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Getting brand photos done is more than just crossing something off your to-do list—it’s about capturing who you are, where you’re going, and giving yourself an entire gallery of images that make you feel seen, confident, and ready to show up in your business.

But if you’ve ever had a photoshoot that didn’t quite hit the mark (or you’re worried about investing in one and not loving the results), I want to help you change that.

In this post, I’m breaking down the exact strategy I use with my brand photography clients to help them create a next-level brand photoshoot—one that captures their personality, supports their business, and gives them photos they love using over and over again.

Brand Photos Are More Than Just Photos

A great brand photoshoot isn’t just about getting “pretty” pictures. It’s about:

✔️ Capturing your next-level self—the version of you who’s growing, evolving, and stepping into your brand in a bigger way.
✔️ Giving you endless content variety—so you don’t feel like you’re sharing the same five photos over and over again.
✔️ Creating images that stand out—not the same staged, generic brand photos everyone else has.

And beyond that?

Brand photos are a time capsule of your growth.

Years from now, you’ll look back at them and remember the version of you who took the leap, invested in yourself, and showed up—even if you felt scared.

That alone makes the experience worth it.

The Biggest Fears Clients Have About Brand Shoots (And Why They’re Not True)

I’ve been a photographer for over 15 years, and almost every single client has told me some version of the following:

• “I’m awkward in front of the camera.”
• “I don’t like my smile—I’m worried it will look fake.”
• “I’m self-conscious about my body and not sure what poses will look good.”

And yet?

Every single one of them has walked away LOVING their photos.

Because here’s what happens when you work with a photographer who knows how to make you feel comfortable:

✔️ You forget about the camera.
✔️ You feel natural, confident, and relaxed.
✔️ You walk away with photos that truly capture you.

This is why choosing the right photographer (not just someone with a camera) matters so much. They should know how to pose you in ways that feel effortless and flattering. But most importantly, they should create an atmosphere where you feel safe to show up as yourself.

5 Things You Need to Plan for a Stress-Free, Confidence-Boosting Brand Photoshoot

If you’re investing in brand photos, you want to make sure you love them. Here are the five things to focus on to set yourself up for a successful shoot.

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Prepare

One of the biggest mistakes I see? Waiting until the last minute.

When you rush the planning process, everything feels chaotic:
🚨 You’re scrambling to find outfits that work.
🚨 You’re picking a random location that might not fit your brand.
🚨 You’re showing up stressed instead of confident.

For my clients, I always recommend at least 4-6 weeks of prep time. That way, you have time to:
✔️ Plan your brand colors & vibe.
✔️ Choose a location that fits your aesthetic.
✔️ Find outfits that feel like you.

If you have a launch coming up and just need a few new photos? That’s fine! But don’t rush a full brand shoot—take the time to plan it well so your investment pays off.

2. Choose a Location That Matches Your Brand (Without Overpowering It)

Your shoot location can make or break your brand photos.

✔️ You want a space that aligns with your brand aesthetic.
✔️ You want great natural light (the more, the better!).
✔️ You want a neutral space that allows your brand colors to stand out—without clashing.

What NOT to do: Choose a bright teal wall just because your brand color is teal.

Why? Because then every single photo has a bold teal background, and it can feel overwhelming (or clash with your website). Instead, use brand colors as accents—in your clothing, props, or small background details.

👉 Best Tip: When in doubt, go for a neutral, light-filled space. It gives you flexibility and ensures your photos feel timeless.

3. Pick Outfits That Feel Like an Elevated Version of You

Your brand shoot isn’t the time to try an entirely new, unfamiliar style.

It’s about capturing a more polished, elevated version of YOU.

Here’s what to consider:
✔️ Wear outfits that align with your brand personality. If your brand is warm, approachable, and cozy—soft fabrics and earth tones might feel right. If your brand is bold and high-energy, maybe you wear vibrant colors or structured pieces.
✔️ Don’t go too far from your real style. If you never wear blazers, don’t suddenly wear one just because it “looks professional.” You’ll feel out of place.
✔️ Think about textures. Cozy, soft fabrics feel inviting. Sleek, structured fabrics feel more formal. What fits your brand?

And always try on your outfits ahead of time! You want to make sure they fit well, make you feel confident, and align with your brand vision.

4. Get Your Hair & Makeup Professionally Done (By Someone You Trust!)

This is not something you want to DIY the morning of your shoot.

Getting your hair and makeup done by a professional:
✔️ Takes the stress off your plate.
✔️ Ensures your look lasts throughout the shoot.
✔️ Gives you a polished, camera-ready feel (without looking overdone).

But here’s the key: Only book someone you trust.

I’ve had clients get their makeup done by someone new on the day of the shoot—only to look in the mirror and feel like it wasn’t them.

👉 Best Tip: If you’re working with someone new, book a trial first! That way, you know exactly how you’ll look on the big day.

5. Create a Pinterest Board That Captures the FEEL of Your Photos

When planning your shoot, don’t just save a bunch of random brand photos—save ones that make you feel something.

Ask yourself:
✔️ What mood do I want my photos to have?
✔️ What expressions or body language feel aligned with my brand?
✔️ Do I want my images to feel warm, energetic, relaxed, polished?

Creating a Pinterest vision board helps your photographer understand what you’re drawn to—so they can bring that same energy to your session.

Ready to Get Photos You LOVE? Here’s Your Next Step.

If you take away one thing from this post, let it be this:

✨ The more intentional you are about your brand photoshoot, the more you’ll LOVE your results. ✨

To recap, here’s how to prep for a brand shoot that actually feels like you:
✔️ Give yourself plenty of time to plan.
✔️ Choose a location that fits your brand aesthetic.
✔️ Wear outfits that feel like an elevated version of YOU.
✔️ Hire a hair & makeup artist you trust.
✔️ Create a Pinterest board with the feel of your photos.

Ready to book your brand photoshoot? Head to heykristamarie.com to learn more!

And remember: Your brand photos should capture your essence and your future. Let’s make them count.

Here’s how we can work together in 2025:

• << Brand Strategy + Coaching >>: Create a brand so strong that clients are sold on working with you before they even reach out!
• << Brand Photography >> : Is it time to elevate your business with new brand photos?

I’D LOVE TO CONNECT WITH YOU!

• Say hello on <<Instagram>> 👋
• <<Join the email community>> ✍🏻
• Listen to the <<AMPLIFY Your Brand + Business>> Podcast 🎙