How to Prep and Plan for a Brand Photoshoot

We’ve all heard it before: a picture is worth a thousand words. When a potential customer lands on your social media or website, your photos hold SO much power over the initial impression they take away from your company. Photographs not only showcase your products and services but also your brand’s personality and what you stand for. What story are you telling through your brand photography? If you’re looking for guidance on this question and aren’t sure where to start, read on to learn more about how you can prep and plan for a successful brand photoshoot!

STEPS TO PREP

SET GOALS FOR THE SHOOT

Do yourself a favor before you start planning a brand photoshoot by giving yourself a sense of direction. The first thing to consider is what you want to convey through the images. If you’re marketing a resort, for example, is the goal of your shoot to solely capture the grand features and amenities of the resort or more so the guest experience? Although these concepts may appear similar at first glance, the resulting shot list, prop list, and need for models will look a little different depending upon which you are trying to achieve. See below for a few photos for inspiration taken by Desert Rose Studio at one of our recent shoots, highlighting the guest experience for our client, ARRIVE Hotels.

Once you know what you are trying to achieve, it is important to consider where the photos are going to be posted. The style of photo you might use on Instagram, for instance, likely varies from the style you might utilize on your website, newsletter, or online course. Depending on where it is being posted, you may prefer a certain photo orientation or perhaps even a strategic blank space in some images so text can be added there later on. Overall, going into the photoshoot planning process with a clear vision is essential for success.

CREATE A MOOD BOARD

With your goals in mind, browse Pinterest and save images that bring you inspiration! Your mood board should capture the overall look and feel you want your photos to convey. This is helpful to send over to your photographer prior to the shoot so they have an idea of what you are looking for! This may even help them gain inspiration themselves of what kind of shots they could take. See an example below of a mood board we created for one of our clients!

CREATE A SHOT + PROP LIST

A shot list is a list of specific photos that you want to capture, while a prop list details the props you will need to make those photos happen. Take a look back at your mood board and note specific poses, angles, and scenes you want to recreate. Going back to our marketing a resort example- if the goal of your photoshoot is to convey the guest experience you have to offer, consider all locations of the resort and what kind of shots could be taken at each. A couple admiring a gorgeous view from their balcony? Two best friends being pampered in the spa? A guest floating down the lazy river with a beverage in hand? The possibilities are endless! The important thing to keep in mind is your goal and target audience. It is essential to know their interests so that your image will capture their attention and they will want to learn more.

If you’re wanting to post the photos on social media and are having trouble creating a shot list, consider referring to your 9 pillars of content for inspiration! If you haven’t established your 9 areas of content yet, you can download our free 9 Content Pillars Worksheet to get started.

STEPS TO PLAN

CONTACT A PHOTOGRAPHER + MODELS

Once you’ve completed the prep work, you’re ready to contact a photographer! Investing in a photographer will result in high-quality images and an alternative perspective from an expert in the industry that can help bring your vision to life. If your photoshoot requires models, be sure to coordinate that as well. Finding models can be as simple as asking friends or as grand as presenting influencers or modeling agencies with the gig opportunity. 

RESEARCH + DECIDE ON A LOCATION

If your brand has a storefront, office space, or physical location, this may be an ideal spot for your brand photoshoot. Other locations could include a studio or outdoor setting. Your photographer should be able to assist you with this step by providing alternative locations they know of that may work well with your brand and photoshoot goals. Don’t forget to note what the lighting will be like at your desired location. You may need to bring a ring light or other equipment to get the shots you’re wanting!

SELECT A DATE + ESTABLISH AN AGENDA

Last step: select a date and establish an agenda! What day and time is your location available for shooting? Also consider if the photos you want to capture are best suited for day or night-time photography. Once a time frame has been established, organize what time you, the photographer, and models will need to be there. Then, create a schedule of what order you’re going to take the shots in. See an example of one of our client’s photoshoot agendas below!

We hope this information was helpful for you in knowing what to consider for your next brand photoshoot! In need of more inspiration? Check out our Brand Photoshoot Planning Template and Instagram Post Ideas for Different Types of Brands blog post.

In the meantime, we’ll catch ya on the ‘Gram and in our weekly social media newsletter. Chat soon!

xx- The Homies