How to Prep for Your Branding Session + Have a Successful Shoot!
One thing I love about being a photographer is being able to work with and serve other small businesses! My favorite way of doing this is by offering Branding Sessions. The biggest key of having a successful branding session for your business is being strategic in your planning and prepping for your session in advance. Branding sessions are all about capturing your brand’s personality in a visual way while relating to and reaching your ideal clients. Today I’m sharing a few tips and a little look into my branding session guide I send out to my real clients! BONUS there’s a freebie for you at the end of this post 😉
#1 What to Wear
First things first, and one of the most important pieces here is knowing what to wear. There are three key factors to consider when planning your wardrobe for your branding session.
- The colors you choose should reflect your brand’s aesthetic and color palette or stick with neutrals.
- The pieces and accessories to each outfit should reflect the style of your ideal clients and where they might like to shop.
- The outfits should represent your brand’s personality- sophisticated or fun? serious or playful? trendy or classic?
#2 What to Bring
Next on our checklist is determining what to bring. Here, we have three different categories to think about: products, tools, everyday items. All of your “props” should revolve around what you do for your business. It’s important for your clients to see what you do in your business. So, let’s break these down.
- Products: This should be pretty self explanatory if you’re a good based business- like a boutique or makeup consultant, etc . If your business is service based, what are you offering? Here are some examples…
Photography- albums, prints, educational courses…
Branding and design- print collateral, posters, canvas totes…
Coaching- notebooks, educational courses…
2. Tools: Your tools to bring should be the tangible objects you use to run your business. Such as… laptop, iPad, cell phone, notebooks, calendar, camera and lenses, mood boards, sample items, clothing and accessories, glasses, makeup brushes and hair tools… I know good and well I’m missing things here, but think about what is unique to your business!
3. Everyday Items: Your everyday items are pieces we can incorporate that aren’t necessarily a part of your business, but help bring your brand’s personality and aesthetic into a visual to relate to your ideal clients. This can be things such as – coffee in a mug, candles, flowers, confetti for a big announcement, champagne, plants, macaroons or treats, the list could go on and on.
While choosing these items, you should be constantly looking back to your brand strategy and having that ideal client in your mind. Is it true to your brand? Yes? That’s great! Let’s get started!! Branding sessions are so important and truly will elevate your business. Trust me, I’ve been through it and see I even witnessed how it has effected other small businesses just like yours. You must invest back into your business to see the growth you’re hoping for. Have questions? Send me a message! I would love to walk through it with you. Now, let’s get you that FREEBIE!
Want the full checklist for yourself? Download my Branding Session Checklist right now!
