The Top 5 Mistakes People Make Before Their Branding Shoot (and How to Avoid Them)
Nervous about your branding session? You’re not alone. Let’s walk through five of the most common mistakes people make before their shoot and how you can steer clear of them so your photos feel like the real, confident you.
So you finally booked your branding session... amazing! But now you're wondering, "What do I do to actually get ready?" You're not alone. Prepping for a branding session can feel like a lot, especially when you're not sure where to start. Here are five common mistakes people make before their shoot and how to make sure you avoid them.
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Plan Your Wardrobe
We've all done it. Thrown something together the night before and hoped for the best. But your branding photos are a visual representation of your business, and that means your outfit matters. Give yourself time to plan, try things on, and even get input. Your wardrobe should reflect your brand personality and make you feel like the best version of yourself.
We'll also talk through this extensively during the planning process, and I'll offer tips and guidance based on your brand so you're not doing this alone.
How to avoid it: Start early. Lay out your outfits a week in advance and make sure everything fits, feels good, and photographs well. Bonus tip: bring a backup outfit or layers in case something doesn't feel right day-of.
2. Not Thinking Through Location (or Just Picking Somewhere "Pretty")
Yes, aesthetics are important. But a location should be more than just "cute." It should support your brand message. Are you more modern and polished? Outdoorsy and grounded? Bright and creative? The environment should align with your vibe.
How to avoid it: Think about where your clients find you and how they experience your brand. Choose a space that helps tell that story, whether it's your workspace, a coffee shop you love, or a studio that offers versatility.
3. Showing Up Without a Clear Goal
It might sound obvious, but walking into your session without knowing what you want to walk away with can lead to photos that miss the mark. Are you updating your website? Creating a social media library? Launching something new? The clearer you are, the more strategic your session can be. We’ll work through all of this in the pre-session process, and these details will be reflected in your personalized Creative Guide so you’ll never feel unprepared or uncertain.
How to avoid it: Talk with me about your goals. As your photographer, I'm here to help you think through what you need and how to best bring it to life. Share what platforms you use most, what you need images for, and what kind of content you want to create. This helps shape the shot list and overall flow.
4. Skipping Hair, Makeup, or Grooming
You don’t need to look like someone else, but you do want to feel confident and put together. Sometimes that means a professional stylist. Other times it means just giving yourself enough time to prep.
I partner with a talented hair and makeup artist, Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry, who understands exactly how to make you look and feel your best specifically for photos. Makeup for photography is different than everyday makeup, and Val knows how to enhance your features in a way that translates beautifully on camera.
How to avoid it: Think about what makes you feel confident in daily life and mirror that for the shoot. Whether it’s a blowout, a fresh shave, or clean nails, the small stuff makes a big impact.
5. Trying to Do It All Alone
Branding photography isn't just about snapping a few nice photos. It's about telling a story. And stories are easier to tell when you're not doing everything solo. From shot planning to styling, a little support goes a long way.
How to avoid it: Lean on me throughout the process. Ask questions, share ideas, and let's collaborate on how to bring your brand to life through visuals. I’m here to guide you every step of the way—from shot planning to styling—to make sure we’re telling your story in the most authentic and strategic way. If it’s helpful, we can also bring in additional support like a brand strategist, stylist, or makeup artist.
Getting branding photos taken is a big step in putting yourself and your business out there. When you take the time to plan and avoid these common missteps, you set yourself up for images that don’t just look good, but actually feel like you.
5 Things You Didn't Know You Needed in Your Brand Photo Library
Your brand photo library should do more than show your face. Here's what to include to make your visuals more powerful, personal, and purposeful.
When most people think of brand photography, their minds jump straight to the classic headshot. And sure, that photo of you looking polished and professional is great—but it’s just the beginning.
If you want visuals that work—images that not only look good but also tell your story and connect with your audience—you need more than just a pretty portrait. Here are 5 types of photos you may not have thought about, but absolutely need in your branding photo library:
1. Hands at Work
There’s something incredibly authentic about showing the process behind what you do. Whether it’s typing on your laptop, sketching ideas, mixing ingredients, or writing in a notebook, these images bring your story to life. They give your audience a behind-the-scenes look and say, “Hey, I’m in the thick of it, just like you.”
These are gold for website banners, sales pages, and reels. They’re also perfect for reinforcing the action side of your business—not just the polished results.
2. Tools of Your Trade
Props aren’t just “extras”—they’re part of the story. Including items that represent your work adds depth and personality to your photos. This could be anything from your favorite camera or microphone, to your planner, your product, or even your morning latte.
When done right, these details can create connection points for your audience. They recognize a part of themselves in the way you work, and that builds trust.
3. Personality-Filled Portraits (Not Just Smiles!)
Yes, we’ll get the smiling-at-the-camera shots. But don’t forget the other expressions—joy, curiosity, calm, boldness. Different moods give you range in your content. Maybe it’s a power pose. A moment of reflection. A laughing-out-loud frame.
When you’re showing up across multiple platforms, having images that match your message and your mood is essential. Let’s capture the full spectrum of YOU.
4. Movement and Interaction
Still images can have motion, too. Think walking confidently through a city street, sipping coffee mid-conversation, or twirling in a flowy dress. These types of photos create visual interest and tell dynamic stories.
They also add energy to your website and socials—great for grabbing attention in a scroll-happy world.
5. Space and Setting Shots
This one’s often overlooked, but so useful! Wide shots of your workspace, desk setup, or the environment around you (even if it’s styled just for the shoot) give your audience context. It’s not just about where you are—it’s about how you work and what your brand feels like.
Plus, these make amazing background images, header images, or content buffers when you want to switch things up.
Your Brand Photo Library Should Work for You
The more variety and intentionality you have in your photo collection, the more you’ll be able to use them to tell your story, market your offers, and connect with your audience.
So the next time you're planning a branding shoot, don’t just think "headshot." Think library. Let’s fill it with images that make your brand come alive.
Want help building a photo library that’s personal, purposeful, and packed with personality? Let’s chat about your next branding session!
Empowering Women in Midlife: A Headshot Session with Lisa of Pearl & Rose
I recently had the chance to work with Lisa, the founder of Pearl & Rose, and I left the session feeling inspired by the amazing work she’s doing for women in midlife. Here’s a bit about our session together.
I recently photographed Lisa, the founder of Pearl & Rose, and it was such a great experience. She’s doing something really meaningful—creating a space that connects midlife women with expert advice, curated resources, and events focused on everything from wellness and longevity to fashion and travel.
What really stood out to me is how much our work overlaps—we’re both focused on helping women in midlife feel like the best version of themselves. Whether that’s through hosting a thoughtful event or capturing a photo where someone really sees themselves, it’s about creating space for confidence, joy, and self-celebration in this stage of life.
Lisa, thank you for trusting me to photograph your headshots. I love what you’re creating and am cheering you on all the way.
And of course, hair and makeup by the talented Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry.
