As a wedding planner, your brand is everything! It sets you apart from competitors and attracts clients eager to work with you. You've put in so much effort to create that brand, so why not showcase it with an amazing brand photoshoot? It's not just about highlighting your expertise, it's a chance to let your personality shine. In this blog, I’m going to guide you on planning the perfect, jaw-dropping brand photoshoot as a wedding planner — one that will give you photos you actually love to use. If you are planning your branding photoshoot in the near future, I also recommend you listen to this episode on the podcast where I interview my OWN branding photographer, The Branded Boss Lady. 

Plan Your Branding Photoshoot

As a wedding planner, you probably already know this, but before diving into the exciting journey of a brand photoshoot, it's crucial to invest time in thorough planning. Take a moment to clearly define your yearly goals, considering that you might only have one photoshoot opportunity each year.

Set your goals and write down what you aim to accomplish through this photoshoot. There are so many shiny objects in the online space; don’t let a branding photoshoot be one! Do you need photos to elevate your online presence? Showcase a new service? Thinking ahead and having a crystal-clear goal will keep you focused during the shoot, ensuring you get the MOST out of your investment. 

Consider starting a Pinterest board or finding another way to keep your ideas organized as well. This will be your inspiration that you can refer back to while planning and during your photoshoot. Keep in mind that as much planning as we do, sometimes the best ideas come alive during the shoot. The creative flow of a photoshoot doesn’t need to be planned in SO much detail that you can’t enjoy the process. Which brings me to the next step…

Find a Branding Photographer That Understands Your Vision

As a wedding planner, you likely have a slough of wedding photographers who have snapped BTS shots of you and would love nothing more than to help you with your next branding photoshoot. While that may be a good option, I encourage you to consider investing in a professional brand photographer. They can guide you and strategically plan and bring fresh ideas to the table in a way that a wedding photographer likely can’t (because they don’t do it every day!). 

When looking for a photographer, make sure to take the time to go through their portfolio carefully. This way, you can make sure their photography style matches your vision and brand. It's also a plus if they have their own studio. Having a studio means you don't have to worry about weather or other factors that could impact your shoot. Plus, it saves you time and money you'd otherwise spend finding a location. With these things in mind, you can confidently choose a photographer who meets all your requirements for a smooth and successful photoshoot.

Outline the Shots

When it comes to nailing those perfect shots, meticulous planning is key. To make sure you don't miss any important moments, it's essential to outline the specific shots you want to capture. Seriously – make a list! Think about the types of pictures you want, the number of people involved, and the different locations for the shoot. We'll dive into props next, but for now, take some time to map out the types of shots you'll need.

Plan Your Props

Next, we have the fun part! Think about the props, decorations, colors, and textures that will help set the desired tone for your brand. Consider how you can showcase real wedding inspiration and entice your ideal clients through these images. It's important to strategically think about where you intend to use these photos to align them with your brand identity. Remember that the ultimate goal is to showcase who you are as a brand and the exceptional services you offer your clients.

Drawing a blank? Here are a FEW ideas of what you might want to bring as a prop (but this is by no means an exhaustive list!):

• Wedding planning binder or portfolio
• Laptop or tablet (don’t forget to screenshot what you might want up on your screen!)
• Clipboard with wedding planning checklist or timelines
• Wedding inspiration boards or mood boards
• Assorted wedding invitations and stationery samples
• Color swatches or fabric samples for wedding decor
• Wedding planning books or magazines
• Floral arrangements or bouquets
• Wedding cake or dessert samples
• Seating arrangement charts or place cards
• Table linens and napkins in different colors or patterns
• Centerpiece ideas or prototypes
• Decorative props like candles, vases, or lanterns

When you combine your brand photoshoot with a styled shoot, you can elevate your portfolio to showcase your expertise as a wedding planner. You will likely consider including a beautifully styled table setup or other elements that highlight your impeccable work, even if you don’t choose to get as detailed as you would with a properly styled shoot that you might be trying to get published. Want to learn more about styled shoot planning? Grab my free guide here.

Choosing a Location for Your Branding Photoshoot

When deciding on a location for your branding photoshoot, your options are virtually limitless. If you’ve hired a branding photographer, they may have their own studio space that you can use to take product and lifestyle shots. However, taking advantage of unique rental spaces in your city or even the office space where you conduct business (whether at home or somewhere you rent!) is also fun. The key is to be mindful of the look and feel that your brand is trying to convey.

If you want something more creative and luxurious, consider visiting a popular wedding venue for your photos. You will need permission from the owner before booking, but it could be worth it if you’re looking for a more classic backdrop that helps bring out the best in each photo. Newer venues in your area will likely be eager to collaborate. Lastly, make sure the colors and environment match what your brand is all about so there’s consistency across all images being taken during the photoshoot. 

Dress for Success

Picking the perfect outfits for your branding photoshoot is super important to represent your brand effectively. It's all about choosing pieces that look cohesive, make you stand out from the competition, and leave a lasting impression. Try layering your clothes to add texture, depth, and dimension to your photos – it'll make you look more polished and make it easier to swap jackets and layers so you can get more outfit options out of less pieces.

When selecting clothing, make sure to choose a mix of pieces that match your brand's colors and neutrals so you have branding photos for every occasion. After all, some of these photos will want to “pop” in your Instagram feed so that a bright pink blazer is more than appropriate, and some instances may call for something softer (like in your investment brochure). While I will always advocate for everything to feel on brand for you, I want to make sure you give your future self options, too!

And remember, don't be afraid to show off your individual personality and brand story by adding a statement piece or unique accessory. Whether it's a cool piece of jewelry, a trendy hat, or a fancy scarf, make sure everything works together and sets the right mood for the shoot.

Lastly (and most importantly), wear something you feel comfortable in. You can listen to this podcast where I share candidly why it took me so long to book a branding photoshoot myself, but the short version is: I know what it’s like to feel uncomfortable in front of the camera and I do NOT want that for you. 

Add B Roll Footage to Your Shoot

Lastly, adding B Roll footage to your branding photoshoot is essential in 2023. Video content has become extremely important for marketing – as you have no doubt noticed! By adding B Roll footage, you can produce compelling visuals for anything from Instagram Reels to TikTok and even as background footage on your website. 

If your branding photographer doesn’t offer B Roll footage as part of their package, then consider looking for a local videographer or bringing someone else on your team to help. 

Not only will this help give potential customers an accurate representation of your product or service, but it will also help build trust and give them a sense of who you are as a business. Truly nothing beats video!

Planning a Branding Photoshoot For Your Wedding Planning Business

A brand photoshoot has enormous potential to boost your business growth. Having professional photos is an important part of taking your business seriously, and your ideal clients WILL notice. As a business coach for wedding planners, I want to really stress the opportunity to showcase your expertise, personality, and unique brand identity with a branding photoshoot. While planning carefully, doing thorough research, and assembling the right team takes time, the results are so worth it. Take it from me – who avoided it for too many years! Have questions about planning your branding photoshoot as a wedding planner? DM me over on Instagram and let me know! I’m no expert, but I’m happy to help however I can.

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