Tips for Planning Your Brand Photoshoot for a Seamless Website Integration

Guest Post by: Teai of Teai Marie Photography

Hi, everyone! I’m so excited to be on Rose’s blog today (and perhaps, infinitely?). I’m Teai (pronounced like Teai). I’m a brand photographer based in Northeast, Ohio. I blend my marketing education, corporate experience and photography passion into a seamless workflow to provide women-owned small businesses with photos and videos that sell. I’ll be talking about brand photoshoot tips, and about how to plan for your brand photoshoot with your website in mind!

Let’s get started…

When it comes to building a powerful online presence, high-quality visuals are essential. As a brand photographer who has worked with dozens of small businesses in Ohio, I understand the unique needs of entrepreneurs and how crucial it is to have photos that not only capture the essence of your brand but also integrate seamlessly into your websites. Keep reading for a guide to help you plan your brand photoshoot for maximum impact.

1. Define Your Brand Identity

Before you even pick up the phone (or open your laptop) to book your photographer, it’s vital to have a clear understanding of your brand identity. 

• What are your core values? 
• Who is your target audience? 
• What emotions do you want your visuals to evoke? 

Spend some time defining these aspects, as they will guide the entire photoshoot process. Share this information with your photographer to ensure they capture images that align with your brand.

For example, do you want a more moody vibe? Then you’ll want outfits, locations and even poses that reflect that emotion. 

However, you might be on the other end of the spectrum with bright and bold imagery and personality. If this is the case, you want to ensure the location is filled with lots of light, outfits that match your brand colors and props that fit the aesthetic! 

This is what creates the cohesiveness of your brand photoshoot which in turn creates cohesion on your website and social media channels. So it’s important to take the time and figure this out before you book your photoshoot. 

2. Create a Shot List

A well-thought-out shot list is your roadmap for the photoshoot. It ensures that no important images are missed and that every shot has a purpose. This is the fun part, too! Get on Pinterest and create a board with inspiration. Here are some essential shots to consider:

1. Headshots and Team Photos: These personalize your brand and put a face to the name. Include shots of you laughing (showing your personality), looking at and away from the camera, getting multiple angles and orientations (horizontal and vertical) and varying distances from the camera. 

[Definition time: Horizontal photos, also known as landscape photos, are vital to have in your portfolio for email banners, website images and other graphic design creations. Vertical photos, also known as portrait photos, are the most common images. This is where the photographer turns the camera up and down.]

2. Workspace and Environment: Showcase where the magic happens. It adds authenticity and relatability.
3. Detail Shots: Up close images that don’t include your face. For example, your hands on a coffee mug or writing something in a notebook. These shots help to mix up your portfolio. 
4. Product Shots: Highlight your products in a way that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic.
5. Action Shots: Capture you and your team in action, whether it’s meeting clients, creating products, or providing services.
6. Behind-the-Scenes: Offer a peek behind the curtain to build a connection with your audience.

Discuss this list with your photographer and website designer to ensure it covers all the necessary elements for your website.

3. Coordinate with Your Website Designer

Your website designer plays a crucial role in how your photos will be displayed. Coordinate with them to understand the layout and design of your website. This collaboration will help your photographer know where and how the images will be used, whether for hero banners, blog posts, or product pages. Ask your designer for specific dimensions and formats required for various sections of your site.

4. Plan Your Outfits and Props

Your outfits and props should reflect your brand’s personality and the story you want to tell. Choose colors and styles that complement your brand palette. Props should be relevant to your business and enhance the narrative you’re aiming to convey. For instance, if you’re a baker, include your tools, ingredients, and finished products in the shots.

5. Location, Location, Location

Select locations that resonate with your brand. If you have a physical store or office, consider shooting there to provide a genuine glimpse into your business. Alternatively, outdoor settings or rented spaces that align with your brand’s vibe can also be great choices. Make sure the location is well-lit and versatile enough to accommodate various shots.

6. Prepare Your Team

If your team will be part of the shoot, ensure they are prepped and ready. Share the shot list and schedule with them so they know what to expect. Encourage them to wear brand-appropriate attire and be well-groomed. A cohesive team appearance reinforces your brand’s professionalism and unity.

7. Timing is Everything

Consider the timing of your photoshoot. If your photographer uses natural light, try to schedule your shoot to take advantage of it. Morning or late afternoon light tends to be softer and more flattering. However, be wary of weather implications and consider renting a studio to avoid reschedules. Also, allow ample time for each shot to avoid rushing and ensure high-quality results.

8. Post-Shoot Review

After the shoot, review the images with your photographer and designer. Select the best shots that align with your brand and website design. Ensure the images are edited consistently to maintain a cohesive look across your site.

Once you have selected your favorite images, organization is key. Save the photos in multiple locations for safekeeping. I recommend saving them to an external hard drive and then to a cloud-based storage like Google Drive. Create a folder structure which includes all the photos, then organize them into more folders based on type (e.g. headshots, product, team, detail shots, etc.). 

Now with the photos completely organized, it will be easier to share them with your website designer, social media manager or yourself when posting and creating content! 

Conclusion

Planning a brand photoshoot with your website in mind can make a significant difference in the cohesiveness and impact of your online presence. By defining your brand identity, creating a detailed shot list, coordinating with your website designer, and paying attention to details like outfits, locations, and timing, you can ensure your photos seamlessly integrate into your website. With these tips, your brand will not only look professional but also resonate deeply with your audience.

If you’d like to discuss more about brand photography and how it can elevate your brand, please reach out! I’d love to connect with you. https://teaimarie.com/contact

Rose and I are here to help you boost visibility and sales in your brand and online strategy through converting website designs and professional imagery that increases your credibility.