Planning for brand photoshoots can feel a little overwhelming for any business owner. What to wear, what to bring, how to pose, the list goes on! However, the key to a successful session is preparation. Whether you’re a Columbus small business owner building a personal brand or a creative entrepreneur refreshing your website, this checklist will help you show up confident and camera-ready.
Clarify Your Brand Message and Goals
Before the camera starts clicking, get crystal clear on what you want your photos to communicate. Your brand message is the heart of your visuals. Are you fun and approachable? Sleek and modern? Bold and high-energy? Ask yourself:
- What do I want people to feel when they see my photos?
- What services or offers am I promoting?
- Who am I trying to connect with?
Your answers will shape the tone, location, wardrobe, and types of shots your brand photoshoot needs to include.
Plan Your Shot List For Brand Photoshoots
Strategic brand photoshoots aren’t just about pretty pictures, they’re about purpose. Before your brand photoshoots you will want to plan your shot list, which can be made easier when you think of the purpose of your branding images. Start by identifying the content you need for:
- Website (hero image, about page, services)
- Social media content
- Email newsletters
- Press features or collaborations
- Digital products or lead magnets
From there, build a shot list that includes:
- Headshots (classic and candid)
- Lifestyle images
- Workspace or behind-the-scenes shots
- Flat lays or branded props
- Client interaction or mock sessions
Pro tip: Your brand photographer can help you refine your shot list during your planning call!
Choose the Right Outfits
As a Columbus photographer I get asked about outfits for photoshoots often. Personally I feel that outfit planning is where your brand really starts to shine! You need to think beyond one “perfect” look, because a variety of outfits is key to creating versatile content. Here are a few tips to get your started:
- Choose 2–4 outfits that reflect your brand’s personality
- Stick to your brand color palette or complementary tones
- Avoid busy patterns, neon colors, and distracting logos
- Accessorize minimally and purposefully
- Try everything on in advance and steam out wrinkles
And yes – comfortable shoes matter, especially if you are doing behind the scene photos in your storefront or work space.
Prep Your Props & Tools
Props can help bring your brand to life and add context to your work. Think about what you use daily in your business and how that can be styled into your shoot. Ideas to include:
- Laptop, phone, camera, tablet
- Branded mugs or notebooks
- Product packaging or inventory
- Business cards or signage
- Flowers, candles, or office decor for flat lays
Gather everything in advance and pack them in a way that makes them easy to access during the session.
Day-Of Brand Photoshoots Prep
The little things go a long way in your final photos. You will need to plan for these items before the day of, and somethings you may be able to accomplish leading up to your brand photoshoots. Either way, these items can make or break an image.
- Hair and makeup (DIY or professional—whatever makes you feel best)
- Fresh nails (chipped polish shows up more than you think!)
- Ironed or steamed outfits
- Clean workspace or shooting area
- Snacks and water to keep your energy up
- A positive mindset and a playlist that pumps you up!
Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep and give yourself enough time to get ready without feeling rushed. Showing up early will bring a calm and confidence into your shoot so you can more easily relax and lean into the candid moments. Remember, these photos are for you and your business, so have fun with it!
Ready to bring your brand vision to life? Let’s start planning your next brand photoshoot!
