How to communicate your vision for brand photography shoots
Understanding professional brand photography
If you’ve ever wanted to hire a photographer for your brand photos but have no idea how to communicate what you’re looking for, I’m writing this for you.
Some of you know I’m a photographer, and I’ve run my own photography business, Calvina Photography, for over 15 years. When I asked my clients what they are looking for, I can’t tell you how often I’ve been met with a shoulder shrug and “I just want headshots.”
Think about it – when was the last time you saw a super successful brand using basic, bland headshots? Probably never! That’s because they understand that brand photography is about capturing the essence of who you are and what you stand for.
Why brand photos matter more than headshots
News flash, even your toddler can photograph shots of your head, but it’s not enough for your face to be connected to your marketing materials.
You are looking for photos that in a split second can define your:
Style
Unique energy & spirit
Aesthetic
Brand values
Brand story
Your photos also need to:
Look great and be appropriately placed where you plan to use them (website, social media, brochures.) First, have that in mind.
Show you looking and feeling your best. No awkwardness!
Be in the location that best communicates who you are and what you do.
And let’s be real – in a world of endless scrolling and content overload, generic headshots just aren’t going to cut it anymore. You need photos that stop the scroll and make people think, “Ooh, who’s that?”
The pursuit of perfection in design work has been both a blessing and a curse. While it’s helped me create exceptional work for clients, it’s also caused unnecessary delays and self-doubt in my entrepreneurial journey.
Behind the scenes: A personal journey
I want to take you behind the scenes of my brand refresh.
Why? I had to redo my photos; my daughter shot them! She’s a talented kid but is not trained in photography. I set up the camera for her so that she could click. But she needed to know what I was going for, which meant I needed to communicate my vision.
And here’s the thing – working with my daughter actually forced me to get SUPER clear about what I wanted. When you’re working with a pro photographer, they can often fill in the blanks for you. But when you’re directing someone else, you need to know exactly what you’re after!
If you’re able to communicate the things that are in your head to somebody who has no idea what you’re talking about, that means you’ve got clarity
How to prepare for your brand photography session
Here’s what I did to get there:
First, I created a collection of photos like a mood board. I studied the similarities and broke down why each image drew me in. I realized that I wanted to capture movement. Blurry photos are unconventional, but that is okay with me.
Then, I studied poses. I looked up photos of poses that felt natural and good to me, and I practiced them in front of the mirror. I also shared the poses with my daughter so she could frame the photos and click.
Pro tip: Don’t just save random pretty photos – really look at them and ask yourself: What draws me to this image? Is it the lighting? The pose? The energy? Understanding these elements will help you communicate your vision so much better!
These are a few photos I love from the shoot.
The benefits of clear brand photography vision
Here are some other side effects of brand clarity:
You’ve confronted your visions and ideas and released all your pent-up creative energy in your head so you can finally SEE what you’re feeling inside. Now, that is confidence and next-level brand clarity!
Connect with your audience on a deeper level and in split seconds.
Everyone you hire to help will also know what you’re after and can help get you to your goals.
And let me tell you – once you get this clarity about your brand photos, it spills over into EVERYTHING else in your business. Suddenly, you’re clearer about your messaging, your offerings, even your ideal clients! It’s like getting new glasses and finally seeing everything in HD.
Remember, your brand photos aren’t just pretty pictures – they’re powerful tools that tell your story, attract your dream clients, and make your brand unforgettable. So take the time to get clear on your vision, and don’t be afraid to think outside the traditional headshot box!