The Complete Guide to Planning a Branding Photoshoot

Written By Gonzalo Rodriguez

The Complete Guide to Planning a Branding Photoshoot (With a Client Checklist)

A branding photoshoot is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your business. Whether you're a coach, creative, real estate agent, barber, or CEO, the right visuals can immediately increase trust, increase perceived value, and help you stand out in a crowded market.

But most people don’t know how to prepare and that’s where this guide comes in.

Below is everything your clients need to know to plan a successful branding session, plus a step-by-step checklist they can save and use.

Why Great Branding Photos Matter

Before the checklist, it helps to understand why these photos are so valuable:

  • People decide if they trust you in 0.05 seconds

  • Consistent visuals can increase revenue by up to 23%

  • Your headshot is often someone’s first impression of you

  • Branded images make your website, social media, and ads look professional instantly

A great branding session creates images that tell your story, build trust, and align your visuals with your message.

How to Plan Your Branding Photoshoot

1. Define Your Goals

Before the camera comes out, you should know:

  • Who is your target audience?

  • What emotion do you want them to feel?

  • Where will these photos be used? (website, LinkedIn, Instagram, ads, product packaging)

  • What message do you want the visuals to communicate?

This shapes everything — outfits, props, lighting style, colors, expressions, and backgrounds.

2. Build Your Brand Mood Board

Mood boards help clarify direction. Include:

  • Photo style (clean, moody, vibrant, corporate, lifestyle)

  • Color palette (your brand colors)

  • Example headshots or poses you connect with

  • Props, outfits, or locations you want included

  • Competitor or industry inspiration

3. Choose Outfits That Match Your Brand

Pick 3–5 outfits that represent your personality and industry.

Tips:

  • Avoid loud patterns

  • Choose brand colors or neutrals

  • Bring layers (jackets, blazers, sweaters)

  • Make sure everything fits well

  • Steam or iron your clothes the night before

  • Don’t forget accessories: watch, jewelry, glasses

Outfits should look like the best version of your everyday professional self.

4. Select Meaningful Props

Props help tell your story visually.

Depending on your business, bring:

  • Laptop, notebook, phone

  • Tools of your trade (camera, makeup kit, drafting tools)

  • Product samples

  • Coffee mug, bag, planner

  • Books that match your industry

  • Branding elements (logos, packaging, merch)

Props shouldn't clutter — they should enhance.

5. Choose Your Locations

You can choose:

✔ Studio

Best for clean, controlled, consistent images.

✔ Lifestyle (office, café, workspace)

Adds personality and storytelling.

✔ Outdoor

Great for natural light and approachable visuals.

Your photographer can help choose what suits your brand.

6. Prepare Your Look

Grooming:

  • Men: trim beard, fresh haircut 2–5 days before

  • Women: light makeup touch-up or full glam (your style)

  • Nails clean and simple

  • Hydrate the day before

  • Don’t try new skincare right before the shoot

Sleep:

A good night’s rest matters more than people think.

7. Plan Poses Ahead of Time

No one needs to be a model — but having ideas ready helps.

Poses can include:

  • Confident seated posture

  • Hands-in-pockets standing

  • Walking shots

  • Smiling, serious, and “thinking pose”

  • Working at a desk

  • Lifestyle interactions

Your photographer will guide you, but inspiration helps.

The Official Branding Photoshoot Checklist

Some photographer take offence when you come with ideas, props, and a plan. That never made sense to me. You want what you want and my job is to bring that to life with my skill.

✔ 1. Goals

  • What message am I communicating?

  • Where will these images be used?

✔ 2. Mood Board

  • Photo style

  • Colors

  • Example poses

  • Inspiration images

✔ 3. Outfits (3–5 options)

  • Tops

  • Bottoms

  • Shoes

  • Accessories

  • Layers

  • Undergarments

  • Jewelry

✔ 4. Props

  • Laptop

  • Notebook

  • Tools/products

  • Branding items

  • Personal items (mug, bag)

✔ 5. Grooming

  • Hair

  • Nails

  • Makeup

  • Skin

  • Rest & hydration

✔ 6. Logistics

  • Confirm location

  • Confirm start time

  • Pack outfits & props

  • Steam clothes

  • Bring water and snacks

Final Tips Before Your Session

  • Arrive early so you feel unrushed

  • Bring music you like — it helps energy

  • Relax and breathe — your photographer will pose and guide you

  • Remember: the shoot is about telling your story

Need Help Planning Your Shoot?

If you want images that match your personality, industry, and business goals, I guide you through every step — from mood boards to posing.

lets talk
Gonzalo Rodriguez
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