How to Prepare for a Branding Photo Session (and Get the Most Out of It!)

Personal Branding Photography Tips

So, you’ve decided it’s time for fresh branding photos—yay! 🎉 But now you might be wondering…Where do I even start?

A branding photo session isn’t just about showing up and smiling for the camera. It’s about creating intentional, strategic images that truly represent your brand and connect with your ideal clients. A little planning now will save you stress later and make sure you walk away with photos you love (and actually use!)

Here’s how to get prepped like a pro:

Preparing for a Branding Photo Shoot

1. Get Clear on Your Brand & Goals

Before you step in front of the camera, take a moment to reflect on your brand. Ask yourself:

✔️ Who is my ideal client? Who am I trying to attract?
✔️ What problem do I solve for them? How do my services help them?
✔️ What is my brand’s voice and vibe? Am I polished and professional? Playful and fun? A little of both?

Your branding photos should visually tell the story of your business, so knowing these answers will help guide everything from outfit choices to shot selection.

2. Know Your Main Purpose for the Session

Not all branding sessions are created equal! What’s your primary reason for booking this shoot? Are you:

🔹 Just starting out and need brand images from scratch?
🔹 Refreshing outdated photos?
🔹 Launching a new product, service, or offer?

Being clear on this helps your photographer focus on getting the images you’ll need the most.

3. Make a List of Everywhere You’ll Use Your Photos

Think beyond just a headshot! Consider:

📌 Website headers & about pages
📌 Social media profiles & banners
📌 Instagram posts & stories
📌 Marketing materials (brochures, business cards, ads)

Example: A recent client knew they needed a shot of the two of them with their faces close together that would fit in their profile pictures. Because they thought ahead, we made sure to capture that shot during their session!

Take a few minutes to note where your photo gaps are—what images do you constantly find yourself needing but don’t have? This will help you maximize your session.

4. Gather Inspiration with a Pinterest Board

Not sure how you want your branding photos to look? Create a Pinterest board with:

✔️ Poses you like
✔️ Specific shots that stand out to you
✔️ Backgrounds or styles that match your brand

💡 Pro Tip: Add notes to each pin about why you like it—this makes it easier to communicate your vision to your photographer.

5. Think About Wardrobe, Hair & Makeup

💄 If possible, hire a stylist for wardrobe guidance and a pro for hair & makeup. They know what looks best on camera and will make you feel confident.
 💄If hiring is out of budget, plan ahead! Choose outfits that fit your brand colors and flatter you. Test out hair & makeup beforehand to avoid last-minute stress.

💄Bring multiple outfits for variety—think casual, business casual, and professional looks.

6. Consider Props & Tools That Represent Your Brand

Props can add depth and personality to your photos! Think about what tells your brand story:

📖 A laptop, planner, or coffee cup if you’re a coach or entrepreneur
🎨 Art supplies if you’re a designer or creative
🛍️ Product samples if you sell physical items

Bringing small props makes your images feel natural and unique to your brand.

7. Plan Your Location (or at Least Your Vibe)

 🏡If you already have a location in mind, great! If not, think about the type of space that best fits your brand.
 🏡Do you want something bright and airy, or more moody and bold? A studio setting, or something more lifestyle-driven like a coffee shop or workspace?

✨Your photographer can help suggest locations based on your vision.

8. Consider the Season & Timing

 ⏰Need fresh content for spring and summer? Book your session before peak season hits.
⏰Launching something new soon? Schedule your shoot with enough time to get edited images before your launch date.
⏰If your business is seasonal, consider what visuals you’ll need for upcoming promotions.

9. Prepare Your Mindset & Energy

Confidence is everything in a branding session! To make sure you feel your best:

💫 Get plenty of rest the night before.
💫 Hydrate and eat a solid meal so you have energy.
💫 Listen to a playlist that hypes you up on the way to your shoot.

Your energy and attitude will show in the final images, so set yourself up to shine!

10. Communicate with Your Photographer

A professional personal branding photographer will help you through this entire process. They’ll provide:

📌 A detailed questionnaire to understand your brand.
📌 A client prep guide with outfit and location tips.
📌 Shot list planning to ensure you get the images you need.

If your photographer doesn’t offer these things…well, you might want to reconsider who you’re booking. 😉

Final Thoughts

Branding photos aren’t just about looking good—they’re about creating images that work for your business and speak to your ideal client. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel and the better your photos will turn out!

And if you’re wanting more tips to look and feel your best in front of the camera, I’ve got you covered! Check out this blog post on how to feel and look your best in front of the camera at your photo session. 

Now...Let's get YOU in front of the camera!

If you’re ready to elevate your marketing with brand photos that speak to your ideal clients, you’re in the right place.

I’m Cheryl Jackson, an OKC based branding photographer, and I specialize in branding photos for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Whether you need fresh headshots, product shots, or lifestyle images, I’ve got you covered.

Let's create photos that help your business grow — because you deserve to feel confident in how you show up online!