From what to wear to how to feel confident in front of the camera, here’s your ultimate prep guide for your branding shoot—without the stress.
In this ultimate branding photo prep guide, you will find essential tips on how to prepare for your branding shoot to highlight your unique style.
You’ve booked your branding photo session (or you’re thinking about it), and now you’re wondering:
Okay, now what do I wear? What props should I bring? Will I feel awkward and uncomfortable in front of the camera?
You’re not alone.
Most female solopreneurs feel a mix of excitement and nervous energy before their session—but here’s the truth: with the right preparation, your shoot can feel aligned, empowering, and even fun.
This ultimate branding photo prep guide offers you the insights needed to ensure your branding shoot reflects you by covering the following topics:
- What to wear
- Where to shoot
- What to bring
- Mindset
- Wellness prep
- Exactly what’s included in a full session with me
Want to understand why branding photos matter in the first place? Start here: 5 Reasons Female Solopreneurs Need Branding Photos
Essential Branding Shoot Prep Guide
1. What to Wear: Dress Like the CEO and the Human
Let this branding photo prep guide inspire you to embrace your unique style and personality during the shoot.
You don’t need a brand-new wardrobe or a fashion degree to prepare for your session. The goal is to show up as you on your best day—confident, relaxed, and magnetic.
This is your chance to visually express your brand through what you wear. Think ahead to where these photos will live—your website, Instagram, speaker profiles, email newsletters. Let those placements influence your outfit choices.
Outfit Tips That Always Work:
- Choose outfits that reflect your brand vibe (mix elevated + approachable)
- Think about your brand colors—incorporate them into your wardrobe to create visual alignment
- Dress in a way that reflects the words you’d use to describe your brand: modern, warm, minimalist, bold, etc.
- Avoid busy patterns or large logos unless they’re intentionally part of your brand identity
- Think timeless over trendy—you want your images to stay relevant for months to come
- Use layers (blazers or on-brand jackets) and accessories to add dimension without full outfit changes
- Above all: prioritize comfort—it shows in your posture, energy, and confidence
✨ Pro tip: Don’t want to invest in a bunch of new outfits? Consider renting from Nuuly. You can rent up to 6 items for a month from brands like Madewell, Anthropologie, Farm Rio, MOTHER, and more. If you sign up using this link, you’ll get $30 off your first subscription.
Your branding photo prep guide should include planning your outfits to ensure you feel empowered and aligned with your brand identity.
2. Where to Shoot: Choose a Location That Feels Like You
Your location plays a big role in telling your story. It helps your audience imagine what it feels like to work with you.
This ultimate branding photo prep guide is essential for creating a seamless and enjoyable shoot experience.
Favorite Branding Session Locations:
Utilizing this branding photo prep guide will help you prepare for every aspect of your photoshoot.
- A cozy studio or lifestyle setup for clean, curated images
- Your home office for a grounded, authentic vibe
- A coffee shop or co-working space for a creative entrepreneur feel
- An outdoor space for wellness, coaching, or nature-forward brands
- A styled Airbnb or rental space for elevated lifestyle content
Studio rental fees are always included in my full branding sessions—no extra bookings or stress on your end.
✨ Pro tip: Think about your brand’s core words and choose a location that reflects those vibes—light and airy, warm and textured, bold and editorial, or grounded and natural.
This branding photo prep guide is your roadmap to achieving stunning, authentic images that tell your story.
3. What to Bring: Props That Tell a Visual Story
Props help make your session feel personal, purposeful, and dynamic. They give your hands something to do and your audience more to connect with.
Ideas for On-Brand Props:
- Laptop, tablet, phone
- Coffee mug or drink of choice
- Journals, books, notebooks
- Client materials, packaging, or products
- Business cards or signage
- Tools of your trade (camera, paintbrush, yoga mat, etc.)
- Anything personal that reflects your brand (flowers, framed prints, planner, dog!)
You can never over-do it—the more, the merrier. Bring anything that feels like you, and we’ll pick and choose what’s most relevant and natural on the day of your session.
Follow this branding photo prep guide to choose a location that embodies your brand’s essence and values.
✨ Pro tip: Think through a few “scenes” you want to capture—your morning routine, a client consult, deep creative work—and bring props that support those stories.
4. Mindset: Show Up With Confidence
You don’t have to change anything about who you are—you just need to show up with your energy aligned and your vision in mind.
Simple Mindset Shifts That Help:
- Visualize your future self—the version of you you’re stepping into
- Remind yourself this session is about you being seen, not performing
- Think of this shoot as an act of visibility, not vanity
- Create a playlist to boost your mood while you get ready
- Reframe nerves as excitement—this is you claiming space in your brand
✨ Pro tip: Choose an intention for your shoot (connection, ease, boldness, etc.). Revisit that word throughout the day to ground yourself in what matters.
5. Wellness Prep: Feel Good in Your Body
Feeling your best physically will help you stay grounded and energized during your session—especially if it’s a longer one.
Physical Prep Tips That Make a Difference:
In your branding photo prep guide, think about the props that can visually tell your brand’s story during the shoot.
- Hydrate well the day before and the morning of
- Sleep well the night before so you feel rested and clear
- Eat something nourishing before your session
- Pack a water bottle and small snack if your shoot spans multiple hours
- Gently prep your skin (exfoliate and moisturize the night before)
- Freshen up your nails (neutral polish or natural is always a good choice)
- Don’t stress about hair and makeup—professional styling is included in every full session
✨ Pro tip: Skip anything new or experimental—facials, skincare, or tight shapewear—on the day of. Stick with what makes your body feel good and your mind feel calm.
Implement the steps in this branding photo prep guide to create a memorable visual experience.
What’s Included in Your Branding Shoot Prep
When you book a full session, you’re getting more than beautiful photos—you’re getting a guided, supportive, and strategic experience.
Here’s what’s always included:
- A planning call to align your shoot with your brand and goals
- A shot list curated for your content calendar and platform needs
- Wardrobe and styling support
- Professional hair and makeup (you’ll arrive feeling amazing)
- Studio rental or location access handled for you
- A calm, confidence-boosting experience from start to finish
✨ Pro tip: Every part of this process is tailored to help you feel supported. You don’t need to know what to do—I’ll guide you the whole way.
Let’s Bring Your Brand to Life
Still feeling unsure what your session could look like? Or wondering if now is the right time?
Let’s chat. No pressure—just real talk about where your brand is heading and how I can help you show up with clarity and confidence.
Click here to book your discovery call
You’ll see a few images in this post featuring Madison Gates of Kato Custom Homes—a talented designer and homebuilder who brings an effortless blend of elegance and warmth to every project she touches. Madison’s work is known for clean lines, intentional details, and that signature elevated-but-livable feel that’s become the hallmark of her brand. Photographing her branding session was such a joy—her visual identity came to life so naturally because it’s rooted in authenticity and beautiful design. You can follow her work over on Instagram at @katocustomhomes.
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