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How To Use Branding Photography To Showcase Your Brand’s Authenticity (Part 1)

Charlotte branding photographer

 

Showcasing authenticity through branding photography is a powerful way to connect with your audience on a personal level.  I’m coming to you with a two part series (make sure to check back here next week!) on how to leverage branding photography to authentically represent your brand:

1. Define Your Brand’s Authenticity:

Before you start the photoshoot, clearly define what authenticity means for your brand. Consider your values, mission, and the unique aspects that set your brand apart. This clarity will guide the visual storytelling process.

2. Capture Real Moments:

Authenticity thrives in genuine moments. Encourage the photographer to capture real interactions among your team, candid expressions, and unscripted moments. These images convey a sense of sincerity and make your brand more relatable.

3. Feature Real People:

Use real employees, customers, or stakeholders in your photos. Including the faces and stories of real people associated with your brand reinforces authenticity. It humanizes your brand and establishes a connection with your audience.

4. Tell Your Story:

Every brand has a unique story. Use branding photography to tell that story visually. Showcase the journey, challenges, successes, and the people behind the brand. Storytelling creates an emotional connection, making your brand more authentic and memorable.

5. Highlight Imperfections:

Perfection can feel sterile. Embrace imperfections and authenticity by showcasing genuine moments, unpolished settings, or the behind-the-scenes aspects of your business. This transparency fosters trust and relatability.

6. Use Natural Lighting and Environments:

Opt for natural lighting and authentic environments. Avoid overly staged settings and artificial lighting. Natural elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your photos, contributing to the overall authenticity of your brand.

Click here to read the next 6 tips on how to show up authentically in your branding images!

5 Steps To Planning The Perfect Branding Photoshoot

Charlotte branding photographer

 

 

Planning a brand shoot involves careful consideration of your brand identity, goals, and the message you want to convey. You want to be flexible and open to creative insights on the day of the shoot and while planning is crucial, sometimes spontaneous moments can result in captivating images that truly capture the essence of your brand. Communication with your photographer throughout the planning process is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page and working toward a cohesive brand representation. Listed below are five essential steps to help you plan a successful brand shoot:

1. Define Your Brand Identity and Objectives:

  • Brand Essence: Clearly articulate your brand’s essence, values, and personality. Understand what makes your brand unique and how you want it to be perceived.
  • Objectives: Determine the specific goals of the brand shoot. Whether it’s to launch a new product, showcase your team, or update your visual content, having clear objectives will guide the planning process.

2. Create a Shot List:

  • Identify Key Shots: Make a list of essential shots based on your brand identity and objectives. Include a mix of product shots, lifestyle images, team portraits, and any other visuals that align with your brand story.
  • Consider Locations and Backgrounds: Decide on the settings for each shot. This may include your workspace, outdoor locations, or specific backgrounds that complement your brand’s aesthetic.

3. Choose the Right Photographer:

  • Review Portfolios: Look for a photographer whose style aligns with your brand vision. Review their portfolios to ensure they have experience with the type of shots you’re looking for.
  • Discuss Your Vision: Schedule a meeting with the photographer to discuss your brand, objectives, and the mood you want to convey. Collaboration is key to ensuring the photographer understands and can capture your brand essence.

4. Consider Styling and Props:

  • Wardrobe and Props: Plan the styling elements for your shoot, including wardrobe choices for models, if applicable, and any props that enhance the visual narrative.  This may include hiring a professional wardrobe stylist.
  • Consistency in Styling: Ensure that the styling elements align with your brand’s visual identity and that there’s consistency across all shots.

5. Plan Logistics and Timeline:

  • Select a Date and Time: Choose a date and time that aligns with your schedule and allows for optimal lighting conditions. Consider the availability of team members, if applicable.
  • Location Logistics: If the shoot involves multiple locations, plan the logistics for transitions between sites. Ensure all necessary permits and permissions are secured.

If you found these tips useful or have tips of your own I’d love to hear them in the comments below!  And if you’re ready to schedule your own branding session then contact me today so we can get started!

When To Book A Mini Session Vs. A Full Session

Charlotte branding photographer

 

Mini Session.  Full Session.  I offer both services and today I want to discuss how they differ so that you can decide which is the right option for you and your business.  Deciding between a mini branding session and a full branding session depends on various factors, including your business needs, budget, and the depth of content you require. Here are some considerations to help you determine when each type of branding session may be more appropriate:

Mini Branding Session

1. Limited Budget:

  • If you’re working with a constrained budget, a mini branding session can be a more cost-effective option. It allows you to get professional images without the higher price tag associated with a full session.

2. Quick Content Refresh:

  • If you need a small batch of fresh content for a specific campaign, seasonal promotion, or social media update, a mini session can provide a quick and efficient solution.

3. Time Constraints:

  • When time is of the essence and you need professional photos in a short amount of time, a mini branding session, usually shorter in duration, can be a convenient choice.

4. Focused Brand Elements:

  • If you have specific elements of your brand that you want to highlight or refresh, such as headshots, product shots, or a particular aspect of your business, a mini session can be tailored to address these specific needs.

Full Branding Session

1. Comprehensive Brand Storytelling:

  • If you have a rich and multifaceted brand story that requires a more extensive visual narrative, a full branding session is ideal. This allows for a deeper exploration of various aspects of your business.

2. Diverse Content Needs:

  • When you require a wide range of content, including team photos, product shots, lifestyle images, and behind-the-scenes captures, a full branding session provides the time and flexibility to cover these diverse needs.

3. Brand Evolution or Launch:

  • If your business is undergoing a significant change, such as a rebranding, launch of a new product line, or expansion into new markets, a full branding session offers the opportunity to comprehensively capture and communicate these changes.

4. Brand Cohesion Across Platforms:

  • For businesses with a presence across various platforms, a full branding session can ensure consistency in visuals across websites, social media, print materials, and other marketing channels.

5. In-Depth Brand Exploration:

  • If you want to go beyond the surface and delve into the nuances of your brand, including the values, culture, and unique aspects that set you apart, a full branding session allows for a more in-depth exploration.

General Tips

  • Evaluate Your Immediate Needs: Consider what you need the photos for and how urgently you require them.
  • Budget Allocation: Allocate a budget that aligns with your branding and marketing priorities.
  • Long-Term vs. Short-Term Goals: Assess whether you’re looking for immediate visual content or planning for a more sustained and comprehensive brand representation.

Ultimately, the choice between a mini and full branding session comes down to your specific circumstances and objectives. Both options can yield impactful results when tailored to meet the unique needs of your business.  While I only offer mini sessions a couple of times each year, full branding sessions happen year round!  To get first dibs on my mini session events please make sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter here or if you’re ready to dive into a full branding experience contact me today!

How To Do Your Hair + Makeup For Your Branding Shoot

Charlotte branding photographer

 

If you have a branding photoshoot coming up, you’ll want to make sure you look your best. Your hair and makeup are an important part of your overall appearance, so it’s important to prepare in advance. My #1 suggestion is always to hire a professional so that you’re not rushed on shoot day AND so that you can look like your most polished self.  Trained professionals can make you look like an enhanced version of yourself and know what looks work best for a professional photoshoot.  But I know sometimes hiring a professional isn’t feasible so in these instances here are some tips on how to do your hair and makeup for a branding photoshoot:

  1. Start with a clean slate: Make sure your hair and face are clean and moisturized before you begin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil from your face, and apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. For your hair, use a shampoo and conditioner that’s appropriate for your hair type, and consider using a deep conditioning treatment if your hair is dry or damaged.
  2. Choose your makeup wisely: For a branding photoshoot, you’ll want to choose makeup that enhances your natural features without overpowering them. Stick to neutral shades for your eyes and lips, and use a foundation that matches your skin tone. Don’t forget to apply a primer before your foundation to help it stay in place, and use a setting spray to keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day.
  3. Consider your outfit: Your hair and makeup should complement your outfit, so choose your clothing wisely. If you’re wearing a bold outfit, you may want to keep your hair and makeup more understated, while a simple outfit can be paired with more dramatic hair and makeup.
  4. Practice, practice, practice: Before the day of your photoshoot, practice your hair and makeup to make sure you’re happy with the results. YouTube has some great tutorials and if you begin practicing a few weeks before your session takes place you can easily apply your look on shoot day.  Take a few selfies to see how you look in different lighting, and make any necessary adjustments.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a hair and makeup look that’s perfect for your branding photoshoot. Remember to have fun and be confident in front of the camera!

Planning A Pinterest-Worthy Brand Shoot

Charlotte branding photographer

 

For small businesses aiming to make a mark in the digital world, creating a visual narrative that’s not just Instagrammable but Pinterest-worthy is a strategic move. So, how do you plan a photoshoot that captures attention, resonates with your audience, and earns a coveted spot on Pinterest boards? Let’s dive into the magic of crafting a photoshoot that turns heads.

Before you step in front of the photographer’s lens you want to delve into the essence of your brand. What story do you want to tell? What emotions do you want to evoke? Pinterest is a platform driven by inspiration, so your visual narrative should reflect the heart and soul of your brand.  You’ll also need to understand your audience.  Pinterest is a treasure trove of diverse interests and styles. Understand your target audience and what resonates with them on the platform. What are they pinning? What aesthetics appeal to them? Tailor your photoshoot to align with these preferences, ensuring your content becomes a welcomed addition to their Pinterest boards.

Pinterest lovers are familiar with the power of mood boards, and creating one for your brand shoot is no different. Curate images that inspire you, embody your brand’s spirit, and align with the aesthetics you’re aiming for. This visual reference will not only guide your photoshoot but also ensure a cohesive and harmonious visual language.  One of the most important elements is your hired photographer.  The person behind the lens is pivotal in translating your vision into reality. Make sure to look for a photographer whose style aligns with your brand aesthetic. Share your mood board and discuss your goals, ensuring they understand the nuances of Pinterest-worthy visuals.

Pinterest is filled with dreamy landscapes and charming settings. Whether it’s an urban backdrop, a cozy coffee shop, or a picturesque outdoor location, choose settings that resonate with your brand story. The right location can elevate your visuals and make them more shareable.  And yes, your own style matters as well.  From wardrobe choices to props and set design, meticulous styling plays a crucial role in creating visuals that Pinterest users will want to pin. Pay attention to color schemes, textures, and overall composition. A thoughtful approach to styling ensures that your images are not just aesthetically pleasing but also shareable.

Pinterest users are typically drawn to bright, airy visuals. Whenever possible, opt for natural light to create a soft, inviting ambiance. Plan your shoot in a location that has a lot of natural lighting that Pinterest users adore.  Next up is making sure to have a wide variety of shots.  Pinterest boards often feature a mix of images, from product shots to lifestyle snaps. Ensure your photoshoot covers a variety of perspectives, showcasing different facets of your brand. This diversity not only keeps your content interesting but also caters to a broader audience.

In the world of Pinterest, where every pin is a potential discovery, planning a brand photoshoot that’s truly Pinterest-worthy involves a careful blend of storytelling, aesthetics, and strategic choices. It’s not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about crafting a visual journey that users want to embark on and share with their followers. So, as you plan your next brand shoot, let the magic of Pinterest inspire you to create visuals that not only capture attention but also leave a lasting impression in the hearts of your audience.

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