand and personality.

This is why it’s important to know your brand and the overall vibe you want your photos to convey BEFORE you start looking for a photographer. Knowing this will allow you to match your style with their portfolio.

You'll know when you find the perfect match. The same way you have defined how you want your audience to feel should be how you feel when looking at their previous work.

CONCLUSION

Brand photography is a game-changer for your online branding.

It helps you establish a powerful visual identity that resonates with your audience. Whether you choose the DIY approach or hire a professional, the critical factor is understanding your brand's essence and the emotions you want to convey.

With the right preparation, inspiration, location, and an authentic vibe, you can capture photos that genuinely represent your brand and set you apart in your niche.

Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.

P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.

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