Brand Photo Shoots: The Photos That Power Your Entire Brand

In the world we live in today, I truly believe it’s imperative to have a good branding photo shoot.

Honestly, I would even argue it’s worth doing once a year.

Because let’s be honest… we shouldn’t be out here catfishing our clients. 😅

Your photos should reflect who you actually are today, not who you were five years ago.

And the truth is, brand photos are used for almost everything in your business:

• websites
  
  
• social media
  
  
• billboards
  
  
• business cards
  
  
• speaking engagements
  
  
• marketing materials
  
  

Having current, beautiful photos elevates every one of those places.

Finding the Right Photographer

Not every photographer is the right fit for branding.

Interview a few and look for someone who:

• already produces work you love
  
  
• understands branding photography
  
  
• makes you feel comfortable
  
  
• knows how to position you so you look amazing
  
  

I personally use Anna May for all of my photos.

She’s not the cheapest — but she knows how to capture me in the best light, the best places, and the best ways.

She’ll fix my hair, tell me to suck in if needed, or help me shift my weight so I look confident and natural.

And if I’m paying for photos, I want to feel like my best self in them.

Hair and Makeup Are a Must

Always. Always. Always.

Professional makeup artists know how to make you look your best in photography, which is very different than everyday makeup.

It may feel like an extra step, but it makes a huge difference in the final images.

What to Wear (This Matters More Than People Think)

Over the years I’ve learned that simple outfits photograph best.

Some of my favorite photos have been in:

• creams and whites
  
  
• soft pinks
  
  
• classic black
  
  

Busy patterns rarely photograph well.

And don’t forget to consider your brand colors.

I mostly stay within the slate gray and muted gold tones that are part of my brand, but Keller Williams is red (y’all know how I feel about that… but alas 😅).

So when I found a red power suit I actually loved, I knew it deserved a spot in my branding photos.

Plan the Shoot Intentionally

Before we ever show up for a shoot, we already have a plan.

We think through:

• locations
  
  
• poses
  
  
• props
  
  
• seasonal opportunities
  
  

Even if the shoot happens in April, we try to capture photos that could work for:

• spring
  
  
• summer
  
  
• fall
  
  
• even Christmas
  
  

That way the photos support your marketing all year long.

Borrow Ideas (Everyone Does)

We absolutely look for inspiration before a shoot.

We scroll Instagram, other agent websites, and branding shoots to gather ideas.

Some of our favorite shots have come from adapted ideas like:

• balloons with HSH letters
  
  
• confetti
  
  
• Fourth of July sparklers
  
  
• Christmas props
  
  
• custom “newspaper” props we had made on Etsy
  
  

The goal isn’t copying.

It’s creating something that fits your brand personality.

Props Help Tell the Story

Branding photos shouldn’t just be headshots.

They should show how you actually work and who you are.

Bring things that naturally fit your day-to-day business, like:

• your laptop
  
  
• your phone
  
  
• a notebook or planner
  
  
• branded items (folders, signs, coffee mugs, etc.)
  
  
• business cards
  
  
• a coffee cup
  
  

These small details make photos feel more natural and more personal.

They also give you much more variety when it comes time to use the photos across your marketing.

And don’t forget to let your personality show.

Laugh. Move. Have fun during the shoot.

Those slightly imperfect, mid-laugh photos are almost always the ones I end up loving the most.

Choose Locations That Feel Like You

Location has a huge impact on how your photos feel.

We often use:

• beautiful homes (ask a friend or rent an Airbnb)
  
  
• iconic locations around town
  
  
• walkable community areas
  
  

For us that has included:

• downtown Louisville
  
  
• the Louisville Thoroughbred Society
  
  
• Norton Commons
  
  

But don’t overlook studio photos either.

Some of our favorite shots from our last shoot were actually taken in Anna’s studio.

One More Helpful Tip

If you ever struggle with knowing what photos to actually take, this can help.

One thing I really like about Coffee & Contracts is that they send out quarterly brand photo shoot idea guides.

They include:

• pose ideas
  
  
• seasonal photo concepts
  
  
• content you can capture in one shoot that supports months of marketing
  
  

Which is very helpful when you’re standing in front of the camera thinking…

"Okay… what do I do with my hands?" 😅

What to Bring to the Shoot

Brand shoots are long days — preparation makes everything easier.

Bring:

• outfit options
  
  
• props
  
  
• hairspray
  
  
• makeup for touch-ups
  
  
• multiple shoe options
  
  
• snacks
  
  
• water
  
  

Trust me - you’ll be glad you did.

One Final Thought

Your brand photos are an investment in visibility.

They support your website, social media, speaking opportunities, and marketing for an entire year.

So plan them intentionally.

And have fun with them.

Because when you feel confident in your photos, it shows everywhere your brand appears.