Get Ready for Your Brand Photoshoot

Let's talk about your brand photoshoot. You have finally decided to do it and the day is approaching. And whether you are super camera confident or full of regrets for booking a photographer (because you simply do not like being photographed), these little steps will help you prepare for your session. I had some great conversations with previous clients about what they'd add to the list but I am open for more ideas so let me know what you think (especially if you've had a brand photography experience recently).

One simple truth is...

Clients, who prepare well in advance, always walk away happier with their images.

Not because they are more confident or experienced, but because they have handled the basics.

They know that a brand session is more than a portrait photoshoot. It is aimed at their clients - what they will see and perceive, how they might feel about the business. How to connect with them through the images. Do you want to appear very bubbly, chatty and sociable; or do you prefer to look a bit more corporate, reserved and contained. Would you like your customers to see the "you" behind the brand - with your pet, messy studio, goofy smiles and favourite hobbies, or are you only showing aspects of your work.

There is no right or wrong answer here - only your truth, vision and ideas.

So, here's what you will not regret doing before your brand photoshoot:

• Be clear on the goal: Where are you using these images? Instagram, Facebook, website launch, email banners, press and print materials… If you can answer this and the questions above, then your session will have a structure, a direction and momentum.

• Pack a small mirror, a hairbrush, lipgloss and powder for quick touch ups between shots: Not everyone can afford a makeup artist to be present at their shoot. Especially if you are a small biz owner. And that's fine. These are small things you can do for yourself to help you avoid that sweaty/flustered look, dry lips and windswept hair. You definitely don't want that in your final images. Here we can add a little bonus: moisturise your hands and lips right before shooting.

• Drink plenty of water, not just coffee. Hydration is key to helping you feel your best during and after your shoot. Which doesn't at all mean that you can't have a lovely cup of tea or coffee with your photographer just before you start.

• Curate a favourite playlist to set the tone. Something to relax you, yet boost your energy. Music reaches the mind in unexplainable ways but it is powerful enough to make you more confident, calm and in tune with yourself. And hey! If you choose to work with me, we will have a little dance party.

• Get a good night's sleep the night before. It shows. And it helps your mood, complexion and energy.

• Stay close to the location if you can or leave early. Less rushing equals less stress and what better than eliminating traffic panic.

• Do not skip breakfast or at least, pack easy snacks like nuts or cereal bars to keep your energy up. It is very easy to fall into morning madness before your shoot (especially if you have school and nursery runs as well) and forget to eat. I am often guilty of that myself. But hunger can quickly interfere with your mood, make you feel light-headed, irritable and stressed. I don't mind pausing the session for a quick snack.

• Bring plenty of props to help build out different stories. It could be as simple as your laptop/tablet, favourite pen, diary and a calendar, favourite mug. Anything that truly connects yourself to your personal brand. Also, holding your familiar things helps with nerves and hands fidgeting.

None of this is glamorous. Just small pieces of advice to ease you into the day. Yes, it takes some time and effort. But the results are always worth it. Over to you now - anything else you would like to add.

Love,

Millie x