Brand Photography: 6 Tips for Successful Shoots that Enhance Brand Credibility

Crafting Visual Narratives That Elevate Your Brand

In the fast-paced world of business and branding, captivating visuals make a lasting impression on your audience. Whether you’re updating your website, refreshing your social media profiles, or launching new marketing campaigns, professional imagery can elevate your brand’s credibility and sophistication in a way that stock photos or amateur snapshots just can’t. While hiring a professional photographer is often the best route to achieve your desired results, for many small and medium-sized businesses, it’s a considerable investment that needs to be done right – the first time. Here are practical strategies to implement that optimize your photoshoot return and ensure your brand is represented consistently:

Tip #1: Clarify Your Vision

Before the photoshoot:

1. Take time to clearly define your objectives and the specific assets you need.
2. Consider the platforms where these images will be used, such as your website, social media, or print marketing materials, and provide references or mood boards to convey your desired aesthetic.
3. Create a detailed shot list outlining the types of shots required for each asset, including angles, compositions, and any specific visual elements you may want to incorporate.

By providing this roadmap to your photographer in advance, you make sure that everyone on the project is on the same page and that the resulting images align closely with your brand’s vision and messaging. 

Additionally, consider how these images can be repurposed across different channels and departments within your organization, maximizing their utility and value. Explore possible integration of these visuals into broader organizational initiatives, such as aligning with HR’s diversity campaign or reinforcing safety compliance objectives. By ensuring diversity in your photoshoot participants or meticulous safety compliance, these images can be powerful tools to amplify your organization’s values and priorities.

Failure to adequately plan for the shoot can result in unusable images that fail to meet brand standards or convey desired messages. This oversight not only translates to wasted time and resources but also risks undermining the effectiveness of your visuals, potentially tarnishing your brand’s credibility. Therefore, careful planning and foresight will bring success and utility to your brand photography efforts.

Tip #2: Choose Locations with Brand Identity

The location sets the stage for your brand story, so select settings that resonate with your brand identity. Consider your brand values, personality, and the target audience of your brand when choosing suitable photoshoot locations. For example, if your brand is known for its adventurous spirit, outdoor settings like mountains, forests, or beaches might be ideal. If you’re a tech company with a modern, innovative vibe, urban environments or sleek studio backdrops may be more fitting. Whatever the location, ensure it complements your brand’s visual identity and enhances the overall impact of your images. 

Selecting the correct type of location is only the first step. You should physically visit and scout the chosen locations before the shoot. By doing so, you can gain firsthand insights into the logistical considerations, potential obstacles or distracting background elements, and creative opportunities presented by the site. This proactive approach allows you to work with your photographer on any challenges before and during the shoot to make informed decisions for a successful session for your brand photography project.

Tip #3: Timing is Everything

When scheduling your photoshoot, aim to capture images during the golden hour – the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset. During these times, the soft, warm light creates a flattering glow and adds a touch of magic to your images. If shooting outdoors, especially avoid shooting at noon when the sun is high in the sky, as it can cast harsh shadows and lead to unflattering lighting conditions that look unprofessional.

Tip #4: Pay Attention to Details

The devil is in the details, and this holds true for professional photography. Before the photoshoot:

1. Take the time to declutter and tidy up the shooting location.
2. Remove any potential distractions from the area, such as water bottles, sticky notes, or any other clutter that may divert attention from the focal point of the image.
3. Consider rearranging furniture for optimal composition or strategically incorporating branded items or props to enhance the visual narrative. 

Additionally, be attentive to subtle nuances often overlooked, such as wrinkled, untidy clothing or background elements that unintentionally detract from the image’s impact, like sensitive documents or information in the shot. Paying attention to these small details can make a big difference in the overall quality and usability of your photos. 

Tip #5: Styling for Success

Your choice of wardrobe and styling can significantly influence how your brand is perceived in the images. Select clothing and accessories that align with your brand’s personality and resonate with your target audience. Consider the industry norms and dress codes when planning outfits, ensuring they reflect professionalism and credibility. For example, if you’re in the fashion industry, trendy and stylish attire may be appropriate, whereas conservative and polished looks might be more suitable for a corporate setting. Avoid branded clothing, like Nike or Adidas, and apparel with distracting patterns or inappropriate images or affiliations. Also, pay attention to grooming and styling details to have a polished, professional appearance that aligns with your brand image.

Tip #6: Be Present During the Shoot

Successful photography projects require open communication and collaboration between you and your photographer, especially on the shoot day. To keep your brand and messaging represented consistently in the images, be onsite to answer questions and make real-time decisions if needed. As you actively participate in the process, be open to your photographer’s creative input and expertise, as they can offer valuable intuition and suggestions based on their experience. Not only are you investing in the photos you get from the shoot, but you are investing time and knowledge about your brand and industry into your photographer that can be leveraged on future projects. A photographer who is experienced with your brand and knows your expectations can be an invaluable resource. Lastly, consider including key stakeholders from your company onsite who can provide additional guidance and compliance, such as HR and Safety, to maximize your photos’ usability and utility.

Professional images are a powerful tool for building brand credibility and making a memorable impression on your audience. While hiring a trusted, experienced photographer is the first step towards achieving professional results, incorporating practical strategies like timing your photoshoot right, paying attention to details, and collaborating closely with your photographer and key company stakeholders can further enhance your images’ quality, impact, and utility. By following these tips and investing in professional photography, you can elevate your brand image and stand out in a crowded market.