A Complete Guide to Walking Away with Images You Actually Love
BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY · PREPARATION GUIDE · ATLANTA
The difference between showing up to your brand photography session prepared versus unprepared? It’s the difference between walking away with images you love and images you tolerate.
After 14 years photographing entrepreneurs, I can tell within the first 15 minutes who prepared and who didn’t. And it’s not about being naturally photogenic (that’s not a real thing, by the way). It’s about doing the work beforehand.
The good news? Preparation isn’t complicated. It just requires a plan.
What’s Included in Your Session
Before we dive into preparation, let me clarify what’s already handled for you. Your brand photography experience includes:
Professional Makeup Artist
- On-site for your entire session
- Experienced with all skin tones and types
- Understands camera makeup requirements
- Handles touch-ups between outfit changes
- You just need to arrive with a clean face
Light Refreshments
- Water, coffee, tea
- Light snacks throughout the session
- Feel free to bring your own favorites if you have specific preferences
Comprehensive Styling Guidance
- Pre-session wardrobe consultation
- On-set direction and posing help
- Hair styling advice (my 10 years as a hairstylist at work)
- Adjustments and refinements throughout
This means you can focus on preparation that only you can do – like choosing your wardrobe and getting in the right mindset. The rest is covered.
The 4-Week Preparation Timeline
Most of my clients ask: “When should I start preparing?” The answer is earlier than you think. Here’s the timeline that sets you up for success.
4 Weeks Before Your Session
SCHEDULE BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS
If you’re getting your hair colored, cut, or styled, do it 2-3 weeks before your session, not the day before. You want to look like yourself, just elevated – not like you just walked out of the salon with hair that’s too perfect.
START YOUR MOOD BOARD
We’ll create a custom mood board together, but start collecting inspiration on your own:
- Screenshots of poses you like
- Colors that resonate with your brand
- Energy and vibe you’re going for
- Photos of other entrepreneurs whose branding you admire
BEGIN WARDROBE PLANNING
Don’t wait until the night before to think about what you’re wearing. Start now by pulling everything from your closet that could work, laying out complete outfits, and noting what’s missing.
2 Weeks Before Your Session
FINALIZE YOUR WARDROBE
By now, you should have 3-5 complete outfits ready. Each outfit should be clean and pressed, comfortable enough to move in, reflective of different aspects of your brand, and camera-ready.
PRACTICE POSING
This sounds awkward, but trust me – it helps. Stand in front of your mirror and try different angles. You’re not trying to memorize poses. You’re getting comfortable being aware of your body on camera.
HYDRATE LIKE YOUR SKIN DEPENDS ON IT
Because it does. Start drinking more water now. Your skin will look better, you’ll have more energy, and you’ll photograph better.
1 Week Before Your Session
CONFIRM ALL DETAILS
Touch base with me to confirm exact date and time, location, what you’re bringing, and any last-minute questions.
FINAL WARDROBE CHECK
Try on every outfit one more time. Make sure everything still fits, nothing has stains or damage, shoes are comfortable for 3-4 hours, and you have backup options.
PREP YOUR SKIN
- Drink even more water
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid new skincare products
- Skip the retinol or harsh exfoliants
- Moisturize morning and night
The Day Before Your Session
LAYOUT EVERYTHING
Physically lay out every outfit with complete accessories, all shoes, jewelry for each look, any props you’re bringing, touch-up makeup, and hair products and tools.
GET GOOD SLEEP
Drink tons of water. Avoid super salty foods that can cause bloating or puffiness. Eat normally – you don’t want to be hungry during your session, but you also don’t want to feel uncomfortably full.
Session Day Morning
TIMING
Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. This gives you time to use the restroom, meet the makeup artist, take a breath and get settled, and not start the session feeling rushed.
LIGHT BREAKFAST
Eat something before you arrive. Choose something that won’t make you feel bloated, gives sustained energy, and won’t get stuck in your teeth.
“The clients who prepare well feel more confident during the session, have more successful shots, and love their images more.”
Want this as a printable checklist?
Download the complete Brand Photography Session Prep Checklist
Wardrobe Strategy: What to Wear for Maximum Impact
Your wardrobe choices can make or break your brand photos. After styling hundreds of entrepreneurs, here’s what works.
The Three-Outfit Framework
Think of your session wardrobe in three categories:
Outfit 1: The Power Look – Your “I mean business” outfit with structured blazer or jacket, professional but not corporate, solid colors or subtle patterns. This is for LinkedIn, speaking engagements, formal bios.
Outfit 2: The Approachable Look – Shows your personality. Still professional but more relaxed, can have more color or texture. This is for social media, blog, email headers.
Outfit 3: The Authenticity Look – You in your element. What you actually wear while working, could be more casual, shows your personality fully. This is for behind-the-scenes content, Stories, personal posts.
Colors That Photograph Beautifully
Not all colors are created equal on camera.
Colors That Work:
- Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst)
- Rich earth tones (terracotta, mustard, olive, rust)
- Classic neutrals (charcoal, navy, camel, cream)
- Your brand colors (if they photograph well)
Colors to Approach With Caution:
- Pure white (can blow out and lose detail)
- Neon or highlighter colors (reflect onto your skin)
- All black without texture or layering (can look flat)
How to Make Black Work:
Black absolutely can work beautifully – it just needs to be done right:
- Add texture (think velvet, bouclé, interesting weaves)
- Layer with other pieces
- Include statement jewelry or accessories
- Pair with interesting necklines
- Avoid head-to-toe matte black
Done well, black is sophisticated, timeless, and incredibly powerful on camera.
Your Brand Colors
Should you wear your brand colors? Sometimes.
Wear them if:
- They look good on you
- They photograph well
- You want direct brand association in images
Skip them if:
- They don’t flatter your skin tone
- You want images to be more timeless
- Your brand colors are problematic on camera (neon, etc.)
You can always incorporate brand colors through accessories instead of wearing them head-to-toe.
Styling Details That Elevate Everything
The difference between good photos and great photos often comes down to details.
ACCESSORIES:
- Statement jewelry adds visual interest
- Keep glasses clean (bring backup frames if you have them)
- Watches and bracelets are fine but avoid anything distracting
- Scarves add texture and movement
- Hats work if that’s your brand (but have non-hat options too)
WHAT NOT TO WEAR:
- Visible logos or branding (unless it’s yours)
- Busy patterns that strobe on camera
- Anything wrinkled
- Clothes that don’t fit properly
- Uncomfortable shoes (it shows in your posture)
Hair and Makeup: Looking Camera-Ready
Hair Planning (From a Former Hairstylist)
I spent 10 years doing hair before photography, so trust me on this.
GENERAL GUIDELINES:
- Shampoo hair 1-2 days before, not the morning of (natural oils are good)
- If you color your hair, do it 1-2 weeks before (gives color time to settle)
- Bring your styling tools and products for touch-ups
- Have your normal hair routine down (this isn’t the day to try something new)
FOR NATURAL HAIR TEXTURES:
- Embrace your texture (it photographs beautifully)
- Make sure your hair is well-moisturized
- Define your curl pattern if that’s your style
- Protective styles are gorgeous on camera
Makeup: Professional Artist Included
One of the unique benefits of working with me? Professional makeup is included in your session. You don’t need to hire someone or stress about doing it yourself.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
- A professional makeup artist will be there for your session
- They understand what works on camera
- They can work with all skin tones and types
- You’ll look polished and camera-ready
- Touch-ups throughout the session are handled
What You Should Do: Come with a clean, moisturized face. Bring any specific products you love or prefer. Communicate any skin sensitivities or allergies.
Mental and Physical Preparation
Your body and mind need to be ready for 3-4 hours of focused work.
Getting Comfortable on Camera
Most people feel awkward in front of the camera at first. That’s normal. Here’s how to get past it:
MINDSET SHIFTS:
- You’re not being vain, you’re being strategic
- This isn’t about perfection, it’s about authenticity
- Your discomfort is temporary, the photos are permanent
- The goal is images that feel like you, elevated
Physical Preparation
HYDRATION TIMELINE:
- 3 days before: Increase water significantly
- Day before: Drink constantly
- Morning of: Hydrate but not excessively
- During session: Sip water between outfit changes
WHAT TO AVOID:
- Alcohol 24-48 hours before (causes puffiness)
- Excessive salt day before (bloating and water retention)
- New foods that might upset your stomach
- All-nighters (obvious but worth saying)
“What feels awkward often looks amazing. The shots you think are weird are often the best.”
Your Preparation Determines Your Results
I’ve photographed hundreds of brand sessions. The clients who prepare well feel more confident during the session, have more successful shots, love their images more, use their photos more effectively, and get better ROI from their investment.
The clients who wing it spend the session stressed about details, waste time figuring out wardrobe during session, have fewer successful images, and often feel disappointed with results.
Preparation isn’t extra work. It’s the work that makes everything else worth it.
You’re investing in professional brand photography because how you’re seen matters to your business. The images from this session will work for you for the next year or more. They’ll show up on your website, your social media, your speaking engagements, your media appearances.
That’s worth preparing for.
Ready to Book Your Brand Photography Session?
Now that you know how to prepare, the next step is scheduling your session. I’m booking comprehensive brand photography experiences for established entrepreneurs who are ready to be seen as powerfully as they lead.
