Brand Photography Session Prep Guide

A prep guide is one of the most important documents professional brand photographers use with their clients. It allows both parties to align expectations on what to expect and how to prepare for the shoot. It also serves as documentation for the scope of the provided service which can help clarify payment and resolve disputes.

If the shoot is successful and you help clients elevate their brand, they develop trust in you more and may bring more opportunities. Additionally, they become more likely to recommend you to others, helping you attract new clients.

A good session prep guide should be clearly structured and include the following details:

• Client and session details: Capture the basics, including the client’s brand name, target audience, and the objective of the session.
• Wardrobe guidance: Provide clear, actionable suggestions. For example:

• Neutral tones for corporate brands
• Bold colors for creative entrepreneurs
• Avoid busy patterns or large logos unless intentional

• Prop recommendations: Every brand photography session tells a story. Props should be based on industry, such as:

• Laptop, notebook, and coffee mug for consultants
• Tools or materials for artisans
• Packaging and products for eCommerce brands

• Location and logistics: Recommend locations that align with the brand’s identity. For example:

• Minimal studio for a clean, modern brand
• Outdoor café for lifestyle brands
• Office space for corporate professionals

• Shot list planning: Provide details on sample shots like:

• Working at a desk (wide + close-up)
• Behind-the-scenes process shots
• Lifestyle portraits interacting with props
• Detail shots of tools, hands, or products
• Social media “talking to camera” frames

• Brand messaging: Explain how the visuals will reflect the brand. For instance:

• “We’re aiming for a warm, approachable tone with natural lighting”
• “Images should communicate authority and professionalism”

• Shoot timeline: Break it down clearly:

• Arrival & setup (30 mins)
• Look 1 (45 mins)
• Break (10 mins)
• Look 2 (45 mins)

• Style tips: Here are ways you can phrase this:

• Steam clothes beforehand
• Bring backup outfits
• Keep accessories minimal

• Image usage: Specify where content will be used:

• Website banners
• Instagram posts
• LinkedIn profile updates
• Marketing campaigns

With HoneyBook templates, you can save this structure once and reuse it for every client while adjusting only the specifics.

As a brand photographer working with different brands across multiple industries, it is important to personalize every session prep guide based on your client’s industry. Set clear expectations right from the onset and try to close any communication gaps.

You can achieve this by providing clear instructions on the actionable steps that your clients should take for a successful shoot rather than general advice. Cutomize the prep guide to reflect your brand voice while still working towards meeting the client's objectives.

Brand photography session prep guide templates are designed for you as a brand photographer to save time and remain consistent. This way, you can work with numerous clients simultaneously regardless of their industries.

For example, HoneyBook provides templates to manage your clients, projects, and payments all in one place, allowing automation in your workflow and keeping you organized. Here are the times when a session prep guide template is most useful:

• After contract signing
• Before finalizing the shot list and
• During the onboarding phase