My Personal Branding Shot List

Branding sessions can be complicated and overwhelming. Before every photo session I schedule a consultation call with my client. There, I ask them details about their business, their target market, and how they want to use the images. Most of my clients come to me when they are building a new website or launching a new brand or service. Knowing what they want to achieve with their session allows me to create a shot list to ensure we capture all the images they might need. Having a plan puts the client at ease, builds their confidence and allows them to enjoy the process.

I create the shot list because I want to make the best use of our time and make sure that my client comes away with the best images to help them meet their business goals. With the shot list I can map out scenes and poses, figure out creative ways to make use of props and branded items, and it ensures we don’t forget anything important!

Here is a basic shot list that I use for my clients to get a variety of images they can use for digital and print marketing.

1. Hero Images:
  • What: Large, eye-catching images at the top of your homepage. Usually a horizontal, wide angle shot. Make sure to leave room on the right or left for text or logos.
  • Why: They create a powerful first impression, capturing your audience’s attention immediately. A stunning hero image can convey your brand’s essence at a glance, setting the tone for the rest of your site. These can also be used as social media cover images.
  • Pose: Confident, full-body or half-body shot.
  • Location: In a well-lit, clean space that reflects your brand (office, studio, outdoor setting).
  • Props: Laptop, phone, branded materials (if applicable).
  • Purpose: This will be the primary image used on your website homepage, social media profiles, and promotional materials.
2. Service Showcase Photos:
  • What: High-quality images that highlight your services in action.
  • Why: Clear, professional service photos build trust and showcase your expertise effectively. They help clients visualize what they’ll receive, which is crucial for driving engagement and bookings.
  • Pose: Demonstrating your service, presenting a product, or a hands-on approach.
  • Location: Where you typically work with clients or showcase your products.
  • Props: Products, tools, or any materials related to your service.
  • Purpose: To visually explain what you do and offer.
3. Client Interaction Shots:
  • What: Images of you working with clients.
  • Why: These shots tell a story and help potential clients see the value and experience of your services. They evoke emotions and aspirations, making your offerings more relatable and desirable.
  • Pose: Capturing you actively engaged in your work (typing, writing, consulting, designing).
  • Location: Your workspace, a café, or on-site with clients.
  • Props: Laptop, notepad, tools of your trade.
  • Purpose: To show your expertise and passion for your work.
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4. Team Photos:
  • What: Professional portraits of you and your team.
  • Why: Team photos humanize your brand, building a connection with your audience. They show the faces behind the business, fostering trust and a personal touch that sets you apart from the competition.
  • Pose: Interacting with team members, collaborating, or in a meeting.
  • Location: Office or workspace.
  • Props: Meeting materials, laptops, whiteboards.
  • Purpose: To show collaboration, leadership, and teamwork.
5. Team Collaboration:
  • Pose: Interacting with team members or partners in a collaborative discussion.
  • Location: Conference room, open office space, or co-working area.
  • Props: Whiteboard, documents, laptop, presentation materials.
  • Purpose: To illustrate teamwork and leadership within your business.
6. Headshots:
  • What: Professional portraits of you and your team.
  • Why: In a service-based business, trust is everything. High-quality headshots put a face to your name, helping clients feel more connected and confident in choosing you. It’s a powerful way to personalize your brand and build credibility.
  • Pose: A traditional head-and-shoulders shot, standing or seated.
  • Location: Studio or outdoors, neutral or natural background.
  • Props: None (focus on face and expression).
  • Purpose: To provide a professional and approachable image for profiles, resumes, and business cards.
7. Lifestyle Shot – Casual
  • Pose: Relaxed, candid pose, such as enjoying a coffee, reading, or checking your phone.
  • Location: Café, living room, or outdoor seating area.
  • Props: Coffee cup, book, smartphone.
  • Purpose: To show a more personal, relatable side of your brand.
8. On-the-Go:
  • Pose: Walking through the city, entering a building, or getting into a car.
  • Location: Urban setting, office building entrance, or parking area.
  • Props: Briefcase, handbag, phone, sunglasses.
  • Purpose: To depict a dynamic and busy professional lifestyle.
9. Full-Body Professional:
  • Pose: Standing confidently, either facing the camera or in a slight profile.
  • Location: Office, hallway, or professional setting.
  • Props: None or minimal, such as a chair or table.
  • Purpose: To create a strong, confident image for banners and large-format use.
10. Social Media Specific:
  • Pose: Various, including candid shots and posed images with space for text overlay.
  • Location: Versatile settings that fit your brand’s aesthetic.
  • Props: Varied, depending on the message (laptop, phone, props related to your industry).
  • Purpose: To provide versatile images for use across social media platforms, especially for posts and ads.
11. Behind-the-Scenes:
  • Pose: Working behind the scenes, such as setting up for an event, preparing materials, or organizing your space.
  • Location: Your studio, event location, or workspace.
  • Props: Camera, props, event materials, tools.
  • Purpose: To provide transparency and authenticity by revealing your process.
12. Personal Branding Prop Shot:
  • Pose: Holding or interacting with branded items, like your logo on a mug or notebook.
  • Location: Workspace, desk, or creative area.
  • Props: Branded merchandise, stationery, or business cards.
  • Purpose: To reinforce brand identity through subtle, branded visuals.
13. Expression and Personality:
  • Pose: Showcasing various expressions—smiling, serious, or playful.
  • Location: Studio, office, or any neutral background.
  • Props: None or simple props that fit the emotion being captured.
  • Purpose: To convey different aspects of your personality, adding depth to your brand.
14. Personal Interests:
  • Pose: Engaging in a hobby or activity you’re passionate about, such as painting, exercising, or cooking.
  • Location: Home studio, gym, kitchen, or outdoor space.
  • Props: Relevant to the activity (paintbrush, workout gear, culinary tools).
  • Purpose: To showcase your personality and interests outside of work.
15. Networking or Public Speaking:
  • Pose: Engaging with others, shaking hands, or presenting to a group.
  • Location: Conference, networking event, or seminar room.
  • Props: Microphone, presentation clicker, or notes.
  • Purpose: To highlight your role as an industry leader and active participant in your field.
16. Casual Seated Pose:
  • Pose: Seated in a comfortable, relaxed position, either working or casually engaging.
  • Location: Couch, armchair, or outdoor seating.
  • Props: Laptop, coffee cup, book.
  • Purpose: To present a more relaxed, approachable side of your brand.

And there you have it! I hope this list can provide some inspiration and direction for your next branding session. You can also keep this in mind as you create your own content. This list changes for each client, depending on their business and goals, but it is a great starting point if you would like to elevate your branding! Good Luck!

If you’d like to learn more or book a branding session with me, Click Here.

Belinda v.

Branding & Portrait Photographer