The ultimate brand shoot checklist (for your website and your socials)
aka everything you’ll kick yourself for forgetting if you don’t read this
Photos from our brand shoot with Part Time Professionals, an education consultancy that focuses on digital learning. Shoot location: Squirrel.
So, you’ve booked your brand shoot (look, hopefully with me, but hey, we’re all mates here, okay?), and now you’re wondering: what do I actually need photos of? The answer: more than just photos of your pretty face (but definitely lots of photos of your pretty face).
Don’t stress babes, I’ve got you. Whether you’re a business owner getting a new personal branding shoot done, or you’re a small team going for a big brand shoot, here’s your go-to cheat sheet for the photos that’ll keep your website, Instagram, LinkedIn, email footer and flyers looking sliiiiick.
The must-have photos for your website and social media platforms
These are the big-hitters, the non-negotiables. You’ve just gotta walk away with these goodies, and if you don’t, you’ll find yourself going “man, I really wish I had a photo of me working on my laptop.”
Your website is all about storytelling, so you’ve gotta think; what tells my story?
For most people, it looks like this:
Homepage hero shot: A strong, on-brand image that screams “hi hello this is me and my business hire me please.”
Classic headshots: Clean and clear, classic and tidy headshots of your lovely face, flattering AF and versatile (these are the gems for your LinkedIn profile).
About page photo(s): A slightly more relaxed version of you. Candid. Oh me? I always look this relaxed and glamourous. Think stuff like: you at your desk, sipping coffee, laughing mid-convo (at my jokes, obviously).
Team photos (if applicable): Group shot, individual headshots and a few lifestyle ones of everyone doing their thing. I like to do a more formal group shot, and then a bunch of relaxed ones that make people go - oh, they look fun.
Working shots: You doing what you do, whatever that looks like. Could be you on the tools, with clients, on the laptop, on the phone, writing notes, pointing at things with purpose, etc.
Candid + real-life moments: You in your natural habitat. Could be a different location to your main shoot. If you’re a website designer and are typically at the home office, you could get a bunch of photos of you outside in the real world, walking your dog down the beach, or parked up working at a cafe with oat flattie in hand. Gotta make you relatable!
Location or workspace shots: Show off your studio, office, shop, workshop. Grab photos with and without you in them.
Branded materials: Business cards, packaging, signage, products, merch - anything you’ve put your logo or love into. Love a little flatlay for shots like this, and they make for great filler imagery (think your own stock imagery, sans cheesiness).
Detail + texture shots: Hands, tools, notebooks, coffee cups… whatever makes sense to your brand. These fill the visual gaps and keep things looking luuuuush.
Photos that work a treat on social media
This is all about creating high quality, bankable content that you can roll out in any way, shape or form. Goodies for your posts, stories, reel covers and things to chuck into Canva templates. These pics keep your feed fresh and mean you’re never scrambling for imagery to go with your post.
Your face, everywhere: Social media bloody loves faces (scary, but so true. Did you ever notice that your best performing posts are the ones with your lovely mug at the front?)
Behind the scenes: You setting up, packing orders, editing, making, prepping, on the tools - the real life moments.
Mood shots: Environmental vibes, stock-image-but-make-it-yours.
Flatlays: Tools of the trade, styled bits and pieces.
Client interactions: Real or staged, just don’t make it awkward.
Expressions + movement: You laughing, thinking, talking, walking, dancing if you dare. I have absolutely made people dance and spin at photoshoots (just ask any of my past clients - but hey, it gets that aesthetic, moody, blurry movement shot so I have no regrets).
Seasonal content: Get a few options that work year-round and some for promo periods or launches. If you have something specific coming up, plan ahead and capture content for your campaign
Cheatsheet - how to prep for your brand shoot
Create a shot list: Literally copy and paste this one, then tweak to suit your business (if you book me, I can do it for youuuuuu)
Outfit planning: If you’re booking a longer shoot, bring a couple of outfits to mix it up and keep your content going for longer. Bring your faves, keep ‘em clean and cohesive, add accessories, bring in your colour palette.
Props + tools: Laptop, coffee cup, branded goodies, your product, your tools of the trade, whatever helps tell the story. Wipe down your laptop screen and save me hours of photoshopping.
Tidy the space: Your workspace or location doesn’t have to be perfect, but give it a little tidy up (hide clutter in cupboards and drawers, no judgement).
Hair + makeup: Book it if you want to feel extra fabulous. Sometimes it just gives that confidence boost. Go on, treat yo’self. I highly recommend the girlies at Duo Styling if you’re based in Wellington.
Want to explore personal branding shoots a little more? Feeling all excited and inspired? Take a peek at my different offerings x
