Here are the Exact Steps I Take to Create Strategic Brand Images!
No matter your industry, it's a safe bet to assume that you've created some strategic processes in your business. Why? Because we all know that strategic processes:
Create consistency in your work
Save time (because you're not recreating the wheel every time)
Allow you to focus on the best parts of your work (because you can save time along the way)
My processes are no different! Over the last year or so, I've become completely obsessed with creating systems within my business that allow me to create ultra-custom images for clients. I utilize the same strategic approach to planning and preparing for every session so that I can go on auto-pilot by following the steps that step me up for success, which in turn, set YOU up for success! My process allows me to use my full bandwidth to strategize and dream up amazingly, on-brand concepts with you and figure out exactly how to make it a reality because I'm not reinventing the process with each project.
Let me pull back the curtain and share how I would plan your project with you and what I do behind-the-scenes to bring it to life!
I’ll assign you homework.
But I promise it's the fun kind of homework. Yes, there is such a thing!
I ask a few things of my clients at the very start of our project so that I can very clearly understand the imagery they desire. This is where communication (verbal and visual) come into play.
Every project kicks off with my clients finding their inspiration. Perusing Pinterest and Instagram are great starting points to find images that:
Showcase other brands within their own industry
Highlight the aesthetic they love
Pinpoint outfits or style to replicate
For some clients, this is the first time they've spent time really considering the aesthetic of the images they want for their brand. Finding their inspiration also helps them see what they don't like, which is just as helpful!
We’ll meet for a Strategy Session.
Weeks before your photo session, we'll meet virtually to go over your inspiration and build a strategy.
Before we meet, I'll review your inspiration images (from a private Pinterest board) and your Client Intake Form that dives deep into how you will use your images, who your audience is, the personality of your brand, your current image struggles, and so much more. I use both pieces of homework to prepare some stories to present to you.
“Stories? Bre, what do you mean?!”
I break sessions up into themes that will help me to create images that aren't just aesthetically beautiful and on-brand, but tell a real story about your brand and the people, products, and processes that make it unique, and what will connect with your audience on a personal and relatable level.
Of course, these stories aren't set in stone. It's called a “Collaborative” for a reason because you know your brand best. I'm here to help your refine your ideas and bring them to life, regardless of how many or how few ideas you already have!
We'll also talk about logistics for the day of our session, any concerns or worries you have (either about the overall session or about stepping in front of my camera).
Consider this the Holy Grail of your photo session. It will include literally EVERYTHING we talk about in your Strategy Session and more to fully prepare you for the big day.
There's a saying that something that looks effortless never actually is and a smooth, sailing photo session is exactly that. It should feel effortless, but that's because I've planned every detail to the T- or at least to the minute!
Your Session Blueprint is the culmination of your homework, our strategizing, and my experience. Having planned and executed MANY photo sessions, I've learned the importance of a very clearly communicated plan. Inside the Blueprint, you'll find
The goals we've set for the session and overall project workflow
Including dates and details for each step along the way
Photo Session Details
Arrival time
Photography start time
Wrap time
Pack up / load out time
Location details
If your session is at my studio, you'll find parking directions, links to Apple Maps and Google maps to make arriving easy!
Packing Checklist
Each outfit and accessory you'll wear during the session
What props you're responsible for bringing
AND what I'll be providing for your use
Session Timeline + Capture List
The stories we'll tell in your images will be laid out by outfits so you'll only change as many times as necessary
Each story includes the allotted timeframe to keep us on track
Capture List
The capture list will be built into the Session Timeline so we don't miss a single frame
Inspiration Images
Your inspo images (and notes of what you like about each of them) will be used as creative mental notes to recreate the image that drew you in, but make it custom to your brand (and make it even better!)
I also include some extra resources to help you mentally prepare for your session whether you love being on camera or if this is your first time.
Once you approve your Session Blueprint,
it's time to step in front of the camera!
My strategic approach takes a minimum of 6 weeks to complete before your session takes place. I've found that squeezing all of these steps into a time frame less than that makes the process a bit stressful.
My clients all run businesses and business doesn't slow down just because you're trying to build and expand what you've already created! Stretching the project out over a few months allows us to really enjoy the planning stage and get excited about the transformation that will take place right before your eyes.
Ready to experience the Uncommon process for your brand?
Let’s talk about it!
Click the button below to schedule a discovery call.
