NGL, I love a brand photoshoot – you might have seen on my Insta-stories that I just hooked up with mega-babe Bry Penney for a fun filled day of snapping new content.

It’s something I’ve been complimented on before and it’s something I notice in others – nailing brand imagery. If you’re not a natural in front of the camera or you’re having some imposter syndrome about getting out there, I’ve got a bunch of great tips that’ll take you from nervous novice to perfect poser in no time!

Location

It’s really important that your surroundings look natural. Think about your brand tone of voice and try to match that to your shoot location. Are you chatty and fun? Is your brand vibrant and friendly? Maybe a funky coffee shop would suit you! Are you a coach or wellness professional? Are you giving off a vibe of care and nurturing? A beautifully well-lit studio or loft might be more your scene. 

I pick bright, well lit places with lots of white, a few pinky and greeny tones and always an air of luxury – because that’s what my brand is all about!

Photographer

I love working with Bry because she gets it. She works with female entrepreneurs all over the world who are trailblazers in their field – just like she is. Explaining your vision to someone who is in a similar field or niche to you is a great way to go. Check out their past clients, stalk their Instagram – even see where they’ve shot before and if those locations might work for you.

Remember, shopping on price-point is not always the best filter. Visualize how you want this brand photoshoot to look, then go after the best fit.

Clothing

You might think that grabbing your fave tee and a smart dress is good enough – but your clothing says way more about you than you realize. Firstly, operate under the ‘live as if’ model. How would the future ‘you’ show up? What does she wear? It’s worth creating a Pinterest board of looks and shopping to create them if they’re not already in your wardrobe. Remember that these images might see you through a few months or seasons on content, so mix up the layers and project an image of a more successful you.

When choosing items, try to stay away from big bold patterns. They can distract from your brand. Of course, try and stick to colors that work with your logo and branding. Loads of black or blue wouldn’t work for me – but white, neutrals, pinks and a hint of rose gold ties my whole feed and website together. I always bring a few layers – tops, sweaters and jackets. It’s easy to switch up a look by changing the jacket or sliding a shirt underneath.

Make Up

Studio lights, editing software and camera lenses are criminal for stealing your makeup! When choosing products or getting a look done by a makeup artist, be sure to go a touch bolder than you would day-to-day. Firstly, you want your style to stay put, so use setting sprays and a higher-coverage foundation. Bring a powder with you as outfits changes can bring on a lil sweat (no one’s here for a SULA babe). If you’re getting your makeup done, let the MUA know that you’re heading to a shoot and your features need to be a little exaggerated.

For me, I’m a brow and eyes kinda gal! I love fluttery lashes and a neutral smokey eye. For my lips, I keep it simple but I won’t go without a wash of pinky nude to pull my look together. With my nails, I keep it nude or French as I don’t want them to distract too much.

Posing

Everyone’s least fave bit about a brand shoot – I know, I used to feel awkward too!

Keep your vibe high and BOSSY with a Beyonce playlist, or something similar. Have fun, make jokes and sing along, trust me. My fave is the fake laugh – like, audibly! Say ‘hahaha’ with your teeth showing and you’ll naturally lift your whole face and body language. The secret is to keep moving and avoid static poses. Movement that feels natural looks more natural. Roll your shoulder up and back, push your chest forward and occasionally pop a shoulder forward – YES BABE, you’ve got it!

Tried out any of these tips? I want to see! TAG me (@sabrinamphilipp) in your latest brand photoshoot so I can watch you WURK IT!