I am SO excited to work with you! We’re going to have such fun creating together. I’m stoked to dive into your business and become a student of your brand.
Peruse this guide to get an idea of what you’re in for over the next several weeks! My approach to brand portraits is incredibly detailed and I’ll be doing a LOT of research before we shoot in order for your final photographs to represent your brand the way YOU want it to be seen.
A guide to getting the photos you've always dreamed of
Admittedly, this entire experience has the potential to resemble creative chaos. Almost like a toddler was given free rein to finger paint all over your dining table.
In the midst of that chaos, I come alongside you with a process that brings a bit of structure when things begin to feel a bit wayward. Sorting through all the elements to make sense of it all and then creating a shot list of images that will mirror both the vibe and the nuance of the brand you've created.
I've been known to step up and say "let's skip this" now and again to ruthlessly hone in on what is truly brand resonate and weed out the might-be-cute type of props and photos.
My hope as you walk through this process is that you gain a renewed sense of confidence in the business you've carefully crafted and leave with assets that allow market with ease and forge deeper and wider connections than ever before.
I'm here for questions, concerns and comments as we go! My virtual door is wide-open, so never hesitate to shoot me an email or a voice text to talk through ideas or things you may need a hand on.
You’re going to have a number of questions throughout this process, and let me just assure you- that’s entirely normal! I want you to ask for anything you need – I’m here to make this process as seamless as possible, so don’t hesitate to email me if there’s anything I can help with.
Just so you know what to expect, I’m in the office until 4pm most days during the week and I check email twice a day: first at 11am, and again before leaving the office for the day. Wednesdays and Fridays are my “deep work” days and I’m generally offline for the duration of the day.
communication
how we'll handle all the back and forth
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Email is absolutely the best way to get a hold of me! Instagram DMs are way too easy to lose track of, so if you have any questions pertaining to your shoot that requires an answer, make sure you’re sending an email.
Something to note: I don’t keep email on my phone. The culture of immediacy and constant fragmentation of time aren’t compatible with life outside of work. I’ll respond to any emails received during non-office hours the following business day, so if, for example, you reach out on a Thursday evening, know that I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday morning!
communication
how we'll handle all the back and forth
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TIMING
First, when we send out your pre-shoot questionnaire, make sure to complete that within one week! The questionnaire and my notes from our initial call are what drive the majority of my research, so make sure to get that back to me as soon as you can.
I only take three brand shoots per month, and any delays in the process can compromise the time needed to thoroughly research and plan out your shoot. Once your questionnaire has been submitted, I’ll reach out to schedule your pre-shoot call, which will take place two to four weeks before shoot day.
During that call, we’ll talk through the set of storylines I’ve come up with for you, wardrobe, and location, and together we’ll brainstorm a list of props to have on set. Because you might need to purchase/order a few new items that we discuss on that call, it’s important we’re able to meet far enough in advance allow time for ordering said items.
Keep in mind that any significant delays in sending over the intel I need from you could result in a need to reschedule your shoot – I know your time is precious and these photographs are really important for you to have, so just make sure you’re sending in the intel needed as soon as possible!
a few key deadlines that you’ll want to keep in mind
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The Process
Your contract is signed and the retainer has been paid, so let’s get to the fun stuff – within the first week, we’ll send over your pre-shoot questionnaire. Make sure to return that within one week so I can get started on my research! Your pre-shoot questionnaire is home-base for me as I do my research. The more detail you can give me here, the better I’m able to brainstorm your storylines and shot list!
If you find there are a handful of questions you’re having a hard time summing up in written word, feel free to talk me through it in a Voxer message. My username is rachaelleigh in case we aren’t already connected over there!
LET'S get started
brand board
Once your questionnaire has been submitted, I’ll have you get started on a brief Pinterest board (no more than 30 pins) that encapsulates the overall aesthetic and feel of your brand. This isn’t the place to pin photos of poses or logos you like, but to help me envision the overall vibe of your brand. I’ll have a printed copy of the board with me on the day of your shoot as a reference! Feel free to include photographs of anything that feels on-brand- locations, textures, colors, moments and emotions, fashion, interiors, and more.
Venue, outfit planning, & scheduling
Approximately one month before your shoot, you’ll start working with your stylist to choose your outfits for your shoot (so you have plenty of time to order and try out those new pieces!). This is also the time when you’ll want to have reserved your final location for your session! If you’re planning to work with a hair & makeup artist, go ahead and get on their schedule now – this will impact our final day-of timeline, and I’ll want to plan accordingly. If you’re thinking of having any floral arrangements on hand for your shoot, order these now.
pre-shoot call
We’ll have your pre-shoot call between 2-4 weeks before your shoot, during which I’ll present my ideas for storylines and make sure I’m on the right track. Confirm locations, talk through wardrobe selections (if not working with a stylist), as well as compile your packing list. We’ll also use that call to discuss a timeline for the day of your shoot, making note of any additional vendors involved, team or family members you hope to include, and potential start/end times dictated by the venue
The real prep
If you’re in need of a final hair and/or nail appointment, this is the time to have that done! Pick up any items you took to the tailor or cleaners.
Gather all your outfits and accessories in one place, and ensure everything is clean and wrinkle-free. I’ll have a steamer with me on the day-of for any last-minute subtle wrinkles, but trust me: nothing is more stressful than trying to iron with your hair and makeup halfway done, only to hear the doorbell ring signaling our arrival! If you’re planning to have easy, fresh flowers in vases around the house, purchase these now.
shoot day
We’ll plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before your session to give me time to walk the space and set up my gear. Don’t worry about being camera-ready right when we arrive! Depending on time and whether your shoot is a half or full day, we’ll plan for a lunch break around noon.
preview gallery
Within a week, I’ll send over a few previews from your session! I can’t wait for you to see these. You’re welcome to begin using these as soon as I send them!
full gallery
We’ll deliver your final gallery through my gallery site, CloudSpot. You’ll have full download capability so you can start using your photographs as soon as they land in your inbox.
your final thoughts
We’d love to hear your thoughts! I'll send over a questionnaire to ask about your experience, thoughts on the final collection of photographs, and any other feedback you might have for me!
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a quick run-down of how you can expect things to unfold throughout our time working together
2-3 months out
2 months out
Four weeks out
3 weeks out
Pro Tip:
If you’re thinking of including kiddos in a portion of your branding session, make sure to have a family member or friend on hand to get them prepped and ready!
One to Two days out
it's time
one week after
three weeks after
four weeks after
The Process
04
a quick run-down of how you can expect things to unfold throughout our time working together
Your contract is signed and the retainer has been paid, so let’s get to the fun stuff – within the first week, we’ll send over your pre-shoot questionnaire. Make sure to return that within one week so I can get started on my research! Your pre-shoot questionnaire is home-base for me as I do my research. The more detail you can give me here, the better I’m able to brainstorm your storylines and shot list!
If you find there are a handful of questions you’re having a hard time summing up in written word, feel free to talk me through it in a Voxer message. My username is rachaelleigh in case we aren’t already connected over there!
LET'S get started
2-3 months out
brand board
Once your questionnaire has been submitted, I’ll have you get started on a brief Pinterest board (no more than 30 pins) that encapsulates the overall aesthetic and feel of your brand. This isn’t the place to pin photos of poses or logos you like, but to help me envision the overall vibe of your brand. I’ll have a printed copy of the board with me on the day of your shoot as a reference! Feel free to include photographs of anything that feels on-brand- locations, textures, colors, moments and emotions, fashion, interiors, and more.
2 months out
Venue, outfit planning, & scheduling
Approximately one month before your shoot, you’ll start working with your stylist to choose your outfits for your shoot (so you have plenty of time to order and try out those new pieces!). This is also the time when you’ll want to have reserved your final location for your session! If you’re planning to work with a hair & makeup artist, go ahead and get on their schedule now – this will impact our final day-of timeline, and I’ll want to plan accordingly. If you’re thinking of having any floral arrangements on hand for your shoot, order these now.
Four weeks out
pre-shoot call
We’ll have your pre-shoot call between 2-4 weeks before your shoot, during which I’ll present my ideas for storylines and make sure I’m on the right track. Confirm locations, talk through wardrobe selections (if not working with a stylist), as well as compile your packing list. We’ll also use that call to discuss a timeline for the day of your shoot, making note of any additional vendors involved, team or family members you hope to include, and potential start/end times dictated by the venue
3 weeks out
The real prep
If you’re in need of a final hair and/or nail appointment, this is the time to have that done! Pick up any items you took to the tailor or cleaners.
Gather all your outfits and accessories in one place, and ensure everything is clean and wrinkle-free. I’ll have a steamer with me on the day-of for any last-minute subtle wrinkles, but trust me: nothing is more stressful than trying to iron with your hair and makeup halfway done, only to hear the doorbell ring signaling our arrival! If you’re planning to have easy, fresh flowers in vases around the house, purchase these now.
One to Two days out
LOCATIONS
a friend's home
Airbnb, vrbo
homestudiolist.com
local venue, hotel, cafe, etc.
natural light studio, peerspace
your home
The location for your brand shoot is one of the most important decisions you'll make throughout the planning process. I typically recommend that you choose one that is a spot-on representation of your brand and gives us plenty of space to spread out and shoot in various places.
the location becomes the canvas for your shoot, let's make it believable
places to consider for your backdrop:
That definitely keeps things simple, and whenever shooting at home is an option, I love how relaxed it helps my clients feel.
But if a well-decorated, well-lit, on-brand home isn’t your story, no worries! Part of planning your session involves choosing an appropriate backdrop for it all- if your home isn’t “on-brand,” we still have a ton of other options.
More than half of my clients end up choosing an off-site location for their session (I did too when I had my photos taken!).
The top places I recommend looking are Airbnb/Airbnb Luxe, VRBO, Peerspace and homestudiolist.com. If there’s an event venue in your area that immediately comes to mind, it doesn’t hurt to reach out and ask if they have an hourly rate for a session in the middle of the week. If you go the Airbnb or VRBO route, you’ll most likely need to reserve two nights to give us enough time for prep + shooting.
Is your home a vision of design beauty? Then let's chat about shooting there!
When choosing a location, here are a few things to keep in mind:
One of my goals for your shoot is to maximize the usage you get out of your photographs, allowing you to use them for as LONG as possible before you need a refresh! Part of that formula is making sure we have variety in your outfits, so that as you use your photographs across ads, website, social media and beyond, it doesn’t look like you’re reusing the same images over and over again.
We’ll base your outfit choices off of the set of storylines I come up with for your shoot!
For half-day sessions, I recommend 3-5 looks. For my full-day clients, we can include upwards of 8-10, depending on your individual needs! Your final selection of outfits will depend on your brand, your personal style, your storylines, and how you plan to use your photographs, but I almost always recommend having at least one somewhat-casual outfit and one dressier option.
I absolutely recommend hiring a stylist to help you curate your shoot wardrobe. This isn’t something you want to leave until the last-minute, and having a professional to help make sure your attire speaks to the same quality and aesthetic as your overall brand is key in making sure these photographs go to work FOR your brand. I’ve partnered with my favorite stylist, Katherine Bignon, to offer an exclusive styling collection that works in tandem with our plans for your shoot, with she and I collaborating to ensure each outfit matches up with the storylines we’ll tell throughout your session. You can find more detail on Katherine’s services at katherinebignon.com/styling I recommend booking your stylist no later than four weeks before your shoot date, giving you ample time to choose a final collection of looks, order new pieces, and have items tailored/dry cleaned as needed.
Make sure that all of your outfits are clean, ironed, etc. the day before your shoot to avoid the last-minute hassle of doing it the morning I arrive! If you decide to have your hair and makeup done professionally, make sure you’ve arranged for them to finish up no later than 30 minutes before we’re set to begin shooting (assuming you’re getting dolled up onsite). We want the final result to look and feel like you, so I’d recommend asking for an everyday look for your hair and makeup, instead of a full-on glam job. Polished & professional is the goal, as these photographs are meant to feel as authentic as possible- if your brand photographs are over-the-top fancy, there’s a certain disconnect when you show up for a consultation looking completely different than you do on your website! Since your brand session will likely involve a few close-up photos of your hands, I recommend having your nails done the day or two before your shoot with a clean, neutral polish- avoid any bold or dark colors that will draw the eye to your hands.st one somewhat-casual outfit and one dressier option.
I absolutely recommend hiring a stylist to help you curate your shoot wardrobe.
what should I wear?
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styling & wardrobe
props
on-brand decor
tools
i.e. camera, laptop, AirPods, a mic for podcasts, paintbrushes, tile samples, blueprints, etc
tools
the items you use one the regular to do the work you do
about
i.e. camera, laptop, AirPods, a mic for podcasts, paintbrushes, tile samples, blueprints, etc
tools
the items you use one the regular to do the work you do
about
i.e. camera, laptop, AirPods, a mic for podcasts, paintbrushes, tile samples, blueprints, etc
tools
the items you use one the regular to do the work you do
about
Here’s a general idea of what you’ll have to have on-set for the day of your shoot! This isn’t an exhaustive list, and the final packing list I’ll send over to you the week before your shoot will be tailored to you and your business.
THE TOOLS THAT YOU USE TO DO BUSINESS - i.e. camera, laptop, AirPods, a mic for podcasts, paintbrushes, tile samples, blueprints, etc
EXAMPLES OF YOUR WORK - If your business produces any sort of physical product, bring some of your favorite samples with you!
MARKETING COLLATERAL - Do you have a client welcome magazine, brochures, or any templated tools you consistently use with clients? Bring ‘em along!
YOUR OUTFITS & ACCESSORIES - Hung up and grouped according to each look
DESK [TCHOTCHKES] - If we’re not shooting at home, we want this to FEEL like an actual office space, used by an actual person- not a photo shoot set. Items like pencil cups, candles, pens/pencils/highlighters, Post-It notes, paperclips, tape, inspiration boards, small storage baskets, and more can help create a more authentic vibe.
what do I pack?
things to have on hand
faqs
can i choose more than one location?
Yes, typically we can fit in two locations during a half day shoot and up to three for a full day, depending on the size and breadth of our storylines and shot list.
should i get my hair & makeup professionaly done?
If you're not confident in this area on your own, I say yes.
The goal with your photographs is to feel genuine, so a polished version of your everyday look is typically the goal. Photos can feel a bit unbelievable if your hair and makeup are done up in a much flashier way than how you'll look when clients meet you in everyday interactions. So, opt for a bit more makeup than your normal so it shows up on camera and trade your normal top-knot for some loose waves or straightened hair.
Photo gaps can be found in various places. The best place to start is a quick scroll through your website, social feeds and any client collateral to see what photos could use a refresh or a new approach. From there, try to recall the times when you've thought "man, I wish I had a better photo for that" and start to make a list of what those photos are or could look like. I'll be doing my own research of your brand to identify some gaps, but having you're perspective on your photo needs is even more helpful as we narrow down our priorities for your storylines and shot list.
should i get my nails done?
I'm not a stickler about you needing to schedule a manicure as part of your prep for brand photographs. However, a manicure with a solid coat of neutral polish on your nails goes a long way in making any stock imagery or close up detail shots feel a bit more pulled together.
As a non-nail polish type of gal myself, I typically opt for a good coat of clear polish and spend a bit of my own time with some lotion and nail clippers to ensure my hands look nice. Feel free to take whichever approach suites you best.
How do i locate photo gaps?
where can i use the photos?
Short answer, wherever you need to. My past clients have used their brand photographs on everything from newsletter headers to Instagram, from lead magnets to client questionnaires, from course collateral to podcast thumbnails.
I'll get a good idea of how you're thinking of using your photographs before we shoot so I can tailor my approach to fit your needs!
additional resources
Where you shop for your brand shoot wardrobe will ultimately depend on your style. There are, however, a few tried-and-true spots I recommend for quality basics and neutrals that I highly recommend you check out.
where to shop
Madewell – They need no introduction, but I will say their t-shirts & jeans are a staple in my closet
Everlane - some days I think one of my life goals is for my entire wardrobe to be made up of Everlane clothing. I just love the quality of their pieces.
Nordstrom Rack - can be a great place to find quality brands at a more cost-effective price, if you're considering an item from a brand you don't recognize, I recommend you do a bit of digging before purchasing an item to ensure it's something you'd buy if it wasn't a good deal or on sale.
Banana Republic or Gap - kind of like Old Navy's more bougie older sisters, I like both these places for things like sweaters and blouses.
Ballin' on a budget? You can often find selections from each of these brands on secondhand/re-sell sites like Poshmark & ThredUp if you're willing to put in the time to dig a little.
additional resources
If you don't already have a curated board of 10-15 inspiration photos that sums up your brand's overall aesthetic, then you'll want to peruse this tutorial.
Brand Board
In planning for your brand shoot, it's natural to take to Pinterest to drum up inspiration and specific shot ideas.
However, I encourage you to think less about actual photo inspiration and more along the lines of your brand as a whole. Helping us keep things original to you, a bit less cliche and really dialed into the brand you've worked so hard to create.
Step One: Create a board and pin things from fashion to art to quotes t0 architecture and story-telling imagery. When you're browsing, consider how you want your brand to feel and how it should make others to feel.
Step Two: Narrow down your selections to about 10-15 pins that really sum up the overall vision for your visual brand.
Step Three: Send me a copy of that board via the link section in your questionnaire OR create a collage version of it for yourself in a platform like Canva and send me that via email.
Need a better idea of what this looks like?
Here's the board I curated for my own brand during my last rebrand.
additional resources
Below you'll find a selection of my ever-growing list of vendors-turned-friends who help make the process and final outcome of your brand photographs even more powerful.
VENDORS
Katherine Bignon – My preferred wardrobe stylist & creative director for brand shoots, Katherine has created a package specifically dialed into the needs of brands like your's. She helps curate brand-centric wardrobe selections as well as is available for on-set styling of the backdrop and props you've chosen for your shoot.
Lindale Studios - Katrina creates custom, hand-painted styling mats and backdrops for your brand that we can use in stock imagery, headshots and more for your shoot. These are a subtle, yet powerful addition to your shoot that ditch boring white backdrops and allow for even greater consistency across your multi-faceted photos.
additional resources
DELIVERY
1. The Clean Sweep
I’ll send over a handful of previews within one week of your shoot, and your final gallery will be delivered three weeks after your session.
Now, make a date with yourself for three weeks after your shoot to view + download your photographs, and pull your faves- you worked SO hard on this, so let’s put those photos to good use!
I suggest doing this in two main ways:
Choose your very favorite headshot from your shoot and go through ALL of your main channels to update your bio photo! Consistency across platforms helps your audience recognize you from one channel to the next, so I strongly suggest using the same bio photo across every channel.
Here’s a general list to get you started:
◻ Website - About Page
◻ Industry-specific aggregate websites (i.e. Houzz, Wedding Wire)
◻ Online shop
◻ Sales pages
◻ Client management software (i.e. Honeybook, Dubsado, etc.)
◻ Social media bio photos
◻ Instagram
◻ Email signature
◻ Facebook business page
◻ Press kit
◻ Pinterest
◻ Marketing collateral (i.e. pricing, Clubhouse, PDFs, proposals)
◻ TikTok
◻ Downloadable freebies
the after shoot details
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2. The Slow Burn
Pull together a collection of your favorite 30-40 photographs from your shoot (both horizontal and vertical) and keep them in an easy-to-access folder on your desktop or in the Cloud.
These are the go-to photos you’ll use again and again on social media, guest posts, newsletter heads, Keynote slide decks, etc.
Even more ways to put your photographs to work:
- Drop your top highlights into whatever social media planning software you use (i.e. Planoly) to make sure they’re on hand next time you’re scheduling posts
- Update the cover photo of your Facebook business page, and any Facebook groups you run for your business
- Save your favorites to a folder on your phone for easy access when you’re away from your computer
- Sprinkle your brand photos throughout any corresponding workbooks you include in your online courses
- Use your brand photos as the cover image for individual modules for your online courses
- Implement your brand images (both ones that include your face AND detail-oriented ones) into your marketing collateral to illustrate the process and/or deliverables, and to make them more visually engaging and cohesive.
let's get to creating
If you have any questions at all or need help finding additional vendors, just shoot me an email - rachael@rachaelleighphotos.com.
that's all I have for you
