June 9, 2025 • 19 mins
Feeling awkward in front of the camera or unsure how to prep for a brand photo shoot? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Creative Bodega, I’m sharing exactly how I plan and prep for a brand shoot so you walk away with a ton of content that actually feels like you. You’ll learn how to build a Pinterest vision board, choose outfits that reflect your brand, pick the right location, and pack the perfect prop bag. If you’re craving confidence, consistency, and photos you’ll actually want to use, this one’s for you. Let’s make your brand shoot feel fun—not forced.
Check out the full show notes for this episode.
Things I cover inside the episode:
- How I use Pinterest to plan poses and clarify my brand vibe
- What I pack in my “brand bag” (yes, including plants!)
- My go-to outfit tips for photos that feel natural, not staged
- How to choose a location that fits your brand without breaking the bank
- Creative shot ideas beyond the basic laptop-and-latte pose
- Mistakes to avoid that I’ve learned the hard way
Resources & Links Mentioned in this Episode:
📸 Courtney from Sea Fleur Studio – My bestie & branding photographer
Connect with me:
🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights
🫶🏼 Join my 321 Create Newsletter for weekly content tips
🫶🏼 Check out The Content Coven Membership
Be sure to hit "Subscribe" or "Follow" so you never miss an episode!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
This isn't just about having acouple cute photos, right?
(00:02):
It's about showing upconfidently and showing up
consistently.
And a solid brand shoot I swear,gives you those two things.
Okay?
So I think it's incredibly worthit.
Welcome to the Creative Bodega,a podcast about content
marketing, Instagram growth, andpersonal branding for female
(00:23):
service-based solopreneurs whowanna grow their business
without letting it take overtheir lives.
I'm your host, EM Connors, andeach week I'll share actionable
tips, expert advice, andunfiltered truths to help you
create engaging content, connectauthentically with your
audience, and turn followersinto loyal customers.
All without the burnout.
(00:44):
If you're ready to simplify yourcontent creation, navigate the
ever changing trends and build abusiness that works for you
while staying sane in this crazyseason of life, then you're in
the right place.
This episode this week issomething that just kind of came
to me because I'm in the middleof prepping for it, and I
(01:05):
thought, you know, maybe theywould appreciate some
information on this becausewhenever I have had a brand
photo shoot, which is what we'retalking about today, I get a lot
of dms with a lot of questionsand it always surprises me a
little bit, but it's kind of anintimidating process for me.
I do not like being the centerof attention.
(01:27):
I do not like photos of myselfgenerally, like I'm one of those
people, but they're necessary.
I, I literally need them.
I need them, and I use my brandphotos.
All the time.
So I wanna break down for youexactly how I prep for a brand
photo shoot so that you get aton of usable content.
I mean, you're, you're payingfor these photos most likely,
(01:48):
and you don't want it to go towaste.
So we want photos that actuallyfeel like us and work really
well for our brand and ourcontent, and fit our vibe.
So I'm gonna walk you throughhow I prep and probably share
some of the mistakes I've madealong the way.
I think this is my fifth.
Fourth, fourth or fifth brandphoto shoot, and we'll talk
(02:11):
about, you know, everything fromPinterest boards to packing up
my plants and my deskaccessories to bring with me and
why I am leaning into morecreative non-traditional shots.
Uh, that really help my contentstand out on Instagram and in my
business in general.
So what we're gonna cover todayis building a vision board to
(02:33):
help clarify your aestheticthrough Pinterest, choosing
outfits that are gonna alignwith your brand vibe, picking
the right location, and makingthat work for you.
Finding the right photographerwho really gets your vision,
planning your props, and packinga, a brand bag, and then some
creative shot ideas beyond, likethat typical headshot, right?
(02:55):
Or the girl sitting with herlaptop on the couch or like
against the wall with her feetin an interesting angle.
And listen, I, I've done both ofthose shots, so I'm not making
fun of anybody.
But let's talk about it step bystep guide.
Step number one, create aPinterest board for inspiration.
So my photographer, as you mayor may not know, is my very best
(03:17):
friend in the whole world.
Her name is Courtney.
Her handle on Instagram is seafloor studio.
She and I worked together infashion back in my New York City
days, and we've kind of beeninseparable ever since.
She's one of those.
You know, a reason a season orforever.
She's my forever.
She's stuck with me forever.
She's amazing.
(03:38):
And she and I plan a photo shootonce a year.
So we met it on two one year,'cause I swear this is our
fifth, but neither here northere.
We share a Pinterest board andshe started this with me and she
invited me to it.
And we basically, the week ortwo before our shoot, start
(03:58):
adding images.
For inspiration, because I'm nota model, I have no idea what to
do with my body.
I feel very awkward, and so Ineed to be able to just look at
a picture on Pinterest and dowhat that model's doing.
So that's what we do.
We literally have her or mylaptop open with Pinterest open
(04:22):
and we will organize the photos,like photos with.
iPhones and then photos withlaptops and then like flat lay
shots or like detailed closeupshots and full body shots.
So we try to organize them so wecan kind of like bust a whole
bunch out in a row that aresimilar, but that really helps
us save time.
(04:42):
So.
We will create this privateboard.
We will add, again, all types ofshots that resonate with us or
that we like, and this helps usjust in, in the moment really
decide what, what type of shotsI need to to do.
And we kind of like check'em offthe list as we go.
So it helps a ton to save timeand it helps me figure out what
(05:04):
to do with my body becauseagain, I get a little awkward.
Because I don't like being thecenter of attention.
So pro tip used terms likecreative brand shoot or flat lay
workspace or candid brandingphoto when searching, and I bet
you'll find a bunch of reallyawesome photos for inspiration.
(05:26):
In fact, I should have her putall the photos she's taken.
So she is an incredibly talentedphotographer and Brianna
Photography.
Is definitely her thing, butshe's also amazing at like prop
styling, so I think she actuallylikes that more.
But I just force her to take mybrand photos because she's so
good at it.
Plus, it's a reason for us toget together.
(05:47):
So we basically, no kids, nohusbands.
We get together for threenights.
And only one of those days isthe brand photo shoot.
But we get together for threenights, somewhere in between
where we both live and we make along weekend out of it.
And it's just so fun.
It's, we call it our creativeretreat.
So step over two is I want youto plan your outfits with
(06:08):
intention.
So when I first started thinkingabout a brand photo shoot, I
like thought I had to order allthese brand new clothes and.
You know, I don't know, just getreally interesting clothes.
And then I figured out that I ammy most comfortable in the
clothes that I wear every day.
And I actually didn't wannapresent myself drastically
(06:28):
differently in my brand photosthan I kind of look every day
and what people are used to instories.
So I didn't need 10 outfits.
I just needed a few really goodones that reflect.
You know, the mood for my brandand the mood for my brand is
quite casual.
Okay?
I, I'm very comfy casual, and sothat's what I'm gonna go for.
(06:49):
I'm not gonna show up in like asuit or like a really fancy
dress.
That's not how I dress.
And I don't know, I don't thinkthose brand photos would fit me
if I did it like that.
So I am for.
Three to five outfits, and Ibasically lean onto the comfy
casual look like I'll do rippedjeans and a t-shirt and maybe
(07:12):
add some fun jewelry to make ita little more interesting.
If anything, I'll buy like a newpair of like shoes, like sambas
or something, but honestly, Ireally don't worry about that.
So I like to either stick to mybrand colors or neutrals.
I don't do anything in between.
Like I'm not wearing red in mybrand photo shoot.
(07:33):
You will not really fi well, Idon't call it red.
I do have a tomatoey color, butit's more of like on an orange
side, but that's not a greatcolor for me.
So I stick with my brand colorsor neutrals.
And I think that's reallyimportant because if you're, you
know, a really modern, uh,clean, crisp brand with minimal
colors, I don't think you wannabe showing up.
(07:56):
In like bright colors or reds oryou know, I don't know.
I would think you wanna be aneutral.
So I really think you shouldtake that into consideration.
I also really avoid busypatterns or really memorable
clothing like.
Why?
Because I just find when I'm inmore neutral plain basics, they,
(08:16):
I just get a lot more use out ofthe photos because I don't feel
sick of seeing a certain top.
I'm assuming other people arenot noticing it either.
But if I were wearing like aruffle collar button down with
like it with polka dots on it,and it was two very distinct
colors, I'm pretty sure everyonewould remember that each time
that brand photo showed up.
So.
(08:37):
That's just me.
I try to wear pretty basic stuffand then I like to, you know,
think of layers and accessoriesto sort of add personality.
So really just plan those inthose outfits with intention.
And don't wait till the lastminute.
Take it from me.
Like start looking at yourclothes a month before, in fact.
My shoot isn't in about a monthtoday, actually a month from
today when I'm recording thisand I need to start looking at
(08:59):
what I have and fill in theholes where I need to.
Uh, step number three, choose alocation that fits the vibe.
So remember I just told youbefore that my best friend and I
go away for this.
So we rent an Airbnb for thisweekend and we typically shoot
in the Airbnb and it's a writeoff.
So I.
Book it.
And it's really fun becauseagain, we get to get away and we
(09:22):
get to be in a really coolspace.
So the setting's gonna say a lotabout your brand, like I care
about what the surroundings looklike.
So I've actually never done aphoto shoot in my home.
I've only ever rented a reallycute Airbnbs and she dragged me
to a coffee shop last year.
And I, again, I don't likepeople looking at me and I don't
like having photos taken so.
(09:44):
Honestly, I don't like any ofthe pictures from that little
stint at the coffee shop becauseI look so uncomfortable.
Like I wanna just curl up andhide.
So I don't think we'll be doingthat again.
But think about where you'dactually be when you're creating
your content or working fromhome.
So we do try to recreate.
That same vibe and, and it, andit works.
(10:06):
And no one ever says to me like,is that your house?
Like, nobody cares.
No one's paying that muchattention.
I, I, sometimes I wish I were myhouse, but this year we're
actually just renting a housefor four hours and it is as
expensive as renting an Airbnbfor two nights.
It's pretty crazy.
But she loves it.
I love it.
It's a really cool vibe and it'sgonna be different.
(10:27):
So we're just gonna stay at herhouse this year.
Her sure.
It's a long story, but we'll beby ourselves in a house
together, but then we're gonnadrive to this house to take the
photos, but it just kind of getsyou in the mood, right?
I don't know.
I, I don't, I'm looking aroundmy office right now.
I don't think it'd be a greatidea to take photos in my
office, to be honest.
So if the location is neutral,bring your own branding elements
(10:50):
to personalize it.
And that's what we're gonna getto in step number four.
So step number four is to packyour props and personal touches.
So Courtney, my photographer,she tells me to do this.
She's like.
Bring your plants, bring outthose photos behind you.
Bring the mugs on your desk.
Bring your favorite notebook.
(11:11):
Like she tells me to bring allthis stuff, which always makes
me giggle, but I do it.
And then she gets some reallycool pictures with my stuff
again, because we're not in myhome.
We're not in my office.
I have packed up plants and I'vebrought them with me on these
weekends.
It's actually really hilarious,but.
It's one of my favorite partsbecause in the photos, you know,
it just, we're just likeliterally taking somebody's
(11:31):
framed artwork off the wall andputting mine up and I'll stand
next to it.
It's very simple.
We're not going crazy, but.
It is cool to have some stuffthat is uniquely mine, right?
So of course I have my laptop, Ihave my journal or my planner
that I use every day, maybe somebooks that I love, coffee mug
for sure.
My water bottle that's alwaysaround that people may recognize
(11:54):
for me, any office supplies andmy brand colors.
Stuff like that.
And a lot of times if we'reshooting and my laptop's in it,
I'll just open up my Instagramor my website and have that.
And same with my phone.
I'll open one of those twothings, and so that'll be kind
of in the background of my phoneif the phone or the laptop are
visible.
So that's a really fun tip.
(12:14):
Step number five is find theRight Photographer.
I am.
So lucky that my best frienddoes this.
I'm so lucky because I'm soawkward and uncomfortable even
with her, and she's one of mybest friends.
But thank God for her becauseshe does, she tries to make me
laugh and the photos that I'mlaughing in are the most, the
(12:34):
ones I love the most and themost natural.
So.
When looking for a photographer,if I were you, I would look for
somebody who shoots with reallynatural light, who understands
brand photography and is, youknow, really open to giving
suggestions and ideas for youif, if it's not something you're
comfortable with or know muchabout.
(12:55):
So stalk their Instagram, stalktheir work on their website.
Ask them, do you help direct theposes?
You know, ask them thesequestions because I need as much
help as I can get.
And Courtney even styles me.
She literally will bring her ownclothes and be like, put this
on.
And I'm like, perfect.
Like, just tell me what to do.
The more direction, the better.
(13:17):
And uh, she has asked me to gettogether like a pre-shoot
planning session.
Like what?
Shots do you absolutely want,and I will go through and maybe
even just drag those Pinterestimages into a document so we
make sure we get those certainones.
Step number six, just thinkbeyond the traditional headshot.
So a lot of the photos that Ilove to use.
(13:37):
Are not straight on headshots atall.
What performs better for meoften is just creative shoots or
shoots where I'm not looking atthe camera at all or closeups of
my hands holding something ordoing something or me working,
or you know, me kind of likecurled up on the couch or
sitting at the coffee table withmy laptop, like casual, right?
(13:57):
Uh, or flat lays of my space,like she's awesome at that.
Or shots of me from behind whileI'm writing or working or
putting up post-it notes orstuff like that.
So try those creative angles,like just think beyond the
headshot for sure.
So flat lay of your desk sideprofile of you working, closeup
(14:17):
of your hands on the keyboardshot of you holding a camera or
a phone.
Behind the scenes of somethingyou regularly do like this, go
around.
I will probably bring my podcastmic because we don't have any
images of me with a podcast micbecause I didn't have a podcast
last time we did this, but, soI'll definitely want shots like
that this time.
So I will have to bring my micwith me.
(14:39):
So think about things like that.
I.
Some mistakes to avoid.
Don't wing it.
Don't show up without a plan ornot knowing what you wanna wear.
Again, I change outfits.
I have four or five outfits thatI'll do and poses literally
nailed down on Pinterest that wewanna use.
So to help reduce thatoverwhelmed or missed shots, we
really don't wing it.
We do come prepared.
(15:00):
Don't overcomplicate your.
Outfits or props, keep it prettycohesive and pretty simple and
comfortable.
Again, for me, I'm uncomfortablewith the whole situation, so I
need to be in uncomfortableclothes.
I know that much, notcommunicating clearly with your
photographer ahead of time couldcome back to bite you in the,
you know what?
So that's definitely a mistaketo avoid.
(15:20):
Um, forgetting to charge yourphone or laptop or any backup
accessories that you might need.
So I use these photos.
Everywhere.
Okay.
So that's one of the most commonquestions I get asked.
Do I really need a photo shootor I can't afford it?
Like maybe you find aphotographer who's just getting
(15:41):
their feet wet with brandphotography.
Maybe it's a friend of yoursthat just started shooting.
So that was Courtney and me fouryears ago.
She had just gotten intophotography.
She wanted the opportunity.
And I needed the photos.
So we tried it and now it isjust, you know, it's a beautiful
relationship that we have goingon here, both friend-wise and
(16:01):
business wise.
So these photos are not just forInstagram?
Yes, I absolutely use them in myreel covers and in Instagram
posts, but they're also all overmy website.
They're in my newsletter banner.
They are in my podcast artwork.
They are in my newsletters ingeneral, they are the headshots
I use when I'm being guestfeatured or an interviewing with
(16:25):
somebody.
I use them in my league.
Magnets and opt-ins.
I use them for digital coursesand products.
I use them in all of my slidedecks, webinars, presentations,
I mean, you name it, you nameit.
They're everywhere.
And I get such massive use outof them.
And how I'm putting them intoCanva is I do not have a folder
(16:45):
for them on Canva.
I upload them directly into mybrand kit so you can have brand
photos.
So anytime I need brand photos,I am in Canva.
I have a template open, I clickon.
Brand, and then I scroll down tomy brand photos and I can pop
one in in two seconds.
It's glorious and it is so worththe investment for people that
are thinking about it.
(17:05):
Let me tell you why, becausethis isn't just about having a
couple cute photos, right?
It's about showing upconfidently and showing up
consistently.
And a solid brand shoot I swear,gives you those.
Two things, okay?
It gives you your time back'cause you're not scrambling to
find a decent photo or take adecent photo of yourself.
It gives you that professionallook and feel.
(17:27):
And the quality of the visualsinstantly builds trust, in my
opinion.
It helps, uh, your feed be morecohesive every time you're
showing up or you know, andcohesion across everything.
Your website, your podcast, yoursocial media, your newsletter,
all of that.
We'll be super cohesive ifyou're using brand photos,
(17:48):
boosts confidence and I thinkjust like builds momentum.
So I think it's incredibly worthit.
And final takeaway is your brandphotos are more than just pretty
pictures, right?
They're really the visualheartbeat of your business.
When you prep intentionally, youwalk away with a photo bank that
makes content creation that mucheasier and more aligned.
So pack your plants.
(18:10):
Bring your vibe.
Don't be afraid to get creativeand have some fun, and yeah,
you've got this.
Thank you for tuning into thisepisode of The Creative Bodega.
Let me know what brandingquestions you have.
Uh, shoot me a dm.
And again, all the notes fromthis episode can be found on my
website, the creativebodega.com/blog/nineteen.
(18:31):
I will see you on next week'sepisode.
Thanks so much for hanging outwith me on the Creative Bodega
Podcast.
If you love this episode, pleasebe sure to share it with a
fellow solopreneur.
Who could use a little contentcreation inspiration.
And hey, don't forget to checkout the show notes for any
resources I mentioned on theepisode to help you create
(18:53):
content that feels easy andactually gets you results.
If you want even more Canva andcontent tips, head over to my
website, the creativebodega.com, or find me on
Instagram under the same name.
Until next time, keep creating,keep showing up, and most
importantly, try and have alittle fun with your content.
I'll see you on the nextepisode.
This isn't just about having acouple cute photos, right?
(00:02):
It's about showing upconfidently and showing up
consistently.
And a solid brand shoot I swear,gives you those two things.
Okay?
So I think it's incredibly worthit.
Welcome to the Creative Bodega,a podcast about content
marketing, Instagram growth, andpersonal branding for female
(00:23):
service-based solopreneurs whowanna grow their business
without letting it take overtheir lives.
I'm your host, EM Connors, andeach week I'll share actionable
tips, expert advice, andunfiltered truths to help you
create engaging content, connectauthentically with your
audience, and turn followersinto loyal customers.
All without the burnout.
(00:44):
If you're ready to simplify yourcontent creation, navigate the
ever changing trends and build abusiness that works for you
while staying sane in this crazyseason of life, then you're in
the right place.
This episode this week issomething that just kind of came
to me because I'm in the middleof prepping for it, and I
(01:05):
thought, you know, maybe theywould appreciate some
information on this becausewhenever I have had a brand
photo shoot, which is what we'retalking about today, I get a lot
of dms with a lot of questionsand it always surprises me a
little bit, but it's kind of anintimidating process for me.
I do not like being the centerof attention.
(01:27):
I do not like photos of myselfgenerally, like I'm one of those
people, but they're necessary.
I, I literally need them.
I need them, and I use my brandphotos.
All the time.
So I wanna break down for youexactly how I prep for a brand
photo shoot so that you get aton of usable content.
I mean, you're, you're payingfor these photos most likely,
(01:48):
and you don't want it to go towaste.
So we want photos that actuallyfeel like us and work really
well for our brand and ourcontent, and fit our vibe.
So I'm gonna walk you throughhow I prep and probably share
some of the mistakes I've madealong the way.
I think this is my fifth.
Fourth, fourth or fifth brandphoto shoot, and we'll talk
(02:11):
about, you know, everything fromPinterest boards to packing up
my plants and my deskaccessories to bring with me and
why I am leaning into morecreative non-traditional shots.
Uh, that really help my contentstand out on Instagram and in my
business in general.
So what we're gonna cover todayis building a vision board to
(02:33):
help clarify your aestheticthrough Pinterest, choosing
outfits that are gonna alignwith your brand vibe, picking
the right location, and makingthat work for you.
Finding the right photographerwho really gets your vision,
planning your props, and packinga, a brand bag, and then some
creative shot ideas beyond, likethat typical headshot, right?
(02:55):
Or the girl sitting with herlaptop on the couch or like
against the wall with her feetin an interesting angle.
And listen, I, I've done both ofthose shots, so I'm not making
fun of anybody.
But let's talk about it step bystep guide.
Step number one, create aPinterest board for inspiration.
So my photographer, as you mayor may not know, is my very best
(03:17):
friend in the whole world.
Her name is Courtney.
Her handle on Instagram is seafloor studio.
She and I worked together infashion back in my New York City
days, and we've kind of beeninseparable ever since.
She's one of those.
You know, a reason a season orforever.
She's my forever.
She's stuck with me forever.
She's amazing.
(03:38):
And she and I plan a photo shootonce a year.
So we met it on two one year,'cause I swear this is our
fifth, but neither here northere.
We share a Pinterest board andshe started this with me and she
invited me to it.
And we basically, the week ortwo before our shoot, start
(03:58):
adding images.
For inspiration, because I'm nota model, I have no idea what to
do with my body.
I feel very awkward, and so Ineed to be able to just look at
a picture on Pinterest and dowhat that model's doing.
So that's what we do.
We literally have her or mylaptop open with Pinterest open
(04:22):
and we will organize the photos,like photos with.
iPhones and then photos withlaptops and then like flat lay
shots or like detailed closeupshots and full body shots.
So we try to organize them so wecan kind of like bust a whole
bunch out in a row that aresimilar, but that really helps
us save time.
(04:42):
So.
We will create this privateboard.
We will add, again, all types ofshots that resonate with us or
that we like, and this helps usjust in, in the moment really
decide what, what type of shotsI need to to do.
And we kind of like check'em offthe list as we go.
So it helps a ton to save timeand it helps me figure out what
(05:04):
to do with my body becauseagain, I get a little awkward.
Because I don't like being thecenter of attention.
So pro tip used terms likecreative brand shoot or flat lay
workspace or candid brandingphoto when searching, and I bet
you'll find a bunch of reallyawesome photos for inspiration.
(05:26):
In fact, I should have her putall the photos she's taken.
So she is an incredibly talentedphotographer and Brianna
Photography.
Is definitely her thing, butshe's also amazing at like prop
styling, so I think she actuallylikes that more.
But I just force her to take mybrand photos because she's so
good at it.
Plus, it's a reason for us toget together.
(05:47):
So we basically, no kids, nohusbands.
We get together for threenights.
And only one of those days isthe brand photo shoot.
But we get together for threenights, somewhere in between
where we both live and we make along weekend out of it.
And it's just so fun.
It's, we call it our creativeretreat.
So step over two is I want youto plan your outfits with
(06:08):
intention.
So when I first started thinkingabout a brand photo shoot, I
like thought I had to order allthese brand new clothes and.
You know, I don't know, just getreally interesting clothes.
And then I figured out that I ammy most comfortable in the
clothes that I wear every day.
And I actually didn't wannapresent myself drastically
(06:28):
differently in my brand photosthan I kind of look every day
and what people are used to instories.
So I didn't need 10 outfits.
I just needed a few really goodones that reflect.
You know, the mood for my brandand the mood for my brand is
quite casual.
Okay?
I, I'm very comfy casual, and sothat's what I'm gonna go for.
(06:49):
I'm not gonna show up in like asuit or like a really fancy
dress.
That's not how I dress.
And I don't know, I don't thinkthose brand photos would fit me
if I did it like that.
So I am for.
Three to five outfits, and Ibasically lean onto the comfy
casual look like I'll do rippedjeans and a t-shirt and maybe
(07:12):
add some fun jewelry to make ita little more interesting.
If anything, I'll buy like a newpair of like shoes, like sambas
or something, but honestly, Ireally don't worry about that.
So I like to either stick to mybrand colors or neutrals.
I don't do anything in between.
Like I'm not wearing red in mybrand photo shoot.
(07:33):
You will not really fi well, Idon't call it red.
I do have a tomatoey color, butit's more of like on an orange
side, but that's not a greatcolor for me.
So I stick with my brand colorsor neutrals.
And I think that's reallyimportant because if you're, you
know, a really modern, uh,clean, crisp brand with minimal
colors, I don't think you wannabe showing up.
(07:56):
In like bright colors or reds oryou know, I don't know.
I would think you wanna be aneutral.
So I really think you shouldtake that into consideration.
I also really avoid busypatterns or really memorable
clothing like.
Why?
Because I just find when I'm inmore neutral plain basics, they,
(08:16):
I just get a lot more use out ofthe photos because I don't feel
sick of seeing a certain top.
I'm assuming other people arenot noticing it either.
But if I were wearing like aruffle collar button down with
like it with polka dots on it,and it was two very distinct
colors, I'm pretty sure everyonewould remember that each time
that brand photo showed up.
So.
(08:37):
That's just me.
I try to wear pretty basic stuffand then I like to, you know,
think of layers and accessoriesto sort of add personality.
So really just plan those inthose outfits with intention.
And don't wait till the lastminute.
Take it from me.
Like start looking at yourclothes a month before, in fact.
My shoot isn't in about a monthtoday, actually a month from
today when I'm recording thisand I need to start looking at
(08:59):
what I have and fill in theholes where I need to.
Uh, step number three, choose alocation that fits the vibe.
So remember I just told youbefore that my best friend and I
go away for this.
So we rent an Airbnb for thisweekend and we typically shoot
in the Airbnb and it's a writeoff.
So I.
Book it.
And it's really fun becauseagain, we get to get away and we
(09:22):
get to be in a really coolspace.
So the setting's gonna say a lotabout your brand, like I care
about what the surroundings looklike.
So I've actually never done aphoto shoot in my home.
I've only ever rented a reallycute Airbnbs and she dragged me
to a coffee shop last year.
And I, again, I don't likepeople looking at me and I don't
like having photos taken so.
(09:44):
Honestly, I don't like any ofthe pictures from that little
stint at the coffee shop becauseI look so uncomfortable.
Like I wanna just curl up andhide.
So I don't think we'll be doingthat again.
But think about where you'dactually be when you're creating
your content or working fromhome.
So we do try to recreate.
That same vibe and, and it, andit works.
(10:06):
And no one ever says to me like,is that your house?
Like, nobody cares.
No one's paying that muchattention.
I, I, sometimes I wish I were myhouse, but this year we're
actually just renting a housefor four hours and it is as
expensive as renting an Airbnbfor two nights.
It's pretty crazy.
But she loves it.
I love it.
It's a really cool vibe and it'sgonna be different.
(10:27):
So we're just gonna stay at herhouse this year.
Her sure.
It's a long story, but we'll beby ourselves in a house
together, but then we're gonnadrive to this house to take the
photos, but it just kind of getsyou in the mood, right?
I don't know.
I, I don't, I'm looking aroundmy office right now.
I don't think it'd be a greatidea to take photos in my
office, to be honest.
So if the location is neutral,bring your own branding elements
(10:50):
to personalize it.
And that's what we're gonna getto in step number four.
So step number four is to packyour props and personal touches.
So Courtney, my photographer,she tells me to do this.
She's like.
Bring your plants, bring outthose photos behind you.
Bring the mugs on your desk.
Bring your favorite notebook.
(11:11):
Like she tells me to bring allthis stuff, which always makes
me giggle, but I do it.
And then she gets some reallycool pictures with my stuff
again, because we're not in myhome.
We're not in my office.
I have packed up plants and I'vebrought them with me on these
weekends.
It's actually really hilarious,but.
It's one of my favorite partsbecause in the photos, you know,
it just, we're just likeliterally taking somebody's
(11:31):
framed artwork off the wall andputting mine up and I'll stand
next to it.
It's very simple.
We're not going crazy, but.
It is cool to have some stuffthat is uniquely mine, right?
So of course I have my laptop, Ihave my journal or my planner
that I use every day, maybe somebooks that I love, coffee mug
for sure.
My water bottle that's alwaysaround that people may recognize
(11:54):
for me, any office supplies andmy brand colors.
Stuff like that.
And a lot of times if we'reshooting and my laptop's in it,
I'll just open up my Instagramor my website and have that.
And same with my phone.
I'll open one of those twothings, and so that'll be kind
of in the background of my phoneif the phone or the laptop are
visible.
So that's a really fun tip.
(12:14):
Step number five is find theRight Photographer.
I am.
So lucky that my best frienddoes this.
I'm so lucky because I'm soawkward and uncomfortable even
with her, and she's one of mybest friends.
But thank God for her becauseshe does, she tries to make me
laugh and the photos that I'mlaughing in are the most, the
(12:34):
ones I love the most and themost natural.
So.
When looking for a photographer,if I were you, I would look for
somebody who shoots with reallynatural light, who understands
brand photography and is, youknow, really open to giving
suggestions and ideas for youif, if it's not something you're
comfortable with or know muchabout.
(12:55):
So stalk their Instagram, stalktheir work on their website.
Ask them, do you help direct theposes?
You know, ask them thesequestions because I need as much
help as I can get.
And Courtney even styles me.
She literally will bring her ownclothes and be like, put this
on.
And I'm like, perfect.
Like, just tell me what to do.
The more direction, the better.
(13:17):
And uh, she has asked me to gettogether like a pre-shoot
planning session.
Like what?
Shots do you absolutely want,and I will go through and maybe
even just drag those Pinterestimages into a document so we
make sure we get those certainones.
Step number six, just thinkbeyond the traditional headshot.
So a lot of the photos that Ilove to use.
(13:37):
Are not straight on headshots atall.
What performs better for meoften is just creative shoots or
shoots where I'm not looking atthe camera at all or closeups of
my hands holding something ordoing something or me working,
or you know, me kind of likecurled up on the couch or
sitting at the coffee table withmy laptop, like casual, right?
(13:57):
Uh, or flat lays of my space,like she's awesome at that.
Or shots of me from behind whileI'm writing or working or
putting up post-it notes orstuff like that.
So try those creative angles,like just think beyond the
headshot for sure.
So flat lay of your desk sideprofile of you working, closeup
(14:17):
of your hands on the keyboardshot of you holding a camera or
a phone.
Behind the scenes of somethingyou regularly do like this, go
around.
I will probably bring my podcastmic because we don't have any
images of me with a podcast micbecause I didn't have a podcast
last time we did this, but, soI'll definitely want shots like
that this time.
So I will have to bring my micwith me.
(14:39):
So think about things like that.
I.
Some mistakes to avoid.
Don't wing it.
Don't show up without a plan ornot knowing what you wanna wear.
Again, I change outfits.
I have four or five outfits thatI'll do and poses literally
nailed down on Pinterest that wewanna use.
So to help reduce thatoverwhelmed or missed shots, we
really don't wing it.
We do come prepared.
(15:00):
Don't overcomplicate your.
Outfits or props, keep it prettycohesive and pretty simple and
comfortable.
Again, for me, I'm uncomfortablewith the whole situation, so I
need to be in uncomfortableclothes.
I know that much, notcommunicating clearly with your
photographer ahead of time couldcome back to bite you in the,
you know what?
So that's definitely a mistaketo avoid.
(15:20):
Um, forgetting to charge yourphone or laptop or any backup
accessories that you might need.
So I use these photos.
Everywhere.
Okay.
So that's one of the most commonquestions I get asked.
Do I really need a photo shootor I can't afford it?
Like maybe you find aphotographer who's just getting
(15:41):
their feet wet with brandphotography.
Maybe it's a friend of yoursthat just started shooting.
So that was Courtney and me fouryears ago.
She had just gotten intophotography.
She wanted the opportunity.
And I needed the photos.
So we tried it and now it isjust, you know, it's a beautiful
relationship that we have goingon here, both friend-wise and
(16:01):
business wise.
So these photos are not just forInstagram?
Yes, I absolutely use them in myreel covers and in Instagram
posts, but they're also all overmy website.
They're in my newsletter banner.
They are in my podcast artwork.
They are in my newsletters ingeneral, they are the headshots
I use when I'm being guestfeatured or an interviewing with
(16:25):
somebody.
I use them in my league.
Magnets and opt-ins.
I use them for digital coursesand products.
I use them in all of my slidedecks, webinars, presentations,
I mean, you name it, you nameit.
They're everywhere.
And I get such massive use outof them.
And how I'm putting them intoCanva is I do not have a folder
(16:45):
for them on Canva.
I upload them directly into mybrand kit so you can have brand
photos.
So anytime I need brand photos,I am in Canva.
I have a template open, I clickon.
Brand, and then I scroll down tomy brand photos and I can pop
one in in two seconds.
It's glorious and it is so worththe investment for people that
are thinking about it.
(17:05):
Let me tell you why, becausethis isn't just about having a
couple cute photos, right?
It's about showing upconfidently and showing up
consistently.
And a solid brand shoot I swear,gives you those.
Two things, okay?
It gives you your time back'cause you're not scrambling to
find a decent photo or take adecent photo of yourself.
It gives you that professionallook and feel.
(17:27):
And the quality of the visualsinstantly builds trust, in my
opinion.
It helps, uh, your feed be morecohesive every time you're
showing up or you know, andcohesion across everything.
Your website, your podcast, yoursocial media, your newsletter,
all of that.
We'll be super cohesive ifyou're using brand photos,
(17:48):
boosts confidence and I thinkjust like builds momentum.
So I think it's incredibly worthit.
And final takeaway is your brandphotos are more than just pretty
pictures, right?
They're really the visualheartbeat of your business.
When you prep intentionally, youwalk away with a photo bank that
makes content creation that mucheasier and more aligned.
So pack your plants.
(18:10):
Bring your vibe.
Don't be afraid to get creativeand have some fun, and yeah,
you've got this.
Thank you for tuning into thisepisode of The Creative Bodega.
Let me know what brandingquestions you have.
Uh, shoot me a dm.
And again, all the notes fromthis episode can be found on my
website, the creativebodega.com/blog/nineteen.
(18:31):
I will see you on next week'sepisode.
Thanks so much for hanging outwith me on the Creative Bodega
Podcast.
If you love this episode, pleasebe sure to share it with a
fellow solopreneur.
Who could use a little contentcreation inspiration.
And hey, don't forget to checkout the show notes for any
resources I mentioned on theepisode to help you create
(18:53):
content that feels easy andactually gets you results.
If you want even more Canva andcontent tips, head over to my
website, the creativebodega.com, or find me on
Instagram under the same name.
Until next time, keep creating,keep showing up, and most
importantly, try and have alittle fun with your content.
I'll see you on the nextepisode.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.