Key lessons from my latest photoshoot

In the age of social media, brands require a continuous stream of content in order to remain fresh and relevant.

But there’s nothing worse than investing a lot of money in a photoshoot, only to receive the photos and then not be able to use any of them in your marketing! 

So what’s the secret to maximum return for your money? 

PLAN AHEAD! 

It’s an important investment of both our time and money AND reflects our brand so it’s important that we maximize the opportunity with a well laid out plan before the shoot even begins. 

I recently did a LONG overdue photo shoot to update my image library and here’s what I did to plan ahead. I thought I’d share it with you in case you are planning a shoot in the near future: 

• FIRST, list all the types shots you need and how they’ll be used 

This is the most important step. Provide as much detail as possible. 

For example, if you need a website hero image with white space for text, you don’t want to end up with a whole bunch of busy portrait shots that don’t work. 

Make a list of all the potential places you might need to use your images and ensure these formats are in your brief e.g. Facebook Ads, Emailers, Website Banners, Instagram Stories, Reels etc. 

• Create a Canva or Pinterest mood board with example shots 

This is key! Visuals will help your photographer understand the vision you have for the shoot and help them deliver on your expectations. The look + feel is key! 

• Plan different outfits + locations 

Chances are you’ll be using these photos for a while so make sure you include different outfits and locations so they don’t all look like they’re shot on the same day.

Also think about seasonality - you don’t want to be showing photos of yourself in polo-necks in mid-summer and floral flowy dresses mid-winter. 

• Brief your photographer 

Send your brief (including your shot list and mood board) ideally 3-5 business days before the shoot to help your photographer get into the right mindset and prep for the shoot. Have a prep call to make sure you’re both on the same page before shoot day! 

• Prep for shoot day 

Make sure your wardrobe, make-up and props are ready for the day and get lots of rest the night before because shoot days require ALL your energy! 

That’s it! 

Need some help sourcing a branding photographer? We have a few local photographers listed on our Small Business platform, The Best Little Guide. 

Alternatively, if you see images you love on Instagram, why not DM them and ask who took their photos? 

If you feel like you could do with some new images for your personal brand or business, see this as your sign to prioritize it NOW. 

Follow us @alphabetsocial for more tips.