Branding sessions are where your story comes to life. They’re not just about pretty pictures, they’re about showing off your personality, your passion, and the heart of your business so you can attract the clients who get you. Your images will give your brand a consistent, professional look across all your online spaces, but more than that, they’ll feel like you. Every session I create is unique, designed to reflect the people and purpose behind the business.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a shoot that feels effortless, fun, and totally on brand. Let’s ditch the boring headshots and create imagery that tells your story, beautifully.

Let’s plan

Before we dive into planning your branding session, let’s talk about what it actually is. A branding session is all about you, the heart, the story, and the passion behind your business.

Every small business has its own kind of magic, the people, the places, the products, and the everyday moments that make it all come to life. Maybe it’s the way you move through your workspace, the tools you can’t live without, or the process that brings your ideas to reality. Those are the details we’ll capture, the real moments that make your business, yours.

This isn’t about standing stiffly with a laptop or recreating another set of bland stock photos. Nope. We’re going deeper. We’ll plan your session together so it reflects your story, your rhythm, and your brand’s personality, capturing all the little things that make what you do so damn special.

You’re not like everyone else, and your branding photos shouldn’t be either. Let’s make them unforgettable.

get clear on what you want

The best branding sessions happen when you know exactly what you’re aiming for. A little planning now means a smoother shoot later — and images that feel totally on brand.

Here are a few ways to prepare:

Start a Pinterest board or save inspiration shots from social media that capture the vibe you’re going for… poses you love, colours that reflect your brand, and overall mood or style. Think of it as a visual guide to help bring your ideas to life. Keep your brand colours and personality front of mind, and we’ll work together to weave those into your shoot.
Take a scroll through your Instagram, Facebook, or website. Which posts performed well? What kind of images do you need more of over the next 6–12 months? Planning ahead helps us create purposeful photos that actually work for your business, saving you time, stress, and “what do I post?” moments later.

A little prep goes a long way, and means we can spend your session focused on what matters most: capturing you, your business, and your story in action.

timing and intent

When it comes to your branding session, giving yourself time to plan can make all the difference. Booking a few weeks (or even a couple of months) ahead gives you space to think about outfits, props, and the little details that bring your brand to life. No rush, no pressure, just time to let your ideas settle.

Seasons and light are part of the story too. If your work is outdoors, consider when your brand feels most at home, golden summer evenings, crisp autumn mornings, or cozy winter studio vibes. In winter, we might start early to catch the soft morning light, and while I have off-camera lighting ready, nothing beats natural glow.

And just like the weather, life can be unpredictable. Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay, we’ll roll with whatever comes up and still make it feel effortless, authentic, and you.

Your business might be small, but it’s rarely a solo journey. Maybe your partner, kids, or loved ones are part of your “why”… the people cheering you on behind the scenes. If you want to include them, we can capture a few meaningful moments with your team behind the brand.

Think too about what’s coming up, a new product, website launch, or milestone you’re celebrating. These are perfect little storylines to weave into your session, making your photos purposeful and full of personality.

And if you work one-on-one with clients, showing how you do what you do in real life can make a huge difference. Future clients get a glimpse of what it’s like to work with you, authentic, in-action, and totally real.

Your branding session is about more than content, it’s about capturing the moments, energy, and stories that make your business yours.

choose your location

Picking a location for your branding session can be easy for some businesses, tricky for others, and that’s totally okay. If your work involves specific tools, equipment, or a unique environment, your own space is often the perfect backdrop. Offices, studios, kitchens, workshops, wherever your business comes to life, can tell your story beautifully.

If you don’t have a space that works, no stress! We can explore other options, from free or hire spaces to creative alternatives that suit your brand. I love it when locations complement what you do, adding personality and authenticity to every shot.

Most of my branding sessions happen indoors, but some businesses shine outdoors too- gardening, farming, or any work that naturally happens outside. If you’re planning on including outdoor shots, it’s worth thinking about a primary date and a rain date. That way, no matter what, we capture your business at its best without scrambling. Closer to your session, I’ll check in to confirm the time, location, and weather.

Start thinking about locations, scenes, and spaces that reflect your brand. The right setting can make your photos feel effortless, authentic, and truly you.

outfits and preparation

You’ll move, pose, and work during the session, so choose clothes that feel good and shoes you can walk in. Bring a backup pair if needed. Feeling comfortable helps your confidence shine, and that always shows in photos.
Solid colours generally work best. Patterns can be distracting, and bright or neon colours may reflect onto your skin. Logos should be avoided unless they’re your own, you want the focus on you and your business.
If you’re getting a haircut, colour, or trying new makeup, do it a few weeks before your session. Test anything new first, and stick to foods that won’t upset your stomach, a smooth, relaxed start makes for better photos.
A few outfit changes give you more options and the feeling of multiple sessions in one, which is great if you’re creating content for social media or marketing.
Think about your business and your role. Are your outfits reflective of your work — casual or formal, rugged or refined? Do the colours and style reflect the personality of your business? Every choice tells part of your story.

When it comes to what to wear for your branding session, comfort and confidence are the real keys. You want to feel like you — whether that’s boots and workwear, a blazer and smart shoes, or something in between. If you’re unsure, a stylist can help, but here are some tips to make planning easier:

No matter what your role or industry, preparation like this helps your session flow, so we can focus on capturing you, your work, and the story behind your business.

props and tools of the trade

This step is a biggie for branding sessions. It helps your shoot run smoothly and keeps us focused on capturing your story, not waiting for things to happen. Planning ahead and thinking about the items you want in your photos can make all the difference.

While portraits and headshots of you are always a priority, I love documenting how you work. Your “tools of the trade”, the things that bring your business to life, tell so much about your story. A hair and makeup artist might include brushes and palettes. A farmer might include boots, tools, or produce. An office-based business might use a laptop, coffee cup, planner, or phone. If you’re unsure what this looks like for your session, our pre-shoot branding session will help you dig into it and get a clear idea of what to pack.

A few quick tips:

Think realistically about the items you use day to day- they make your images feel authentic.
Don’t overthink it. If you’re hesitating, bring it along! Worst case, we don’t use it. Best case, it adds personality and colour that reflects your brand.
Props can include anything that feels “so you” - mugs with a favourite saying, notebooks in your brand colours, or even something small that sparks joy.

The goal is to create images that look and feel like your business, your workspace, your tools, your personality, captured naturally and authentically.

posing

Your branding session with me is all about keeping things easy, fun, and totally natural. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to pose. We’ll find what feels comfortable and genuine for you.

Most of the time, you’ll just do your thing- working, creating, moving, or even having a laugh, and I’ll capture it all. If something feels a little silly, that’s usually the moment that makes the best shot.

I keep an eye on the little details like hair, makeup, and outfits, but my goal is for you to forget the camera is even there. The best photos come when you’re relaxed, enjoying the moment, and just being yourself.