Brand photos are essential for showcasing your products and services on your website and marketing materials. Not only can brand photography help you attract your dream clients, but it will also increase your trust factor and help you grow your audience on social media!
One essential factor to consider when booking a brand photography photoshoot is your location. Select a setting that looks good and supports your brand story—who you are, what you do and how you do it differently.
How do you choose the right setting for your brand photos? Here are several points to consider when choosing a location for your brand photography session.
Start by Understanding Your Brand
It’s difficult to choose a setting for brand photos when you don’t have clear branding. One of the best ways to understand your brand is to get clarity on how you solve problems for your customers, how you do this differently from others in your industry, and what your vision and values are. A great way to understand your brand is by writing a brand story.
Write a Brand Story
Having a brand story tells your customers who you are and why they would want to work with you. To help you get started writing your brand story, here are some questions to answer:
- What is your origin story or your inspiration for starting your business?
- What is your purpose?
- What are your values?
- What makes you different from your competition?
- How do you solve problems for your clients?
- Where do you work with clients?
- What types of services or products do you offer?
- What props can you add to highlight your services or products?
- Who are your ideal clients?
Know Your Colour Palette
In addition to having a brand story, it also helps to have clarity on your brand’s colours. If you have a logo and a brand package, then you’ll already be familiar with your brand colours. The last thing you want is to incorporate your brand colours into your wardrobe and then choose a setting that clashes or competes with those colours.
Decide Between Indoors or Outdoors
After you’ve spent time understanding your brand, you’ll need to decide whether you want your photos to be taken indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both. This decision will help you narrow down your choice of venues.
Finding Great Indoor Locations for Brand Photography
There are several things to be aware of when selecting an indoor location for your photoshoot. Some of those factors include:
- What is the style of the room? Does it match your brand?
- What is the atmosphere like?
- What is the colour palette of the setting? Will it clash with your brand colours?
- Do you have easy access to the location, or will you need to book in advance?
Your Workspace vs. Renting a Venue
Utilizing your own business space can be a perfect and conveniently on-brand indoor space for a photoshoot. You’ll want to ensure your location is decluttered and clean before your photoshoot to ensure you make the best impression in your images and avoid unnecessary distractions.
For many service providers, taking photos at their business location allows them to authentically showcase their environment, products, and services. It also helps the future customer imagine the vibe of the business.
“I recently updated and simplified my website. Now, it prominently features the images that Lindsay took during our brand photography session. Right away, the response has been incredible! Existing clients have told me that the photography perfectly captures the vibe of our clinic, and the images have already helped me turn website traffic into clients.
I love that people get a sense of who we are before they step through the door, and it’s all thanks to our brand photography!”
- Dr. Sean de Lima, Nostos Chiropractic
Rent a Location
Understandably, your home, office or business space may not be ideal for your photography backdrop. It may not give off the vibe you want in your photos, may not be branded, or may be unsuitable for other reasons. In this case, you have two easy options: update or redecorate your space to look better or rent another location. If you choose to rent, picking a place that suits your brand or holds meaning is important.
To help you get inspired, here are some suggestions for alternative locations for different professions:
- A trendy co-working space on PeerSpace for a marketing or web design team
- A beautiful show home or Airbnb rental for a real estate agent or therapist
- Classy offices rentals for a virtual assistant
- Trendy coffee shops for a style expert or business coach
- A unique, quirky coworking space for a web design team
While rental locations can be a great fit for your photo shoot, there are some key points to watch out for that might create problems, such as poor lighting, insufficient space, decor that doesn’t match your brand, and the availability of the location. Check with your photographer to see if the location will be a good fit for your brand and the photography session.
Finding Great Outdoor Locations for Brand Photography
Choosing an outdoor location requires careful thought, just as selecting an indoor location does. You’ll want to choose a place that resonates with your brand and showcases your business. Here are a few examples of great outdoor locations paired with the ideal profession to inspire you.
- A green park with a creek or pond for a massage therapist
- An open field full of flowers for a yoga instructor
- A peaceful labyrinth or hiking trail for a holistic healer
- A floral backdrop for a money coach who focuses on abundance
- A corporate vibe for a coach whole ideal clients are business executives
- Vibrant graffiti or murals in East Village for a brand that is fun and vibrant
Choose the Right Season
When choosing an outdoor location, you’ll want to be mindful of the season you’ll book your photoshoot. If you want to be surrounded by lush flowers and vibrant greenery, you’ll want to book your spring or summer photoshoot in advance. If you love skiing or your brand relates to the wintertime, you may want to book a photoshoot for January or February. To learn more, read my blog post on the best times for outdoor photoshoots.
A Few More Things to Consider
Preparing for a photo shoot is essential to ensure a smooth and successful session. There are several key steps you can take before a photo shoot to help you prepare:
- Scout out several locations before choosing one.
- Research the parking options available.
- Budget for the location rental fee.
- Make a plan to transport gear, decor, and other items you may need.
For more ideas and a full checklist on preparing for your photoshoot, you can download my free photoshoot prep checklist.
Plan Your Next Photo Shoot: Brand Photography Calgary
If you’re a heart-centred business owner looking to elevate your brand with captivating and professional photos, book a brand session with me. I can help you choose the best location to get branded photos that truly reflect your business.
leave a comment