How to Prepare for a Brand Photoshoot That Reflects You and Your Business
A brand photoshoot is so much more than showing up and smiling for the camera. It’s a visual representation of your energy, values, and what you offer your clients.
The key? Preparation.
Take my recent session with Kelly, a transformational hypnotherapist and strategic coach. She wanted her photos to connect with high-achieving professionals who also value inner work and spiritual alignment. You can see how she is using her images on her SoulShyft website to connect with her community.
Here’s how you can prepare for a session shoot that feels like you?
1. Choose a Location That Matches Your Brand Energy
Kelly chose The Studio Chicago, a gorgeous natural-light space with modern furnishings. The clean lines and warm textures perfectly reflected her balance of professional authority and approachability.
When choosing your location, think beyond “pretty”. Ask if the space feels like you and aligns with the message you want your brand to convey.
2. Select Looks That Reflect Your Brand Personality
Kelly’s outfits told a complete story. Each one reflecting a different facet of her brand while keeping her personal style front and center:
Champagne gold suit for power and professionalism.
Smart casual blazer for connection and collaboration.
Black top with emerald green silk trousers a bold, confident nod to her signature brand color, adding richness and depth to her overall visual palette.
Relaxed white-on-white for grounding and openness.
When planning your own wardrobe, choose pieces that make you feel the way you want your audience to perceive you. Confidence is one of the most photogenic things you can wear.
3. Include Images That Show You in Action
Kelly’s shoot wasn’t just headshots. We captured her consulting with a client, presenting at a workshop and reviewing a vision board, journaling, and grounding visuals that show her process and expertise in motion.
Think about moments from your own work that would help potential clients picture themselves working with you.
4. Capture Energy, Not Just Poses
Kelly wanted to avoid the cliché “meditation” shot and instead convey grounded confidence. We focused on:
Walking with purpose.
Leaning in at a table as if mid-conversation.
Reflecting softly in front of a mirror to suggest transformation.
5. Prepare With Intention
Kelly didn’t just show up to her session. We discussed her goals, community, and brand story weeks in advance. She arrived ready, prepared with all her outfits, props and accessories, which meant the session flowed smoothly and we created images that were spot-on for her business.
The more intentional you are in planning, the more your photos will truly reflect who you are and what you offer.