How to Prepare for Your Branding Photo Session
Be clear, be confident, and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Latter will take care of itself. It always does.
Emphasize the power of branding photography for businesses.
Note- how your approach to branding sessions captures personality and professionalism.
Define Your Brand’s Story
Get some lifestyle image of working in YOUR industry.
Identify your brand’s message, audience, and key attributes.
Create a Checklist for brand storytelling, reinforcing engagement and capturing leads.
EXAMPLE
don’t have a checklist?….We got you
CHECKLIST
1. Define Your Brand Message
☐ What’s your brand’s mission?
(Write a clear statement that explains why your brand exists.)☐ What are the core values your brand stands for?
(List 3-5 values that drive your brand’s decisions and interactions.)☐ Who is your ideal audience?
(Describe your target customer, including their preferences, needs, and goals.)
2. Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
☐ What makes your brand unique?
(Describe what sets you apart from competitors—your “secret sauce.”)☐ What problems do you solve for your customers?
(List the specific needs or pain points your brand addresses.)
3. Establish Your Brand Tone & Voice
☐ What personality does your brand convey?
(Is it friendly, professional, quirky, etc.?) Choose 3-4 words to describe your brand’s personality.)☐ How do you want your brand to make customers feel?
(Select feelings you want to evoke, such as confidence, happiness, empowerment.)
4. Develop Visual & Style Elements
☐ What colors, textures, and elements best represent your brand?
(Consider colors, textures, and visual themes that align with your brand’s message.)☐ What type of setting suits your brand’s story?
(List indoor or outdoor settings, backdrops, or specific locations that best capture your brand vibe.)☐ What props or items can enhance your brand’s story?
(Consider incorporating tools of the trade, branded items, or personal touches.)
5. Choose Key Poses & Expressions
☐ What expressions align with your brand’s message?
(Smiling, serious, confident, or approachable—think of expressions that reinforce your brand’s personality.)☐ What poses help tell your story?
(Choose natural poses that reflect your values, such as dynamic action shots, relaxed poses, or close-up details.)
6. Identify Your Call to Action (CTA)
☐ What action do you want viewers to take after seeing your brand images?
(Sign up, purchase, engage on social media, etc.) Make sure this action is clear in your brand materials.)
BONUS: 3 Quick Tips to Prepare for Your Branding Session
☐ Bring 2-3 outfit options that align with your brand’s colors and aesthetic.
☐ Prepare a brief bio or brand story to share with the photographer, keeping your goals top of mind.
☐ Relax and have fun! Being natural and genuine is key to impactful brand storytelling.
Your photographer and/or videographer should want to ask you these things…
Choosing the Right Outfits
Outfit examples for different brand aesthetics (modern, classic, casual, etc.).
Selecting outfits that align with brand colors and style, including a link to a Pinterest board for style inspiration.
The Power of Location
Examples of different branding shoot locations (outdoor, office, studio).
Different settings convey unique messages and set the tone for brand personality. DFW Dynamic Media has knowledge of DFW locations and ability to scout suitable spots for you.
Practicing Poses and Expressions
Make a collage of different poses.
Practicing natural poses and expressions. We can guide clients through this during sessions.
