From planning to image delivery - what happens on a brand photoshoot?
From planning to image delivery - what really happens when you invest in a photoshoot with me?
If you were ever wondering what exactly happens on my brand photoshoots I thought a blog post was a great way of painting a picture. It’s one of those illusive things that you see everyone else doing but you aren’t really sure what goes on behind the scenes!
Once you book with me, it is a real collaborative process and working together is the best way to get amazing images for your business.
As soon as you book we can start the planning process. I say to everyone that this is as important as the shoot itself. We need to get down to the nitty gritty of your business - the why, the what and the who. Why are you doing this? Customer focus should be at the heart of your brand. What do you do and who are you doing it for? Your brand mission and values are what drives your business. I need to get to know your business so I can plan the photoshoot to get the best outcome for you.
“Understand me.
Make a difference in my life.
Surprise me often.
Give me more than I paid for.
Show me you love me”
Planning
The planning also allows us both to get creative. Although I am photographing you, you also have as much creative input as you wish. I can give you lots of suggestions and ideas but it’s also important that you take time to think in the planning process about what images you specifically need. Remember, this is an investment so look at your yearly marketing strategy. Does this include 3/4 email campaigns? If so, plan your shoot so that images for these campaigns are included. Do you have a social media marketing strategy? Is there a ‘freebie’ you want to market? If so, make sure that your photographer knows this so you can both brainstorm ideas.
As part of the planning we decide where and when. Locations and themes for your photoshoot are key as these will tell your brand story. Are you a freelancer who works out of coffee shops? Do you live for your family? Your dog? Do you love reading? Do you love fashion? Do you want to be seen as a bad ass professional who means business or do you want people to know that you are a really chilled out relaxed person. What perception you want to show to your ideal clients as this is who we are doing it all for!
We discuss props and items that we can use for close up shots or include in images of you. We also work out what you are going to wear. You want to feel your absolute best when you’re in front of the camera so do you want a make up artist? You hair done? Lots of clients choose to have this done as it makes them feel special and they say it brings out confidence in them at the shoot.
I would normally meet up for a tea/coffee/wine before the shoot so it breaks the ice and I’m not a stranger at the shoot. At the moment, with COVID still around, we will most likely have a couple of zoom chats prior to the shoot so we can discuss all the planning. I should also say at this point that I have a COVID policy and at the shoot we will stay 2m apart which is totally doable given I have zoom lenses! I’ll wear masks where required (not if outside though) and I’ll bring sanitiser.
The Shoot
Once we agree locations and we agree on a date (assuming the weather behaves) its shoot time!! We will arrange to meet at an pre-arranged place. We will bring all the props we have discussed in the planning. You will bring your change of clothes too. My photoshoots are very relaxed and once you get into it you won’t care who’s looking. It’s amazing how quickly 4 hours can fly by. I’ll direct you through the entire shoot. I’ll have my list of ‘must have’ images you want. I’ve done photoshoots on beaches, in coffee shops, round a busy city centre and plenty of other places where people stare. I’m used to getting funny looks but most people are good sports and very accommodating.
Delivery
Once the shoot is over I ask for a few days to edit and deliver the images. I deliver the images in colour and black and white, in high resolution and low resolution. I’ll go through exactly what this means in terms of what size image you should use and where.
If you’ve booked a full brand photoshoot, as part of the package we can schedule a 15 minute check in call a couple of weeks after to see how you are getting on with your images and if you need any help. I also deliver your FREE social media planner for the coming month which is a new bonus I am offering.
It can be a daunting experience for a lot of people. So many people hate having their photo taken so it’s up to me to make you feel relaxed and hopefully that’s what I do! If you’ve any more questions I’d be happy to answer them. Drop me a message...
