How to Prepare for a Successful Branding Session | Knoxville Branding Photographer
Tip #1
Define Your Brand
One of the most valuable questions I ask business owners is, “What 3 words describe you as a business owner and your brand?” This can be what you want people to feel when they look at your products or simply words that describe your aesthetic. Regardless, it’s important to have a clear idea of the image you want to create.
When I talked to Claudia about the words she associated with her brand she landed on PERSONABLE.
I want my clients to feel comfortable when they sit down in my chair. I want them to feel like this is a safe place to let their guard down and be accepted. (Claudia)
During her session, we focused on displaying just how warm, down to earth and fun as she is when you meet her in person!
Tip #2
Styling & Wardrobe
I understand “modeling” in front of the camera doesn’t feel natural to most of us. But that’s the thing…my approach is to capture who you are naturally.
Are you more of a t-shirt & jeans type of person or do you love a good sundress. Do you feel like a boss when you’re in a blazer or does being in cozy clothes with your hair up make you feel just as powerful?
Your goal during your session should be to show up in a way that feels authentic, while presenting yourself in a way that matches the words we talked about when defining your brand.
Claudia opted for a few pairs of jeans for her photos because it was important for her to present herself just as she does when you visit her. She felt extremely comfortable with what she was wearing throughout the entire session and as a result, her confidence was through the roof!
When clients see me in person, I don’t want their first thought to be “she doesn’t look like she did online.” I want them to show up and see me completely. (Claudia)
That doesn’t mean you should go all out for your session. This is also a time to treat yourself. If that means buying a few new outfits to re-introduce yourself to your audience, go for it! If you want to hire a glam squad to make you look picture perfect then do your thang, Boss Babe!
You absolutely need options
One of the biggest mistakes you can make during your session is not coming with enough styling options. While you may walk away with quality images, the variety in your content will be super limited.
I recommend bringing a minimum of three outfit options per hour of photography. If there’s time, we’ll squeeze in more!
You can’t go wrong with accessories! Hats, sweaters, sunglasses, etc are a great way to add range to your outfits.
If you plan to capture marketing content more often, try to dress for different scenarios (i.e. everyday work outfit, important business meeting or event, working behind the office or virtually for the day, break time at a coffee shop, etc.)
If you don’t plan to capture marketing content year round, I suggest dressing for contrasting seasons (i.e. a fall & spring look)
Tip #3
Don't forget the props
I like to incorporate details and tools in most of my branding session. These items provide the opportunity to capture filler images that can be great for your website, header photos and social media pages.
Props allow us to incorporate more candids and action in your photo. No matter how beautiful you are, a regular headshot can get old after a while. It creates a totally different feel to the photo when I capture you journaling in your notebook, drafting a huge business proposal, chatting with your favorite client on the phone.
getting to know you "behind the scenes"
Branding sessions are an amazing way to share more of who you are with your audience. If there are hobbies, things you’re good at or objects that are important to you, this is a wonderful time to show it.
For example, I’ve had clients bring a Bible or their favorite self-help books to their session. Others have worn necklaces and jewelry that represent important people in their lives. Gardening tools, board games, etc…have also been incorporated in past branding sessions to show my clients’ hobbies.
You’d be surprised by how many people are interested to see what you may have in common!
Tip #4
A bit of guidance
the ideal location
Just as we’ve touched on in other areas, choosing a location that resonates with you is important. If you’re someone who is easily embarrassed or wants a controlled environment, a studio might be best for you. If you love the great outdoors or making your way downtown, let’s find an area that compliments you!
A location that also relates to what you do is also a wonderful option. (i.e. capturing lifestyle images in a kitchen if you’re a food blogger or staging portraits in a house if you’re a realtor)
perfect timing
For outdoor sessions, soft natural light is typically recommended. Avoid mid-day sessions at all cost.
This may depend on windows/light source, but generally an early afternoon to midday session is great for indoor sessions.
Claudia’s photos were captured in a natural light studio at 1:00p.
Tip #5
HAVE FUN
I believe the key to having a successful branding session is being yourself and having fun with the process. Of course preparation and planning go along way, but what good does it do if you’re a ball of nerves for your entire session?
I’m going to do my absolute best to hype you up, have real conversations and make you feel like the all-star you are. But you have to be willing to take a deep breath, let go of the negative thoughts that creep into your mind, and simply let yourself enjoy the process!
If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed about the session, let’s chat beforehand so we can figure out ways to lighten your load, ease your mind and get the ideas flowing!
Look at me as your Branding Bestie! I’m all about good vibes and a productive time!
Meet Your
Photographer
Hi friends, I’m Kandace! I’m based in East TN and specialize in weddings, branding and lifestyle portrait photography.
Although Tennessee is where I now reside, I’m available for booking in my hometown (Kansas City, MO) and beyond!
I’ve been snapping candids of my loved ones since I learned how to use a disposable camera back in the day, so it’s no surprise I turned photography into a career. As time has passed, I’ve learned how precious the moments we capture and the connections we build in the process are.
With a decade of professional photography experience, lifelong passion for leaving a positive mark in this world, and a natural eye for capturing raw emotions, my goal is to provide you with heartwarming memories and framable moments that will last a lifetime.
Kandace