Insider Tips ✨
How to Plan a Successful
Brand Photoshoot 📸
Why is brand photography important for small businesses?
It Sets You Apart and Builds Trust
Brand photography is essential for small businesses because it sets the stage for how your product or service is perceived.
Does this sound familiar? You’re searching for a bookkeeper who understands the dynamic needs of a small business—someone who also feels approachable. Like most of us, you turn to Google. Site after site looks the same—outdated, stuffy, and anything but inviting. Frustrated, you settle for someone, not because you trust them, but because you need the help.
Now, imagine you land on a different kind of site.
Wow. Immediately, you’re drawn in. The colors, the energy, the images—it all screams fun and approachability. Before you even know it, you feel a little excited, thinking, She’s going to get me. This is my person.
That’s the power of personal brand photography. It doesn’t just make you look good; it creates a feeling, an emotional connection that sets you apart and builds trust before a single word is spoken.
Brand Photography Increases Perceived Value
When was the last time you bought something knowing you could get it cheaper somewhere else?
At the end of the day, value is determined by the consumer—not you. Your job is simply to convey that value to the right people.
Let’s talk about cars. Some people are obsessed with them—luxury models, vintage classics, turbocharged engines. They’ll pay a premium for the exact car they want. Others? They just need something safe and reliable to get from point A to B. And then there are those who don’t even own a car.
What’s the common thread? The value each person places on a car is entirely their own. The car itself doesn’t change—the perception does.
So how does this apply to your business?
Take one of my past clients, a small artisan candle maker in the Appalachian Mountains. She wanted to move away from the “crafty” look that often holds small makers back. Her vision? To position her candles as elevated home decor—sophisticated, sustainable, and handcrafted with care.
My job was to capture the essence of her brand visually—to showcase her products in a way that reflected quality, intention, and artistry.
Now, think about this: Which brand looks more professional, refined, and elevated? Brand photography doesn’t just make things look good; it signals to your audience that you take your business seriously. And when you take your business seriously, so do they.
A Brand Photoshoot Boosts Confidence
As a service provider, having high-quality photos of yourself isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about stepping into your business with confidence.
There’s nothing more frustrating than scrambling to put together a decent headshot when you’re selling a high-ticket service or when someone asks for a photo to feature you in an upcoming event. You know the struggle: hodge-podging selfies, cropping out friends from old pictures, or relying on low-quality, last-minute shots.
But when you finally have professional brand photos? It’s a game-changer.
Suddenly, all your hard work feels real. You’re not just a name on a website—you’re showing up fully, stepping into this new version of yourself as a business owner.
And let’s be honest—showing up in this way can feel vulnerable. It’s easy to worry about what people who know you personally will think. But here’s the truth: stepping into your business with confidence starts with owning your presence.
A professional brand photoshoot isn’t just about looking good—it’s about declaring to the world (and to yourself) that you’re serious about your business.
How to Plan a Successful Brand Photoshoot
Be Strategic
Remember: Lack of clarity creates lack of direction. Your visuals shape, communicate, and support your brand. “Pretty” photos without strategy won’t serve the long-term goals of your business.
Ask yourself:
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Where do I want my business to be in the next 12-24 months?
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What kind of visual assets will I need to support this growth and market my business effectively?
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What do I love about my current aesthetic, and what would I change right now?
Different businesses require different types of brand photography. For example, most product-based businesses need high-quality product images. Depending on where they are in their journey, they may need stockist images to attract retailers or lifestyle product photography to showcase their products in real-world settings. Some brands benefit from a mix of both to enhance their marketing and website presence.
Coaches, on the other hand, need more personal brand images—photos of themselves working with clients, engaging in different environments, and a library of images that can be used throughout their coaching programs.
Service-based business owners thrive with a combination of behind-the-scenes shots, lifestyle photography, and custom stock images that can be used on their website, marketing materials, and client proposals.
Understanding your specific needs ensures you get the most value from your investment in brand photography.
Determine Your Budget
Investing in your brand is one of the best decisions you can make for your business—but only when you’re ready to do it right. Every business is different, and no one can tell you what’s right for yours. Get honest about your priorities, and pay professionals their worth. 👏🏻
A successful brand photoshoot involves far more than just showing up and taking pictures. Below, I’m breaking down the costs based on what goes into preparing for a brand photoshoot.
What You Can Expect to Pay for Brand Photography
DIY or Partial DIY: $500 - $1,500
DIY or Partial DIY is the most budget-friendly option, but it’s also the most labor-intensive—and it often leads to spending more money later to get it done right. However, if this is what fits your budget right now, there are ways to make it work.
Mid-Tier: $2,000 - $8,000
Most professional brand photography packages start in this range (mine included). That’s because you’re not just hiring a photographer who shows up and snaps pictures—you’re hiring a brand specialist to guide you in making smart decisions.
A professional brand photographer should help you with:
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Creative direction that captures your brand’s personality
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A strategic shot list based on your marketing needs
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Wardrobe guidance to ensure your outfits align with your brand
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Prop selection to tell the story of your business (everything from small accessories to furniture)
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Location scouting to find the best backdrops for your aesthetic
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Lighting recommendations for the right mood and style
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Hair & makeup direction (or referrals to trusted professionals)
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A detailed shoot-day timeline to keep everything running smoothly
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Hiring and coordinating additional professionals as needed
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And more!
The price within this range depends on how much the photographer handles for you. Other factors include the length of the shoot, number of final images, editing, and commercial usage rights. Once you understand how much goes into a well-executed brand photoshoot, the pricing makes perfect sense.
High-End: $10,000 - $20,000
This level is for business owners who want a luxury, done-for-you experience or require a large volume of images. Most small business owners who invest at this level fall into the “full experience” category.
A high-end session includes everything fully handled for you—such as:
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A professional wardrobe stylist curating your looks
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A makeup artist who stays on-site for touch-ups throughout the day
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Custom props and set design for a highly curated aesthetic
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A full-day shoot with multiple locations
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High-end retouching and commercial licensing
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Possibly even video content to elevate your brand presence
Once you’ve established your budget you’ll know how much you have to invest in your personal brand photoshoot and it’s time to start planning.
Research + Collect Inspo 💻
It’s time to do some research. Choose 3-5 brands you love (inside and outside your industry) and analyze why you’re drawn to them.
ASK YOURSELF:
✔ What’s working here?
✔ What elements do I want to incorporate into my own brand?
✔ What do their visuals communicate?
Once you’ve identified patterns in what you love, start collecting images for inspiration. Pinterest is my go-to, but you can create a mood board in Canva, Notion, or a simple folder on your phone.
📌 PRO TIP: When saving inspo, don’t just look at poses—study lighting, locations, colors, and emotions conveyed in the images.
Hire the Right People
A successful brand photoshoot requires more than just a photographer. If you’re DIY-ing parts of it, consider where you need extra help and invest strategically.
People to Consider Hiring:
📷 Photographer - Research photographers in your area in your budget who fit your desired look. Be sure to review their portfolio and understand the scope of work included in hiring them.
💄 Hair & Makeup Artist – Even a natural look photographs better with professional styling.
👗 Clothing Stylist – Helps ensure your outfits align with your brand’s message and attract the right clients.
📹 Videographer – If you plan on using video content in your marketing, this is a game-changer.
🪞 Day-of Creative Director/ Stylist – If you need someone to oversee the details and ensure everything runs smoothly.
🧍🏼♀️ Assistant – Even for DIY shoots, having an extra set of hands makes a big difference.
📌 PRO TIP: If hiring a full team isn’t an option, barter or collaborate with professionals looking to build their portfolio. Always make sure you have a contract even for trades so everyone agrees to the scope of work and terms of use for final images.
Location, Location, Location
Your location sets the tone for your brand shoot. Be intentional about your choice and consider these key factors:
✔ Natural light – The more, the better!
✔ Restroom access – Especially important for outfit changes.
✔ Temperature control – You don’t want to be sweating or freezing in your photos.
✔ Permits or permissions – Some locations require booking in advance.
✔ Props & furniture – A furnished space can save time and money on staging.
✔ Privacy – Will you feel comfortable posing in a public space?
✔ Color palette – Does the space complement your brand colors and vibe?
📌 PRO TIP: If you need something unique sometimes you can rent an Airbnb or coworking space. This are great options outside of traditional photo studios.
Props Are Everything ☕️ 🪑
Props bring personality and context to your images. Choose on-brand objects that enhance the story you want to tell.
Great prop ideas:
📚 Books & magazines
🖋 Notebooks & planners
🌿 Plants & florals
💻 Laptop, phone, or tablet
🎨 Tools of your trade (camera, paintbrushes, skincare products, etc.)
🎭 Personal touches (mugs, candles, jewelry, etc.)
📌 PRO TIP: Pick a location that already has usable props to cut down on sourcing and setup time.
Choose the Right Clothing 👗Your outfits should reflect your future brand, not just your current one.
Think about how you want to be perceived:
✔ Down-to-earth? Stick to neutral, relaxed fits.
✔ Edgy? Experiment with bold colors, leather, or structured silhouettes.
✔ Luxury? Opt for tailored, elegant pieces and high-quality fabrics.
Outfit planning tips:
✅ Plan 3-4 outfit changes for variety.
✅ Avoid busy patterns, neon colors, and logos that may date your photos.
✅ Layer up—jackets, scarves, and accessories add dimension to your look.
📌 PRO TIP: If possible, hire a professional stylist to curate outfits that feel like YOU but are elevated for your brand.
Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome ✨
It’s easy to get distracted by trendy aesthetics or random “cool” shots that don’t actually serve your business. Stay focused on what will move the needle.
✔ Prioritize high-impact images – Think website banners, marketing materials, and key social media content.
✔ Website images have a longer shelf life than an Instagram post—don’t waste energy on content that won’t convert.
✔ Know your marketing goals before planning your shoot so every shot has a purpose.
📌 PRO TIP: If you’re working within a budget focus on capturing must-have photos and plan a refresh or update in 6-18 months to add to your library of images.