There’s a lot of advice online, usually directed at women and moms, that says:
JUST ASK FOR HELP
Delegate!
Outsource!
Hire people to do the things that aren’t in your zone of genius!
Okay, I'll admit that this blog post is coming from my personal experience. I’ve always been really independent and had the mindset that “it’s faster if I just do it myself”. And becoming a mom 10 years ago took that to the next level.
So I’ve been working really hard the last few years to flip that thought. To not do it all myself.
And what have I learned?
That sometimes it can be a game changer! But also....
Here’s the thing… I don’t have an answer for those either because I’m the person asking it (Lol)
<< brakes screeching >>
(welcome to my brain)
Wait! Does this happen to people who need photos and then don’t get what the need or aren’t happy with the way they looked?
Do I do this to people too?? They're told that brand photos will be transformational and then they don't get that feeling. Ugh. No way, not happening.
So here I am, giving you some answers instead of just telling you everything will be fine 😉
Here is what you need to know before your photo shoot so that you’re not disappointed in the photos:
Your Values
The Purpose
Where Are You Confident?
If you can answer these questions you’re already on your way to a successful photo shoot!
They are the compass behind every decision we make before and during your photo shoot to keep us pointed in the right direction. When you filter everything through those answers you end up with photos that feel authentically you, align with your business and are powerful and intentional.
And if you don’t have answers to them yet then a photoshoot might leave you feeling like you were promised a transformation and all you got were some nice photos and a new Instagram profile pic.
But what if you’ve got those answers and there’s still that thing we don’t talk about that’s putting a damper on it.
I’ve seen people look SO GOOD in their photos, everyone else sees it too, but they can only see their own beliefs about the way their body looks.
I’m not going to pretend that one blog post is going to be the thing that makes you see yourself differently - I know it’s so much deeper and more layered than it ever looks to others.
But I will say that it’s more about mindset than you might think. Practice changing your mindset from them being about your body to these photos being a tool to help you connect and communicate with your future clients. Are they going to base their decision to work with you on your size or are they going to base it on the person who they see is confident and knows what she’s doing? (if it’s the first, is that the kind of person you want to work with anyway)
Mindset flip: use the answers to the questions above as affirmations before your shoot or one like this
Again, I recognize that this is a very real thing that a lot of us experience and it doesn’t change overnight just because a photographer told you that you look great. But it can also hold you back for a long time if you let it.
Lastly, if everything else feels good and something is still off it might just be
Finding a photographer who understands you, communicates clearly and helps you know what to expect before your photo shoot is huge. If communication (both ways) isn’t great then it’s a whole lot harder to get the results you want.
Speak up during your shoot if something feels off to you. Personally, I hate fake laughing. I know, it can look great in photos and usually turns into real laughing which is what the photographer wants. But I hate doing it when I’m getting my picture taken! It makes me feel embarrassed and awkward and then I carry that with me for the rest of the shoot.
Your photographer is probably going to ask you to do things because that’s their job to see what works. Sit on the desk, dance, jump off the couch, lay on the floor, fake laugh… there’s so many things that sound absolutely ridiculous but actually look really good in photos
There’s a balance between trusting your photographer and knowing when you just really don’t want to do that thing. And that comes down to communication. Tell them! Or try the thing and then ask to see the photos on the back of the camera for proof for yourself.
My number one thing on a photo shoot is helping you feel comfortable and at ease. I think that it’s the most important thing! If you have that then the rest comes a lot more naturally. You might feel uncomfortable at the start, but as we ease into it it gets easier and feels less weird. And that’s when the photos feel like you, but at your very best.
Bring it all together and that’s how you’ll get photos that will help you share your values, your business and connect with the people who you want to work with.
[unfiltered thoughts from a business owner, woman, human just trying her best]
I need to get back on Instagram.
But I also started dabbling in LinkedIn, but it’s more fun hanging out on Instagram. Until it’s not, ya know?
But what about my email list? I have drafts I should send out.
And so many ideas of what to write about. But does anyone read it? I need more subscribers.
Oh and Reels! I should schedule some.
Speaking of scheduling, I think my backlog of blog posts have all been published now so I should probably work on writing new ones of those for spring.
Is my SEO even working?
Hey Google, is anyone finding me? And how do I fix the search console issues you keep emailing me about?
What I should really be focusing on is my clients and new bookings.
Should I make a new offer? I feel like I should make a new offer.
Everyone says to outsource and delegate.
Maybe I should outsource all of this so I can focus on my health. Except anytime I outsource and delegate even more ends up on my mental load somehow.
Why is no one talking about that? Maybe it's just me.
Reminder: I need to make my doctor’s appointment. Or optometrist. Or dentist. Wait, it’s all three.
I should also find a therapist, I feel like that would help. How do I do that? It probably costs way too much, never mind.
Okay, chill. Find some good things.
I’m managing the house and kids pretty well.
I’m journaling and going for walks in the sun.
I think I’m nailing the self-care thing pretty well. Like maybe too well.
I should probably rein that in a little and stop reading so much. Or not. I don’t know. When is it too much?
I wanted to find balance this year.
Not perfectly even, but managing the back and forth in a more relaxed way - less extreme ups and downs.
But what I didn’t picture was standing here, surrounding by so many things that I can’t even lift them onto the scale in the first place.
It’s just me and this mountain of thoughts staring up at the scale wondering where to start.
I should get a ladder. Where can I find one that won’t let me down?
What do I wear?!
Keep reading to find out how to choose what to wear on your brand shoot that will make sure you feel absolutely amazing!
The outfits that you wear have the power to:
So let’s get to it!
The first step is knowing what kind of photos you’ll be doing. The location for the photo shoot, the purpose of the photos and what you want to communicate with them. These are things we go over while planning your shoot and I’ll send you a personalized Shoot Plan that will guide you through all this!
Once you know what kind of outfits you’ll need (ie professional, casual, bold, warm etc) and how many then you can start pulling them together.
The most important thing is for you to feel good in what you’re wearing!
You should always try everything on a couple weeks before your shoot and make sure it fits super well. Sit, stand, bend, move. Does it still feel good while doing all those things?
Then get in front of a full length mirror and notice what the fabric is like on your body. For example softer, jersey type material can feel super comfortable, but also show lines where you don’t want them.
You can have outfits that you prefer to stand in more than sit and vice versa, but make sure you pair them with the part of the shoot that you’ll naturally be doing in that scene. And tell your photographer so they know how to pose you!
Your outfits should compliment your brand colours and aesthetic to bring cohesion across your website and marketing. This doesn’t mean your outfits need to be the same colors your brand colors, but choose complimentary colors and tones.
For example: if you have a bright, light color palette then stay away from darker tops
If you have a bright, bold brand color palette you could keep your outfits more neutral and add pops of complimentary colors with accessories or statement pieces.
I used to say "avoid prints and patterns", but experience has taught me that anything can work if it fits the goal of the photos and your personality!
Generally a bold print will make a statement and bring attention to it. Which can be great! The key is using it at the right times in the right photos. You don’t want to wear it for your whole shoot as that tends to take over make all your photos look more similar. Plan on wearing it intentionally and for only part of your shoot.
You’ll also want to wear it in photos that have more of a plain background so you’ll stand out.
If you’re planning on only doing one shoot a year then choosing season neutral outfits is key. As much as you might love a certain cozy sweater and feel amazing in it I can guarantee you’re not going to want to use the photos with it in June!
Summer styles are a little easier to use all year, but can run into the same problem. Sharing a photo of you in sleeveless dress in December doesn’t always feel quite right.
Creating outfits with layers is a great way to hop into different looks. For example,
jeans + tank with a blazer + sneakers is great for any season. Take the blazer off and you’re super casual or swap the sneakers for heels and you change the whole look.
Accessories are a great addition to your outfit and they can also be a great prop if it works for the photos!
For example Wear a hat, play with the hat, toss the hat in the air! Wear your glasses, hold them, use them as a prop on your desk
Do you know you need photos, but you're holding back because you hate getting your photo taken? I've got a blog post for you! Check it out here
Not stiff. Not overly posed. Not a version of themselves they barely recognize.
They want images that feel natural, confident, and aligned with the business they’re building. And the truth is, the only way to create photos like that is through collaboration!
Working with me isn’t a transactional, show-up-and-smile type of experience. It’s a partnership. It starts with me taking the time to learn who you are, what your business is all about and your values. I’ll ask the questions, listen to your answers and turn your words into photos.
We’ll talk through how you want your brand to look, how you want people to feel when they see your photos, and how you’ll use the images across your website, social platforms, and marketing. When we align each of those pieces, your photos don’t just look beautiful, they become an impactful and purposeful tool in your business.
From the moment you book, we start planning your shoot together so you feel fully supported every step of the way. I’ll create your personalized Shoot Plan so you’ll know exactly what outfits make sense for each part of your shoot, which props will intentionally support, and what to expect on the day of your session. No guessing. No showing up unsure of what to do. Just clarity, preparation, and confidence!
When your photo shoot day arrives, you’re never on your own wondering what to do! I guide and direct you throughout the entire session so you always know what to do with your hands, where to sit or stand, and how to move in a way that feels natural. Even if being in front of the camera feels uncomfortable (it is for 99% of people), my goal is to help you feel grounded and at ease. You don’t have to know how to pose or where to look. You just get to show up as yourself while I take care of the rest.
By the end of your shoot, my hope is always the same: that you walk away feeling like the experience was easier, more fun, and more confidence-building than you imagined. And when you open your gallery, you’ll see photos that don’t just look polished. They look like you on your very best day! Authentically you. Professional, trustworthy and aligned with your business. And ready to support the growth of your business!
Your branding photoshoot should never feel intimidating.
It should feel collaborative, supportive, and inspiring. When we create intentionally together, the result is more than just a set of images. It’s a visual foundation you can rely on to get noticed, build trust with your audience and confidently share knowing the person in the photos is you showing up at your best.
Valerie has been my client for a few years and she’s been MY health coach too! You know how they say to surround yourself with people that you can learn from? That’s Val. (click here to learn more about her work)
I was thinking about how a lot of the things I’ve learned from her to create a healthier and happier lifestyle can also apply to business.
So let's dive in!
I’m someone who tends to think that if I haven’t worked out for a season then what’s the point of starting? (or I start again by doing it 5 days a week and then burn out). But she taught me that
Progress isn’t built through perfection. It’s built through flexibility, consistency, and compassion for where you are right now
Same goes for your business! You don’t need to put pressure on a huge photoshoot to try and get everything you could possibly need one time. By doing them throughout the year you let yourself get more comfortable with the whole experience, find out what kind of photos you need more of as you use them and give yourself the opportunity to get photos that grow and change along with your business!
I was really good at telling myself that smaller habits aren't good enough. That they don't count because they're not big enough or sparkly enough. But I've learned first hand how small habits are often the things that anchor you!
When you do something new it can feel hard or nerve wracking. But when you keep practicing it not only does it become easier, but can also become something you actually enjoy doing! When you start to see the good things that it brings to your life it makes you want to keep it up.
Doing a photo shoot can feel like that too. It feels like it's this huge thing, but the truth is that it's layers of things. You’ll find out that it does actually get easier to plan and you get more comfortable in front of the camera each time. And the part that makes you want to do it again? The results make you proud, confident and make sharing your business more impactful.
A lot of us have things we want to start doing but we keep waiting until things settle down, or until we feel ready, or after we do XYZ first…
But the truth is
The perfect time is when we decide it is and decide to make a change
Same goes for doing your first branding photo shoot!
There will always be things you want to change about yourself, but who you are right now is who your audience wants to see. The real you, not your version of what you wish was different. I know it's easier said than done, but I'd encourage you to not let the thing you want to change about yourself be the thing that dims and hides you.
Or maybe it's your never-ending to-do list that keeps pushing a photo shoot to the bottom. But getting brand photos is one of those things that can at ease and flow to so many other parts of your business! When you have your own library of branding photos to use other things fall into place easier. Things like creating content, marketing, and giving future you exactly what you need when opportunities come along.
Now is the time to start building the visual foundations you need to share your business in a way that feels aligned with your business and connects to the right people!
We reach a goal, do something cool, get an opportunity, or experience something that brings a big positive emotion…. and then we quickly move on to the next thing.
Maybe in the moment we recognize how awesome it is, but it doesn’t take long before our minds and actions are looking at the next thing on our lists.
So this is my encouragement to you to:
Pause and let yourself soak in the win
Do something to celebrate it! In a way feels great to you.
If you like writing it could be posting on social media with a simple caption or a long explanation, sending the story of it to your email list or turning it into a blog post.
If talking is your thing you could record a mini podcast episode about it, send a voice note to your email list or business group you’re in or go on Stories and share about it face-to-cam.
Why? So that we don’t let these moments pass us by. It’s these things, these wins, that build the life and business that we want. Don’t let them pass you by in a blur!
So that’s the personal side. But what does that have to do with your clients and marketing?
These are the exact moments that deserve to be seen by them because your audience is looking for more than just what you sell or do. They want to connect with who you are! They want to celebrate with you and see where you’re growing and going. Sharing your celebrations can help do that in a really real and genuine way.
This is where branding photography comes in to help you do that! Celebration photos are one of the most underrated tools in your marketing! They add energy, personality and story to your marketing and show another side to your business.
Celebration photos make your brand feel approachable, real, human. They show confidence and momentum. They say: this business is active, credible and invested in its clients!
When potential customers see celebration photos, they get to feel like they’re part of the journey.
These images instantly shift your marketing from generic information sharing to engaging and personal. They create emotion and emotion builds connection.
If you’re new to this and don’t even know where to start just remember that, like everything, it’s something we need to consciously practice before it comes naturally to us.
Here are some ideas of things to notice:
I'll be the first to admit that these are some pretty big-deal things and I'm often the one that downplays wins into "the things I'm supposed to be doing". But even the things we think we have to do or do regularly can be wins. I'd even argue that if you do anything regularly that is a win in and of itself!
So if you think the things above are too obvious how about things like:
These things might feel a bit ridiculous to post an entire celebration post on Instagram about, complete with a photo of opening champagne, but I’m here to tell you it’s not! These are the moments that people connect with, that remind them they’re not alone, and that show your clients that even the little things are the big things to you.
When planning your next branding photo shoot here are some ideas to try:
Once you have them, celebration photos become incredibly versatile. You can use them across:
They can do the work in your marketing that has clients feeling connected to you and a part of your journey. One that they can see themselves being a part of too!
Your wins, big and small, deserve to be seen and celebrated! When you do this you’re not just telling people that you care about your work. You’re showing them.
If you’re an Ottawa business owner and you’re ready to start intentionally sharing your business through brand photos that align with you, celebration photos just might be one of the most powerful things you can add to your branding photo shoot!
As a spa owner or aesthetician in Ottawa you know that what you offer is more than a treatment menu. It’s a feeling! A moment to exhale. A chance for your clients to slow down.
A brand photoshoot gives you the opportunity to show that experience in a way that words alone won’t capture. When done intentionally, your photos become more than marketing assets. They become visuals that let future clients see themselves in your space and recognize your brand as one they trust.
Here are some brand photoshoot ideas for spas and aesthetics that help share every part of your business.
I don’t need to be the one to tell you that the environment of your space is so important in how clients perceive you before they even walk through the door!
Get photos of your reception area, treatment rooms, waiting areas, boutique and any special design features that make your space unique. Think about the elements that you love and that create the atmosphere you want: lighting, textures, clean linens, plants, and details.
Show the natural flow of your space so potential clients can imagine themselves there before even booking an appointment. If you offer different rooms or specialized areas, you can showcasing each one to highlight its purpose and feeling.
Photos of your treatments in action help clients understand what you offer and what to expect. Whether it’s facials, massages, body therapies, or specialty treatments, show the process in a calm and professional way.
Showing details like warm towels being placed gently, hands preparing products, or equipment being set up. These kinds of photos help remove uncertainty and make booking feel easier. Think of each service as a journey that you’re bringing your client through. How does it start? What makes it unique? How do they feel by the end?
Trust is one of the most important parts of spa marketing!
Photos of clients receiving services or interacting with you and your team can go a long way in building that trust. Show the care, professionalism, and attentiveness that goes into every appointment! Focus on connection, comfort or whatever your values and goals are for your spa.
Showing these moments help future clients say yes to you because they can picture themselves in those exact scenes (and really want to be there!). If you use models or previous clients for your shoot, choose people who reflect the community you serve so viewers can see themselves represented.
The products you use and love are part of your expertise and the experience you offer so let’s show them intentionally!
This could be styled product photos on shelves, in treatment rooms, or in use. Displaying them clearly helps reinforce quality and value, especially if you retail products for at-home use.
People choose a spa not just for the service and experience, but also because of the people behind it all!
Photos of you and your team are great at showing people who to expect when they make an appointment and come to your spa. A few ways to do this are with:
These images help client see themselves at your spa before their first appointment even begins. You can also include team headshots for your website’s About or Services pages to tie everything together.
A brand photoshoot for your spa or salon should be aligned with the values of your business and feel like an experience in itself.
If you’re ready to bring your business to life online through photos, planning your shoot with these ideas in mind will give you all the best start!