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!