Where Should You Do Your Branding Photo Shoot?
Like most things in life, there’s no one-size fits all location for everyone’s branding photos. Location is one of the biggest factors in creating a great brand image. It can set the mood, convey a theme and even tell a story. And yes there are hundreds of factors to consider when choosing a location for your branding shoot, but I'm going to leave you with the three most important. The ones you must absolutelyyyyy, positivelyyyy keep in mind.
Your Personal Story
Location dramatically changes the entire vibe of the shoot! Make sure the space you're using aligns with your personal story and is on brand in terms of lighting, aesthetics, and decor. Launching a new business can be a challenging undertaking, but you should think about why you started it in the first place- maybe you wanted more freedom to work remotely, spend time traveling, be with your family or have extra income to buy a home or that dream puppy (*Hint hint* that reason written somewhere you can always look at for drive & encouragement!)
When deciding your photoshoot locations though, think back on your personal journey, perhaps there was somewhere that inspired you or somewhere you always work from (couch, coffee shop or kitchen counter, etc.) that would be a great location option! Choosing a location that allows you to be comfortable and shows off the REAL LIFE OF YOU helps build trust with customers who are considering buying from you (and also makes their experience more meaningful).
PRO TIP! If you need a location that is elevated & more “on brand” than the current spaces you have access to, renting space may be the way to go! (no spouse, kiddos, or pets to get in your way- sounds like a dream right?!). Check out PeerSpace. Not only will it allow you to be in a comfortable setting that is Pinterest-worthy, but spaces like a home/studio make it easy to change outfits & background settings quickly, as opposed to an outdoor location. Because let’s be real, you likely work from home & what you currently live is not anywhere near photo-worthy. Get $50 off your first Peerspace booking with this link.
Whether you are looking for a white countertop kitchen to “cook” on, a boho living room with plants galore, a sophisticated office space to “work” in, or a clean white wall (which is great for ads) etc. it’s likely they have a perfect photo-ready place for you! If you plan to rent through PeerSpace and they say you have to rent it for a minimum amount of hours that exceed the amount of time you need, it DOESN’T HURT TO ASK and see if they would be flexible to let you only rent it out for X amount of hours.
If you are on a budget, try asking around if your friends would be open to letting you borrow their space!
Your Brand Colors
Having strong brand colors is super important for your business - they help clients associate that color scheme with your brand which can lead to increased sales and conversions so it’s key to make sure you choose a location that works for your brand by either choosing a location that has your brand colors in the background or a spot that compliments them well. Since these photos will be placed in your marketing materials, website, social media, etc. it’s KEYY that they fit seamlessly in with your brand! If you have blue as one of your primary colors in your logo, then choose a location that has pops of blue in it. It can be as simple as renting a home with a blue backsplash/wall, or finding an area with blue skies or sea water & white sand!
With that being said, before you start diving into the planning process and checking out PeerSpace for places to rent, have your brand’s colors picked out! Especially for bigger shoots that include multiple outfits, locations etc.knowing your brand’s colors AND vibe, s a big factor in order to create the most epic, “on brand”, PINTEREST worthy shoot!
Your target audience
It's also crucial to keep your target audience in mind when looking for a location for your branding shoot. You want to make sure you’re choosing a location that makes sense to them so that they understand your message, your business, your product, what you sell etc. by just an image.
Let’s say you are a hairstylist, you’d want to choose a location like a home ( if you travel), salon, or even local shops where people can associate you with the location whereas a location like a beach (even if that’s your favorite place) may not make sense.
You want to get in their mind & think “what would stop their scroll? What do theyyyy love?” Are they serious and edgy? Or are they playful & fun? Love coffee & shopping? Or perhaps hiking & adventures? #vibeattractsyourtribe! For example, my client Krystal showcased her salon as well as the iconic pink wall & trendy coffee shop nearby!
If you want to be seen as the authority/expert in your industry, a location can say a lot so choosing the right spot is one of the most important factors when it comes to branding a business. It conveys your message, helps set the mood, and even tells a story that directly connects with your target audience. So remember, when choosing a location, be creative and unique but stay true to your brand! At the end of the day, what's most important is who you are, what you do, and the service you provide is CLEAR to your potential clients.. That is ultimately how you build authority, likeability, & trust!