Brand Image - Expert advice for your Branding Photoshoot
Posted 6 January 2019
The core philosophies of my makeup style are natural, flattering makeup that leaves you feeling like the best version of yourself. Given these values it’s no surprise that I’ve teamed up with Ania from Enriched by Light Photography to provide makeup services for her Branding Photography clients. I feel passionate about providing this service because if there is one thing I love about my job, it’s helping people to feel confident in the skin they’re in, and Ania’s style skillfully captures the true brand personality behind the business.
But what is a branding photoshoot and why should you have one? If you’ve considered having one, what preparation is needed? I’ve chatted to Ania about her business, what drives her and why a Branding Photoshoot is an important part of your business journey.
About Enriched by Light Photography
I'm a natural light photographer with a niche in authentic business branding imagery. My attention to brand values and creativity enables my clients to confidently show up as their best self consistently across all marketing platforms.
I love helping my clients tell their stories and build a brand personality through authentic images.
BUT… I also totally understand the nerves involved in being the centre-of-attention in a photoshoot and how so many of us think we “look too fake” in photos. So I particularly love to work with entrepreneurial women in the health, wellness and creative industries, who are camera shy or anxious and who seek photos that represent their true authentic self, but who want to have FUN doing so!
What is a Branding Photography Shoot?
Even though variety is the key to my branding photoshoots, essentially a branding photoshoot is designed to capture personal or business branding images which represent a client’s true authentic self and create connection and brand trust with their ideal client. Each of the shoots I do is different from the next and a lot of time and energy is put into planning the perfect branding photoshoot for my clients.
Why is it important?
My photography passion lies in personal & business branding photography because as a past & current business owner, I understand the importance of setting yourself apart with custom imagery that connects with your ideal client. I believe it’s one of the smartest brand investments you can make for your business, yet so often it is overlooked until clients are well into their business journey.
What can the images be used for?
Once you have unique branded images, they can be used for so many different things. Most clients I work with use their images for website design and for social media posting. By using some simple design tools like Canva and a little creativity, you can do SO much more with your brand images - think workbooks, checklists, Facebook Adverts, custom Facebook covers, newsletter graphics and more. I have written a blog post on this very topic which you can find HERE
What are some of the things clients should consider prior to having one? What are some things you recommend as part of the shoot ie. Makeup or hair, outfit choices, involving props or other people?
A branded photoshoot requires a fair bit of planning, both from the client and from my end, it’s not just about ‘rocking up’ and taking some ‘snaps’. The biggest thing I work on with client’s before their branding photoshoot is establishing who they are as a brand and who exactly is their ideal client. If these come difficult to answer then it is really tricky to capture authentic and ‘branded’ images for the client. If they don’t understand their brand, how can I?
Part of my planning process for a branding photoshoot is a one-on-one pre-shoot strategy consultation where we plan out the perfect location/s, discuss the right outfit/s and create a shoot-list for the day of some of the exact shots we want to capture (purpose driven). I always recommend light & natural professional makeup for all my branding clients, so they still look like themselves, but with improved confidence in front of the camera, making them more relaxed and ready for some fun!
What is the strangest thing you’ve done for a branding shoot?
I am constantly on the ‘look-out’ for new locations for my client’s shoots. I could be out with Mr D somewhere for a romantic sunset walk, or driving to a friends place and spot something that looks great! It goes straight onto the list of locations I have stored in my phone and not a week goes by without me adding new hotspots to the list. I have a few faves that I love to use, but I also want to keep my images between client shoots as unique and authentic as possible, so I will always try to avoid shooting at the same location more than once, unless the photoshoot is a totally different feel or I use a different section of the same location.
What do you love the most about what you do?
The best thing about my work as a branding photographer is hearing the ‘why’ story from my clients. Stories from ‘everyday’ women who have taken the plunge to start up a business from the seed of a tiny idea. I am truly inspired by the personal journeys I hear about from my clients and how they have gotten to where they are from this tiny seed!
I make it MY thing to get to really understand the woman behind the brand, her passion for what she does and most importantly her why. By doing so, I feel I can capture much more authentic images that help her business to grow and flourish.
If you are looking for a Makeup Artist who can help you feel confident and natural in front of the camera or for your next event then get in contact with me here.