Branding Shoot Planning Checklist for Raleigh Professionals
A successful branding session starts long before you step in front of the camera. You’ve already completed the hardest task, finding the right photographer, and now it’s time to bring your vision to life. This complete preparation guide will walk you through each stage of the process, helping you plan strategically, feel confident, and show up fully prepared from start to finish. (Bookmark this page or print it out to reference before your shoot!)
1. Clarify Your Brand Message
Before we ever step in front of the camera, ask yourself:
- What do I want people to feel when they see my photos?
- Who is my ideal client?
- What words describe my brand? (Professional, approachable, bold, luxury, warm, modern?)
- Where will these images be used? (Website, LinkedIn, social media, speaking engagements)
Your photos should reflect your goals, not just be beautiful. You will receive a brand questionnaire. It may feel like information overload, but every little detail you can give me will help us prepare for your shoot.
2. Schedule Your Grooming
Take the time now to schedule your hair appointment, blow out, makeup artist, manicure, facial, etc. so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute. The goal is polished and natural, not overdone.
- Schedule haircuts at least a week before (no major style changes!)
- Neutral, polished makeup (professional makeup is recommended)
- Clean, natural, manicured nails
- Stay out of the sun to avoid tan lines and burns
- If self tanning, use a professional service to avoid streaks
3. Create a Pinterest Board for Inspiration
One of the best ways to clarify your vision for your session is to create a Pinterest board. You can find inspiration for wardrobe, poses, and location. Search both broad and specific search terms like, ‘brand photoshoot,’ or ‘chef branding photoshoot’ and look for:
- The mood you’re drawn to (light and airy, bold and dramatic, modern and clean)
- Posing styles you like
- Wardrobe inspiration
- Color palettes
- Office or workspace aesthetics
- Detail shots that feel aligned with your brand
Narrow down to 20 or 30 images that you want to inspire the, or style of your shoot. Share this gallery with me, and have it available the day of the shoot. While Pinterest is a great inspiration tool, not everything will translate well to YOUR branding session. Avoid pinning:
- Overly filtered or heavily edited images
- Trendy poses that don’t feel natural to you
- Images that don’t align with your industry or audience
- Styled shoots that feel unrealistic for your actual workspace
- Photo taking place in Paris (unless you’re going to Paris)
- Outfits or sets that don’t reflect how you truly show up in business, or would be unflattering on you
4. Find the Perfect location for your Raleigh Photoshoot
Choose a space that reflects your brand style and clientele. If you don’t love the look of the area you’re shooting in, you probably won’t love the photos. The overall color and look of your location will impact your outfit selections as well.
- A lifestyle rental studio
- At your home or office
- Outdoors
- A model home
- Your favorite coffee shop, hotel or restaurant (it never hurts to ask!)
If we are shooting in your home or office, you will want to take some time to get the space photo ready. That includes wiping down surfaces, clearing off tabletops and counters, hiding all cords and clutter, and adding staging (plants or fresh flowers books relevant to your industry, etc).
5. Plan Your Outfits
Wardrobe can make or break a branding session. You will receive planning information from me once you have booked your session:
- Create a clothing color palette
- Stick to colors that align with your brand
- Build a cohesive capsule collection
- Choose 2–3 outfits, with backup options
- Bring a mix of polished and slightly relaxed looks
- Avoid busy patterns or distracting logos
- Make sure everything is well fitted, tailored and wrinkle free
If you’re unsure, lay everything out and send me photos — I’m happy to guide you!
6. Gather Brand Props
Think about what visually represents your work. Props add depth and storytelling to your images, plus give you something to do besides “smiling at the camera”.
- Laptop or tablet
- Notebook or planner
- Coffee mug (champagne glass?) that fits your brand aesthetic
- Product samples
- Business cards
- Tools specific to your industry
- Branded packaging
- Flowers
- Merch
- Books relevant to your industry
7. Create a Shot List
A shot list helps you stay organized during your shoot and ensures you get the visuals you need. You do not need every image listed, but a printed game plan can really keep things on track and make sure that nothing important is missed.
- Headshots
- Lifestyle working images
- Horizontal and vertical compositions
- Close-ups and wider shots
- Movement shots (laughing, walking, typing, talking)
- You in action (speaking, coaching, working with a client)
- Flatlays or detail shots
The more intentional we are, the longer your images will serve you. Consider where these photos will be used and plan accordingly.
8. Hydrate + Sleep + skip the wine
The camera knows if you have been stressed and spread thin in the days before your shoot. It makes a world of difference with skin texture, red eyes, and energy levels.
- Hydrate extra the week of your session
- Prioritize sleep in the days before
- Eat before you shoot
- Give yourself plenty of time to arrive on time and relaxed
Bonus: Mindset Matters
Show up excited, full of energy, and ready to step out of your comfort zone.
You do not have to know how to pose.
That’s my job.
I provide full direction, expression coaching, and professional lighting so that you will look confident, natural, and at the top of your game. These branding photo shoots are so much fun, I promise you will have a blast!