Welcome back to the “I’m The Client Now” series where I take you through the process of refreshing my own brand and website.
You can see part 1 here, where I talk through the main things that were letting my brand and website down.
Part of my brand and website refresh journey was always going to involve a brand photoshoot. I’d never done one before but it was badly needed and something I always advise my clients to do.
Once you have professional photos they will improve your website no end and you’ll have unique visuals to share on social media (that aren’t those awful AI caricatures! Anyone else find they completely cheapen someone’s brand? Anyway that’s a rant for another day 😅)
One of my old photos. Photographer: Me 😅
My old photos aren’t good enough anymore
I took my old photos myself. I set up my proper camera on my tripod (which I had from my art college days) and set up a self timer.
And you know what, I didn’t do a bad job. I knew they would only be temporary but they worked for someone who just started freelancing and didn’t really have a concrete plan.
I also hadn’t worked with enough clients to know the business growth results my work could produce.
But that was 5 years ago. I’ve grown so much since then and I have a clear vision of who I can help and I’m confident that I bring massive value to my clients.
And I know I need this needs to be reflected in how I present my business, including the photos I use.
Choosing the right photographer
I came across Kirsty’s work years ago on Instagram. Years after that we bumped into each other at an in-person networking event and realised we were Instagram friends, and then we became actual friends!
kirstylyons.ie
I knew I wanted Kirsty to take my photos. Not only because she’s my friend, but because she is incredibly talented and I love her style. Check out her incredible work on her website here. And here is her Instagram page (maybe you follow her already, her recent collab with Geri Designs and rugs.ie was to die for!)
If you want to work with a photographer who will put you at ease and knows how to capture people looking their best but also still looking like themselves, then Kirsty is your woman!
I just love the overall natural style to her photos, so I was so excited to tell her I finally want to book in my photoshoot with her.
kirstylyons.ie
Planning the photoshoot
When I knew I was ready for new photos it was time to let Kirsty know and get into planning mode.
I started putting together the document I talk through in the above video. Kirsty also provides a questionnaire to her clients so she gets all the information she needs.
The essentials
The main things you’ll need for a brand photoshoot are:
- A location
- A brief for your photographer (So they know the vibe you’re looking for)
- If you have team members or want someone else in the photos with you (to look like you’re with a client), you need to organise that
- Outfits & props that you want to include
- Some inspiration of brand photos you like of people in similar industries
- Start thinking of a shot list if there are specific things/poses you want to do
- Choose the package from your photographer that provides the number of outfits changes and photos you want