The Brand Photography Guide
The difference between photos you like and images you actually use comes down to preparation. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect—and how to show up ready for imagery that supports real business growth.
in this guide:
make sure to take a look at some of my favorite sessions i've done for clients, let me know if you would like to do something specific for your own session too!
Loooking for our other guides?
what every client needs to know
Most of my clients don't love being photographed. They're not sure what to wear, where to look, or how to stand. That's exactly why every session is fully guided—you'll never be left guessing.
Preparation removes the overwhelm. Clear direction eliminates the awkwardness. And the entire experience is designed to make you feel like the most polished, professional version of yourself—because that's who your imagery needs to reflect.
From the planning call to the shot list to session day direction, nothing is improvised. You'll know what to expect at every stage, which means you can relax and trust the process instead of trying to manage it yourself.
I'm here to make this easy. You don't have to be a creative director, a stylist, or comfortable on camera. You just have to show up prepared—and I'll handle the rest.
You're not expected to know what you're doing.
Most of my clients don't love being photographed. They're not sure what to wear, where to look, or how to stand. That's exactly why every session is fully guided—you'll never be left guessing.
Confidence isn't something you bring. It's something we build.
Preparation removes the overwhelm. Clear direction eliminates the awkwardness. And the entire experience is designed to make you feel like the most polished, professional version of yourself—because that's who your imagery needs to reflect.
This process works because it's intentional.
From the planning call to the shot list to session day direction, nothing is improvised. You'll know what to expect at every stage, which means you can relax and trust the process instead of trying to manage it yourself.
Confidence isn't something you bring. It's something we build.
You're not expected to know what you're doing.
This process works because it's intentional.
Your brand photography session should do more than just produce pretty images. It should create a versatile visual library designed for real-world business use.
5 things to include in your
branding session
Clients want to work with you—not a polished, generic version of a business owner. Your session should capture who you actually are: approachable, professional, confident, and human.
What this looks like:
- Headshots that feel like you (not stiff or overly posed)
- Working shots showing you in your element
- Candid moments that show personality
- Expressions that range from professional to approachable
YOU
Whether you're a coach on a Zoom call, a realtor touring a home, or a service provider meeting with clients—your imagery should give people a glimpse into the experience of working with you.
What this looks like:
- Laptop/phone shots showing you in action
- Client interaction moments (if applicable)
- Behind-the-scenes of your process
- Environmental shots in your workspace
Your work (or what you do)
What this looks like:
- YourSettings that feel authentic, not staged
- office, studio, or workspace
- Locations that align with your brand aesthetic
- Backgrounds that don't distract from you
CONTEXT & ENVIRONMENT
What this looks like:
- Vertical images for Instagram Stories and Pinterest
- Horizontal images for website headers and LinkedIn
- Square crops for social media feeds
- Close-ups for profile photos
- Wide shots for website hero sections
- Detail shots for email headers and graphics
VARIETY FOR DIFFERENT PLATFORMS
What this looks like:
- Work essentials (planner, notebook, coffee, laptop)
- Tools of your trade (books, products, professional items)
- Personal elements that speak to your lifestyle and personality
- Props that show the process of your craft or service
PROPS THAT TELL YOUR STORY
getting ready for BRAND SESSION day
If budget allows, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra confidence boost and ensure you photograph beautifully. I can provide referrals to trusted local artists.
tip 2 | Do it yourself (with guidance)
If you're doing your own hair and makeup:
- Apply in natural light if possible (avoid harsh overhead lighting)
- Use slightly more makeup than you would day-to-day—camera lights can wash you out
- Keep your hair simple and polished (avoid styles that require constant touch-ups)
- Bring touch-up essentials (powder, lipstick, hair spray)
- Heavy contouring or dramatic makeup (unless that's your brand)
- Overly trendy hair or makeup that will date your images
- Anything that makes you feel unlike yourself
HAIR & MAKEUP
**email me if you would like some recommendations for hair and makeup artists, I have some trusted favorites
clothing tips for your brand session
Clothing is a form of expression and the clothes that you pick to wear will reflect your personality in the images. My best piece of advice when choosing clothes is the simpler the better.
- Work essentials: Laptop, planner, notebook, pen, business cards
- Tools of your trade: Books, products, professional equipment
- Personal touches: Coffee mug, water bottle, items that show your personality
- Process props: Items that show what you do (vision boards, samples, client materials)
- Brand elements: Anything with your logo or brand colors
Props to bring with you:
Are you ready?
Props aren't just decorative—they add context, tell your story, and show what you do. Think of them as visual cues that help your audience understand your brand at a glance.
Think about the analog work tools you would have used for your profession 20-30 years ago. Even if you love technology, incorporating those items creates timeless imagery. (Think: printed materials, physical planners, actual books instead of just a laptop.)
pro-tip:
Planning resources for you
These resources will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare strategically for your brand photography session.
Making a Branding Session Checklist
Go Pro: Hair and Makeup
Branding Session Tips from my own branding session
How to prepare for your headshot session
Taking what you do digitally & including it in your session
Creating a brand session shot list
What to bring to your brand session
MORE BLOGS FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT
A deeper dive into what makes a brand session successful and how to plan yours strategically.
Browse past brand sessions to see variety in styling, locations, and approaches.
What it's actually like to work with Kia & Co—from planning to delivery.
- 5-10 outfits
- Shoes for each outfit
- Accessories for each outfit
- Flats for walking around
- Makeup for touch-ups
- Work Essentials
- Computer
- Planner
- Notebook
- Cell Phone
- Work props that are essential to your profession
- Personal props that speak to your personality & lifestyle
- Props that to show the process of your craft/service
- Manicure/Pedicure
- Hair cut/color
- Facial
- Makeup & Hair appointment
- Snacks
Checklist
Typical project timeline
Graphic Design
Digital Marketing:
Huntsville Design House
NEED HELP USING YOUR IMAGES?
after your session
Website template customizations, social media scheduling, copywriting, public relations, graphic design
Here are a list of some of my favorite graphic designers
Are you looking for other branding professionals to take you and your brand all the way? Here are some design professionals that I trust will take great care of you and your baby (a.k.a. business).
Frequently Asked Questions
Huntsville BRAND sessions
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE BRAND SESSION THAT I PURCHASED?
- Pre-Session planning consultation
- Personalized Session Plan
- Directing, styling, and posing
- Multiple outfit changes
- Integration of Props: work tools, lifestyle favorites, and products
- Digital Images with Commercial License
- Headshots of each team member, small & large group shots
- Images delivered via online gallery
- Post session consultation to go over images & strategy for using your images
Specifics of each package can be found here: Brand Session Packages
What do you recommend we do to get the most out of our brand session?
My goal with every session is to get you a very diverse gallery, the best way to do this is:
- Bring as many props as you can that represent the work that you do, how you interact with your clients, & represent you and your lifestyle. This will ensure that we have a lot to do during your session
- Change your clothing & hair so that you look different throughout your gallery
- Pick a location that has a lot of different “looks” in a small area
I CAN’T WAIT…WHEN WILL I GET TO SEE MY IMAGES FOR THE FIRST TIME?
As soon as you select your images, I’ll do my final edits & get you a final download gallery within 2 business days.
How long does a brand photography session typically last?
Half day session: 2.5-4 hours
Petite session: 1-1.5 hours
CAN I USE THE IMAGES FOR BOTH ONLINE AND PRINT MARKETING?
set up a meeting with Gari-Ann
Need to chat about your session?
Please schedule a meeting with me a on day that works best for you.
