A well-planned photoshoot starts long before the camera clicks – its at these Brand Photoshoot planning calls that all the magic happens.
Recently, I had a pre-shoot planning call with Ellie to make sure every detail of her session was carefully thought through. From wardrobe to props, space setup to shot lists, this call was all about ensuring she felt confident and prepared on the day.
Here’s how we planned her brand photoshoot.
Wardrobe & Props: Creating a Cohesive Look
Choosing the right outfits and props is a big part of making sure a brand shoot reflects my client’s personality and professionalism. Ellie had already put a lot of thought into her outfits, which made the process even smoother. She had planned three different looks:
- Polished Professional: A smart, elevated outfit to create a strong, confident first impression. Perfect for her website’s homepage and LinkedIn profile.
- Casual & Approachable: A more relaxed outfit, great for showcasing her at-home work environment and adding warmth to her brand presence.
We also talked about how these outfits would work together visually, making sure they aligned with her brand colours and gave a sense of consistency across her website and marketing materials.
Next, we moved on to props, which help tell the story of her brand in a natural, authentic way. Ellie had already gathered:
- A mug and notebook in her brand colours (perfect for casual desk shots).
- A selection of books relevant to her industry.
- Her laptop and graphics tablet, essential for showing her creative process.
- Sketches and UX wireframes to highlight her expertise.
- Pens, pencils, and highlighters for close-up detail shots.
I also suggested bringing in some printed materials, such as colour charts, past client work, or mood boards. These small details not only help reinforce her brand identity but also add texture and depth to the photos.
When it comes to props, it’s always better to have more than less—that way, we have plenty of options to work with on the day.
Creating a Shot List
To make sure we captured everything Ellie needed, we reviewed the Pinterest board she had put together before the planning call. This board gave me a clear idea of the styles, poses, and compositions she was drawn to.
Rather than creating a detailed shot list, we decided to use the Pinterest board as a guide, with Ellie trusting my judgement to lead the session. This approach allows for a natural flow on the day, ensuring we capture key moments without feeling restricted by a rigid list.
For some clients, writing down specific shots—like “over-the-shoulder at laptop” or “holding a coffee cup”—can be useful. But in Ellie’s case, her visual references were already strong, and we agreed that I’d take the lead in directing her based on the inspiration she’d shared.
Preparing the Space: Setting the Scene
Since part of Ellie’s shoot would take place at home, we talked about how to set up her space in a way that worked best for the camera. Key considerations included:
- Natural Light: Positioning herself to face a window for the most flattering light. If possible, arranging furniture in a way that maximised light.
- Extra Lighting: I’d be bringing additional lighting as a backup, just in case the weather didn’t cooperate.
- Decluttering Without Over-Styling: Clearing away major distractions—like bins or children’s toys—while keeping decorative elements that made the space feel lived-in and authentic.
- Flexible Layouts: Sometimes, what looks great in person doesn’t translate well to photos, so I reassured Ellie that we might move things around slightly on the day to get the best shots.
- Background Details: If needed, swapping out artwork or adding small branded elements (such as a framed quote or a neatly arranged shelf) to subtly reinforce her brand identity.
The goal wasn’t to make the space look overly curated or staged but to enhance what was already there in a way that felt natural and professional.
Beauty & Finishing Touches: Feeling Confident on Camera
Makeup isn’t essential for a brand shoot, and I always encourage clients to do whatever feels best for them. In Ellie’s case, she had already booked a professional makeup artist, so we focused on how to make sure her makeup worked well for the camera.
One of the biggest things I always flag is shine. What looks fresh and dewy in person can sometimes appear overly reflective under studio lighting or natural sunlight. I suggested that when speaking with her makeup artist, she request:
- A natural, soft finish with minimal highlighter on the T-zone and cheekbones to avoid glare.
- A matte setting powder or blotting papers on hand for quick touch-ups throughout the session.
- Defined but natural-looking eye makeup—so her features stand out on camera without feeling too heavy.
We also briefly talked about nail care, since hands often feature in brand photography. Ellie had already booked a manicure, so I simply reminded her to opt for neutral or brand-aligned shades to keep everything looking polished in close-up shots.
Feeling Prepared & Excited
By the end of the call, Ellie had a clear plan for what to prepare, and I could tell she was feeling confident and excited for the session. We wrapped up by going over a few final action points, including:
- Finalising her wardrobe selections.
- Making sure her space was ready for the best lighting.
- Printing out any last-minute props to enhance her workspace visuals.
For me, these planning calls aren’t just about logistics—they’re about helping clients feel ready, excited, and at easebefore their shoot. With all the details locked in, I knew we were set up for a brilliant session.
Well-organised brand photoshoot planning calls make all the difference in transforming a vision into stunning brand imagery. If you’re thinking about a brand photoshoot, investing time in this step will not only take the stress out of the day but also ensure you get images that truly represent your business.
And here’s what Ellie had to say:
I chose Maryanne to take branding photos for my business after looking at various photographers, and I’m really glad I went with her. Having never done that kind of shoot before I was a bit nervous, but she was great at helping me feel at ease and getting relaxed, natural photos. Leading up to the shoot Maryanne had a lot of advice for preparing for it, both on her website and on a planning call. I felt confident that she’d deliver what I needed and she did exactly that. Receiving the photos was also really quick. I’d highly recommend Maryanne for anybody needing branding photography!
Want to start planning your next brand photoshoot – get in touch!
And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:
1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.
Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots. Read the blog here
2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.
We can plan a shoot based on what you need (read more) or you could join me at a Visibility Session
