If you’re starting a brand photography business or adding branding to your services, it’s easy to focus on the basics. Of course, you want to invest in things like the right equipment and set up your business structure. But knowing how to execute a brand shoot requires some experience- unless you have me to help! After nearly 10 years as a brand photographer, there are a few essentials I wish I’d known from the beginning that I can share with you.

In this post, I’m sharing 5 brand photography business essentials that go beyond the basics. These pillars have helped me stand out, attract my ideal clients, and turn them into repeat customers. And these surprising essentials will help you get there, too!

We’re discussing why you need a strategic approach, an exceptional client experience, a go-to team, strong styling skills, and a consistent workflow.

And the best part? I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned into my online course Brand Shoot Toolkit. It’s packed with templates, resources, and lessons to help you build a standout brand photography business from the jump.

But first, let’s break down these must-have elements and how they can transform your business. Skip the trial and error and get straight to the strategies that will make your business thrive!

Starting a Brand Photography Business? Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

01. A Strategic Approach

As a brand photographer, your role goes beyond the documentary-style approach of family or wedding photography. Your success hinges on your ability to create photos that help your clients reach their business goals. A strategic approach ensures that every shot has purpose and value. Here are a few tools I developed for my workflow (and they’re all available inside Brand Shoot Toolkit!):

• Take Inventory Spreadsheet: Build a custom shot list for each client by identifying their specific marketing needs. This spreadsheet helps you organize the photos (including the themes, orientations, and styles) they need for their website, social media platforms, and other marketing platforms.
• Goals to Shot Ideas Worksheet: Not every client will know how to translate their business goals into brand photos. This worksheet bridges that gap, helping you suggest creative, goal-oriented shots that align with their objectives.
• Marketing Strategy Worksheet: Effective brand photos require insight into your client’s marketing plan. This worksheet helps you guide clients in deciding which of their marketing platforms are most important, and what types of photos they need for each platform.

02. An Exceptional Client Experience

If you want to attract ideal clients who pay a premium price for brand photography, you need an exceptional client experience. And that means your clients aren’t just hiring you for photos. They’re hiring you for the expertise and guidance you bring to the process. Your clients will be unsure of the process and nervous about stepping in front of the camera. Your goal is to prepare them, educate them, and boost their confidence throughout the process. Create a seamless and enjoyable experience for your clients with these tools:

• Client Questionnaire: Get to know your clients by asking the right questions upfront with the onboarding Client Questionnaire. This ensures you understand their brand, goals, and preferences before planning their shoot.
• Brand Guidelines Template: A concise guide with your client’s logos, brand colors, and messaging ensures you stay on-brand as you plan their shoot.
• Canva Shoot Planner Template: Use this template to organize every detail of the shoot, from the shot list, inspiration, shoot schedule, prop list, wardrobe, and more. Present, share, and print the template so you, your client, and any team members involved are all on the same page.
• Posing Guide: Help your clients feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera by offering 30+ pose ideas and instructions.
• Confidence Tips. Small reassurances and prep tips can work wonders for easing clients’ nerves, ensuring they look and feel their best.
• Spotify Playlist. Set the vibe with a curated playlist that keeps energy levels high and gives your client a confidence boost.

Add these email templates to your client experience!

Free Download: 4 Email Templates to Attract Brand Photography Clients

Struggling to find the right words to reach out to potential clients and lock in repeat business? Download these 4 email templates and start filling your calendar!

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03. A Go-To Team

Even if you’re just starting a brand photography business, it’s never too early to build a team beyond yourself. Begin by connecting with local hair and makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, and videographers. A simple DM or coffee chat can go a long way in forming those relationships. Having a trusted team not only reduces stress for your clients but also results in a more polished final product. Plus, when your clients ask for recommendations, you’ll be ready with a curated list, making their experience even more impressive.

Inside Brand Shoot Toolkit, I included:

• A lesson on identifying vendors, how much they might cost your client, and what they can bring to your brand shoots.
• Locations Guide: I consider shoot locations team members, too! Your client won’t always have a perfect location. This guide lists my favorite resources for sourcing shoot spaces and tips for how to find one that suits your client’s brand.

@abbymurphyphoto Three reasons why I include a hair and makeup artist in my Signature Brand Shoot experience: 💄 Less stress: Skip the hurrying and panic when your eyeliner isn't going on straight or your hair doesn't want to curl. A hair and makeup artist takes care of it all and sets a peaceful tone for the shoot day. 💇🏻‍♀️ Confidence boost: Nothing’s worse than getting your photos back and feeling disappointed with your hair or makeup. With a pro on set, you’ll look exactly how you envisioned. 💄Variety: A hair and makeup artist can give you a chic updo that you can let down later in the shoot, or curate a look for every outfit. More looks mean more variety and getting the most from your shoot! #travelinghairstylist #travelingmakeupartist #brandingphotoshoot #brandtips #brandingsession #southcarolinaphotographer #photoshoottips #photoshoothairandmakeup ♬ Pretty (Sped Up) – MEYY

04. Strong Styling Skills

Styling is an essential skill for every brand photographer. It can make or break the look and feel of your photos, and impact how your clients are perceived by their audience. From incorporating your client’s brand colors to picking the perfect props, these little details make all the difference. Inside Brand Shoot Toolkit, you’ll find everything you need to level up your styling skills and guide your clients like a pro. Here’s what’s included:

• Wardrobe Guide: Help clients choose outfits that align with their brand and look great on camera with the Wardrobe Guide. The guide includes answers to photoshoot wardrobe FAQ’s, outfit formulas, and resources for finding styling help.
• Color Schemes Guide: Learn how to use your client’s brand colors to style their shots and evoke emotion for more impact.
• 100+ Prop Ideas Guide: Suggest props that tell a story about your client’s brand. This list includes everything from decor, food and drink, branded collateral, and industry-specific ideas.

05. A Consistent Workflow

In order to keep the momentum going in your business, you have to set up repeatable systems and workflows. While every client will be unique, your process can stay consistent across projects. The resources in Brand Shoot Toolkit are designed to help you establish that workflow:

• Shoot Planning Checklist: Put all of the resources together to plan a strategic shoot from start to finish and easily replicate it for every client. This comprehensive checklist ensures you stay on track and avoid missing any important details, from booking the location to delivering the final edits.
• Learn how to provide your clients with a framework for coming back to you to update their photos. Show clients how refreshing their photos throughout the year can keep their marketing fresh. Offer a structure to make repeat shoots effortless for them.

Wrapping Up

If you’re starting a brand photography business, don’t just stop at the basics!

Mastering these unexpected skills like strategic planning, creating an unforgettable client experience, building a team, styling, and establishing a repeatable workflow will set you up for success. These tools and resources will help you stand out and keep clients coming back for more.

No need to waste time figuring everything out on your own. Join me inside Brand Shoot Toolkit instead! Everything you need to set up your process and start booking dream clients is waiting for you. Let’s get to work!