Choosing a location for your personal branding photos
Don't we all wish we had those perfect Instagram-worthy home offices? I know that I do. As I prepare for my studio to open (by the time you're reading this - it's probably going to be open!!), I want to remind you how committed I am to showing you the real behind my company as well. If you follow me on Instagram, you've likely seen me share some messy apartment photos. That's just my life right now. We all go through seasons of business so if your house isn’t exactly that dreamy Pinterest office inspiration, have no shame.
Below are a few tips for finding a location for your branding photo shoot outside your home or storefront. But my biggest recommendation is always going to be talking to your photographer. If you're in Calgary and you're looking for a personal branding photographer, reach out here. I have very limited spots available for April and May. Ideally, you want to plan your branding photo shoot about six weeks before you need them.
Choosing a personal branding photoshoot location that visually makes sense
Think about your branding colors and think about what you want the overall feel of your brand to look like before you dive into location scouting. The location should work for your brand, not the other way around. Branding photography is an investment, so give yourself the gift of not winging it. If you have a very light website or brand, don't shoot in the middle of the woods. More than just how light or dark a space is, think about what you really want to be known for. I have access to a few showhomes, which work for a lot of businesses who want to establish strong personal brands, because they want to appear relaxed, approachable, and a little bit luxurious.
Showhomes can only be used on Friday, so if that doesn’t work and when you don't have a Instagram worthy home (or have another reason you don’t want to use your house), you have more options!
Rent a Calgary Studio for your Branding Photos
I know you might be leaning toward renting studio space, but not all studios are created equally. Half the time, there's only one wall you really want to shoot against. It's not enough. We want your branding photos to last longer than a month. You've made the investment and unless you're one of my subscription clients, you probably don't get branding photos all the time.
Not to flex too much, but my studio space is a perfect example of solving this problem. I have ran into those same problems over and over again and was very intentional when I chose my own studio space. I choose Jinx and Co’s location because it has indoor and outdoor spaces in the studio and it's close to local shops. Your photoshoot times go quickly so we want everything to be close by. I like to make the most of our time together.
Jinx & Co. on Instagram or website
Branding Photoshoot Location Logistics
COVID has made this one extra important - we need to be prepared for logistical issues that may turn up in advance. When you're looking at a location for your branding shoot, here are a few questions to ask:
Can we even legally photograph there?
Are there any license agreements or permits required?
Can we be unmasked? (I will always wear a mask but consider this for your team)
Can we use the images we take commercially?
What about the people in the background?
Lighting and Time of Day for your Calgary Branding Photos
Photographing in the shade or full sun can both work, but harsh light and bolder shadows are definitely not for every brand. This goes back to the first point - we need a location that's going to visually make sense. I know as a small business owner, you can't always take photos every two months. Whatever photos we take, we want to make sure they're going to work for a wide variety of purposes. Outside of the location you choose, also think about what time of day would work best because we might be able to find a workaround if there's a shady spot in the afternoon that you really, really love and the lighting is just too harsh for your brand in the morning. Don’t get overwhelmed now - your branding photographer will work with you to figure this out so don’t stress too much.
Choosing Multiple Locations for Branding Photos
I am totally on board with jumping around from place to place to showcase multiple sides of your personality - as long as it’s intentional. Maybe you need a second location because you want photos with your dog and your dog isn’t allowed in the showhome. This is especially true for my business owners who are multi-passionate or have a personal brand and a business brand. It's okay to want to switch it up. We just need to find two locations that are close by so that you don't have to waste your time with me driving.
Are you ready to start your search for the perfect location for your branding photos? I’ve mentioned it a few times but seriously, just ask your photographer. You can find out more information about my Calgary branding photography packages here (and then scroll to the bottom and to book your session). I include a branding strategy call in all of my full branding session packages so we can map out your location options together then!
