A branding session is a necessary investment in you and your business, so I want you to get the most from it. Managing your expectations, doing your homework, being intentional, trusting and open with your photographer creates a solid foundation for both of your success. And I am confident you will actually have some fun doing it!
Branding session HOMEWORK
While not required, having a clear understanding of your brand identity is heavily encouraged as it’s the starting point for your brand session. This is where branding photography differentiates itself from traditional headshots; you are doing more than putting a face to a name, you are highlighting what sets you apart. Jumping ahead to a branding session before you nail down your brand identity makes more work for you in the future. Brand identity is not your logo, it’s a consistent message you clearly communicate to your target audience defining what your business is about. Emphasis on clearly, because your brand identity is people’s perception. Read more about The Power of Branding Photography to see why I love it so much.
Understanding who you are talking to helps outline how to talk to them. Since you aren’t talking to yourself, knowing your target audience is crucial to the intention of your branding session. Where and how will your audience find you and what will grab their attention? In an online world of curated images, branding photography should go a step further to make you stand out to the right people.
The message you want to tell is the easy part of your branding session; it’s highlitng you, a team, your product or service along with your mission and values. Knowing your brand identity coupled with who you are speaking too is the foundation to an intentional and effective gallery of brand photos. Now that your homework is done you can start planning with your photographer.
PLANNING
The overwhelming part about branding photography that I see with my clients is they don’t know how to put it all together when it comes to the session and crafting the images. Which is perfect, because that’s where the photographer thrives. Having a planning meeting or call to go over all your homework, having a vision board and discussion to get on the same page. This is why you research your photographer to find someone you trust to bring your vision to life. Planning with ease as you work together to create a timeline, go over what to expect, what to bring, what to wear, a shot list and expectations.
Branding photography expectations
Since a branding session is different from your traditional headshots, planning is going to be different. (Read more on their differences HERE.) A branding photographer is an even better one if they are set up for success. This should start before even booking; doing your research and having consultations with photographers to see who is the best fit for you and making sure you are booking the correct package for your needs. Extra tip; make sure the package you think you need lines up with your expectations with the scope of the photographer’s process. During that consultation it’s important to communicate your needs, ask questions and get feedback from them. Going over your vision, timeline, comfort level in front of the camera, etc so the photographer can recommend the package/proposal that sets you both up for success.
WHAT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER WANTS YOU TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR BRANDING SESSION
I wanna keep this short and sweet so the points really hit;
- The better your homework, the more successful your images.
- We are going to pose you. We don’t expect you to know how to pose.
- All the little details, we got ya covered.
- What you wear really can make or break your images.
- Having professional makeup is highly encouraged.
- There is probably more that goes into a branding session than you think.
- We are excited to help you brag about you and your business.
- We want you to look and feel as good as you do.
- Remember, these images are for your target audience, not a family album.
- It’s actually really fun!
Branding photography with Blue Flame
I love branding photography because I love being able to capture people doing what they are passionate about. I love hyping my clients up and crafting a custom gallery of images that brags about what they are good at. I love the planning process; I want all the details I wanna hear all about you, your business, your process, the team, the products, what you offer and your mission + values. I offer complimentary consultations to make sure I am a good fit, (inquire here) after booking you get a prep guide, a brand profile questionnaire to help kick off the homework, a session design call to go over everything + make a plan so we can be intentional and efficient. During the session I will be crafting the set, posing you and making sure to cross off the shot list. Once you get to the studio/shoot location, take a deep breath because the rest is up to me.
My approach to a branding session is all about the details, making you feel supported, capturing authentic images and bringing your brand to life through a custom gallery. No more stock photos for you or trying to remember to get BTS when your focus is where it matters.
To see more of Peanut Butter Creative’s Blue Flame branding in action and another powerhouse in your brand corner, check them out.
> www.peanutbutter-creative.com
