5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Branding Session
Before you read this, have you read this post about how to get ready for your branding session? These 5 tips are for after you pull the trigger and actually book your session! This is again so important because branding is (and should be) an investment. I know I'm not the cheapest photographer around, but I've also seen time and time again businesses really get a return on their investment. Especially when they book a professional who works with them to figure out what their business really needs.
I know if you’re reading this, you already know all of this. So let me just cut to the chase and share my five tips to a smooth branding session. For more information about my Calgary branding photography packages, click here. I’d be thrilled to walk you through the process!
Don't overbook yourself leading up to your branding session
I don't want to see you arrive for your branding session, sweaty and out of breath, running late because you're caught in traffic or anything else that might start the session off with more stress than necessary. Book yourself lots of time before your branding session to get ready the morning of, and account for a little extra driving time (or let’s be honest - a long Starbucks line).
The week before (or even further ahead), try on the outfits you plan on wearing ahead of time. Maybe even test out a few poses at home so they feel more natural on the day. This is the kind of thing we don't want to be wasting time on during your branding photography session. You've spent a lot of money on your branding photos. Give yourself the gift of taking extra time to prepare.
Outsource the things you can't/don't want to do on the day of your personal branding photoshoot!
If you can't do your hair or makeup in a way that makes you look and feel great on camera (and no - it's not necessarily the same as you wear it every day), make sure to outsource to a professional hairstylist or a makeup artist. Even if you are confident in your hair and makeup skills, booking a professional might give you that extra confidence boost that will shine through on the day. Well worth it.
The other thing you might want to outsource or consider is picking up any props. Do you need to borrow a book from a friend or pick some new books up from Indigo? Some of my clients will listen to audio books, but they want a paper copy for their branding photo. Other examples of props you might want to purchase florals or fancy stationery. No matter what your branding photo wish list includes, make sure you've arranged for all of the props at least 2-3 days ahead of time so we're not scrambling to look for something the day of.
Eat before! Please don't starve yourself.
No one is kind when they're hungry. It’s natural to be a little nervous or self-conscious in front of the camera, but I'll be there making sure that you feel comfortable on the day. I will 100% be your biggest hype girl. You'll also look your best if you're hydrated so make sure to drink lots of water before your session. I promise I'll give you time for a bathroom break.
Get familiar with your branding photo locations
If you're not familiar with where you're meeting for your photographer, like a certain outdoor location or possibly a studio they recommended, make sure to search for them ahead of time. Do a drive by ahead of time or at the very least give yourself lots of time to find it. With my bigger branding packages, I include up to three locations, but that means we want to get from location A to location B as quickly as possible to make the most of the photo time. Make sure you know where you’re going.
Treat yourself!
Finally, treat yourself! Either with a coffee on your way there or something exciting after. Branding photography is a big step in your business and you should be proud of yourself for making the investment. The scary part is over. Enjoy yourself and definitely, definitely, take some time to celebrate.
Working with a professional branding photographer will help you prepare for your branding session.
I hope these tips leave you feeling excited as you prepare for your branding photoshoot. Working with a professional branding photographer is kind of a bonus tip but if you follow the other five tips above, you are off to a very good start. You've made the choice to take branding seriously in your business and I couldn't be a bigger cheerleader for you. Congratulations!! And if you're looking for a branding photographer in Calgary, make sure to reach out here.