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How to Plan for Your Branding Session with a Photographer

Writer's picture: Fiona BielbyFiona Bielby

A branding session is more than just a photoshoot

Your branding session certainly is more than just a "photo shoot;" it’s a powerful tool to showcase who you are, what your business represents, and what sets you apart. Why should your "ideal client/customer" choose you? There are so many choices out there, which is why you need to stand out. Whether you're a small business owner, a freelancer, or the face of your brand, having professional images that capture your essence is invaluable.

But how do you prepare to get the most out of your session?



A photo from Anne's Branding Session. Woman in an orange top skipping in a sunny field, smiling under a blue sky with clouds. Green grass and trees in the background.
Anne's Pilates for Older People were fun and aimed to fit the individual, Anne's personality is warm, energic and friendly. This image perfectly showcases her energy and character.
 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your branding shoot is a success.

1. Understand Your Brand Identity

Before you step in front of the camera, take some time to clarify your brand’s core message.

I'm answering in green for my Wedding Photography side of the business.



Photo Credit: Natalie Coultas Photography. I hope these images showcase my friendly and approachable personality. I love capturing movement and being active, so the shots of me swirling around in the field seemed perfectly fitting. I chose outside to top up my headshot images because that's where I work most and where I love to be.



  • What does your business stand for? (Mine is authentic fun photography, often for camera-shy people.)

  • What kind of mood or tone do you want your photos to convey? (e.g., professional, fun, approachable, luxurious?) (Me: Friendly, relaxed approachable)

  • Who is your ideal client, and how do you want to connect with them visually? (So the couples I'd like to attract are...Fun and down-to-earth, they're outdoorsy and care deeply about the atmosphere of their day being captured in a relaxed, unstaged manner without loads of posing, they often need a confidence boost in front of the camera, many of which are animal lovers too.)


Having these answers will help us both create images that feel authentic and purposeful for you to showcase your brand.


Woman smiling behind counter during her Branding Session  in a florally-decorated shop, wearing an apron. Flowers and plants in foreground, adding a vibrant touch.
Having Gemma working in her natural surroundings put her at ease and distracted her whilst I was able to capture her true personality.
Smiling woman in apron holds bouquet of flowers in her Branding Session. Leaf-patterned wallpaper and more bouquets in the background. Warm, cheerful mood.
The photos above lead Gemma to feel more comfortable and read for a more formal "headshot" which inculded all of her branding- paper and apron, she chose colours that contrasted with the decor of her workspace, making her stand out.
Man in blue sweater smiling, standing by various wooden frame samples on a blue wall with colorful square frames mid Branding Session. Bright, cheerful setting.
After spending the morning capturing everyone in the workshop at The Framed Picture Company in Malton, I asked everyone pop up to the showroom for a more formal headshot image, this part only took a few minutes per person.
Smiling woman in blue jacket working with tape in a workshop mid Branding Session. The background has workbenches and tools. Cozy and industrious atmosphere.
As I capture the BTS footage I asked each staff member to just look up for a few seconds mid-task to get a more candid headshot. Asking the staff members to wear their branding uniform helps the team look co-ordinated and proffesional.

2. Choose the Right Photographer

Not all photographers specialise in branding, so take your time finding someone who understands your vision. Look through their portfolio to see if their style aligns with your brand. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process, especially how they’ll help you feel confident in front of the camera.


I'm told by so many people that I put them at ease and make the process of having their photos taken easy, in all honestly, I'm not sure how I put people at ease; I'm just myself, and I share my insecurities and worries because this makes me feel better if I'm worried about something. I consider this when I'm working with my couples, families and clients. It's about keeping things relaxed, distracting you from the camera and then once I can see you're more comfortable, we work on the more formal headshots, etc.



Two women in a room, one seated and smiling, the other holding a tablet during a  Branding Session. A round mirror reflects their image. Casual, friendly setting.
Jacqui wanted to record her consultion with her clients to show her work is professional and to portray her approachability, by capturing her with her client, who looks relaxed, put the message across to pottential new clients that she's just this.
Behind the scene at a Branding Session Two framed certificates on a wall, skincare products on a white surface, lavender sprigs in a vase; neutral, professional setting.
This show an incite into Jacqui's qualitifcations and the product she uses.
Reflection of a woman in a mirror getting a cosmetic procedure ,id Branding Session. Blue gloves, striped sleeves. Blurred foreground, focused reflection.
You can be a little bit artsy during a Branding Session, to give your photos a bit of a story telling approach.
Woman in black scrubs and striped sleeves opens a vial in a white room druing her Branding Session with a round mirror and chair. Focused expression.
The branding is clear and proffesional on Jacqui's uniform adding a firther degree of trust.
Hands preparing a syringe, drawing liquid from a small glass vial labeled with text on a speckled countertop. Background is blurred. BTS Branding Session
BTS imagery like this can be great for website banners and content to talk about over your socials.
A woman receives a cosmetic injection in her forehead as part of th Branding Session. She is reclining with her eyes closed, while another person in gloves administers the shot.
You will need permission from clients for imagery like this, often a discounted treatment will help persuade loyal customers or ask friends and family to step in and help you out.
Person receiving an injection on the forehead by gloved hands. Close-up of blue gloves and syringe. Calm mood, neutral background in this Branding Session.
Sometimes your potential client s just want to see how it's done, this can be the spark for them getting in touch with you.
A woman in glasses and gloves performs a procedure on a reclining patient in a clinic during a Branding Session. Certificates and posters adorn the white walls.
Jacqui in her setting, this helps build trust and shows the professional setting JAcqui works within.
Smiling woman in black uniform with "Dr. Jacqy C&C Medical" embroidery, striped long sleeves, against a plain light background. Professional Headshot
We captured some more formal headshots at the end of the session whenI could tell Jacqui was feeling at ease in my company, Her business branding is clear and easy to read on her professional uniform, she's smiling casually making her look friendly and approachable for future clients to relate to.


3. Plan Your Locations

The setting plays a huge role in telling your story. Think about the locations that resonate with your brand.


  • Do you run a cosy coffee shop or a modern studio? (I'd like photos of me in my workspace to help my clients connect with where I'm working when I'm not behind the camera.)

  • Would outdoor shots in natural light suit your vibe, or do you need a sleek indoor office setup? (I'd definitely go for this; I'm usually outdoors when working, so for me, it would work well.)

  • Are there iconic elements of your town or industry you want to incorporate? (My friend does all her engagement sessions in York so it would make sense for her to have some headshots in front of an iconic building in the city centre.)


If you’re unsure, I'd be happy to suggest ideas to match your brand identity.



Photo Credit: Natalie Coultas Photography. These were taken during a break at a wedding I was photographing, I love farm weddings, so the tractor with the flowers on made the perfect loaction for me to have a few casual photos done, I was wearing wedding attire and had my camera's with me as props. I like that I'm looking away in some on the images as this portrays my natural candid style of photography, which my brand focuses on.



4. Prepare Your Outfits

Clothing is key to creating the right look for your session. Choose outfits that:

  • Reflect your style and brand colours. (Muted, earthy tones for me; I often add floral or subtle animal print patterns.)

  • Fit well and make you feel confident. I have a blog dedicated to outfits, take a look here.

  • Are appropriate for the settings you’ll be photographed in.


Artist in a pink sweater paints fabric on a table in a cozy studio during her Branding Session. Shelves display art and decor. Sign reads "PAPERSPOON: HOME INTERIORS - ARTIST GALLERY".
Christine's bright pink top with contrasting demin dress perfectly matched her neon artwork we were catpuring her paint on the day of her Branding Session.
Smiling woman with short blonde hair in a blue denim jacket against a plain white background, exuding a cheerful mood for her Branding Session.
Patsy wanted some refreshed headshots for her linkedin profile, her denim dress contrasts perfectly with her blonde hair. It adds a touch or casualness to the photos but the neckline gives it a clasical and proffesional feel too.
Eleanor loves being outside in nature when she's conducting her wedding ceremonies, she dressed for the autumanl seasonal vibes.
Eleanor loves being outside in nature when she's conducting her wedding ceremonies, she dressed for the autumanl seasonal vibes.

Pro tip: Bring a variety of outfits—formal, casual, and something in between—so you have options for different platforms and uses.



5. Props and Tools of Your Trade

Props help tell your story. Think about items that are central to what you do, such as:

  • Laptops, sketchpads, or notebooks for business-related shots. (Me, my camera and laptop.)

  • Products you sell or tools you use in your work. (Fine Art Photobook & Framed Prints.)

  • Personal touches like your favourite coffee cup or a piece of décor from your workspace. (I have a favourite mug.)


A person pours coffee from a glass carafe into a black-and-white cup during the Branding Session. Coffee bags labeled "Ethiopia" and "Colombia" are in the background.
Blane mid-pour of coffee, he had cups to match him monocrome branding.
A woman in an apron holds a ceramic vase with a face design, standing in a bright studio with artwork and shelves in the background.
Sometimes holding something can give you somethign to do with your hands, Charlotte held a vase she'd receently made which represented her work authentically.
Person in a blue tie-dye shirt holding a pink resistance band with "PHYSICAL" text in a dimly lit room. Focus on hands and band.
Close up shots of equipment can add another level of undersdtanding for your client, they're generic and timeless too.

These elements help create authenticity and give viewers a sense of who you are.



6. Hair, Makeup, and Grooming

You don’t need to look completely different for your session, but professional hair and makeup can give you a polished, camera-ready finish. If your branding is more laid-back, go with a natural look that feels true to you.

Don’t forget to groom details like nails, haircuts, and ironing your outfits—small touches make a big difference!

(For me, I do my hair best and too much make-up doesn't feel like me, so I'd do my own. It's up to you.)



Makeup artist applying lip gloss to a woman with curly hair in a softly lit room. Both appear focused. Subtle tones and relaxed mood.
Making such your own make up matches the brand message is key, Ellie is known for her classical and natual makuep so having her own in this style is key.
Anna has all of her products withiin shot, which show her brand nicely, she's made sure her own hair is looking good for the BTS images durng this session.
Anna has all of her products withiin shot, which show her brand nicely, she's made sure her own hair is looking good for the BTS images durng this session.

7. Communicate with Your Photographer

A good photographer will work with you to create a shot list or discuss your ideas ahead of time. Share your:


  • Vision and goals for the session. (To get images that show BTS footage making me look professional and approachable.)

  • Any must-have shots or poses. (Me behind my desk working, some shots of me arranging people for family formals, photos of me working closely with the couple and some of me capturing candids and details. I'd also like some of me with my animals, dog/horse in the new building plot we've bought, so I can use this as connection content on socials and my about me page.)

  • How you plan to use the images (e.g., social media, website, print materials).


The more I know as your photographer, the better I can tailor the session to your needs.


Smiling person with curly hair holding a camera in a field. Wearing a brown striped cardigan and gray turtleneck. Overcast sky.


8. Relax and Trust the Process

Feeling nervous is natural, but remember—you don’t have to do this alone! I'll be there to guide you, whether it’s finding your best angles or helping you feel at ease.

A branding session isn’t about perfection; it’s about capturing your essence. Be yourself, enjoy the process, and let your personality shine through.


9. Think Beyond the Shoot

Once you’ve had your session, think about how you’ll use your images:

  • Refresh your website.

  • Post regularly on social media.

  • Use them for email marketing, press features, or business cards.


These images are an investment, so make the most of them by integrating them into every part of your brand presence.



 

Final Thoughts on Branding Sessions

A branding session is an opportunity to showcase the heart of your business and connect with your audience on a deeper level. By preparing in advance and working closely with your photographer, you’ll walk away with a gallery of images that not only look amazing but also tell the story of who you are and what you do.



 

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