Branding & Commercial Photography Guide
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PHOTO SESSION
The Exciting Part!
Your branding session is just around the corner – and I couldn’t be more excited!
This is your moment to show the world who you are and what your business stands for.
My job is to capture you in a way that feels authentic, confident, and undeniably you.
This guide will walk you through how to prepare so that on shoot day, you can relax and enjoy yourself – knowing we’ll create a stunning, versatile collection of images that will work hard for your brand now, and in the future.
When you’ve poured time, love, and energy into building a brand, you deserve imagery that reflects all of it.
Great personal branding photos connect with your ideal clients, communicate your expertise, and help you book more of the work you love.
Where Your Images Will Shine
Branding images aren’t just for your “About Me” page.
The beauty of a well-planned session is that your photos will be ready for use across so many touchpoints in your business.
Some ideas:
- Website banners & profile pages
- Social media platforms – Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube thumbnails
- Blog posts, email newsletters & welcome sequences
- Business cards, brochures & flyers
- Press features, podcasts & speaking gigs
- Large-scale print (signs, event displays, billboards)
Tip: Knowing where you plan to use your images helps me capture the right crops, orientations, and backgrounds so your visuals feel intentional and versatile.
WHAT TO WEAR
What to wear
Your outfit sets the tone for your brand story.
Choose clothing that:
- Reflects your brand personality (creative, modern, polished, relaxed – whatever fits)
- Fits well and flatters your shape (always try outfits on beforehand)
- Uses colours that complement your brand palette
- Makes you feel confident and comfortable
Extra tips:
- Bring 2–3 outfit options for variety
- Layering (jackets, blazers, scarves) instantly changes a look
- Avoid loud logos, busy patterns, and neon colours that reflect onto your skin
- Keep accessories simple – one statement piece is usually enough
- Heels are optional, but can help posture if you’re comfortable wearing them
Props & Storytelling
Props add personality and context to your images – but they need to feel authentic to your brand.
Great prop ideas:
- Tools of your trade (laptop, camera, notebooks, product samples)
- Brand-coloured stationery, flowers, or soft furnishings
- Items that hint at your process or personality
Avoid clichés unless they genuinely suit your business (think: coffee mug + laptop).
If in doubt, create a “props box” before your shoot and bring it along – I’ll help you refine what works best.
Hair Tips
Your hair plays a bigger role than you might think in how your photos feel.
- Soft waves or curls photograph beautifully and frame the face
- If wearing it up, leave a few strands loose for softness
- Freshen colour or touch up regrowth if needed
- Tame flyaways with a light hairspray or smoothing serum
Makeup, Skin & Nails
A little preparation goes a long way – whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro.
- Keep makeup light and natural – think “best version of you”
- Moisturise visible skin the day before
- Fresh nail polish or neat bare nails both work well
- If professional makeup boosts your confidence, book it! I can recommend trusted artists who create natural yet polished looks
Final Prep Checklist
- Steam or iron outfits
- Pack outfits, props, and any tools of your trade
- Bring touch-up items (lip balm, powder, hairbrush)
- Hydrate and get a good night’s sleep – it really does show!
Location Inspiration
Your backdrop should help tell your story and resonate with your dream clients.
Some ideas:
- A favourite café
- Urban streets or architectural features
- Beaches, parks, or gardens
- Your home, office, or workshop
- Boutique hotels or co-working spaces
- Airbib options
- Showhomes
.
My Private Venue – Backpaddock Lakes
If you’d love a location that’s private, versatile, and beautiful, I can offer exclusive access to my venue at Backpaddock Lakes. There are additional fees if using my private venue - just get in touch for a quote.
We can make use of:
- The elegant villa for refined, professional shots
- Lakeside settings for relaxed, natural imagery
- Open farmland for a spacious, rural vibe
It’s the perfect backdrop to capture a variety of looks for your brand – all in one place, without the distractions of public spaces.
Posing Made Simple
Not a fan of being in front of the camera? You’re not alone – and I’ll guide you through it.
- Relax your shoulders, elongate your body
- Angle yourself 30–45° instead of facing straight on
- Slightly bend a leg or arm for a natural shape
- Keep hands relaxed – one in a pocket, one resting on your thigh, or loosely clasped
- Capture both smiling and neutral expressions for variety
Branding Products
Explore Shot Types to Showcase Versatility
Let me know if you require product images as different camera equipment is required to bring along to the session.
Offering a range of photo styles helps your content stay fresh and flexible:
Studio shot – crisp, on-brand product images on plain backdrops.
Lifestyle shot – show your product in real-life use to help clients imagine it in their world.
Close-up – highlight texture, detail, or craftsmanship.
Group shot – display multiple products or variations together.
Demonstrative shot – show how your product works or how a service tool is used.
Let’s Do This!
Thank you for trusting me to create these images for you, I can't wait to help create these beautiful handy images that you'll be able to enjoy in your business journey!
See you soon!
Charlotte
