Planning a Personal Brand Photoshoot

Guest Blog Post from Home and Life Organisation Coach Nathalie Ricaud, founder of Get Organised and Beyond.

Last year, as part of my business rebranding, I needed images for my new website.  The choice of the photographer was easy: Silke from Zebra & Jojo Photography who specialises in visual brand storytelling for female-led businesses.  I had been following her for many years and was patiently waiting for the right opportunity to hire her as I knew her style would be perfect for my brand.  I wasn’t disappointed, I love the pictures she took. 

The thing I was not prepared for though was how much planning a brand photoshoot was entailing.  I knew it would be more than just showing my face – and ideally my best smile, not an easy one – and let the photographer work her magic, but I hadn’t anticipated that so much planning was needed beforehand.  Well, my organising skills quickly kicked in (good thing as that’s what I do for a living!) and the preparations and photoshoot went smoothly. 

Silke thought the list I had put together to keep everything in check could benefit many of her clients so I’m sharing it with you here today together with a few tips.  Of course, not all will apply to you, but I hope it can save you time and avoid you some costly mistakes. 

Here’s my list of things to do before a brand photoshoot, once you’ve hired your photographer:

3 weeks before the photoshoot:

• Tell the photographer about your business, personality and values as well as the scenarios and stories you want to be portrayed in the photoshoot
• Share images with the photographer that you like and illustrate the points above

If you work with an experienced brand photographer like Silke, she will guide through these steps very seamlessly. 

2 weeks before the photoshoot:

• Conduct a photoshoot planning session with the photographer, and the stylist if one is involved (mine was Patricia from Fancy Girl Design Studio), to discuss the stories to be told, the compositions, the props needed, your outfits etc. 
• Plan your outfits, in line with your brand and logo colours, including shoes and jewellery.  Try them on to make sure you’re comfortable in them.  Share them with your photographer so she knows what to expect and make recommendations. 
• Schedule grooming sessions – think facial, pedicure/manicure, makeup, hairdo, etc.
• Make a list of the props needed and whether you have them, need to borrow them or to buy them
• Reach out to your friends if you need to portray clients in your photoshoot.  Make sure they represent your target client and that they make you feel at ease, especially if like myself you feel quite nervous in front of a camera.  And plan some back-up!!  On the morning of the photoshoot, one of the two friends who were supposed to be involved in my photoshoot informed me that her son had got covid and that she shouldn’t take the risk of spreading the virus.  Good thing I had a back-up otherwise I’d have been quite stressed out! 
• Engage help to set up the props for the photoshoot.  Our session was quite intense, and I had barely time to breathe.  I was quite grateful for one of my friends to be there to help the stylist with the set-up.  Also, that person can help you take photos or videos if you want to share behind the scenes shots. 

1 week before the photoshoot:

• Gather the props needed
• Create a WhatsApp group with all the people involved in the photoshoot to facilitate the exchange of information – do include exact address and timing of the photoshoot
• Help your friends select their outfits so that they are in line with your brand and the scenarios they will be involved in, and won’t be clashing with your own outfits

3 days before the photoshoot:

• Get your facial done
• Remind your friends of the photoshoot

The day before the photoshoot:

• Pack the props and outfits by scenario
• Get your pedicure / manicure done
• Have a good night sleep so that you are fully rested

The day of the photoshoot:

• Send a last reminder to your friends
• Get your hair and make-up done, unless your make-up artist/hairdresser can be on the set with you.  Not only it will save you time for the last-minute tasks you might have to complete but they can also do some touch-ups during the photoshoot. 
• Run last minute errands – such as buying fresh flowers. 
• Eat well: a photoshoot can be quite intense, I was grateful I had a good lunch to give me the energy I needed. 
• Leave your home early: you don’t want to arrive on the set stressed, sweaty and dishevelled!

I hope the above list and tips help.  What else would you add?