How to Prepare for Your Branding Photo Session: A Step-by-Step Checklist
If you want to show up with confidence online, it starts with a well-planned branding photo session.
Your photos tell your story before anyone reads your bio. They help your audience connect with you, trust you, and remember you.
The good news?
You don’t have to stress about it. With the right plan, you’ll walk into your session feeling calm, confident, and ready to shine.
Here’s your step-by-step checklist to make the most of your shoot.
1. Clarify Your Brand Message
Before anything else, get clear on what you want your photos to say.
What do you want people to feel when they land on your website or scroll past your post?
Think about your:
Personality (Are you bold, soft-spoken, creative?)
Audience (Who are you trying to connect with?)
Goals (What will you use these photos for?)
A strong branding photo session starts with clarity. You bring the vibe, and I’ll bring it to life through the lens.
2. Choose Outfits That Feel Like You
You don’t need a whole new wardrobe—but you do want to look and feel your best.
Here’s what works well:
Solid colors that match your brand palette
Clothes that fit well and photograph cleanly
Layers or accessories to add variety
At least one “signature” look you love
Avoid busy patterns, visible logos, and anything you constantly fidget with. If you're unsure, I’ll help you narrow it down before your shoot.
Related: don’t try to be something you’re not. Authenticity is king. When you’re true to yourself, it will show through in the images.
3. Plan Your Props and Tools
Your session is a visual story of how your work and what you do.
Here are a few things to consider bringing:
Laptop, phone, or tablet
Notebook, coffee mug, or brand materials
Products you sell or tools you use daily
Any small touches that add personality
Props make your images feel real and relatable. Don’t overthink it—just bring what’s part of your everyday work life.
4. Prep for Location and Timing
I’ll guide you on locations based on your brand vibe. Studio? Cozy home office? Coffee shop? Downtown DFW?
We’ll also plan for time of day based on natural lighting. If you want multiple locations, we can plan that too. We’ll map out a plan that flows and have a blast!
A smooth branding photo session always comes down to good prep. If you’re unsure about any of it, not to worry. It’s something I help every client with personally.
5. Take Care of Yourself Before the Shoot
You don’t need a full glam team (you can if you wish), but you do want to feel fresh and camera-ready.
The day before your session:
Drink water and get good sleep
Lay out your outfits
Double-check hair, nails, and grooming
Don’t try anything new with skincare or makeup
The goal is to show up feeling like your best self. The more confident you feel, the better the portraits will be.
Why Prep Matters for a Branding Photo Session
When you walk in prepared, your energy shows. You feel more comfortable, more confident, and more like you.
A successful branding photo session is all about creating a space where you can show up with clarity and confidence. That’s when the magic happens!
Ready to Book Your Branding Session?
I work with coaches, founders, creatives, and professionals across Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and the greater DFW area. Let’s capture images that feel aligned, intentional, and unmistakably you.