This Is Why We Don’t Wing It at a Brand photoshoot
When you look at the final images from a brand photoshoot, it’s easy to assume everything just magically came together on the day. The perfect lighting. A confident team. A clinic that looks spotless and calm.
But the truth is, none of that happens by accident.
A great shoot starts long before the camera’s even out of the bag. And honestly? That’s exactly how I like it.
I recently had a pre-photoshoot planning call with Claire from Butterfly Aesthetics, ahead of their upcoming clinic team shoot in Wakefield. From the outside, this call might seem like a quick box-tick. But it’s where so much of the magic actually starts. Here’s a peek behind the scenes.
1. Planning for Real Life. Not a Staged Set
One of the first things Claire said was:
“I just want it to be as realistic as possible… we’re always in our scrubs, so it wouldn’t feel right to wear anything else.”
And I love that. Your branding photos should reflect you. Not some generic version of what you think your industry should look like. So we’re leaning into the scrubs, the clean, professional environment, and capturing the real energy of the team as they work together.
2. Making It Comfortable for the Team
Claire also shared that their last professional brand photoshoot didn’t land well with everyone.
This is exactly why I approach shoots with a more relaxed, people-first mindset. We talked through ways to make the experience smoother for the team. Letting them do their own hair and makeup. Being gently guided rather than posed stiffly. Creating an environment that feels natural and low-pressure.
“If someone’s uncomfortable, I’m not going to make them do anything that doesn’t feel right.”
Because forcing it never gets good results. A relaxed team looks like a confident team.
3. Creating a Shot List That Reflects the Whole Business
From front desk smiles to behind-the-scenes team huddles, Claire had a clear vision for what she wanted to showcase. And we made a plan to bring that to life.
- Friendly front-of-house moments
- Staff meetings and check-ins
- Subtle treatment shots (without actually doing the full procedure)
- Product displays and retail recommendations
- Individual headshots and relaxed team photos
- Beautiful branded spaces including the front of the building
Having this mapped out in advance means no scrambling on the day. We’ll work through the list efficiently without missing key moments or improvising under pressure.
4. The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
We also covered practical details that often get overlooked.
- Ask staff to avoid fake tan the night before. It can cause editing headaches.
- Bring clean unmarked scrubs
- Arrange for one or two team members to pose as customers. A jumper, coat or handbag can help make it feel more authentic.
- Fresh flowers in the clinic.
- Have any branded items or products close to hand
It might sound small. But it all adds up to visuals that feel polished, professional and aligned with the brand.
5. The Whole Point. Telling Your Story
The purpose of all this planning isn’t to make the shoot feel stiff or rigid. It’s the opposite. By doing the thinking in advance, we free up space on the day to create moments that feel natural.
As I said during the call:
“If we can get people relaxed and looking like they actually enjoy working there, that’s half the job done.”
And that’s what your brand deserves. Not just beautiful images, but photos that feel like you.
Want to feel confident walking into your own brand photoshoot?
Every client I work with gets a dedicated planning call. Your brand and your business deserve more than just a few nice pictures.
📸 Ready to create something thoughtful, professional and totally you? Get in touch here.
