My Top Five Things to Consider for a Brand Shoot

Your message is such a vital component of your brand, and so of course this should shine through to your brand shoot. When you are thinking about your message there are two parts that I invite you to consider. Number one, what do you want the message of this shoot to be and what is your goal for it and number two, what is your brand story and how can you delicately bring this into your brand shoot. These two elements are vital to work on before you move onto any of the pretty, shiny bits like moodboarding, etc. If you are unsure of what your brand story is, then why not download my freebie workbook on How to Form Your Brand Story here.

Once I know my clients' brand story and the message they want to tell in their brand shoot, this goes into the beginning of a design brief to remember when I am planning the details later on. Writing it down in any kind of way will work just as well for you.

Possibly the bit that people love the most! But without considering your message in step one, there will be no depth and intention in the design to your brand shoot, which will ultimately show in the results. The first thing to do is to go onto Pinterest and start selecting some images that you love and that you feel represent your brand, how you want to look and feel on the day, any styling that you would like, and that show your brand story and your reason for the shoot. I invite you to pin away and then take a step back.

At another time go back to your board and be really particular about the images, asking yourself these questions for each image - 1. Is the image inline with my branding. 2. Does the image showcase the style I want to achieve photography wise. 3. Does this image work with my messaging and my goals for this brand shoot. 4. Is the image inline with my values. 5. Will this image work together with all of the images to show how I want my brand shoot to look and feel. Delete any that you say no to and be strict. You should then be left with a selection of images that you can create a moodboard with.

Every little detail and element that you consider for your brand shoot will show through to your end results. You have your brand story, your purpose for the shoot and now you have a moodboard, so what parts can you pick out from all of this to start really thinking about the design of the day?

You know you want to tell your story - how? Is it through the props and decor that you will be using? Is it through the location you would like it to be at? Is it through the stance of your body and expression on your face? Is it through the photography style and the lighting? Is it through what you are wearing and what you plan to be doing?

Really consider all of this and how it can all come together, and jot down some ideas you have for the day, including scenes, any changes of location and any clothes/hair changes that you would like.

Once you have considered all of the elements that you want to bring into your brand shoot, you need to start planning the day. The most important part of this is to pick your photographer, and this is key to getting the results that you desire. When choosing a brand photographer you will need to consider their photography style, any work they have previously done, their personality and values and of course, your budget. You want to work with someone who gets you, is kind and nice to work with and can give you beautiful results that stand the test of time.

You will also want to choose your outfits, perhaps consider hiring someone for your hair and makeup, plan the timings on the day, the venue, pick the props and decor, choose any flowers that you want, and anything else that needs to be planned ahead of the day itself, like food for the team, any accommodation needed, any video wanted, any particular images you want to be captured and where they will be placed. Try and be as organised as possible, so on the day you can thoroughly enjoy it and get the most from your brand shoot.

I obviously know you're going to consider the shoot day when it comes to designing and planning your brand shoot, but I wanted to include some helpful information for you. When you are in planning mode, try not to pack too much into the day and allow for scene changes, changes in clothes, breaks, and also when you are going to lose the light. The photographer will want to work with you on lots of these.

On the day of your brand shoot you will want to feel refreshed, prepared and excited. I know brand shoots can feel intimidating and perhaps you are nervous about the camera being on you for so long. Do try and relax as much as possible and build images in when you are looking away from the camera or are working, as these don't feel as intimidating. If you have designed the shoot fully considering your brand messaging and you have planned the day out thoroughly, it should go brilliantly. Try and enjoy your day and know you are going to achieve something incredible, receiving images that will stand the test of time and elevate your brand.