Brand photoshoot: More than just a photoshoot - the path to professional images for your brand
“Du Lea, hast du noch irgendwo Zeit für ein Personal Brand Shooting nächsten Monat?” Diese Frage höre ich als Fotografin oft. Die meisten denken dabei nur an das eigentliche Shooting, doch hinter einem erfolgreichen Brand Shooting steckt weit mehr Arbeit als nur das Fotografieren selbst. In diesem Beitrag erfährst du, was ein Brand Shooting wirklich ausmacht, welche Vor- und Nachbereitungen dazugehören und warum ein professionelles Brand Shooting ein unverzichtbares Investment für deine Marke ist.
What is a brand photo shoot?
A brand shoot is much more than just a simple photo shoot. It is a targeted shoot that aims to showcase your brand, your business or you as a personal brand in an authentic and professional way. The aim is to visualise the core values and personality of your brand in order to build a strong connection with your target group. A brand shoot can be a decisive factor for entrepreneurs, freelancers, influencers and companies of all sizes when it comes to brand presence.
The underestimated work behind a fire photo shoot
While many only have the day of the shoot itself in mind, the majority of the work often remains invisible. As a photographer, I spend far more time behind the screen than behind the camera, because the preparation and follow-up of a brand shoot takes up much more time than you might think.
1. image selection: Spoilt for choice
After the brand shoot, the image selection process begins. This involves filtering out the best shots, a step that is often underestimated. The images are viewed, sorted and evaluated in Adobe Bridge. Depending on the scope of the package booked, this process can take between 1-2 hours. This phase is crucial, as only the best images make it to the next round and form the basis for the final result.
2. first editing in Lightroom: the creative finishing touches
Once the best images have been selected, the first step is to edit them in Adobe Lightroom. Here the images are cropped and the colours adjusted to give the customer a first impression of what the final images might look like. The time required for these adjustments varies depending on the size of the package and the customer's wishes, but is usually between 1 and 3 hours. Only after this initial processing are the images uploaded to a selection gallery from which the customer chooses their favourites.
3. detail work in Photoshop: perfection down to the smallest detail
The selected images are then opened for final editing in Photoshop. This is where the creative finishing touches come into play: skin retouching, correction of minor blemishes and adjustment of lighting moods are just some of the steps that make up this process. Depending on the extent of the retouching, this step can take between 1 and 2 hours, although there are no limits here either. Each image is processed individually to bring out the best and perfectly emphasise the brand message.
Before the shoot: the often forgotten location scouting
An important aspect that is often overlooked is choosing the perfect location. A brand shoot needs an environment that reflects the brand and creates the right atmosphere. That's why I invest a lot of time in location scouting. Especially in Palma, which is teeming with beautiful locations, it took me a good year to discover the best locations with the ideal lighting angles. Each location has its own charm and significantly influences the visual language.
Why are brand photo shoots so important?
A professional brand shoot takes your brand image to a new level. It is an investment in your public image that will pay off in the long term. Here are some reasons why a brand shoot is essential for you and your brand:
1. authentic representation of your brand
A brand shoot helps you to present your brand in an authentic and unique way. The images tell your story and convey your brand values in a way that words alone cannot achieve.
2. professional first impression
A professional first impression is crucial, whether on your website, in social media or in marketing materials. High-quality, consistent images ensure that you are perceived as an expert in your field.
3. more trust and identification
With a brand shoot, you create images that build trust and appeal to your target group. Potential customers will identify more easily with your brand if they can see who is behind the company.
Tips for a successful brand shoot
To make your photo shoot a complete success, there are a few points you should bear in mind:
1. clear objective
Think carefully in advance about the message you want to convey with the images. What do you want your target group to think about you and your brand? A clear objective is the key to a successful brand shoot.
2. matching outfits and props
Choose clothing and props that reflect your brand. The choice of colours and style should match your brand message and create a consistent look.
3. trust in the photographer
Rely on the expertise of your photographer. An experienced photographer not only has technical expertise, but also a flair for perfect staging. Be open to suggestions and let yourself be inspired.
A brand shoot is a comprehensive investment in your business that goes far beyond the day of the shoot. The preparation, selection and post-processing take a lot of time, but the result is authentic, professional images that show your brand at its best. Take the time to plan and realise this investment - it will help you strengthen your brand and set you apart from the competition.
Which activity in your job is extremely underestimated by outsiders in terms of time? Share your experiences in the comments!