How to prepare for your branding photoshoot

Shot list

If you have a specific picture/angle/style of picture, don't be afraid to let your photographer know! It is very important that you communicate your needs to establish your expectations. It will only make the results better for you.

However if you don't have a shotlist, don't worry I will have one down that we can go through together.

If you do want to partake in the process, think of your business’ core values. Perhaps you have a few words that you use to describe it, or as part of your mission statement.

Create a mood board

I recommend during the weeks prior to the photoshoot to save any inspiring picture you come across. It can be of yoga or food or anything that caught your eye. If you are someone who needs a shot list (see previous point), that can help you refine your taste.

You can search on Pinterest a keyword that resonates with your business, avoiding generic terms such as “yoga teacher” but really getting specific, such as the words you would use to describe your business.

You can create one folder per keyword and start from there.

Flow

That point is specific to my work with yoga teachers and movers. I prefer to work with movement rather than poses and I usually recommend vinyasa teachers to plan a sequence they want to go through- a sequence they teach or practice. Again, not everyone will need to prepare sequences, that depends on the kind of teacher you are.

Outfits

My main advice is wear something comfortable- how you feel in your outfit will reflect on the picture. If you are feeling creative think outside the box: maybe you have a dress you love and makes you feel good and you want to showcase it on a photoshoot? Activewear is far from being your only option 💛

Another thing is if you are planning to change, bring a long flowy skirt you can put around your neck for your very own portable changing room.

If the shoot is in nature, bring an extra pair of socks, some wipes and perhaps an extra jumper.

To pick your outfits, think of your brand colours if you have any, and your business’ personality. It can also be useful to think of the students and clients you want to appeal to when it comes to the branding photoshoot.

If you have any doubt you are welcome to send me any snap of outfit ideas!

Location

If you already know where you want to do your photoshoot I am happy to discuss it with you.

If not, I will send you some suggestions based on what you love and your business’ values.

If you want an indoor location (it is always useful in a branding photoshoot) I also have suggestions. They will come at an extra cost but it will always be discussed in advance and I am not profiting on the location hire.

If you do want to partake in the process for indoor location, the main things we are looking at natural light and space. But I have a few locations with which I work on a regular basis.

Accessories

For your branding photoshoot, we are trying to represent you and your business. So think of the objects you use in your daily life for your work and personal practice.

Perhaps you have an online membership and spend a lot of time filming, or you use a lot of incense, or you love journaling ?

Accessories can also be people when it comes to the branding photoshoot - this is my most flexible package and you can bring your friend or child or even pet with you.

Body image

This is a specific advice to those of you who are suffering from body dysmorphia or other related issues.

Tell a trusted friend you are doing a photoshop so they can hype you up. If you feel comfortable to do so, share your doubts with your photographer so they can take extra care on the day.

Don't look at the pictures on the day of the photoshoot and wait to be with that trusted friend again when looking at the images.