Brand Shoot Planning Guide
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Brand Shoot Planning Guide *
Helping you get the most from your shoot with Justine Desmond
Welcome
Your brand shoot isn’t just about “nice photos” — it’s about creating images that tell the story of you and your business.
Whether you’re a founder, freelancer or creative professional, this guide will help you shape ideas, build confidence and arrive prepared.
Don’t worry if you don’t feel “brand ready” — this process will help uncover what makes you and your work unique.
📸 Tip: Save this page or bookmark it — you’ll want to come back to it while planning your Pinterest board.
What Your Brand Really Is
Your brand is how people feel when they see you and your work.
It’s made up of three simple things:
Your personality – how you show up and communicate
Your purpose – why you do what you do
Your style – the look, tone and mood that express both
Ask yourself:
What three words describe how you want people to feel when they see your photos?
What kind of first impression do you want to make?
(e.g. calm, bold, creative, confident, grounded, friendly…)
Finding Your Visual Style
Use your Pinterest board (or start one!) to collect inspiration. Don’t worry about being consistent — we’ll find the thread that ties it all together.
What to Pin
Moods or colours that feel like you
Outfits or props that reflect your style
Photography styles you like (light + airy, bold, moody, editorial etc.)
Poses or setups that catch your eye
💡 Tip: Don’t overthink it — just pin what you love. Patterns will appear naturally, and that’s your visual identity forming.
Location Ideas
Your workspace, home, studio or a local café
Outdoors in Brighton & Hove — beach, South Downs, or urban streets
A hired studio/location home (I have access to really good deals if you want this) if you want something clean and minimal
Outfit Ideas
Wear clothes that reflect your business personality — relaxed, creative or polished
Stick to colours that suit you and your brand (if you are unsure i can send you a colour chart, just ask me)
Bring one casual and one more professional look if you want to create different vibes
Avoid bold patterns (unless that is your signature style) or clothes that will date
Accessories really help to change a look easily and quickly
Props to Consider
Anything that represents your work or lifestyle — laptop, camera, notebook, tools, products, books, plants, coffee, etc.
Look on Pinterest for inspiration and go shopping for props, it’s a good investment and will elevate your images.
Try to keep props withing the colour scheme for your shoot, your brand colours
Building a Shot List
First, take a quiet moment to think about the stories you want to share, then think about where you will show your pictures.
We’ll refine this together before the shoot, but here are some ideas to get you thinking:
Headshots
Simple, confident portraits
Smiling, serious, and candid expressions
Lifestyle & Working Shots
You doing your thing — behind the desk, with tools, or on location
Hands at work, close-ups, or product use
Storytelling Images
Behind-the-scenes moments
Props, spaces or textures that express your vibe
Photos for website banners, About pages or social posts
On the Day
The shoot will feel relaxed and collaborative. I’ll guide you through poses and expression — you don’t need to know what to do.
We’ll follow our shot list but always leave space for unplanned moments (they’re usually the best ones).
After Your Shoot
Within a few days, you’ll receive a preview gallery to choose your favourites.
I’ll lightly retouch your selected images and deliver them in both:
High-resolution – for print and press
Web-ready – for your website and socials
📤 Tip: Keep your new brand photos in a dedicated folder for easy access when updating your site, pitching, or posting.
Final Thoughts
Brand photography is a collaboration — your ideas and my creative direction.
You don’t need to be perfect or polished — just open and curious.
Together we’ll create images that make you look and feel like yourself: confident, creative, and ready to be seen.