Commonly Asked Questions About Brand Photography

As a photographer for over 12 years now, and talking to many women about increasing their visibility online, I get asked a tonne of questions about brand photography so I thought I’d share a few of them with you here in the hope that it answers some of your questions too!

And I also thought I’d share the photos from Frankie’s personal branding session to show the natural and relaxed style of photos you can expect when you work with me. Frankie is a super-talented artist who creates watercolor portraits for guests at weddings. So this location in Western Sydney that has the cutest little wedding chapel was just perfect!

Now, let’s get to those questions…..

1. How long will the photo shoot take?

Your branding photo shoot will vary in duration, depending on what you need at the time and which package you choose. If you’re only needing a few updated headshots, we can be done in 20-30 minutes. If you’re needing more content and choose a larger package, your photo shoot could go for 2-4 hours. Some people like to book smaller shoots often, while others like to create a year’s worth of photo content in one day. We chat about your needs in your planning consultation and design the photo shoot to suit.

2. What’s involved in the planning process?

In the leadup to your brand photo shoot, we get together - either in person over a cuppa if you’re a Hawkesbury local, or over the phone if that suits better. This is where we make a very detailed plan based on your needs so that you leave our meeting feeling confident and excited. We will both have our to-do lists for the leadup to photo day so that we can achieve and create everything we planned to. My brand photo shoots are planned with intention and strategy so that your investment will actually help grow your business.

3. What does a brand photo shoot cost?

The pricing of branding photo shoots will vary from photographer to photographer, and those prices will be based on a variety of factors. I have a couple of general brand photo packages which you can see HERE. But I also listen to your individual needs and can create a custom package for you if you prefer.

4. Where will the photo shoot take place?

Your potential photo shoot location will be discussed at our planning consultation. Based on your type of business, we’ll chat through the option that will suit the style of photos that will compliment your business and brand. Some options could be in your office or home-office, outdoors, or we could hire a studio. Some of the more ‘creative’ spaces I’ve held a photo shoot are in cafes, on a decommissioned train, Air BnBs, a pool, a hotel, a local park, a hired photo studio, and a co-working space. Depending on your needs and your budget, we’ll choose the best location for you.

5. Do I need to bring props to my photo shoot?

If you’re having a smaller headshot session, you don’t need to bring any props. However, for larger branding sessions, I do recommend bringing along some props that help tell the story of your business and that will customise the photos to your brand. Having props also gives you something to do and something to hold, which helps you keep your hands busy! Again, we create a prop list for you at your planning consultation that makes sense for your particular business.

6. Do you provide hair and makeup services as well?

I can absolutely put you in touch with my talented hair and makeup artist. For smaller photo shoots you can just make an appointment before your session time, but for larger photo shoots that go for a half or full day, my clients love having the HMU team on location so they can be pampered all through the day. It’s also helpful if you’d like a different look partway through the shoot.

7. How long will it take to receive my brand photos?

After your brand photo shoot, you’ll receive a link to your selection gallery within one week. Your selection gallery gives you the opportunity to choose the photos that YOU love and that you want to include in your photo package. Once I receive your final selection, I give them any extra touchups if needed and then send back the final photos ready to use in 1-2 days. Your final photos will come formatted as high resolution files ready for printing, as well as low resolution files, sized for optimal use online.

8. I don’t know what to do with all the photos. Can you help me?

Absolutely!! Receiving possibly 50 or 100 brand photos can be overwhelming for some! It’s totally natural. But the last thing I want is for those photos to sit and die a slow death on your hard drive, wasting your investment. So, even when your photo shoot is all over, I’m still here to help. We can look at your marketing strategy (we’ll create one if we need to!) and I can help you choose which photos to use where, how to use them to increase your SEO, how to use them for best engagement and how to use them in your marketing designs. Let’s tailor a brand strategy package that suits your business and goals. Afterall, there’s no point having beautiful photos in poorly designed collateral!

I hope that helps answer some of your questions about brand photography for your business. Stay tuned for another blog soon, because I get asked a LOT of questions!!