Top 10 Questions Entrepreneurs Ask About Branding Photography (And My Answers!)

Top 10 Questions Entrepreneurs Ask About Branding Photography

(And My Answers)

Branding photography is one of the best ways to create a strong, cohesive visual identity for your business. But I know how overwhelming it can feel if you’ve never had a branding shoot before! That’s why I’ve answered the 10 most common questions I hear from entrepreneurs, so you can feel confident and prepared for your session.

1 - What is branding photography, and how is it different from regular photography?

The sole aim of a branding shoot is to capture images that tell the story of you and your business. Your personality, your values and how they show up in your business, what you offer and how you work with people!

Unlike regular snaps, the whole shooting experience (before, during and after) is tailored to help you connect with your ideal clients and stand out online – we may include headshots, lifestyle images and behind the scenes shots, all designed to highlight and elevate your brand. After the shoot I even write a blog about you and your business to add to my own blog and social media, to get help get even more reach for your business!

2 - How do I prepare for a branding photoshoot?

Start by thinking about your brand’s message. What do you want the photos to say about you and your business? How do you want your ideal client to feel when they come across your images (because they will usually see the image before they ready the copy!). Thinking about how you want them to feel is important because it will often lead to their next action (to contact you!). When preparing for your shoot, choose outfits and props that align with you brand colours, bring props that represent your work and plan locations that reflect your vibe!

But don’t stress…I’ll guide you through all of it as we prepare for your brand shoot  

Check out my blog - How Do I Plan For A Branding Shoot

3 - What type of photos will we take during the shoot?

During our planning call, we will create a shot list so we get everything you need during the time we have together.

We’ll capture a mix of professional headshots, lifestyle images  like you working or interacting with clients), product shots, and even details like specific tools you may use, and your workspace. It’s all about creating a library of images you can use for your website, social media and marketing. I’ll even take a selection of stock photos on the day - unique to you and your shoot, these are images that you can use as background in your website or as a foundation in Canva!

4 - How do I make my branding photos look authentic and not staged?

The key is to relax…easier said than done I know! This is why our photo shoot will feel like a conversation. We’ll focus on capturing candid moments – like you laughing, working or chatting, and I’ll guide you through natural prompts so that your photos feel natural and genuine to you – and yes, I’ll show you the shots as we go!

One of the biggest compliments I get (see my client love on my Instagram page!) is that I make people feel comfortable and seen…so I promise you, you’re in good hands 😊

5 - Where should we take the photos?

It all depends on your brand! We can shoot at your workplace, outdoors, a rented studio, or anywhere that represents your business.

During our first call, we will talk about locations, and discuss what vibe you want to come through on your photos…if we are looking for a specific ‘feel’ then I will be select a few locations, send them to you to review and choose…then we go from there!

6 - Do I need professional hair, makeup, or styling for the shoot?

It’s completely up to you…I know, it sounds like I’m avoiding answering…so here’s my take on it...

What are you most comfortable with? Because if having your hair and make up done for the shoot makes you feel a million dollars and gives you a confidence boost then yes, go for it. If you don’t usually wear make up and don’t feel like you with it on, then a tinted moisturiser will suffice…zero judgement either way!

A little personal fact – I rarely wear make up and even on my wedding day chose to do my own…I’m so glad I did because I felt comfortable, and more importantly, like me 😊 If you are worried about blemishes, breakouts, hair dye along the hairline (ha, that’s happened to me, just before a shoot!) then please don’t – as much as we both want true looking photos, I can also make tweaks as I edit!

7 - How can I use branding photos across my marketing platforms?

Your branding photos are super versatile! This is what our planning calls are for – to talk through where you want to use your images, and we will always talk through upcoming launches and marketing so that you get shots specific to those too.

You can use your images on your website, Instagram, LinkedIn, email newsletters, printed materials, profile pictures, banner images, blog posts, ads…I could go on but I expect you get the picture!

8 - What should I wear to reflect my brand?

For me, it all comes down to being comfortable, which in turn will make you feel confident...which will then show up in your images. Wear clothes that align with your brands vibe. You don’t need to wear only the brand colours…your can also wear neutrals (including denim if that fits with your brand) and bring in pops of colour. I have a couple of clients who have pink and green in their branding, so imagine my excitement when I found a pair of beautiful pink and green tea mugs in a charity shop at the weekend?! Because we aren’t

just looking at what we wear, we are looking at everything that is in the shot – and these mugs, along with a neutral base, give a nod to the branding, without being overpowering.

9 - How long does a branding photoshoot take?

It depends on the package you choose but most shoots take 90mins – 4 hours. This gives us enough time for outfit changes, different locations, and capturing a variety of images. More info can be found here.

10 - How often should I update my branding photos?

This is a tricky question to answer…during our planning call and while crating the shot list, we will always talk about what you need over the next 3-9 months, especially if you are planning offer launches, a new podcast or anything else that is already planned…so you will have the photos you need for that period of time…BUT…businesses evolve! Often we choose to rebrand, add new services, have a refresh of our look…so I usually recommend new photos every 6-12 months to keep your visuals current and relevant to where your business is now.

I get it - branding photography is an investment. But it’s also an investment that can help your business stand out and attract your dream clients. You never walk through a brand shoot alone, I’m always hear to answer questions and guide you through the whole process, pre, during and post shoot…plus write about you in my blog afterwards to gain even further reach!

So, my question to you…are you ready to elevate your brand with a photoshoot that creates stand out, consistent images for you to use to attract your ideal clients?

Click here to reach out and let’s start the journey!