FAQs for Branding Sessions

I get so excited when women say that because … you are my ideal client.

Most of the women I photograph feel awkward in front of the camera, hate being photographed or have spent years hiding behind stock photos and selfies.

You do not need to know how to pose. I teach you that.  And that is education that will help you every time you are in front of any camera moving forward.

I love showing you how to look good.

So don’t worry … I guide you through the entire process so your images feel professional, approachable and still genuinely like you.

Branding photography is about creating intentional images that help people connect with you and your business.

These are not just headshots.

We create portraits and content that can be used across in websites, social media, email marketing, podcasts, behind the scenes content and marketing materials.

The goal is to create a library of images that showcases you and your business.

That is what we plan together before your session!

We look at your business, your audience, how and where you market yourself and your brand personality.

You are never expected to arrive with a complete shot list already figured out.  But .. Pinterest is a great place to start!  This gives both of us a feel for what you like and the vibe you are going for.

If you have a website designer or social media manager, ask them for the shots they need and ask for a mood board and specific requirements.

That is usually the first questions clients ask and the one that gives people the most anxiety!

So … we plan your outfits together before the session.  I also have an amazing colour consultant to help you with colours, shapes and styles if you want additional support.  This then actually becomes the fun part!

Outfit changes are also planned in advance so the day flows smoothly.

Absolutely.

Props often help branding sessions feel more natural and personal.

Think of things like laptops, notebooks, coffee cups, products, tools of your trade, books, equipment etc.  Anything relevant to your business and personality.

I highly recommend you get professional hair and make up done.  Not because you need it, you are beautiful just as you are.  But what I find is women who have their hair and makeup feel prettier, and it shows in the photos.  You smile just that little bit more.  Plus … it is a lovely bit of pampering for yourself.  I love making your Branding Session Photo Day all about you! I can absolutely arrange it for you if you would like it.

Yes.  Again, this is something we plan for.  There is no point going into a session and thinking … “I’ll just get some video”.  We need to know before hand what you need, what you want to talk about, what footage you need a b-roll.

That depends on the experience we create together.

Some branding sessions are short and focused, while others involve multiple outfits, locations and extensive content creation over a few hours.  I generally say allow between 3 and 5 hours.  Much longer than that and we both get tired and a bit over it!  I want you to leave the session energised!

There are a variety of options available to you, and it all depends on your business and your vibe.

Some options are your workplace, a hired studio (these are SOOO much fun), cafes, city streets, outdoor spots or even hotels can make for great locations.

The location should feel aligned with your business and your personality.

Short answer … yes.  However, I don’t want you to think it is to make you look like a Barbie.  All retouching is to make you look like you on your best day, and ensure you are the focus of the image.

I think you are thinking the wrong way around.  You don’t need to be confident before your session or to book in.

The session shows you how to pose and that builds the confidence in you, in real time.

You don’t have to be confident to look confident.

And I hold your hand through every step of the process.

No, branding photography is part of your rebrand.  I can help you decide on colours for your brand (I have an incredible brand colour consultant to help) and we can talk about your brand voice.  We can then shape your rebrand around what we create together.

I hear you .. they are just photos.  How can they help my business?  Branding photos are so much more than just photos.  They showcase you, your voice, your mission, your vision, your offering, your personality.  Professional photos build credibility and showcase you as a legitimate, quality business that is worth buying from.

Remember that the opposite is true too.  If you are using stock photos, or a phone selfie, it is actually damaging your business and your credibility.  If you use short cuts on your photos, what other short cuts are you taking in your business?  It is not a good look.

For women, if your hair is different, if you have a new offering, if you are launching a product or service, you need new branding photos.  If all of those things have not changed, then the recommendation is to have new branding photos taken every 2 years.