As a new girl in Boise ID, I am offering branding photography session tips as my gift to all. I will share with you my learnings and experiences for you to have a smooth session.
The process of planning your branding photography session can seem a little overwhelming and daunting. You have so many things to consider including wardrobe, location, props, and how you’re going to use your final images. This is where I will come alongside you and help you every step of the way. I promise you will come through with flying colors, and here is a step-by-step guide as to what we will do.
1. Write your story.
The first step in your branding photography session journey will be to write your story. We will do this through a series of two questionnaires. This is the most important step because clarifying your message and becoming clear on what you want to be known for will be essential in helping us capture your brand, your imagery, and making sure everything is in line with how you want to be known and seen by your clients.
2. Choosing your location(s).
You will be receiving several emails that help you with this, but the second most important aspect of planning your branding photography session is location. What do you use in your normal life workday that would fit your brand and give off the vibe you want? Are you a realtor that has access to stunning model homes? Do you have a favorite downtown area or a coffee shop that you work at, or are you a clean minimalist that prefers a simple white light and airy studio space? These are the questions you need to start brainstorming.
3. Planning your wardrobe.
This is the single biggest question that I get from clients. You need to consider what colors vibe with your brand. Do you have a signature teal color in your logo? What colors do you think would stop the scroll on Instagram? I always recommend bright, colorful colors that will stand out from the rest. You might want to consider wearing one of your signature colors, or these bright colors, for one of your looks. You also need to consider how clients will find you dressed and how you dress on a weekend during your personal time. These are other options for two other looks, a more professional and a more casual look for each of your sessions. Finally, look through your closet and see what you have. What colors and textures do you already own? This will give you huge insight into what represents your style and most likely your brand.
4. Choosing your brand props.
It is important to give your hands something to do in your images. This is key to making you feel relaxed and at ease when we are doing your session. Consider what items you use for work on a daily basis; iPhone, laptop, and other things are good starting points. We will incorporate these into your brand and I will send you several emails that will help you start planning these props too.
5. Your pre-session consultation.
We will meet about two weeks before your session to go over your questionnaire, location, wardrobe, and props. We will use these items to storyboard your session. It will help you plan out every detail of your beautiful session that will help us to create beautiful imagery that will capture you and the essence of what it is to do business with you.
6. Your session!
The day of your branding photo session will be fun. You will not be stressed, because you will have done all the work ahead of time. Enjoy the process of getting your hair and makeup done. Once you get to the session, be ready to chill out, listen to some fun music, and have fun. I will be doing all the heavy lifting. From that point on, your job is to sit back, have fun, and smile. Heck, you might even get to enjoy a glass of wine if your session’s storyboard calls for it. I know many clients have.
7. Your image reveal.
We will meet two weeks after your session to go over your images and slick the ones that you love. In addition, I will show you fun ideas of how to use these images online, through Facebook templates, quotes/testimonials, and Instagram stories.
This roadmap will guide you through the process. In the end, you will walk away with beautiful high quality + styled images that reflect the essence of who you are, set you apart from the completion and make you shine online!
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Boise, ID-based branding and headshot photographer. Shelly specializes in professional headshot photography, personal branding photography and lifestyle photography. Shelly serves the greater Treasure Valley area including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa.
