A strategically planned photo session allows you to create a library of cohesive, on-brand photos that help tell a story on your website, blog, social media and marketing. Without one you’re shooting in the dark, drawing upon generic stock images that your audience has seen a thousand times before. Anyone can plan a brand photo session, all it takes is a bit of time.
What images do you need?
First things first, you need a shot list. A shot list is simply a list of all the individual images you need to take. So to kick it off you need to think about the products or services you need images for. Do you have any blog posts scheduled that you need images for? Are you going to be hosting or attending any events that require promotions? Now’s your chance to write everything down so that you can plan for props, locations, lighting, models and anything else that might be needed. Start with the broadest range of images and whittle your list down as needed to match your budget.
What will your images be used for?
Because you’re planning the entire session, start to finish, you need to think about the end game first. Where are these images going? Are they for your website, Instagram, an advertisement or a blog post? Allow yourself the ability to have images for multiple uses by writing down which orientation you need for each use and the size required. For example, Instagram images are square but if you want to use that same image for a website banner it will most likely need to be a panorama.
Create a cohesive colour palette
If you have a professional brand in place, you will already have a colour palette to work with. Plan your photos and props around those colours. If you have peach, mint and white in your color palette, don’t buy bright magenta flowers, as they will stick out and draw attention away from your brand. If you have physical products that you sell that will be included in photos, think about the packaging colours and how they will look with your other brand colours.
If you don’t already have a brand colour palette, think about the mood you want to create. Is it soft and restful? In which case, soft blues, greys and pinks might be well suited. Is it fresh and modern? Trending colours will be important to draw upon here. I recommend choosing two colours and a neutral to set your mood.
Buy props and backgrounds to style with
Props and photo backgrounds provide texture and interest to your photos. Think about props that will tell a story. What are some of the tools of your trade you can show off? Do you have any great vintage pieces that are personal to you? Flowers can make a real impact in photos. Make a list of everything you think you might want or need for each photo. Some of my favourite places to find affordable props are Kmart, The Warehouse and second hand shops. Save yourself time by shopping online and collating images of all the props you find. Then purchase your favourites at the end.
If you are photographing people don’t forget hair and makeup!
Find the right photographer
Never underestimate the power of a fantastic photographer, they are worth their weight in gold. If you are not blessed with such talents yourself, take the time to search for a photograher that captures the style of what you’re trying to achieve. Don’t trick yourself into thinking that your friend’s niece can do it for a fraction of the cost, they will likely lack the quality required for a professional shoot. A professional photographer will get the best results in a fraction of the time – saving you a lot of stress and angst and most importantly, ensuring all your images are on-brand.
With your photo list, colours, props and photographer you will be armed and ready to go, good luck!
