2024 Must-Have Checklist

Since starting my blog and Instagram in 2016 to showcase my macrame work, I quickly realized that having great brand photos made a huge difference. Whether you’re sharing on social media, building a website, or creating promotional materials, the quality of your images directly impacts how your small business is perceived. That’s why I’ve created a FREE 2024 must-have checklist, so you know how to plan a brand photoshoot for your small business to ensure your visuals reflect your brand’s professionalism and story.

But what makes a good picture? What I’ve learned is that a great brand photo shoot for a small business should tell a story, be visually balanced, and connect emotionally with your audience. Like many of you, I am not a professional photographer, and thou I love photography, learning how to capture high-quality photos took time.

My Journey into Brand Photoshoots for Small Business

My background in interior design helped me understand composition and colour, but when I first began, I had no clue about the technical side of photography. Luckily, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the talented Silvia Bifaro, who taught me some useful tricks. Over time, I studied photography from different professionals, worked with photographers for my books and TV appearances, and even collaborated with Hobbycraft on video projects.

At the beginning of my macrame journey, I took all my photos with an iPhone 4. They worked fine for social media, Pinterest, and my website. But as my macrame business grew, I knew I needed to invest in higher-quality photos to establish my brand. As I couldn’t afford professional photoshoots, initially, I traded services with photographers—offering a macrame wall hanging or a workshop in exchange for a small business photoshoot. It was a win-win collaboration!

Foto by Leela Bennett – I exchanged a photo shoot session for a Macrame Wall Hanging

Foto by Azu Morales– Azu took pictures during the macrame workshop I offered free of charge

Now, I schedule a professional brand photoshoot every two years in my studio. High-quality images have made a huge difference in the credibility and visibility of my small business.

Why a Brand Photoshoot is Crucial for Your Small Business

Investing in a photoshoot for your small business can provide multiple benefits:

1. Professional Website Presence: Well-shot images enhance your website’s professionalism immediately, giving you more credibility and trust from potential customers.
2. Increased Exposure: High-quality photos make it easier for your business to be featured in magazines, blogs, or other media platforms, boosting your visibility.
3. Versatile Use: You can use these photos across all your marketing channels—social media, website, flyers, postcards, and more.

Types of Photos You Need for Your Small Business Photoshoot

There are three main categories of photos every small business owner should focus on:

1. Personal Branding (You): Photos of yourself that tell the story of who you are, your creative journey, and your lifestyle.
2. Product Photography (Your Products): Showcase your products in a way that connects with your audience—through lifestyle imagery that shows how your items can be used.
3. Studio or Workspace: Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your workspace. Whether it’s a home studio or a corner of your kitchen, people love seeing where the magic happens.

Each type of image should be authentic and on-brand. For instance, if your brand is colourful, make sure your photos reflect that using your main brand colours. For my macrame business, I focus on muted tones, natural textures, and bohemian vibes, so you will notice that I stick to neutral-coloured clothing and earthy backdrops in my photoshoots.

Best Tips for Planning a Brand Photoshoot for Your Small Business

Over the years, I’ve picked up several tricks to ensure a successful photoshoot for my small business. Here are a few you can apply:

1. Create a Mood Board: Plan your shoot by gathering inspirational images that reflect the style you want. This will help guide decisions on location, props, and angles. Pinterest is the assistant of your dreams here!
2. Prepare Outfits: If you’re taking pictures of yourself, choose your outfits in advance with a few changes. A simple hairstyle change—like wearing your hair down in one photo and up in another—can give variety.
3. Keep Props Small for Flatlays: For top-down flatlay images, use small props that complement your product without overpowering it. When taking frontal shots, play with height to create visual interest.
4. Tell a Story: Details matter! If you’re using candles as props, make sure they’re lit and at different stages of burning. If there’s food, take a bite or scatter crumbs to give the photo a natural, lived-in look. These elements tell a relatable story and resonate with your audience.
5. Organize Props in Advance: Keep your props in a dedicated box and lay them out before the shoot. This saves time and ensures you have everything you need.
6. Repurpose Content: You’ve worked hard on your photoshoot—use it to its fullest. Take behind-the-scenes shots and mini videos for your social media, and repurpose content for multiple platforms.
7. DIY Product Photography: If you’re taking product photos yourself, use a good smartphone (I now use an iPhone 12 Pro), find natural lighting, use a white cardboard or reflector, and a tripod for stability.

Behind the scene during a photoshoot by Nadja Litau Photography

Checklist for Your Small Business Photoshoot

Once you’re ready to take your brand photoshoot to the next level, here’s a quick checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Mood Board: Collect inspiration images.
2. Location: Choose where you’ll shoot (studio, home, outdoor).
3. Props: Gather all necessary props (backgrounds, lighting, accessories).
4. Wardrobe: Prepare outfit changes and accessories.
5. Lighting: Ensure you have good natural lighting or artificial lights for a professional look.
6. Camera or Smartphone: Use the best equipment available (smartphone cameras work well if done right).
7. Composition: Make sure the images tell a story and are on-brand.

Investing in a photoshoot for your small business is surely one of the best decisions you can make to elevate your brand. Whether you’re just starting out with a smartphone or hiring a professional photographer, high-quality images will help you stand out, connect with your audience, and grow your small business. With careful planning, you can create visuals that not only look great but also tell the story of your brand in an authentic, engaging way.

Now that you’re equipped with all these amazing tips, it’s time to plan your own brand photoshoot and take your small business to the next level!

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