Session guide for business & brand
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.
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.
First steps…
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 spaces, the products, and the everyday moments that make it come alive.
Here’s what we’ll capture:
The way you move through your workspace
The tools you can’t live without
The process that turns ideas into reality
Showcasing your story, rhythm, and brand personality
Capturing the real, unfiltered magic of what you do
get clear on what you want
The best branding sessions happen when you know exactly what you’re aiming for.
Here are a few ways to prepare:
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Start a Pinterest board or save inspo shots from social media
Include poses you love, brand colours, and your overall vibe
Think of it as your visual guide, we’ll use it to shape your shoot
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Scroll through your socials or website, what posts are getting the most views? What posts are getting the highest engagement? What looks/feels good? What do your audience like/comment on the most? Keep an eye on your analytics, they tell you all of this information.
Note what kind of images you’ll need over the next 6–12 months. Any big announcements, promos, or celebrations coming up that you want to advertise with your imagery?
Planning ahead = purposeful photos that save time and stress 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 weather
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.
If your work’s outdoors, think about when it feels most at home, golden summer evenings, crisp autumn mornings, or cozy winter vibes.
Weather and 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.
choose your location
Your space often tells your story best- offices, studios, kitchens, workshops, or wherever your business comes to life.
No space? No stress, we can find or hire a location that fits your brand’s vibe.
Indoor sessions are most common, but outdoor ones (gardening, farming, etc.) work beautifully too, we can plan a rain date just in case.
Closer to your session, I’ll confirm time, location, and weather.
Start thinking about spaces that reflect your brand, the right setting makes your photos feel effortless, authentic, and you.
your branding session
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Choose clothes and shoes you can move in. Comfort = confidence.
Bring a backup outfit and pair of shoes if needed. -
Solid colours work best; avoid busy patterns or neon tones.
Skip logos unless they’re your own, the focus should stay on you.
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Schedule haircuts, colour, or makeup trials a few weeks early.
Test anything new first, and avoid foods that might upset your stomach.
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A few outfit changes = more options and versatility for content.
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Dress to reflect your work- casual, formal, rugged, or refined.
Choose colours and styles that align with your brand’s personality.
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Bring items that represent your work- your “tools” tell your story.
Examples: brushes + palettes, boots + produce, laptop + coffee cup
Think realistically about what you use day-to-day, authenticity wins.
If unsure, we’ll plan it together in your pre-shoot session.
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There’s no right or wrong way to pose, we’ll find what feels genuine for you.
Most of the time, you’ll just do your thing, working, creating, moving, or having a laugh, and I’ll capture it all.
If something feels a little silly, it’s probably the moment that makes the best shot.
My sessions are all about keeping things easy, fun, and totally natural. I’ll keep an eye on the little details (hair, makeup, outfits), but my goal is for you to forget the camera’s even there, that’s when the real magic happens.
Don’t overthink it, bring what feels so you.
Small details (mugs, notebooks, accessories) add personality.