How to Prepare For Your Branding Photoshoot

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For years I struggled with finding comfort and confidence as I stepped behind the lens of a camera. I loved taking pictures but it seemed like how I “thought” I was going to look in my pictures almost always came out the complete opposite. Super weird and super awkward. I never knew how to position my body and found myself doing the same “hands on your hip” pose (facepalm). AngieBWinn isn’t my first time creating a brand. My first brand ever was NaturallyKurious. NaturallyKurious was created during my natural hair transition in additional to the transitions that life brought my way. I've always been drawn to mentorship, women empowerment, beauty, and lifestyle and always sought after the best way that I can venture in all of these avenues. A husband, three kids, and 2.5 degrees later (PhD loading) I created AngieBWinn pronounced “Angie Be Winn’in” AngieBWinn speaks to all I am, the good, the bad,and the ugly. My brand speaks to women and women who are moms encouraging them to live life outside of the box and to identify and then WALK in your God –given purpose. I say all that to say that; how I am captured in photographs is important, my image is important & so is yours. Branding photos are essential if you plan to get your business noticed. If you can only do one thing to improve your brand right now,a good start would be professional brand portraits. Preparing for a branding shoot (really any shoot) is not just grabbing a few outfits and lights, camera action.  It takes preparation and here are a few ways that you can prepare.

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1. Choose your Photographer

This by far can make or break the outcome of your branding session. It's important that you do research on photographers and your area. Do not make your decision solely off the fact that they take great pictures. Personality is extremely important. You want to work with someone who is not only professional but, knows how to capture your best attributes and directs you especially if you don’t have allot of experience with doing photo shoots.

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2. Create an Inspiration Board

I have a few photographers that I use however, I always put together a secret board on Pinterest of inspirational brand photos. You can also share your board with the photographer you hire as to provide him or her with a visual of your ideas and concepts.

3. Plan out the Deets!

Weeks before your session you should be planning and discussing location,props, and your wardrobe.

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4. Decide on What Props You want to Use

Props add personality to branding shoots and tell your brand story.Discuss your ideas and best options with your photographer. Hats, sunglasses,laptops, purses, books and notebooks make awesome go to props for branding shoots.

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5. Decide on your Looks

I would suggest planning for atleast 2-3 wardrobe changes during your shoot. It’s important to have a variety of looks to avoid your images looking the same. Once you decide on your looks make sure that you try everything on to ensure your comfort and that the looks that you chose truly fit your brand and your vision for your shoot.

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6. Bring a Friend

Having a friend to tag along with you is clutch! You have an extra set of eyes that can make sure that you look your absolute best, no hair fly-always, tags left on clothing. This truly allows for the photographer to be 100% focused on their job and gives you the security that you desire while taking your pictures.

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7. Be Confident!

Getting yourself into a mindset is important. You and your business deserves some gorgeous pictures. Listen to music that gets you hype or calms your nerves. And lastly, have fun! Be confident that you and your photographer will surpass your expectation and you are going to be so excited once you seethe finished product.

If you have and questions for me drop me a line in the comment box and if you're in the Hampton Roads area and are looking for a photographer shoot me an email at: hello@angiebwinn.com and I will be more than happy to share with you the photographers that I use.

XoXo,

Angie

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