A Guide to the 5 Essential Steps for a Successful Personal Branding Photo Session
Crafting Your Brand Image
Welcome to the transformative world of branding photography! Whether you are a flourishing startup, an established business or an individual looking to make a mark, a branding photo session is your ticket to a visual identity that resonates. I am thrilled you are considering this pivotal step and I'm here to guide you through this 5 step process.
Step 1: Behind-the-Scenes Brand Discovery
The foundation of a successful branding session lies in meticulous planning. My primary task is to understand you, your brand, and your goals for the session. The more insights I gather, the more fruitful and efficient our collaboration will be.
In our pre-session calls and meetings, we'll delve into the following areas:
Imagine being a fly on the wall at a party. What three words would you want people to use when describing you and your brand?
What value do clients derive from working with you? What sets you apart? What is your USP?
Why do you care about your work and what drives your passion?
What emotions do you want to evoke when people visit your website, meet you, work with you, engaging with your brand?
Step 2: Setting Goals for the Photo Session
What do you aim to achieve with your brand imagery? During our discussion, we will explore specific themes, events, promotions, and seasonal highlights you would like to showcase. We will also consider the ultimate use of these images and any compositional preferences you may have (such as negative space for messaging).
Step 3: Inspiration & Mood Board
Your brand has a unique aesthetic, and capturing it requires a keen understanding. It’s a good time to start creating a mood board so you can share it with me. Often people collate their imagery in Pinterest to share with me. What are your brand colours and photo inspirations? These details will provide valuable insights into your brand's visual language.
Step 4: Props, Wardrobe & Locations
Bringing your brand to life! Considering the themes we have outlined, we will brainstorm the perfect props for each look. Your outfits play a pivotal role, so share your ideas and we can plan at least five distinct looks for the session. Where would you prefer the session(s) to take place?
Step 5: Crafting the Shot List
Now that the groundwork is laid, let's get specific about the images you need. The shot list is your roadmap to capturing your brand authentically. I have a handy checklist I can share with you which I use for reference, covering essentials like headshots, lifestyle shots, images of your work in action, inspirational shots with props, and seasonal visuals.
Ready to Plan Your Branding Session?
I'm keen to kick off this creative journey with you! Reach out via email at Hello@DavidRobertsPortraits.co.nz or fill out the contact form to get started. Your brand's visual narrative is about to take center stage, and I can't wait to connect and capture the essence of your unique story.