5 EASY STEPS TO DIY YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT
Updated: Jun 23
by Costa Creative Company
Branding photoshoots, on average, are about $400 - $1,200 depending on what photographer is hired, how many pictures are needed, the preferred photo style, travel expenses, etc. Of course, we recommend hiring a photographer when the budget allows; there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! However, many of us want to save a few hundred dollars and don't mind DIYing our branding shoot.
But where do you even start with your brand photoshoot? You're in the right place! Here's how we DIY'd our brand photoshoot.
STEP 1. CREATE A MOOD BOARD AND FIND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE.
Before prepping for your photoshoot, we highly recommend getting some inspiration. Our go-to inspo getter is the one and only Pinterest. Here you can get ideas on the clothing choices, decor, props, and, most importantly, poses you can do. You can check out the board for our most recent photoshoot inspo here.
Our biggest tip is to stay consistent with your branding and your strategy. When prepping for a brand photoshoot, consider numerous things; for example, if your brand's color palette is more neutral, avoid bright colors and choose a white or neutral background. When selecting your poses and outfits, you need to consider the type of mood your business is trying to communicate.
Lastly, photography style determines your brand's voice, and it's an effective tool that can be used to communicate your brand's message. There are many different types of photography styles. For example, portrait, lifestyle, headshots, etc. The style we chose for our photoshoot was lifestyle because we believe the natural, casual, welcoming look is what describes our brand the best. Here is a brief description of the different types of branding photo styles.
Some things to plan before the day of your photoshoot:
Photography Style
Props
Backgrounds
Outfits & Accessories
Location
STEP 2. LET'S TALK EQUIPMENT!
Equipment you'll need for your photoshoot:
Camera - High-resolution camera (for our branding shoot, we used the Canon Rebel T7i )
Memory Card - At least 64GB (our memory card)
Lighting Kit - (the lighting kit was lent to us, so we linked a similar one here)
White Backdrop Background (ours linked here)
Adjustable Background Stand (we also borrowed this, so here's a similar one)
Some of the equipment we used was lent to us, and some we already owned, so we didn't have to purchase many supplies. If you have a friend willing to lend you some of their equipment, it will help you stay within budget.
STEP 3. CHOOSE A LOCATION
Location matters. If you have an office, take photos in your space. Suppose you don't have an office, you can always rent a place, ask a friend or family member to borrow their all-white renovated house (what we did, lol), or choose a cute local coffee shop and take your pictures there.
Also, if you're feeling bright and airy and the outside matches your brand, you can choose a local park and take pictures there. However, this tutorial is geared towards using an indoor location.
STEP 4. ASK A FRIEND, CHOOSE A DATE, & PLAN.
Who took your pictures? You might ask! Well, Val's sister did. Ask your sibling or friend to take your pics, and lunch is on you! They don't have to be professional photographers by any means. Before the photoshoot, you can always go over how the camera works with them and let them take some test shots. Once your friend says yes, choose a date and location that works best for both of you.
STEP 5. TAKE YOUR PICS!
The moment we've all been waiting for. Do your hair and makeup an hour or 2 before so you're ready to model when you get to your location. Take your makeup with you for touch-ups throughout the day.
Put your favorite music on, set up your backdrop and lights, organize your props and outfits, and start posing!
TIPS:
The more pictures, the better!
Don't forget the headshots! Headshots always come in handy.
We find it best to not always look at the camera and look in a different direction. You can smile or laugh as if you were talking to someone.
Act natural and just be you!
Don't forget to take pictures of props and objects (iPad, laptop, phone, business cards, books, etc.)
Be sure to set aside 4-5 hours for the photoshoot. Take snacks! (There are many factors that determine your photoshoot timing-- Our photoshoot was 4 hours, we did Lifestyle & Headshots together and separate, had 3 outfit changes, and we got ~1,300 pictures, YES that's PLENTY to work with)
If the area you're in has natural lighting, use it! Pictures with natural lighting are always the way to go.
Hope this helps you organize your very own DIY brand photoshoot. GOOD LUCK! :)