How to get the most out of your brand shoots

How to Get the Most Out of Your Brand shoot (Without the Stress)

Brand shoots aren’t just for looking good (although, let’s be honest, we want you to look good because its so much easier to share photos where you look good!). They’re about showing the real story of your business: what you do, how you do it, and why your clients should care.

But here’s the thing: if you turn up without a plan, hoping the magic will just happen, you’ll probably end up feeling awkward, a bit stiff, and wondering why you spent the money in the first place.

The best brand shoots don’t happen by accident – they happen when you come in with a clear idea of what you want to show. Not just what you want photos of, but the scenes you want to create. The moments you want your audience to feel.

Think about it:

• Do you want to show the products you sell? Bring them.
• Do you want to show how you work with clients? Think about the tools, props, or actions that represent that.
• Do you want lifestyle shots that feel warm and welcoming? Bring the mugs, the notebooks, the fresh produce that make it feel like you.

Your shoot day will flow so much smoother if you spend a little time getting organised. You’ll have more variety in your images, they’ll feel more like you – it’s way easier to pose when you’ve got something in your hands instead of standing there thinking where do I put my arms?

So if you want a shoot that actually feels easy, here’s what I’d recommend:

Brand Shoots Prep Checklist

Think in scenes—plan out moments you want to capture
Instead of just showing up and hoping for the best, think of the stories you want your photos to tell. Is it you working at your desk? Mixing up a recipe? Packing products for clients? A few clear ideas will make the shoot feel easy and purposeful.

Bring props that tell your story
Products, tools, samples, notebooks, mugs—anything that helps show what you do. Don’t overthink it. If it’s part of your day-to-day, it’s probably worth bringing.

Pack 2–3 outfit options (per hour) to mix it up
Even small changes like a different top or a blazer can make your photos feel more varied. And yes, it’s worth the extra faff of changing!

Have any key products clean and ready to go
It sounds obvious, but it’s so easy to forget! If you want to feature your products in the shoot, make sure they’re polished, presentable, and looking their best.

Bring kitchen items if you want lifestyle shots
A simple plate, a jug, a nice mug; small touches can turn a plain setup into something warm and welcoming. Think of it like setting the scene.

Grab seasonal or local bits that feel like your brand
This could be fresh produce, packaging, a bouquet of flowers, or signage. Little details like this help ground your photos in your story, not just a generic setup.

Know what feeling you want to create in each photo
Is it polished and professional? Warm and approachable? Creative and playful? Having a clear sense of the vibe you want helps guide the whole shoot.

Most importantly: don’t overthink it
You don’t need a million props or the perfect location. Bring a good attitude, a bit of prep, and trust me to guide you through the rest. We’ll make it work.

Ready to create photos that actually work for your brand, not just look nice on Instagram? Drop me a message, and let’s plan your brand shoot together.