How to Plan Your Branding Photoshoot
Let’s be real, brand photos can make or break your business. You know you need branding photos, but where do you even start? Should you just get a headshot and call it a day? (Spoiler: No.) Do you need to hire a whole creative team? (Maybe, but let’s figure that out.)
This guide is here to break it all down—step by step—so you can confidently plan your brand shoot and get images that actually work for your business.
How to Plan Your Branding Photoshoot (Without the Overwhelm!)
Step 1: Figure Out What You Actually Need
Before you go looking for a photographer, ask yourself:
What is this shoot for? (Website, social media, product launch, campaign, etc.)
Who is your audience? What do you want them to feel when they see your brand?
Do you already have brand guidelines? (Logos, colors, fonts, vibe?) If not, do you need a designer first?
💡 Pro Tip:
The clearer your brand identity, the easier it is to create strategic, effective images. If you’re still figuring it out look for a photographer who can guide you, or connect you with someone who can.
Step 2: Find the Right Photographer (Because Not All Are the Same!)
Not all brand photographers do the same thing. Some just snap pictures and send them over. Others help with strategy, planning, and styling—so it depends on what you need.
Here’s what to consider when choosing a photographer:
Style: Do their photos match the vibe you want for your brand?
Personality & Approach: Do they guide you through the process, or are you left figuring things out on your own?
Strategy & Direction: Will they help plan the shoot so you get content that actually fits your business needs?
Resources & Team: Do they offer stylists, location scouting, or help with shot lists?
Budget & Services: Prices vary based on experience, support level, and deliverables—know what you need before shopping around.
💡 Pro Tip:
A great brand photographer should feel like an extension of your team. They should get your vision, connect with your values, and make the whole process feel easy.
Step 3: Plan Your Shoot Like a Pro
Once you’ve got your photographer, it’s time to map out the details!
Shoot Strategy: Do you need product shots, lifestyle images, or campaign-specific content
Platform Optimization: Where will these images be used? (Website, Instagram, ads, print, etc.)
Creative Direction: Do you need a stylist, location scouting, or prop suggestions?
Messaging & CTA: Are these photos meant to sell, build trust, or create engagement?
💡 Pro Tip:
The more intentional your shoot, the more valuable your images will be. Brand photography isn’t just about “pretty pictures”—it’s about visuals that actually do something for your business.
Final Thoughts: Branding Photos Should Feel Easy, Not Stressful
At the end of the day, your branding shoot should be fun and exciting—not something that gives you decision fatigue. With the right photographer, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and walk away with images that truly represent your brand.
Looking for a branding photographer in Calgary or Toronto?
I help female entrepreneurs and wellness brands create strategic, beautiful images that tell their story. Let’s make magic together!