If you’re a business owner who uses “we” in your marketing then you probably have a rockstar team surrounding you!
Branding photo shoots with more than one person can be some of the most fun shoots and they can really help you show your clients who they will be engaging with when they work with your company.
It can feel challenging to plan a photo shoot with multiple people, outfits, styles and keep it cohesive and on-brand without looking too matchy and uniform (unless that’s your thing), but with these tips and the support you get as we plan the shoot you’ll be able to walk into it with confidence.
What is the main purpose of these photos?
Will they primarily be for your website to show what it’s like working with you?
Will you be focussing on individual headshots or group photos for your About Us page?
Do you need stock photos for social media graphics, newsletters and website background photos?
Knowing where and how the photos will be used will help you answer all the questions that come after!
Team photos don’t always have to be the whole group smiling at the camera. This is a great time to get the authentic, real life smiles and laughter that you have with them on the daily!
Some ideas of what to do:
It’s a great idea to get both!
And usually the candids happen naturally when you’re trying to be serious-business-people with the same people you laugh and joke with on the regular 😉
The posed ones are great for your About Us page on your website, pinned posts on your Instagram account, etc
The candids are perfect for showing extra personality, what it’s like to work with you and the general vibe of your team.
It’s good to let everyone know the level of dressiness and preferred color tones for their outfits so that everyone looks great together. Check out the Outfit blog post to dive deeper into all things photoshoot outfits!
Below is a great example of how your team can be cohesive with their outfits. Everyone looks amazing in the team photos and in their individual headshots!
The holidays are such a great time to bring some extra joy and magic into what you’re sharing about your business!
You can share about your own joys and traditions. Tell us a story!
Share what your values are - what matters to you the most and why? Do the holidays amplify any of them?
It’s also the perfect time to bring light! Be silly! Show us who you are on Christmas morning. Find JOY!
You might not do an entire photo shoot just for the holidays (unless you are one of my Members 😉 ) but you can add in some of these ideas to your shoot any time of year and use it when December rolls around!
And now for those ideas…
Like your regular season branding photos, but with a holiday background to switch it up for a season!
The perfect time to highlight a gifting option for your clients.
Perfect for your email list headers, holiday graphics and Reel/Story backgrounds (my members get these beauties included in their membership every year!)
Season of celebrating! If champagne isn’t your thing swap it out for hot chocolate in a cute mug, cheers-ing gingerbread or whatever your favorite thing is!
The most Googled term for people finding me is Lifestyle Branding Photography. Which is awesome because that’s my jam!
But a lot of people don’t really know what that means. It’s become a lot more mainstream in online lingo the last few years but there is a big difference between lifestyle photography and other types.
So let’s break it down!
Photos of you, the business owner, in real life places doing real life things!
You in-action doing the things that you might be doing in your business and your life.
It shows your personality by bringing in props that help tell your story and give you something to interact with instead of always smiling at the camera!
It’s in a location that is chosen for a reason! Using a space that fits the kinds of photos you need and aligns with your business. If you want to dive deeper into that than Click Here to head to another post all about choosing the best location for your shoot.
Lifestyle branding photography captures the authentic moments, expressions and your personality. It shows your brand value in photos and helps people feel like the already know you before even working with you!
It’s a super powerful tool to have in your business!
It’s not you formally posed in front of a photography background. That is a traditional headshot.
It’s not usually with dramatic lighting or heavily styled. That’s editorial - like in magazines!
Lifestyle branding photos are about showing
so that your dream clients can get to know you and want to work with you!
It doesn’t have to be complicated but is definitely impactful if you make a plan and go into it with intention and openness.
Ready to book yours? Click below to get started
The first step to deciding on your location for your branding photo shoot is to know what the purpose of your photos are and what you will be doing in them.
Don’t worry, when you book a shoot with me you’ll get the answer after filling in the questionnaire and we chat about it all!
Think about your client experience, brand aesthetic, personality (things you love!). Combine that with some of the “action” things you will be doing in your photos and then you can think about which type of location fits that the best.
For example if you’re in health and wellness you might want a location with
access to a beautiful kitchen for photos around nutrition
an open space for yoga and exercise photos
an office or sitting area for working 1-1 with a client
So you definitely won’t want to choose a park outside or a studio that doesn’t have space for that.
This one really depends on what kind of photos you want and if that aligns with your home.
The perks are that you have everything you need there and don’t have to pack outfits etc. You can’t forget anything!
The downside is that you have to clean a space in your home and probably rearrange some things to make it photo shoot ready.
If you’re not sure if your home is right for your shoot you can take some photos on your phone and send them to me (or your photographer) and ask. We can tell pretty quickly if it’s going to work for the shoot or not!
Tip: if you know someone with a stunning home and that’s what you really need for your photo shoot then reach out and ask them!
Similar to above this can be a really great option for familiarity and knowing the space. Especially if you have equipment or tools there that you’d be using in the photos.
A super popular option is renting a studio space. There are so many in Ottawa now that you can definitely find one that fits your style and needs.
Tip: when booking studio time it’s a good idea to book it longer than your photography time. This way you’re not rushed and have time to pack up at the end!
If a studio isn’t exactly fitting what you need check out
Tip: make sure to check out their policy for AirBnB's and hotels before booking as some don’t allow professional photography
If nature is your jam then embrace that! Depending on the time of year I usually recommend booking a rain-date just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of your shoot.
If the city is your place then the options are endless. Having a solid shot list is a good idea so that you don’t spend all your time walking to different locations. Choose a few key places that aren’t high-traffic areas so you have time to get the photos and don’t feel awkward.
Tip: it’s good idea to bring someone along to stay with the extra stuff (prop, bags, outfits etc) so you don’t have to keep on eye on it while doing the photo shoot. And if they can take some behind the scenes for Instagram too even better 😉
Okay, so you’re planning your branding photo shoot.
You have your location picked and know how awesome you’re going to feel in your outfits! (and if you still need help with that part Click Here)
Then there’s the props. The what?
The things that you bring to your photo shoot to help you show your personality, share yourself and your business in different ways and give you something to do that’s not just staring into the camera!
Things like a hat, glasses, sunglasses, shoes, jacket, blazer, purse or a bag can be super versatile props to use!
Obviously you can wear these things, but you can also take them off or put them on, hold them, toss them (mostly the hats), move, twirl!
There are so many ways to use these in your photo shoot! Show your personality by peeking behind a book or hold a stacks of books in front of you.
Relaxing on the couch reading, writing in your planner or flipping through a magazine.
They can also be in your photos but not the star. Have them in the background as a pop of color
This is also a great way to bring your brand colours in!
Another great way to bring your colours into your photos!
Bring your favourite snack or drink! Bonus if you have an on-brand coloured bowl or glass to put it in.
Not like a hammer (unless you actually use that in your business), but the things that you use regularly in your business and with your clients.
This can be as simple as your laptop, but if you want to bring something that tells more of you then think of your client experience and what you use to create that.
If you wear makeup it can be fun to get shots of you putting on lipstick or blush or doing your nail polish.
You can do it in a playful, fun way or in a confident, boss way.
Depending on your business it can be fun to get photos of you putting your hair up with an on-brand clip, scrunchie or headband.
Use blank ones if you want to be able to add text to them later or write things on them while taking photos.
Choose ones in your brand color family and stick them to the wall or desk.
Celebration photos are always a good idea!
Bring a cake, cupcake with candle, balloons, champagne or confetti.
Confetti tips:
You can bring in a few simple holiday props for different seasons if that’s something that fits in with your brand and marketing.
Here are some ways to bring different holiday props to your brand shoot:
Okay, yes people and pets aren’t technically props, but having your bestie or someone you know really well come to your shoot can be super fun and help you relax.
I they’re up for it you can use them as a client or someone to talk with to help get those real-life natural photos.
Ask then to wear colours that compliment your outfits and give them a heads up if they’re going to be in photos too!
Tip: if you're going to bring little kids or a pet along then definitely bring another person to be with them when they're not in the photos.
If you’re looking for more ideas click below to get my free Branding Photo Shoot Prop Guide!
One of the most common things people get stressed out about before their branding photo shoot is trying to figure out what to wear!
What looks good?
Should I buy something new?
Will this photograph okay?
What colours are best?
There are a lot of questions that go through your head!
So here are five things to think about when figuring out what to wear on your shoot.
What is the context of the photos? What will you be doing? What kind of location will you be in?
If you have no idea right now that is totally okay! When you book a shoot with me I will help you get very specific answers to these questions! You'll have a Shoot Plan that I make for you and you can easily choose outfits that fit each scene that we'll be doing.
If you’re here just gathering info for a future shoot and don't have a shoot plan yet, then just start by thinking of what the purpose of your photos will be.
What do you want to convey with them? Expert and professional, fun and casual, mindful and soulful?
Once you have some clarity around those questions you can think about what kind of outfits fit those feelings and purposes.
The most important thing when choosing outfits for your brand shoot is to feel good in what you’re wearing!
This sounds so simple, but it makes a huge difference in how you carry yourself and your confidence (which shows in the photos!)
Try on pieces and move around. Sit down and notice how you feel. If it’s suddenly pulling on your waist too much and making you feel self-conscience about your stomach then that’s good to know. No sitting in this outfit.
It doesn’t mean you can’t wear it still, but be mindful of what type of actions you’d be doing in it and let your photographer know before you start that this outfit is mainly for standing.
Another thing to try is to 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 so comfortable, but also show lines where you don’t always want them.
Sometimes something flowy feels amazing but in photos your body shape gets lost in it.
Try it on, move, notice how it feels, get a 360 look. Do you still feel like your best, confident self in it? If yes, you’ve got a winner!
Choosing outfits and accessories in colours that align with your brand colours help create a natural flow together. It just all fits.
This doesn’t mean you need to be super matchy-matchy with your brand colours, but think about wearing complimentary colours, tones, brightness, textures.
For example if your branding is light and bright then wearing all black is going to be major contrast.
If you have bold brand colors it can be great to have one statement piece (jacket, dress etc) in your main colour for some of the photos, and then switch it out to try more neutral outfits with an accessory that pops in your colors.
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 any photos with you wearing when summer comes around.
Summer styles are a little easier to use all year, but layers are a great option to get both!
Accessories and layers are a simple way to change up a look without spending time doing a full outfit change. They can also be a great prop if it works for the scene!
And as I mentioned earlier you can also bring in your brand colours through a great accessory too.
For example
Love a hat? Wear it, toss it, hold it. There can be a lot of variety in even just one accessory!
This is the one thing that no one wants to do but you really, really should. Really.
Here it is: try your entire outfits on before your photo shoot. Including undergarments, shoes, jewelry - everything!
This will make sure you know that it all looks great, feels great and you have everything you need.
Then take it off and put it all together in a garment bag or wherever so it stays clean and wrinkle free until your shoot.
Asking these questions as you find and choose your outfits are just one of the ways to feel confident and amazing going into your next branding photo shoot.
Don't leave it to the last minute!
Valerie Hertzog is medical doctor and wellness coach. She empowers busy, driven women to reclaim control of their health through sustainable lifestyle changes with the support they need to feel healthy, more energetic & thrive in all aspects of their lives!
When THAT is your mission it’s so important that the women you want to help can find you!
Like most online businesses and coaches your potential clients get to know you through what they see online. They want to know what you’re all about and feel like they know you before working with you.
When Valerie joined my Branding Membership she already had a website and brand suite. She had professional photos done in the past which were great, but she knew she needed updated photos for launching her new program and all the marketing she would be doing for it.
She saw the value in having branding photoshoots and video shoots to use all throughout the year as her business grew and offers changed.
She totally crushed it like the amazing woman that she is!
Together we created on-brand, relevant photos and b-roll video in a variety of locations and seasons for her to use!
Valerie uses her brand photos in SO many ways. In online masterclasses, social media content, her email list, and website. Her brand videos flow seamlessly with her Instagram Stories and Reels.
Anytime she is creating content or marketing her business she has an entire library of branding photos and videos to pull from.
She can create confidently using photos of herself that she knows she loves!
She saves herself so much time by having everything at her finger tips. No more scrolling the camera roll trying to find something decent or taking 100 selfies and hoping there’s one in there she can use.
She makes it easier to show up in her business with less roadblocks aka reasons not to.
She has photoshoots scheduled whenever she needs them to always keep her content fresh and fun.
She doesn’t try to do it all by herself, instead she prioritizes what she’s really good at: helping her own clients!
The Membership is for business owners who value those things in their own business.
Valerie came to me when she already knew
We worked together to create branding photos and videos that would connect her with her potential clients and make it easier for her to share consistently and with impact!
It can be the start of an overwhelming adventure when you realize your business is in need of professional branding photography. Where do you even start??
You start googling things like “what to wear in brand photos” or find yourself scrolling through your Instagram feed to try and find that photographer you liked once, but now can’t for the life of you remember what their name is.
It can feel like you’re supposed to know how this all works, but here’s the honest truth: you don’t.
You’re allowed to come into this not knowing where to look when the camera is pointed at you because you’re a boss business owner and (probably) not a professional model!
You are really good at what you do in your own business. You know who you’re talking to, who you’re helping. You know what works for you and what doesn’t serve you.
A branding photoshoot is a totally different thing and it’s normal to feel nervous or out of your element. It’s also why it’s a team collab and we work together to combine your strengths and super powers with mine to create the best branding photoshoot ever.
Why don’t we start with
Where to look, what to do, how to not be awkward… any of those things!
There’s always those first few moments of panic, “what do you want me to do??”
Don’t worry I’ll guide you through it all during your shoot!
I like to go with the flow while also coaching you on where to place your hands, how to stand, when to smile. And it doesn’t take long before you’ll feel the flow of it too.
If there are certain poses you want to try we totally can! If you’ve been saving pictures that you love you can send them to me and we can create your version of them.
I’ll help you choose the location that fits exactly what you need and I always bring extra lighting incase
The lighting and setting up is part of your shoot so if your space is going to need it make sure to book extra time!
And if you have absolutely no idea feel free to send me some phone photos of your space and I can let you know.
Although I can light a basement to look bright, this takes a lot of time and doesn’t give as much flexibility in variety.
We can also chat about alternative locations like renting a studio space (I have reccs!) or my home-studio space.
Your job is to show up and be your wonderful self! I’ll take care of the flow of the day and keep us on track
Before your shoot we’ll have a Zoom call (or if you hate those you can just answer the questionnaire).
From there I’ll take everything we talk about and use it to create your personalized Shoot Plan which is the compass that guides your entire shoot.
It will have everything you need to know, bring, wear and do!
...of that pimple that showed up the morning of your shoot.
I individually edit all of the photos you choose so I will make you look like the best, most well rested, glowing skin version of yourself!
Whether you’re getting your makeup professional done or doing it yourself it is a good idea to bring powder and lip color to your shoot as most people tend to get shiny and your lip color wears off as we go.
Also make sure to lint roll your clothes (especially if you have pets!) and clean your laptop screen if it will be used as a prop.
Photoshop is great, but it’s always better to make things look as great as possible in real life!
Now that you know what you don’t need to know here are a few things you should have a pretty good ideas about before your brand shoot
What do you want to convey with the photos? What do you want them to communicate for you? Who do you want to connect with?
Knowing these kind of things ensures you get not just pretty photos, but impactful ones that you want to share!
When you book your shoot with me I will send you an in-depth questionnaire that will help you answer them. We can also have a call and chat it through if that’s your jam.
On the more hands-on side: are these primarily going to be used on your website, blog, socials?
If they’re for your website do you need more horizontal photos for full page backgrounds or banners?
Or if it’s for Instagram do you need more vertical for Stories and Reels?
Sure you can say “everything!” but when there’s a primary focus it’s much more powerful!
Is your brand light and bright? Soft neutrals? Or nature-filled and we need to find a forest to wander through?
Maybe you love bold color and don't want just a white-on-white room as your backdrop.
Lean into your branding aesthetic and colors to show you!
When you book a shoot with me we’ll go through all these questions and more so I can help you really figure out what kinds of photos you need, love AND will actually use in your business!
Pretty pictures are great! I’m a big fan.
But when you know the intention of your shoot it creates much more impact and purpose and, let’s be real, VALUE for you!