Brand Session Client Guide

I’m honored that you’ve trusted me with your personal brand photography—it truly means the world to me. I know how important it is to find a photographer you feel comfortable with and who can bring your vision to life.

I can’t wait to create something incredible together. Investing in branding photography is an empowering investment in your business, opening doors to new opportunities and helping you show up in a way that feels authentic and professional.

Photoshoot days with me are a mix of strategy, connection, and fun, and I’m so excited to dedicate this time to you and your brand!

Inside this Client Prep Guide, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your session—and I’m just a text or email away if you have any questions.

Let’s do this!

A brand session is such an incredible opportunity to celebrate who you are and let your unique personality shine while creating a professional presence that feels true to you. To make the most of your session, a little thoughtful preparation and planning can go a long way.

In this guide, we’ll walk through simple, actionable steps to help you feel confident and ready—starting with defining your brand vision and pulling together a wardrobe that’s both stylish and versatile. Let’s make this an experience that truly captures the heart of your story!

Preparation

Define your brand vision

What is your goal?

Before diving into your brand session, it’s so important to have a clear vision of who you are and what your brand represents. Take some time to think about your values, your strengths, and the message you want to share with the world. Who is your audience, and how do you want them to feel when they see your photos? Are you leaning toward a polished, corporate vibe or something more relaxed and creative?

This clarity will be our anchor, shaping every decision—from what you wear to where we shoot and the overall feel of your session. Let’s make sure your vision shines through every detail!

This is a collaborative effort

Remember, open communication is key for a successful branding photoshoot!

A brand session is a true collaboration between us—it’s not just about me taking photos but about us working together to bring your vision to life. Your voice and input are so important in this process!

To make your session feel authentic and aligned with your brand, I encourage you to be an active participant in the planning. Share your ideas, inspiration, and any details that feel meaningful to you. And if something doesn’t feel quite right or doesn’t fit your vision, don’t hesitate to speak up—I want this to reflect your story in the most honest and impactful way possible. Together, we’ll create something that feels uniquely and beautifully you.

Research and seek inspiration

Create and share your Pinterest board with me

I always encourage my clients to dive into Pinterest—it’s such a great tool for sparking inspiration and finding ideas that truly resonate with you. I’d love for you to create a Pinterest board that feels like you—a space to gather wardrobe ideas, aesthetics, poses, and anything that reflects the vibe you’re going for in your brand session. It’s a fun way to dream big and hone in on your vision!

With that said, we’ll use Pinterest as a starting point, not a rulebook. Your brand is unique, and while inspiration is wonderful, copying someone else’s look is never the goal. I know we can create something even better, something that feels 100% authentic to you. So, go ahead and pin away, explore websites and social media for ideas, and share your board with me. This will help us capture your style and personality in a way that’s cohesive, impactful, and completely your own!

What to Wear

Choose outfits that reflect your brand identity

When choosing outfits for your brand session, it’s all about staying true to who you are and the message you want to share. Think about your brand’s identity, the audience you’re speaking to, and your unique personal style. Are you going for a polished, professional vibe or something more casual and creative? Your wardrobe should feel like an extension of your brand—aligned with your vision and reflective of the story you want to tell. Let’s make sure your outfits feel authentic, confident, and you.

Outfit types

  • Professional

    What would you wear in a room full of your ideal clients?

    This doesn’t need to feel overly corporate.

    If you would never wear a blazer or suit jacket, do not feel like you need to for brand photos just because you saw it in Pinterest images.

  • Nice casual

    How would you dress for a meeting with your client?

    This is how you typically show up in person.

    These outfits are most likely already in your closet and might include a shirt with your logo.

  • Casual

    How would you dress if you were going out to brunch on the weekend with your friends?

    This should be comfortable and something you could sit cross legged in on the floor.

    We could do bare feet with this outfit.

  • Lounge/workout wear

    We would only do an outfit like this if it is relevant to your story.

    Think leggings, PJs, or Instagram worthy home clothes.

    These should be good quality, and probably not your raggedy sweats with holes in them!

  • A signature outfit

    Is there an outfit that makes you feel like a sexy badass?

    This is a chance to bring your personality into the images.

    This can include statement jewelry, shoes, and other accessories that are unique to your style.

Opt for versatility & variety

To capture a variety of looks and emotions during your brand session, versatility is key! I recommend choosing a mix of outfits—professional pieces, casual-chic styles, and even a few statement pieces that really show off your personality. Think about layers or pieces that can be mixed and matched to give us lots of options.

This variety will create a diverse collection of images you can use in so many ways—on your website, social media, or even as professional headshots. Let’s make sure your wardrobe reflects your style while giving us the flexibility to tell the full story of your brand!

Prioritize comfort & confidence

While it’s important to choose outfits that align with your brand, comfort and confidence should always come first. Pick pieces that fit well, flatter your shape, and make you feel amazing. Steer clear of anything too tight or restrictive—if it’s uncomfortable, it might affect how you move and feel during your session. When you’re comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it shines through in your photos, creating images that truly capture your best self!

Consider color & texture

Colors and textures are such a powerful way to bring personality and depth to your brand photos! Choose colors that not only complement your skin tone but also reflect the vibe and energy of your brand. A mix of neutrals and statement colors that feel true to your style can work beautifully. Adding in different textures—like silk, lace, or knits—creates visual interest and gives your outfits extra dimension.

And don’t forget to think about the location and background of your session. Choosing colors and textures that flow naturally with your surroundings will help everything feel cohesive and truly showcase your brand’s essence.

Don’t forget hair, makeup, & accessories

When it comes to your brand session, the little details matter just as much as your outfit choices. Hair, makeup and accessories can really elevate your look and help bring your vision to life! Make sure your hair is styled in a way that feels like you and reflects the image you want to project. Professional hair and makeup services can be a great way to achieve a polished, camera-ready look that boosts your confidence.

Accessories are the perfect way to add personality and style to your outfits. Think jewelry, scarves, hats, purses and bags or anything else that complements your look and aligns with your brand’s vibe. These thoughtful touches will help tie everything together and make your photos truly shine!

Email me photos of your outfit choices

As you finalize your wardrobe for your brand session, remember that your outfits are a key part of telling your story and showcasing your brand. Once you’ve made your selections, you will send me images of each main outfit and any additional clothing pieces you’re planning to bring. This helps me plan the session efficiently and ensures that everything flows seamlessly.

Typically, we’ll start with your most formal outfits and work our way into the more casual looks, depending on our locations and shot list. This approach allows us to capture a range of styles and vibes while keeping everything aligned with your vision. I can’t wait to see what you’ve chosen—it’s going to be amazing!

What Props to Bring

Think about any accessories or props that could add a special touch to your brand session. These could be items that are meaningful to your work or passions, like a camera for a photographer, a sketchbook for an artist, or a laptop for a digital marketer. Not only do these props help tell your story, but they also add personality to your photos and show the heart of what you do. Let’s make sure we capture what truly represents you and your brand!

  • Tools of your trade

    If you have specific tools or equipment that are essential to your profession or creative endeavors, incorporating them as props can visually communicate your expertise and passion. For example, a chef might pose with culinary utensils, a painter with brushes and a palette, or a writer with a typewriter or a stack of books.

  • Tech devices

    In today's digital world, technology plays a significant role in personal branding. Consider incorporating relevant devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even headphones into your shoot. This can highlight your connection to the digital realm and showcase your expertise in leveraging technology for your brand.

  • Workplace elements

    Bringing elements from your workspace is a great way to infuse your photos with personality and authenticity. These details tell a story about who you are and how you work. Consider including items like your favorite mug, desk plant, or other unique decor pieces that reflect your style and character. These touches not only add depth to your images but also invite your audience into your world.

  • Branded items

    If you have branded marketing materials or merch, such as clothing, accessories, or products associated with your personal brand, incorporating them as props can strengthen brand recognition and create a cohesive visual identity. Consider showcasing your logo, slogan, or signature colors through these items.

  • Symbolic objects

    Think about objects or symbols that hold personal significance or represent key aspects of your brand story. It could be a vintage camera to represent your love for photography, a globe to symbolize your passion for travel or a musical instrument that reflects your artistic side. These props can add depth and help convey your brand's values and interests.

  • Unique & personal items

    Incorporating objects that are meaningful to you personally can create a deeper connection with your audience. It could be a sentimental piece of jewelry, a cherished book, or an heirloom passed down through generations. These items can evoke emotions and create a more intimate and relatable brand narrative.

  • Natural elements

    Bringing in elements from nature can add an organic and refreshing touch to your personal brand photography. Consider incorporating flowers, plants, leaves, or even a natural landscape as a backdrop. These props can align with a brand focused on sustainability, wellness, or outdoor adventures.

  • Hobby related items

    Incorporating hobby-related props into your brand session is a beautiful way to show the multi-dimensional side of who you are. Whether it’s a pair of hiking boots, a yoga mat, a favorite book, or tools for a craft you love, these items help tell a richer story about your life beyond your work. They add personality and create a deeper connection with your audience by showing what lights you up and makes you unique.

The week before

Final prepping

This is your chance to spoil yourself a little!

You’ll have your appointment with your hairdresser about a week before your session so your roots, color and bangs are photo ready.

Make sure your mani's and pedi's are up to date and it’s a good idea to exfoliate and moisturize this week.

Drink plenty of water, so your skin looks great. Get proper sleep so you look nice and fresh, and maybe even treat yourself to a facial!

The day before

Final check

Make sure all your clothes are ironed and on hangers so they do not crease.

If you’re getting your makeup and hair done, arrive with fully dry hair ready for styling and with clean moisturized skin.

Check your pack list, so you have all the correct underwear for each outfit, your accessories, plus all the props you want to bring.

Then get a good night’s sleep!

Lastly

If you have any questions or concerns throughout this planning process, I’m just a text or email away. I’m happy to help you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!

I understand this all might seem like a lot, but I want this experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible for you. I’m here as your guide and trusted expert, and you can have faith that all of the planning and preparation will be well worth it!