How To Elevate Your Brand Through a Brand Photo Shoot
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what they don't tell you is that it also lasts forever. First impressions count for so much in brand perception, and aesthetics is how you establish that.
A visually appealing brand is the start to creating a memorable impact. Nothing much what's in the picture as how the picture makes one feel. What does the picture cause one to think about? What does it inspire or evoke when viewed?
Once you have established what you want your brand to look like, the next step is kicking your plan into gear by bringing those visuals to life through a well-executed and thoughtful photo shoot.
Here are the steps to take to plan an aesthetically pleasing photoshoot for your brand.
Tip 1: Define Your Brand
Every brand should have clearly defined branding guidelines such as a mission statement, style guide, and brand values. These elements are the framework for all visual, educational, and aesthetic presentations that come from your company.
Outline exactly what your company or product does and how it serves to bring about Transformations for the clientele. Define who the perfect fit client is in both demographics as well as goals and obstacles.
What kind of language matches brand values, mission, and search terms? What colors appeal to the target audience and match how the brand wishes to be represented? Answering these questions is a starting place for creating aesthetically pleasing visuals that connect the brand with the audience.
Tip 2: Pin A Pinterest Mood Board That Aligns With Your Vision
Creating a Pinterest board of ideas can help you see your vision come to life. With all the different aesthetics out there, it is difficult to narrow down your creative vision into one category – so take the time and let your ideas run wild.
Chances are, they won't be one exact match to what you envision. Creating a mood board helps you capture the feel and the concept of the goal rather than an exact copy.
Don't forget to include tones, colors, textures, characters, settings, fonts, phrases, patterns, and any other element that appeals to you and that you want your brand to encompass. The more pins your board contains, the more comprehensive the visual impression it will make.
Tip 3: Research Photographers + Locations That Match Your Aesthetic
Don't shortcut this step in the process. Finding a photographer that shoots in the aesthetic you are looking for is key to bringing your vision to life. A talented photographer is not the same as a photographer that matches the style you're going for.
We’ve said it before, and we'll say it again. Location, location, location. It doesn't matter how many pins you pinned or ideas you have if the execution falls short due to a poor location choice.
Think outside the box. Depending on the aesthetics you're looking for, consider these options:
Parking lot
Industrial buildings
Created creative studio
Agricultural fields
Intimate gathering place
Abandoned structures
Graffiti walls
Minimalist event center
Botanical garden
Hobby space
Nature trails
Tree nursery orchard
A dance or yoga studio
A greenhouse or garden
A day spa
Whether one likes it or not, the environment is just as important in a photo as the subject. Choose your environment and atmosphere wisely based on the goals of the photo shoot and the desired aesthetic.
Tip 3: Create A Shoot Guide + Run Of Show
Having your mood board is the foundation for your brand shoot, and booking a well-matched photographer and location can help set the tone of your shoot. A shoot guide or “run of show” is a document, excel sheet, or visual representation of how you want your brand shoot to flow.
This is a step-by-step outline of everything that needs to be accomplished in the photo shoot. A good shoot guide will contain model poses, fashion inspiration, a list of props you want to use, location angles, and the necessary product shots.
Having this resource created in advance will help keep your photoshoot organized and streamlined. Include a detailed timeline for all talent, team members, and advisors, as well as the photographer.
Bonus Tip
Make sure your photographer takes photos in both horizontal and vertical formats. This ensures you have enough content in the proper orientation for both social media and website distribution.
Tip 4: Photograph Specific Elements That Align With Your Aesthetic
The props and other specific elements you photograph will vary depending on the desired aesthetic. If your intention is to portray strength, you will photograph elements such as mountains, steel structures, and items in a darker color family such as blue, black, and gray.
If the goal is to advance the feeling of light-heartedness or fun, you would photograph bright colors, silly animals, and other whimsical elements. For an elegant feel, one would photograph soft colors, neutral florals and plants, and a setting that blends modern and luxurious.
From products and team members to logos and marketing elements, props drive home the overall concept.
Bonus Tip
Lighting is critical! Even for outdoor photoshoots. Ensure that lighting equipment is either provided by the photographer or available for their use on site.
If you’re looking for the perfect creative space to inspire the perfect aesthetic for your next photo shoot, contact us at This Hudson Studio in the NY/Hudson Valley area. We’re here to help you bring your vision to life!