Ultimate Brand Photography Checklist to Elevate Your Brand Photoshoot

Before you set up a product or personal brand photoshoot, whether you’re hiring a pro or DIYing it, you’ll want to follow my brand photography guidelines to craft the perfect shot list. This will be your reference list for all the photos you want to take so you can be sure you have everything on hand when you need it.

I’ve compiled a list of some common ways you’ll use photography in your business so you can create your own shot list with what is most important to you! Check out my ultimate brand photography guidelines and checklist below!

My Brand Photography Guidelines

Where you’ll use photos:

• Website
  • Headers
  • Buttons/ clickable areas
  • Blog posts
  • About page
  • Contact form
  • Portfolio
  • Sales pages
  • Product photos

• Social media
  • Posts
  • Headers/banners
  • Profile pics
  • Reel covers
  • YouTube thumbnails
  • Pinterest pins
  • Ads

• Email
  • Newsletter
  • Header
  • Signature
  • Sales campaign
  • Opt-in page

• PR
  • Press release
  • Pitches
  • Media kit
  • Guest blog
  • Podcast interview
  • Public speaking engagement

There are really infinite possibilities for where and when you might need great photos of yourself, and this list is by no means exhaustive. However, this should give you some perspective on the importance of photography in your business. I recommend crafting a personal brand action plan to determine where you will use your photos the most.

To keep this from being overwhelming, I recommend this approach:

Shoot in bulk. Set aside time 1-3 times per year to do one big photoshoot with multiple outfits, locations, or styles. Ask your photographer to work in a mix of polished professional and casual lifestyle shots so you have a wide variety to use throughout the coming months or year.

For example: If you noticed that a majority of your photo needs fall within the Social Media section, make sure to take photos that are complimenting your brand pillars. To follow the best brand photography guidelines, I would suggest staying within the color palette, mood and overall style of each of those pillars. This is a great first step to guide you in what you want & need to get out of the photoshoot.

Here is an example of a brand photography session I shot with Samantha Sommelier. The same color backdrop with minimal adjustments, and few outfit changes and props can go such a long way. Once you get the hang of these styling tips, following my brand photography guidelines is easy.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Once you have this big collection of diversified brand photos, you can trickle them out over a longer period of time across all of your platforms and get a ton of use out of one personal brand photoshoot! This is not only efficient but cost-effective.

Also, don’t be afraid to reuse one solid photo many times over. When you use the same profile pic on all of your social media accounts, for example, it creates consistency and makes it easier for people to recognize and connect with you.

So, in conclusion, you will benefit most if you follow these brand photography guidelines:

• You plan a minimum of 1-3 big personal brand photoshoots a year
• You cover a variety of looks & styles in each shoot. (Tip: try not to take too many photos in the same outfit within the same location– if you find a spot with great lighting, find new angles and mix it up with a fresh look).
• Communicate with your photographer your wants, needs, and personal brand action plan before the shoot.
• Prepare a look book & checklist of photos you must get, the more prepared you are the easier it is for them
• On the day of the shoot, be sure to slow down and check-in with yourself to make sure you are present!

What do you think of these brand photography guidelines? The most important thing is to have fun with this and let your personality shine through in your photos! For more tips, enroll in my brand photography course!

Want to book a brand photoshoot with me? 

Just fill out the form below!