At Brand Gloss, we know that planning a branding photoshoot can feel overwhelming at first. But with a little guidance (and a lot of collaboration), we turn that process into something intentional, empowering, and also fun!
Great brands don’t just look polished, they feel personal. That’s the power of branding photography. The right images tell your story, highlight your personality, and help your audience feel that instant connection that makes them say, “yes, this is who I want to work with”!
Here’s how to plan the perfect branding photoshoot in Richmond, VA!
Know the Purpose Behind Your Shoot
Before we ever touch a camera, we’ll start with one simple question: Why are you doing this shoot?
Maybe you’re launching a new service, updating your website, or simply ready to show up more confidently online. When you’re clear on your why every other decision, including your location, wardrobe, and props, flows naturally.
When Richmond tax and bookkeeping professional, Yolibeth, visited our studio during one of our always-popular discounted headshot days, she came in thinking she just needed a few refreshed portraits. After a quick, stress-free session, we talked through her business goals and uncovered that what she really needed was a cohesive visual strategy.
Now, our team is partnering with Yolibeth on a full rebrand, including a new website and custom Instagram templates that make her content creation effortless. (Links to her brand new website & rebrand coming soon!)
✨ When you plan with purpose, your photos don’t just look good, they work hard for you. They tell a cohesive story that connects with your audience, builds trust, and helps your brand grow with confidence.
Do a Little Brand Soul-Searching
Before we talk outfits or locations, let’s zoom out. Your brand and small business isn’t just what you do, it’s how you make people feel. Keep in mind, your brand isn’t always all about you and your preferences. Turn your brand into a new person. Give them a name. And then you can ask that person these questions.
Take a few minutes to answer these questions:
- Who do you want these photos to resonate with?
- What three words describe your brand?
- What do you want people to feel when they come across your images?
Those answers shape everything, from the colors you wear to the props you bring.
💡 Tip: Write down your answers in a notebook or your Notes app. This is always helpful to share with your photographer. But we always make sure to ask these questions in our client questionnaire.
Choose the Right Location for Your Branding Photoshoot
We’re lucky to call Richmond home for our studio. It’s full of charm, texture, and character that bring brand sessions to life.
Whether we’re taking photos in our downtown Richmond photo studio (no extra studio fees, ever!), built specifically for branding photoshoots. Or, if your brand calls for a different vibe, we’ll get creative around the city.
Here are a few of our favorite local spots:
- The Fan District – For timeless architecture and tree-lined charm
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden – For an elegant, artful backdrop with stunning greenery and architectural details
- Libby Hill Park – For natural light and sweeping city views
- Stella’s Grocery Patio – Perfect for lifestyle shots if you love a relaxed, real-world setting
Where you shoot should feel authentically like your brand and reflect how and where you do business. Whether you thrive in a bright studio, a cozy café, or outdoors under city lights, the location sets the tone for your entire gallery.
Outfit Planning: Be You, But Your Best Self
Wardrobe is one of the biggest factors in how your photos feel. The goal isn’t to look different, it’s to look like you on your best day.
We always recommend working with our wardrobe stylist partner, J. Zimmer Style, to help you create looks that feel effortless yet intentional. But even if you’re doing it yourself, here’s our best advice:
- Start with what you already love and wear often. You don’t always need to shop for your shoot!
- Add one or two new pieces to keep things fresh.
- Stick to a palette that flatters your skin tone and complements your brand colors.
When you’re comfortable, your confidence shows on camera.
With Jessica’s styling expertise, our interior designer client had a look that aligned with her brand and fit her just right, setting her up to feel confident from the moment she stepped into our studio.
Bring Props That Tell Your Story
The best props aren’t random, they’re reflections of your real work and personality. Think about what you use daily in your business and what represents your brand story.
Some client favorites:
- Laptop, tablet, or phone (for those candid “working” shots)
- Product packaging or branded materials
- Tools of your trade – camera, brushes, florals, etc.
We’ll send you a prop checklist before your session so you can prepare confidently. It will include links to suggested purchases, props to find in your own home, and ways we can tailor props to make sure they reflect your brand correctly. (We think of everything, even the color of your pens.)
On the Day of Your Branding Photoshoot: Relax, We’ve Got You
Here’s the best part – you don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands (hands are always a big question). We’ll guide you every step of the way so you look exactly how you want your images to feel. We always take everything into consideration when posing, which always bring us back to our first questions from above!
Outside of posing guidance, you can expect fun music and our team being your personal hype women! It’s not just about the photos anymore, it’s the whole experience.
All that preparation pays off. You’ll walk away feeling empowered, knowing your photos truly reflect your brand and personality.
“I had a fantastic experience during my branding session! As someone who is extremely camera shy, I felt very comfortable throughout the session. No time was wasted; the energy was great, and the space was clean and beautiful. Chelsea and her team’s professionalism was top-notch. I highly, highly recommend Brand Gloss if you’re looking for a photographer and videographer to refresh your brand.”
— Katoya Shaw
Share the Journey
Don’t wait until your gallery is ready to start sharing! Your audience loves seeing you in action. (This is where our Instagram expertise comes in).
Post your behind-the-scenes moments, your outfit planning, or a sneak peek of your shoot day. It’s a simple way to build excitement and connection while showing the real, relatable side of your brand.
And when you do – tag us at @brand-gloss. We love cheering you on and celebrating this next chapter of your brand journey!! You are doing big things!!
Ready to Plan Your Branding Photoshoot?
If the idea of having every detail planned for you and with you sounds like a dream, we’d love to make it happen. Whether you’re refreshing your visuals or stepping into a new season of business, your brand deserves to be seen, and you deserve to feel confident showing up.
👉 Inquire with us today and let’s start planning your branding photoshoot. Because when your visuals align with your vision, everything else just clicks.
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