Dede Stockton – Branding Photo Shoot Planner

Dede Stockton – Branding Photo Shoot Planner

Here’s what you’ll get:

• Step 1: Have a Plan for the Photos Just because everyone else is having new headshots done doesn’t mean you have to. Get clear on why you’re doing it and where you’ll use the photos before you take one more step.
• Step 2: Know Your Own Brand You might be surprised how many people show up to a photo shoot with no clear brand strategy. Even the best photographer will fail if you don’t give her something to work with.
• Step 3: Create a Brand Vision Board Long before hire your photographer, start collecting inspiration in the form of a Pinterest board or digital folder you can share. Colors, textures, location, layout & style are all fair game when collecting images. Gather up anything that feels like you.
• Step 4: Find a Photographer Professional photographers all have their own style and specialty, so you may have to research several before you find a few that are a good fit. Prices vary wildly as well, so keep your budget in mind when looking.
• Step 5: Know Exactly What You Want Photographers typically charge by the package, so when interviewing potential candidates, be prepared to answer questions like number of images, how they’ll be used, locations for shooting, whether you’ll need hair and makeup services and more.
• Step 6: Plan Your Wardrobe & Location Choose clothing styles and a location that you’re comfortable in and that match your branding and values. Include accessories, and try to include one piece with each outfit that features your brand colors.
• Step 7: You Don’t Have to Be In Every Shot Your brand photos don’t all have to include you. Consider using on-brand props for photos you can use when designing your website or other assets.
• Step 8: Schedule Hair & Nails Ahead of Time The last thing you want is to get a bad haircut the day before your big photo shoot. Leave yourself some time to fix any faux pas that come up.
• Step 9: Take Good Care of Yourself You won’t look your best on the big day if you only slept 3 hours and spent the weekend at your sister’s wedding. Plan well, and be good to yourself in the days leading up to your shoot.
• Step 10: Start Planning Your Next Shoot You can never have enough brand photos, and you’ll learn something from every shoot, so start making notes now about what worked and what didn’t, and what you want to be sure to include next time.