take a look at our galleries
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!
THE BRAND GUIDE
I know you’re working on your business and you’re rocking it, but you’re lacking a collection of professional and cohesive images that show your audience exactly who you are and what you can really do. You’re in the right place!
Chances are you’ve been a little nervous, but no worries! I’m easy-going and immediately do my best to put you at ease so that it’s like you’re hanging out with a great friend rather than some lady with a camera in your face. My goal is to make you feel and look comfortable, natural, and your very best...resulting in images that you love and speak to your ideal clients. I know you dream of having that cohesive marketing that reflects the professional that you truly are!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOUR BRAND SESSION!
5 things to include in your Session
quick tip |
NEXT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SESSION
Make a list of all the services and/or products you offer. That's a great place to start when thinking about what to include in your session.
Number one, hands down, your branding session should include you and your personality. There are many businesses like yours, what makes your business stand out is YOU! Your clients want to see what you look like, get to know you as a person, and genuinely like you…these are the people who are going to be excited to work with you and ultimately give you all those dollar bills!
YOU
Think about what kind of things make up your brand…a brand is not just your logo or its colors…it’s the culture that you want to surround your business or the people that you want to attract. If you want to build a culture around the things that you love…that’s fine too! Let’s pull some of those elements into your session.
your brand
Do offer in your business and how do you serve your clients? Prior to your planning consult, make a list of your services (many of us have more than one) so that we can chat about how to visually bring your different offerings to life in your images. Of course this can also include your final product!
your services & products
What are the different process that lead up to your final product? Think about the main points in your process that you would like highlighted. Our clients love to see what we do in the background and the value that you bring to your work by being a professional, let’s highlight all these things and show them how you create your magic!
your processes
Where do you do all your magic? Capturing you in context of where you work adds a layer of authenticity to your branding session. Do you have a studio? Or meet clients at a coffee shop? Is your magic always done with clients? Let’s capture you in the same environment that you would normally be found on a typical work day! (Of course we can get some headshots with a nice pretty background, but that’s done on top of these environmental photos)
your workspace
- you services & products
- the tools you use
- where you serve your client
- how you interact with your clients
props, clothing, & locations
styling your session
- work tools
- examples of your work
- marketing collateral
- desk accessories
- your products
- planner, laptop, cellphone
- other people
- things you love
- part of your daily routine
- on brand decor
Props add context to your session & help tell the story of how you serve your clients
props
The location of your brand session can really make your session come to life. select a location that makes the most sense for what you do & how you serve your clients.
- your studio
- home
- cafe
- downtown area
- on the job
- representative of the city you live in
- a cool local venue
KEEP IN MIND:
-Is there ample natural light (big windows)?
-Is there more than just one room or look?
-Does the space feel representative of your brand?
For some examples, see the full blog.
locations
MAXIMIZE THE USAGE OF YOUR IMAGES BY HAVING CAPTURING YOU IN A VARIETY OF OUTFITS
- Dress in something you're comfortable and confident in
- Make sure it fits
- Avoid busy patterns
- Bring clothing that can easily transition
- Bring both professional and personal clothing
- Use this an an excuse to go shopping
- Prepare 5-10 outfits for your session
Ask yourself:
What are the different hats I wear as a business owner? What would I wear for those different occassions?
For more examples & explanation, see the full blog here.
clothing
Planning resources for you
Prior to our shoot, we plan your session thoroughly so that shoot day is as easy as possible & you feel nice and prepared.
Here are some preparation resources for you to take a look at so that you know exactly what to expect as we start working together.
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
- 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
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?
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).
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.