Brand Photoshoot Guide: What to Plan and Budget For
A brand photoshoot is more than just showing up with cute outfits and hoping for the best. A little planning goes a long way in making your session feel more intentional, relaxed, and actually fun!
This photoshoot guide will help you think through what to prepare, what to budget for, and what to bring so your brand photos feel like you. As a Kansas City brand photographer, I help my clients with creative direction, shot planning, and personalized prop lists — no boring photos here! Here’s how to plan a brand photoshoot that feels intentional from start to finish.
Outfits That Feel Like Your Brand
Let’s be honest, one of the most fun parts about brand photos is planning the outfits! Your outfits make a big difference in how you want your photos to feel.
My clients typically shop for specific outfits before their photoshoot so everything feels cohesive and true to their brand. Not that you need a whole new wardrobe, but a few intentional pieces can tie everything together. Focus on choosing pieces that match your brand colors, style, and personality.
I just love what Annie wore for her content creation and social media management business, Content with Annie. The flowy white skirt by the water was perfection. Her outfits were the perfect mix of elevated and casual, which totally matched the vibe we were going for.
Props That Help Tell Your Story
Props are one of the easiest ways to make a brand session feel more personal and memorable, which is why they deserve a spot in any good photoshoot guide. They can be practical business items like your laptop, phone, tripod, and printed materials. Or they can be fun, out-of-the-box items that add personality, like a fishing rod, floppy hat, or pool float.
Props give your photos variety and create visual interest, which is so helpful when you’re using the same gallery across your website, social media, launches, and marketing.
For my brand photoshoot sessions, I include a detailed prop list. We start with how you want your photos to feel and what story you want to tell, then I brainstorm all the fun props to help you stand out! I have a full list of brand photoshoot prop ideas to inspire you here.
Hair and Makeup So You Feel Your Best
As the face of your brand, looking and feeling your best matters. And I’m not talking about looking like a totally different person. When you feel like the best version of yourself, that confidence shows up in your photos!
Many of my clients book hair, makeup, and nails before their session. It’s totally optional, and you can absolutely do this yourself, but sometimes it’s worth it to have the peace of mind of a professional.
Your photos are going to represent your business in a lot of places, so feeling confident really does matter. That’s an important investment!
The Details That Bring This Photoshoot Guide Together
We can’t forget the little things that make your session feel smooth from start to finish. Being prepared helps avoid those tiny “oh crap” moments the day of your session.
I always recommend bringing things like safety pins, a Tide pen, a hairbrush, and anything else you may need for little touch-ups.
Once you have your outfits planned, steam your clothes, gather your props, and organize everything the week leading up to your photoshoot. That way, you have plenty of time to grab anything you may have missed and show up feeling relaxed, prepared, and ready for a fun session full of creativity.
And as your Kansas City photographer, I’m here to help every step of the way so this process can be as stress-free as possible. Think of this photoshoot guide as your reminder that the little details matter, but you don’t have to figure them all out alone.
Ready to Plan Your Brand Photoshoot?
If you’re ready to plan a brand photoshoot that feels intentional, story-driven, and actually like you, let’s chat!
Based in Kansas City and available beyond, I help design-led brands plan outfits, props, shot ideas, and the overall creative direction so your photos feel effortless and real. You can see all the details of my brand sessions here and learn more about me here. I can’t wait to dream up something fun with you!