Read Before Your Photoshoot: How to Prepare and Get Images You Love

Read Before Your Photoshoot: How to Prepare and Get Images You Love

Let’s be honest: the thought of a brand photoshoot is enough to make a lot of small business owners break into a sweat. Maybe you associate it with awkward poses, a forced smile, or a hefty bill for photos you’re not even sure you’ll use. If you’ve ever worried a shoot will make you look like someone else,or, worse, nothing like your brand at all,this is for you. I’m Sophie, founder of Inkie, and I’ve been both in front of the camera (gulp!) and behind the planning clipboard. Here’s exactly how I approach photoshoots so you can walk away with images you’ll actually want to use,on your website, socials, and everywhere your business shows up.

Why Professional Photos Matter (But Only If They Feel Like You)

It’s tempting to skip the photoshoot entirely,after all, smartphone snaps can get you pretty far these days. But great brand imagery can elevate your business, set you apart, and help you look confident and approachable in a split second. Key word? Approachable. Forget stiff headshots and generic stock: your ideal clients want to see the real you and the spirit behind your brand. That means photos that look and feel like you,quirks, freckles, laughter lines, and all.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Brand (and Your Comfort Zone)

Before you book a photographer or choose an outfit, ask yourself: what vibe do you want your images to give off? Are you going for classic and professional, or playful and relaxed? Think about:

• The colours, textures and moods in your website, Instagram grid, or business cards

• How you want clients to feel when they see your photos: welcomed, energised, reassured?

• Whether you’ll use these images everywhere, or just on certain platforms (and if you need full-length shots, lots of options, or just a couple of key portraits)

It sounds simple, but this bit sets the tone for everything. The best shoots I’ve had felt like an extension of my brand’s story,teal, burnt orange, candid moments, a touch of vintage energy, and always a dash of real life.

Step 2: Choose the Right Photographer (Not Just the Cheapest)

You want to work with someone who gets you. Ask these questions or look for these qualities:

• Do their previous shoots match the feel you want? (Request to see client galleries, not just Instagram highlights)

• Are they comfortable directing people who feel awkward? (You’ll be grateful when nerves hit!)

• Will they ask about your business, values, and goals before you shoot?

An amazing photographer will listen, adapt, and help you relax. Personal recommendation goes a long way,my favourite shoots have always been with photographers who became supporters of my business as well. (A quick shoutout to Suzy Red, whose mix of editorial style and genuine warmth always captures my vibe.)

Step 3: Prep Your Space and Yourself,Without the Stress

You absolutely don’t need a studio or a fancy location. Some of my favourite images were taken in my own workspace, with the right light and a tidy corner. Try this:

• Declutter visible areas, leaving a few brand-relevant objects (favourite mug? Retro radio? Signage?)

• Natural light beats harsh flash every time,open blinds or head outdoors if you can

• Stick to two or three outfit changes: pick colours you always wear, and avoid busy patterns (they date quickly)

• Bring props or tools you actually use in your business (laptop, notebook, product samples), but nothing that feels forced

• Skip anything you’d never wear in real life. You want to feel like yourself, not someone you barely recognise

The goal: photos that look like “a day in your life”, not staged stock.

Step 4: Plan for Variety (So You Don’t Get Bored!)

Even if you just need headshots, ask your photographer for extra images,wide shots, close-ups, action moments, detail shots, and anything with movement. Why? Socials thrive on variety. Think about:

• Images with negative space for text overlays or headlines

• Photos in both portrait and landscape orientation

• Smiling, working, chatting, looking away, laughing: the less you pose, the more relatable you’ll seem

A good mix means you won’t tire of your images after month one. Plus, you’ll always have something on hand for press, features, or surprise opportunities.

Step 5: On the Day,Let Go and Trust the Process

You will feel awkward for the first few minutes. Everyone does. Trust your photographer, take a few deep breaths, and let yourself get a bit silly if it helps. Reminder: your audience wants the real you, not a mannequin. The best moments happen between official shots,cracks of laughter, a spontaneous phone call, or hands in motion.

If you feel nervous, share that with your photographer. (They’ll probably have tips, or at the very least, make you laugh!) It’s not about perfection, but progress,one shoot at a time, your confidence grows.

Step 6: Use Your Images Everywhere,With Pride

Don’t save your brand images for “just the website”. Upload to your social profiles, newsletters, blog posts (like this one!), speaker bios, and anywhere you want to reinforce your brand. Having a fresh set of cohesive images:

• Builds recognition and trust instantly

• Gives your business a clear, human personality

• Makes content creation (and marketing!) so much easier

If you’re not sure how to use them, start by updating your profile picture across platforms and adding a new “about me” post. Review your last month’s posts and see where a photo could replace bland graphics. The sooner you’re visible, the sooner people can connect with who you really are.

Final Thoughts: Images as Part of Your Story (Not Your Branding Checklist)

Remember: your brand photos aren’t a tick-box. They’re a way to show the world what you’re like to work with, and why your business is unique. Be you, own your quirks, and embrace the nerves. The more real you are, the stronger your brand becomes.

And if you’re looking for support beyond images,from content ideas to full marketing done-for-you,Inkie’s Marketing Platform is built for founders who want to grow their business sustainably, while still feeling utterly themselves.

Ready to step in front of the camera? I’d love to hear how it goes,share your wins, your bloopers, or your best shoot tips over on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s celebrate the real you, together!