7 Steps to a Stress-Free Brand Session
PLANNING YOUR SESSION
Your brand is ready to level up and a cornerstone of your strategy is to invest in brand photography.
Whether it’s for the first time or you’re ready for a refresh - you know this is music to my ears!
I don’t advocate for brand photography just because I am a brand photographer. We are truly living in a digital world and I’ve seen time and time again, with my own brand and the many clients I’ve served, just how impactful professional photos can be for their business.
Once you’ve decided that you need brand photography, it can be a little intimidating (and a little stressful) to take the next step. That’s why I’ve rounded up my top 7, easy steps you can take to ensure your brand session is stress-free.
#1: Plan Early
I recommend planning your brand session 2-3 months in advance. A successful brand session requires a good amount of strategy, and strategy takes time. Don’t squash your creativity and great ideas by rushing into a session with the first photographer or date that is available.
#2: Send a Shot List
In preparation for your session, you’ve probably been gathering inspiration from other portfolios or Pinterest. Send all of that goodness to your photographer at least 1 week before your session (preferably sooner).
A shot list (list of all the “must take” photos or poses”) is also a great asset. Have a certain size image needed for your website? A shot list is a great way to ensure the photographer knows and you don’t leave the session without it. Providing a shot list ahead of the session also gives your photographer a chance to assess whether or not your session length, location, etc aligns with your vision.
#3: Clear Your Calendar
On the day of your photoshoot, don’t book anything else. Frazzled and rushed are the last feelings you want to have going into your session. You want to be able to show up as the best (rested) version of yourself, and have that person shine through in every image!
#4: Prep the Props
When having professional photos taken, we often think about prepping our wardrobe (which you should) but it’s important to also prep any props you want to use during your session. Organize them, dust them off or polish them up, and package them up in a bag so they are ready to go on your session day.
#5: Arrive Early
Again, you don’t want to show up to your session feeling frazzled, so aim to arrive early. I highly recommend building in a buffer for traffic - especially if you’re in the LA area! If you get to the site before your photographer, chill in your car and listen to an audiobook, podcast, or better yet a meditation (nothing promotes low stress better than zen!).
#6: Trust Your Photographer
You selected your photographer for a reason and that reason most likely included that you love the work in their portfolio. On the day of your session, let them take the lead. Trust the process and lean into the magic (and fun) that can happen when you give your photographer the space to create it.
#7 Celebrate
I highly encourage my clients to plan a little celebration for themselves after the shoot. You’ll be all prettied up, so why not meet up for a nice dinner out with your partner. Or perhaps a night in with friends. You could keep it simple, yet highly effective, and enjoy a glass of wine and bubble bath. Remember, you’re celebrating more than just finishing a brand session. You’re celebrating all that you’ve accomplished in your business and life!
As you can see, a great brand session involves more than just a good photographer. I hope you find these seven strategies to be a roadmap to stress-free success!
Have specific questions about your brand or ready to book a session? Contact me here, anytime!