Organizing a Photoshoot: 5 Steps to An Adventure in Brand Storytelling
This article is for anyone who is considering upping their game by booking a professional photographer, but is uncertain about the process and not sure where to start. From research to finding the right photographer, all the way to booking and doing the photoshoot, many question marks may make you put off stepping out there and doing the work. I hope that with this article I can give you some insight into my process and help you gain some clarity around this topic. Whether you are a first-timer or you have worked with professional photographers in the past, it’s always good to know where you stand and what to expect.
1. Finding the Right Photographer for You
Image credit: Brooke Lark via Unsplash
Maybe you already know someone who is a photographer. You have a friend who shoots weddings and you really liked how the pictures came out from his last event. Will this person be the right fit for you to do a branding photoshoot? Probably not.
Having an aesthetic eye and good photography skills are not enough to create the shots you want for your brand. You need someone who understands your unique business niche and is preferably specialized to work with brands like yours. Just as you wouldn’t hire a gardener to cut your child’s hair, just because he is good with scissors, you shouldn’t take selecting the right photographer for your brand lightly.
Use the keywords for your specific niche and then Google photographers with those keywords. Depending on your specific needs, such as a studio, you might want to search for photographers in your area. You have more flexibility to find the right photographer by researching photographers serving a larger geographical area and flying them out for your photoshoot.
In my specialization, I usually get inquiries from people who are searching for a travel brand photographer, sustainable accommodation photographer, adventure apparel brand photographer, and so on. Even though these seem like different subjects, they all come under the niche of sustainable travel and adventure. This is an area that I am closely accustomed to and aware of its unique needs and challenges, not only in the world of photography but as a traveler, accommodation provider, and occasional tour guide as well.
2. The Branding Consultation: Understanding Your Unique Vision
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The first step on this grand adventure is a thorough branding consultation. I personally offer this initial consultation for free, because this is where we get to know each other and find out whether we would really be a good match to work together or not. I value your time and money, so I don't want to make you commit before you are absolutely sure you want to work with me.
During the consultation we explore the essence and uniqueness of your brand, diving deep into what sets your business apart. We decipher the message you want to convey to your ideal clients and brainstorm on the type of imagery that would best showcase your brand.
Further to the above, I advise you on the optimal time of day for your shoot, potential locations, and styling tips that will complement your branding whether we will do the shoot together or not. This is a collaborative process, where your insights and preferences are key in shaping the final output. In this world of storytelling, every detail matters. Whether you're an adventure tourism company needing a sunrise shot in the mountains, or a travel blogger desiring a bustling cityscape at dusk, we'll find the perfect time and place to capture your brand’s story.
3. The Perfect Date and Location: Setting the Stage
Once we've understood your brand and its requirements, we move on to scheduling your brand photoshoot. This will involve finding the perfect date and location that align with your needs, and which provides the ideal backdrop for your narrative. This is an essential element of the process as I believe that the location of a shoot can be a huge asset and contribute to the end result. You can read more about my thoughts on the matter here.
At this stage, I also provide you with a preliminary mood board and shot list. This will ensure that everything we've discussed during the consultation is visually represented and tailored to your preferences. The mood board is meant to give you a taste of the aesthetic we're aiming for, while the shot list outlines the range of shots we'll capture.
This is where the idea of the photoshoot will start taking shape and you can proactively contribute to the process and the narrowing down of the final list of images. This is your story, and it's important that we're on the same page. You will have the opportunity to approve the mood board and shot list or suggest modifications. This is your adventure, after all, and I'm here to help bring your vision to life.
4. The Photoshoot Day: Creating Your Brand Story
The day of the brand photoshoot arrives, and it's filled with anticipation and excitement. I will come equipped with your consultation-style brief, ready to delve into the creative process. Our goal is to create a set of personalized, documentary-style images that tell the story of your brand in a compelling way. The focus is on making this a fun, adventurous experience that leaves an impression, helping you stand out as a leading expert in your field.
Through my lens, I’ll capture the essence of your brand, showcasing its unique personality and values. Whether it's capturing the thrill of a rock-climbing excursion, or the serene beauty of a secluded beach, we'll make sure your brand's uniqueness is faithfully represented. The process continues to be collaborative, so if you realize during the shoot that there is another aspect of your brand you want to represent, provided that it is feasible and fits into our time, I am flexible and work hard to fully realize your vision.
5. After the Photoshoot: Sharing Your Adventure
Image credit: Anete Lusina via Unsplash
Once the adventure of the brand photoshoot is over, our work isn't quite done yet. I’ll go through the images with care, select and edit them to make them match your vision and your brand’s personality. Finally, I will upload all the professionally retouched images to your own private, password-protected viewing gallery. Here, you'll have the chance to relive the adventure, choose your favorites, and start sharing them across your online platforms.
These images will help you make more connections with your ideal clients. They are the visual representation of your brand's story, ready to draw in viewers and leave them longing for more of what you have to offer. Whether you use them on your website or social media channels, your images will come to represent your brand. Think about the brands you love and follow on the internet. If you saw a picture without any context, would you be able to recognize them? Probably yes. And that is my goal for you. To create a visual identity that your followers will recognize even without context.
Wrapping Up
Organizing a photoshoot is a great adventure, one that requires careful planning, collaboration, and a lot of creativity. But when done right, the result is a set of images that not only tell the story of your brand but also make you stand out as a leading expert in your field.
Remember, every brand has a story to tell, and there's no better way to tell it than through the power of photography. Let's embark on this adventure together, creating a visual narrative that resonates with your ideal clients and showcases the unique spirit of your brand. I can't wait to start this journey with you!
So, are you ready to brainstorm some ideas on how to visually elevate your brand? If yes, book a free, no-strings-attached consultation call so that we can get down to work. Whether you book a photoshoot or not, you will walk away with valuable information that can help you better the visual representation of your brand.
