Your Pre-Shoot Guide
For Relaxed, Authentic & Impactful Branding Photos
Hey there, I’m so excited to be capturing you and your brand! Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner, or part of a team, this guide is here to help you feel totally prepared for your session. My goal? To capture you—your personality, your passion, and the essence of your brand—in a way that feels natural, authentic, and totally stress-free.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
Your brand photos should reflect you—not some overly polished, stiff version of yourself. Think of it as an elevated version of what you’d normally wear to connect with your clients.
Some easy style tips:
Stick to what makes you feel confident. If you feel awkward in an outfit, it’ll show in the photos. Wear something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Choose brand-aligned colors. Think about the colors in your logo, website, and branding—neutrals, soft tones, or rich colors that complement your overall aesthetic.
Avoid busy patterns, logos, and neons. These can be distracting and take away from you.
Layers work wonders. A blazer, a cozy knit, or a statement jacket can add variety without needing a full outfit change.
Accessories matter. Think jewellery, watches, glasses, or even a coffee cup that fits your vibe.
For team sessions: Aim for a cohesive but not matchy-matchy look. Think coordinated tones rather than identical outfits.
What to Bring
You can absolutely just show up as you are—but if you want to add a little extra personality to your session, here are some ideas to make your photos even more you.
To add meaning and personality:
Your daily essentials: Laptop, phone, planner, notebooks—whatever tools you use in your work.
Props that reflect your business: Camera (if you’re a photographer), paintbrushes (if you’re an artist), products (if you sell something), or even your favorite coffee cup.
Extra outfit options: If you want a mix of casual and professional looks, bring a couple of variations.
What to Expect at Your Shoot
Branding sessions are meant to feel fun, relaxed, and like an extension of your business. Here’s what you can expect:
I’ll guide you every step of the way. No awkward posing or ‘what do I do with my hands’ moments—I’ll direct you in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
We’ll focus on movement and storytelling. Think of this as a visual diary of your brand. I’ll capture you working, chatting, laughing, and just being you.
The location will shape the vibe. Whether we’re in a studio, your workspace, a café, or outdoors, I’ll make sure the setting reflects your brand.
We’ll get a mix of shots. Headshots, action shots, detail shots—so you have plenty of options for social media, website, and marketing materials.
If it’s a team session: I’ll make sure we get a mix of group shots, individual portraits, and candid moments that showcase your team dynamic.
How I Work
My approach is simple: natural, candid, and real. I want these images to feel like you, not a forced or overly polished version of you. I’ll give you just enough direction to help you feel comfortable, but I won’t over-pose or make you do anything that doesn’t feel right.
I know that being in front of the camera can feel a bit daunting, but trust me—you’ve got this. I’ll be there to hype you up, adjust the details, and make sure you walk away with photos you love.
What Happens After the Shoot?
Once our session is done, I’ll go through all the photos, selecting and editing the best ones for you.
You’ll receive your online gallery within three weeks of your shoot.
From there, you can select your favorites or upgrade your package if you’d like more.
Your photos are yours to use across social media, websites, marketing materials, and beyond.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has helped you feel prepared and excited for your branding session! Whether this is your first time doing a shoot like this or you’ve done it before, my goal is to make it a relaxed, enjoyable experience that leaves you with a gallery of images that truly represent you and your brand.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help. Otherwise, I can’t wait to capture you in your element!
See you at your session!
Tracey
Golden Sundays Photography