Elevate Your Brand Photo Shoot: Crafting a Visual Narrative
Creating stunning visuals that captivate your audience's attention is key to making your brand stand out. Elevating your photo shoot involves a blend of creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to take your brand photo shoot to the next level:
1. Find the Right Location
The Planted Yogi offers yoga hikes so we did her brand shoot at one of her hiking locations.
One of the most important choices you’ll make when planning your brand shoot is the location. By carefully considering the following factors and conducting thorough research, you can find a location that illustrates your brand's narrative.
Aesthetic Compatibility: Look for architectural details, textures, colors, and overall ambiance that complement your brand's visual style. The location should resonate with the vibe you aim to convey.
Storytelling Potential: Seek locations that tell a story or evoke emotions that resonate with your brand's narrative. Whether it's an old bookstore that reflects nostalgia or a modern art gallery symbolizing innovation, choose settings that can amplify your brand's message.
Practical Considerations: Factor in logistical aspects such as accessibility, permits, lighting conditions at different times of the day, parking, and the potential for crowds or distractions.
Versatility: Check for locations that offer multiple backdrops within a single space or nearby areas. Having various settings in close proximity allows for diverse shots and a more comprehensive visual story without the need for extensive travel.
Scouting: Take the time to physically visit potential locations or thoroughly research them online. Create a mood board or a shot list that aligns with the location's features and potential shooting spots to maximize efficiency. You might already know of and have access to the perfect spot. Don’t forget to think about places you go regularly, whether it’s a dance studio or a friend’s back yard. People are often more willing to let you use their space than you think - don’t be afraid to ask!
Weather Contingency Plan: If shooting outdoors, have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather conditions. Look for indoor locations nearby or select alternative dates to accommodate any weather-related challenges.
2. Creative Use of Props
Props add depth, context, texture, and storytelling elements to your brand imagery. By thoughtfully selecting props, you will add layers of meaning and create visually captivating images that authentically represent your brand.
Ashley is a home organizer (Clear Spaces Organizing Co.) so we used a neat, minimal clothing rack with clothes in her brand colors as a prop.
Symbolism and Brand Alignment: Incorporate props that represent your brand's values, story, or products. For instance, if sustainability is a core value, showcase eco-friendly products or natural elements like plants. You can also bring in tools that you use on the job: scissors for a hairstylist, measuring tape for an interior designer, mannequin for a clothing designer, etc.
DIY: Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Make your own props! If you have the time and patience and know what you want, DIY is the perfect way to ensure your brand is represented properly and has that unique flare only you can add. This option is especially suitable for creative brands with handmade products.
Scale and Proportion: Include different sizes and scales of props to implement visual interest. Incorporate larger statement pieces or juxtapose small and large items for a dynamic composition.
Texture and Color Coordination: Introduce props that complement your brand's visual identity. Play around with different materials, textures, and colors to create visually compelling scenes.
Experiment: Be open to experimentation and adapt based on what resonates best with your brand story. Try different prop placements throughout the shoot in a playful way, embracing your creativity and spontaneity!
3. Pose and Expression Prep
Practicing poses and expressions is pivotal in conveying the right emotions and messages through your brand photography. Here's how to prepare and execute them effectively:
Understand Your Brand Persona: Start by defining your brand's persona and the emotions or messages you want to convey through your visuals. Align poses and expressions with this persona, whether it's confidence, approachability, professionalism, or creativity.
Reference Photos: Once you know the emotions and messages you want to express, search for reference photos that you can use for inspiration. I recommend using Pinterest to create a mood board for your entire shoot, adding sections to the board for different aspects such as poses, props, location, and wardrobe. Refer to these photos during preparation as well as during the shoot to make sure you’re staying on track.
Pre-shoot Practice: Spend time practicing various poses and facial expressions in front of a mirror or with a friend. Experiment with different angles and body postures to discover what feels most natural and authentic to you while reflecting your brand's essence. You don’t need to become a professional model overnight, but any bit of practice will help you feel so much more comfortable during the actual photo shoot. Posing is a skill and it requires practice to improve.
Authenticity Over Perfection: Emphasize natural and authentic poses that exude confidence and sincerity. Avoid overly forced or unnatural positions. If you don’t feel comfortable in your environment or the pose, it will come through in the photos!
Movement: Subtle movements or actions create more dynamic and engaging shots. These could include walking, gesturing, or interacting with props, adding an extra layer of storytelling to your images. Movement also leads to capturing more natural poses because we tend to relax and move instinctively when we have a task or a direction.
4. Curate Your Look: Wardrobe, Hair, & Makeup
Crafting a visually appealing and cohesive look for your brand photo shoot involves meticulous attention to detail. Here's a comprehensive guide to curating each aspect:
Professional makeup by Amelia Zaborac for Scarabajo Botanical brand shoot.
Wardrobe
Reflect Brand Aesthetics: Just like your props and location, your clothing and accessories should align with your brand's visual style and messaging. Select colors, patterns, and styles that harmonize with your brand's identity and resonate with your target audience. It’s generally best to avoid loud patterns, logos, and graphics.
Versatility and Diversity: Bring a variety of outfits that showcase different facets of your brand. Consider multiple styles, textures, and levels of formality to capture a diverse yet cohesive range of visuals.
Fit and Comfort: Prioritize outfits that not only look good but also make you feel comfortable and confident. Well-fitted clothing enhances the overall aesthetics of the shoot and contributes to your ease during the session.
Hair & Makeup
Natural Yet Polished: Aim for a hair and makeup look that appears natural but polished. Opt for styles and makeup that enhance your features without overshadowing your brand's message or your own personality. Make sure you still feel like yourself!
Consistency with Brand Image: Ensure your hairstyle and makeup align with your brand's image. If your brand represents sophistication, consider sleek hairstyles and classic makeup. For a more relaxed vibe, opt for effortless, natural-looking styles.
Professional Touch: Consider hiring a professional makeup artist and hairstylist who understand your brand's aesthetic and can help create looks that translate well on camera. If hair and makeup are not your strong suit, hiring a professional is a huge weight off your shoulder on the day of - not to mention you get to start the day off with some pampering.
If you’re local to Washington, Repoise is a great resource for finding your ideal makeup artist and hair stylist! Repoise is a new platform led by and for women, reshaping self-care, making it effortless and accessible. Their mission is to seamlessly connect women with licensed wellness and beauty professionals who bring their expertise right to your doorstep.
5. Collaborate and Communicate
Fostering an open and collaborative relationship with your photographer (and any other party involved) throughout the planning, execution, and post-production phases ensures that your brand's visual story is effectively captured and aligned with your vision.
Open Dialogue: Encourage open communication where both you and the photographer can share ideas and expectations freely. Make sure you feel heard and understood. Clarify timelines, deliverables, and any specific requirements for the shoot.
Collaborate Creatively: Involve your photographer in the creative process. Collaborate on ideas, inspirations, and innovative approaches to ensure a collaborative shoot that brings your brand's story to life.
On-set Collaboration: Provide and request real-time feedback during the shoot, ensuring the captured visuals align with your vision. Stay open to spontaneous ideas or adjustments suggested by the photographer.
An outstanding brand photoshoot involves a harmonious blend of creativity, planning, and effective communication. By infusing your shoot with unique props, thoughtful locations, practiced poses, curated wardrobes, and a collaborative approach, you're poised to create a visual narrative that authentically represents your brand and captivates your audience. It may sound like a lot of work - that’s because it is! It’s also so much fun and totally worth it.
If you’re looking for a brand photographer who is passionate about putting in the work to get the best photos possible, you’ve found me! I work closely with all of my clients to make sure we’re on the same page and have taken all the steps above (and more) to curate a successful brand photo shoot. Click here if you’re interested in working with me!
Thank you so much for reading. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out!
