As a Photographer and Business Owner, I know how important Branding Photo Sessions are to any business. I must admit, I do photograph most of my own content myself. I will set up my camera on a tripod, set the interval timer, take a seat, say “cheese” and, voila! post my newest headshot. However, I do also seize every opportunity to have another talented photographer take brand photos for me.

Last month, another local brand and portrait Photographer, Katherine Nuñez offered an awesome Branding Mini Session at her Garden City, NY studio that included 25 images as well as two BTS videos from the talented Katerina Vol. I quickly booked the last time slot available; I knew this was a deal that was too good to pass up!

I thought my recent experience as “The Client” was a perfect opportunity to share 5 tips to prepare Business Owners for a successful Studio Brand Photoshoot.

1) Set Your Intention for the photoshoot.

You’ve booked your session, huzzah!!! But what is your goal for this particular studio photoshoot? In my case, I wanted new headshots and full body shots in multiple outfits that I could use for my website, my social media profiles, and my Newsletter. What do you intend to use these photos for? Even if you are not 100% sure, discuss any ideas with your Photographer. They will be able to help you out with ideas and it will make the whole photoshoot go more smoothly!

Are you launching a new website or social media account? You may be looking for a broad range of photos, including you, your products/services, your storefront, team members, etc.
Are you celebrating a business milestone? Perhaps a fun photo shoot with balloons, champagne, and confetti!
Perhaps you just need some updated headshots, product shots to announce seasonal offerings or new team members.

2) Bring Multiple Outfits

One of the biggest questions I get asked when a Client books a Branding Photoshoot is “What should I wear?” When I was preparing for this branding photo session, I looked in my own closet and immediately texted my friends “I have nothing to wear!”

After a quick search on Nordstrom.com, I found this fun, purple cocktail dress.

Is it cute? Yes… Is it on brand? Not quite…
I ended up selecting two outfits (one casual, one dressier) both an elevated version of what I would typically wear to a photoshoot. My casual outfit included a blazer that I could take on and off for various shots and I brought a pair of boots and pumps. This gave me a variety of looks across the photo session. I also chose outfits that incorporated brand colors or complimentary to my brand colors.

If you are getting in front of the camera, ask your Photographer if there is sufficient time to accommodate multiple outfits. You’ll be happy to have the variety!

3) Bring Props

I was so glad that the Photographer texted me the day before and reminded me to bring props to the photo session. I knew I was going to bring my camera, but I also ended up bringing my tablet and a branded water bottle. A studio photoshoot is often a blank slate, so bring a few items that you use every day in your business, even if it’s your cell phone, your favorite cup of coffee, your office goldfish or plant.

4) PLan Hair, Make-Up, and SKin Care Ahead of Photo Day.

Just like your outfits, your personal care should also be elevated. This includes:

HAIR I recommend scheduling any hair appointments (cut, color, etc.) approximately one week prior to Photo Day.

SKIN Maintain your regular skin routine and schedule any major facial treatments at least a week prior to Photo Day.

A Note on Spray Tans: My photo session was at the end of January; I thought getting a spray tan would add a little color to my face. However, I also know that spray tans can go drastically wrong (to orange, weird lines, orange nails, you get the picture). I scheduled my Spray two days before Photo Day…I think I should have allotted one more day, but the pictures still came out amazing. A big thank you to Kristen at Wax Republic for a wonderful spray tan experience.

MAKE-UP Even if you don’t regularly wear make-up, I highly recommend hiring a Make-Up Artist for your Photo Day. My branding photo shoot included an optional make-up add on, which I happily booked. A good Make-Up Artist will also be able to adapt make-up based on your business. If your branding photo shoot does not include Make-Up, ask your Photographer for recommendations, I have a a list that I regularly work with. Thank you to Eleyn of Aloe Makeup Artistry for doing my make-up for this Branding Photo Session. I’m so glad she’s local (I’m adding her to my go-to list!)

5) Allow Yourself Time to Prepare for the Photo Session.

Life Happens! I am the first to admit that I leave no time for preparing for my own photo sessions. I am often shopping for clothes for my boys two hours before my family pictures, texting my hair salon begging them to squeeze me in, you get the picture.

First, my son ended up being sick and staying home from school the day of my photo session. I also laying out my outfits 15 minutes before I was supposed to leave and realized one dress still had a security tag on it!!!! I made a very last minute change. Are the photos still fantastic? Of course! Could I have realized this the night before, planned accordingly and not rushed to the studio, absolutely! Don’t stress yourself out like I did.

And here’s a Bonus!

6) Have the BEST TIME!

Even if you dread being in front of the camera, just have fun! Do some Yoga or Meditation beforehand, or if you’d rather get pumped up, blast some music and dance around and worse comes to worse, fake it until you make it!

I hope these 5 tips will help you better prepare for your next studio brand photoshoot. I offer a variety of packages for Brand Photography including my MINI BRANDING SESSION. For more information, find me on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, or you can CONTACT ME.

Erin Rechler Photography is a Long Island, New York photographer and is now booking business headshot Mini Sessions in the Huntington area. If you live in the surrounding Lloyd Harbor, Cold Spring Harbor, Laurel Hollow, Syosset, Plainview, Woodbury, Roslyn, Muttontown, Old Westbury, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay, Greenlawn, Centerport, Melville, Jericho or Northport areas, please consider booking and branding Mini Session this month.