The Strategy Behind a Brand Photography Session

You want brand photos that speak to your dream clients, support your next launch, and make you look like the CEO you are.

But when clients like you book a session with their favorite Iowa City brand photographer (it’s me, hi!), those kinds of results don’t happen by accident. Instead, everything happens strategically, with the kind of intention that starts well before you ever step in front of the camera.

When we work together, I don’t show up and hope for the best…and you won’t, either.

There’s no need to stress about how to plan a brand photoshoot: we’ll collaborate every step of the way to plan the hell out of it all, from your brand’s vibe to your wardrobe and more. Plus, we’ll have SO much fun!

Let me break down how the strategy behind every brand photography session is what makes your final photos work smarter and harder.

Getting to Know Your Brand, Inside and Out

Before we even talk outfits or locations, we start with a discovery call: a casual, let’s-feel-this-out conversation to make sure the vibe is right. We’ll talk through your goals, your business, your brand personality, and what kind of magic you want your visuals to create.

These informal chats are our chance to connect, swap ideas, and make sure we’re aligned on the energy and direction of your shoot. You don’t want some cookie-cutter photo session; your brand is personal, and your photos should be, too!

Picking the right brand photographer for you is definitely about reviewing their portfolio and liking what you see, but it’s also about finding a professional photographer who understands the impact of strategic imagery and can help you stand out as yourself in business. Nothing about you or your brand is one-size-fits-all, so if the vibes feel right, I’ll send over a deep-dive questionnaire to get super clear on your business, your dream client, and how you want to be perceived.

When you’re ready to go all-in on the visuals that’ll help you stand out, I want these images to work for you, and that starts with the strategy.

Curating the Look and Feel: Brand-Aligned Visuals

Once we’re in lockstep together, it’s time to dial in the vibe of your brand.

I’ll have you create a Pinterest board so I can get a feel for your visual style—what you love, what feels like “you,” and what direction we’re heading creatively. From there, I’ll review your existing branding, color palette, and tone of voice so we can make sure everything—from your outfits to your shoot location to the lighting itself—is in alignment with your business and your goals.

Creating a library of strategic brand visuals is about reflecting the energy of your brand, not fighting against it. That’s why a bold, edgy brand needs a totally different feel than something soft, organic, and earthy.

You won’t find any copy-paste sessions here—just a custom, cohesive look that feels like your business turned up a little (or a lot).

Shot List + Timeline = A Shoot That Actually Works for You

After we’ve nailed down your brand vibe and visual goals, this is where strategy turns into action. We’ll map out a detailed shot list and timeline for your session, so every photo has a purpose and nothing gets left to chance.

I’ll capture everything on our shot list, including a mix of vertical and horizontal crops, content for social, hero shots for your website, and anything else your business needs to show up like a pro.

No winging it or wondering what’s next; instead, you’ll walk into your brand photography session with a clear plan, knowing exactly what we’re creating and why.

Because great brand photos don’t just look good—they work hard.

Strategy is What Makes Your Brand Photos Work Harder

When every part of your brand photoshoot is crafted with strategy in mind, you don’t just get better photos—you get content that connects, converts, and makes you feel like the bold business owner you already are.

If that sounds like your kind of shoot, I’m all in. Let’s connect and start building a strategic set of customized visuals for your brand!