Since relaunching SophisticatedChic as SCB Luxury Styling back in July, I've been getting so many inquiries about the types of services we offer and how we can best help women combat with their wardrobe challenges.
You can check out our services here.
But one of the most common inquires that I've been receiving is about our branding photo shoot package, what it consists of and the overall investment. It amazes me that many of the women reaching out to me have a ton of the same questions. So, I figured this post would alleviate a lot of the confusion and stress that comes along with preparing for your next branding photo shoot.
Continue reading for 5 things you should avoid doing BEFORE planning your next branding photo shoot.
1. Waiting until the last minute to prepare
Many of the women that have been reaching out to me to inquire about my branding photo shoot package haven't been giving themselves enough time to properly prepare. A week or couple of days in advance is definitely not enough time to plan and prepare for a professional photo shoot. And when you rush, you tend to put yourself under unnecessary stress and pressure that will make the prepping process feel overwhelming.
When preparing for your shoot, try to give yourself at least a month or two to plan out your location, your team, and your outfits. Also, choose a designated month and date as to when you want to have your photo shoot. This will give you a realistic time frame that you can stick with when starting your prepping process.
2. Not having a clear vision
I can't even tell you all how many women have reached out to me without a clear vision as to what direction they want their branding photo shoot to go in. Having an understanding of what you want your images to look like, what you want to wear and how you want to be perceived will make the prepping process a lot easier for you and the team involved.
Try grouping together images and inspiration that will help your team to easily get on the same page as to what your overall vision is. You can use Pinterest to collect content and map out your ideas.
3. Dressing yourself for the current season
Whether you decide to dress yourself or hire a professional stylist to assist you; make sure your outfits are season-less.
What do I mean by that?
Choose outfits that resonate with any season, not just the one we're currently in. A branding photo shoot is an investment and I don't expect you to consistently keep investing in a shoot more than twice a year. So, you want to make sure then when you're shooting that you're creating content that can be posted throughout the year and not just during certain seasons because of what you're wearing.
The outfits you choose are also an important part to how you resonate with your target audience. You want to choose looks that are approachable, professional and showcases your personality. You can wear your brand colors, prints or statement jewelry only IF that aligns with your brand and who you are.
4. Not solidifying a realistic budget
As I previously stated, branding photo shoots are an investment. The amount of time and money you put in, is exactly what you'll get out. Determine a set budget and how much you are willing to invest in yourself.
Remember, these images are what you'll be using to market yourself on your website, social media and potentially your marketing materials. So, you want to be sure that these images are clear, crisp and professional enough to make you look like the expert that you are. When you have great images of yourself, you can potentially bring in more clients which means more money. So, don't be afraid to invest in a professional team who will make you look just as good as you are.
Determine who you want on your team and do some research. Figure out what a realistic budget would be to hire those individuals in order for you to get the results that you desire.
5. Not hiring a professional team
I saved this one for last because it is one of the most common points that most people put off. Hiring a professional team to bring your branding shoot to life will save you time, money and stress. Trying to do all of this on your own or just hiring a photographer is one of the worst things you can do.
Again; the amount of time and money you put in, is exactly what you'll get out. If you try to get a "deal" on your photo shoot, you may not receive the quality images or the luxury experience you'd hoped for.
I'm not saying you have to spend thousands of dollars on a team of people, but when you know exactly what you want and have a realistic budget for a full team; you can properly plan and prepare without feeling uneasy and unsure of the overall outcome.
These 5 things are just a small list of things you should avoid when preparing for your next branding photo shoot. This is a very important part of running your business that can make or break you.
Are you planning your next branding photo shoot and need help from a professional? Click here to schedule a brief discovery call to learn more about how we can best serve your needs and bring your vision to life.
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