Having a clear and consistent visual identity is important for any business whether big or small. Personal branding is all about capturing the essence of who you are and what makes your business stand out. It is so much more than just your headshot.

Hence, if you are about to take your branding photo shoot, it is important to prepare for it. From the shots, outfits, and even the props you will need, preparation is the key to have a successful branding photoshoot!

Let me share with you my simple guide on how to prepare for your branding photoshoot.

Create your mood board

Whether you are working with a brand designer or marketing strategist, all people involved must have a clear understanding of these things:

• What your business does
• What are your mission and vision?
• Who are your clients?
• What is your message or the tone of your words?
• What are your brand colors?
• Where are the photos going to be used?
• What do you want to achieve with these photos?

Once all of the information is clearly set, you can now create your mood board. This will serve as your inspiration as to how you can present your brand better to your future clients and audiences. Make sure that your mood board should specifically visualize the right style of photography that you want to achieve so you can start creating a shot list and share it with your team.

Create a detailed shot list

Before the branding photoshoot, it is important to create a detailed shot list. By going over the specifics of the photoshoot, you will be able to control the outcome and ensure that your color palette, style, and personality will come out of the photos.

Try to be specific as much as possible and jot it down. You may use a spreadsheet and set up the document with different columns such as shot number, shot description, background, props or styling, and notes. From these columns, you may write down the specific prop, outfit, or style of shot that you want to be included. Then afterward choose what is the best one that you can use.

Of course, you may customize the spreadsheet depending on your needs.

Plan your outfits

It is important to consider not only the aspects of your brand but also the clothing that you will wear and what vibe you want to be captured. This is because what you wear says a lot about you and who you are.

Consider wearing clothes that will go to your brand’s color palette. Remember that you are doing this to send out a message to your target audience. So, think carefully about what you will be wearing.

Here are some styles you may want to consider:

The Boss Look: this is your CEO moment where you have the opportunity to look business-like. Think about what you would wear when meeting with investors, your next conference, or board meeting?

The Casual Look: keep it real and simple. Be comfortable and show in your photos what you usually look like on a day-to-day basis. Make it personal and relatable. Nothing’s wrong with wearing simple tees and a pair of jeans, right?

The Fun Look: if you want your photos to show that you are fun and full of energy, consider not only wearing clothes with vibrant colors but adding some flowy and fun pieces in your photoshoot. Be creative and experiment on different “fun” looks.

The Red-Carpet Look: how about pulling out that beautiful black dress that you have been keeping in your closet for so long? Dress up and be glamorous once in a while. Show your elegance but of course, remain true to your brand.

Make sure that you try out the clothes you will wear before your shoot so you will know how it feels and of course, it will save you time.

Gather your props and accessories

Ask yourself what you use frequently for your business. Do you need to create promotional materials for your business or how do you want the props to be incorporated in your branding photos?

A few examples can be:

• If you are a photographer, use your camera, laptop, and other accessories.
• If you happen to be a chef, use different kitchen utensils and cooking equipment like an oven or food processor.
• If you are an educator, how about some books, notebooks, laptops, and writing boards?

You may also use other fun accessories and props such as hats, scarves, coffee mugs, and outfit accessories like sunglasses, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces.

Be creative and have fun. Just make sure that it makes sense with your purpose.

Bring your teammates or a friend

Of course, your business will not flourish without people supporting you. Showing your whole team and how you work together is a great way to connect with your target audience. Try to create shots while working, brainstorming, or simply having fun together. Not to mention, having a friend or your teammates can also be considered as your best accessory!

Compile a checklist

Be sure that you prepare your checklist so you won’t forget anything on the day of the photoshoot. List down everything and prepare them all together so you can simply grab them when you leave. It is also important that you know the things you brought during the shoot because you can bring everything back home.

Examples of the things that you may need to bring:

• Laptop
• Cellphone
• Hand mirror
• Tripod
• Clothes to wear
• Makeup kit
• Water bottle
• Pens and notebooks
• Pins for your clothes

Finally, let your personality shine! Your branding photoshoot is the best opportunity to show who you are and just have FUN! Don’t be afraid to try out new poses – be quirky, creative and show that charming smile.