Choosing the Right Branding Photographer: What to Ask Before Hiring

So you've finally decided to invest in your brand or business with professional branding photos. Or maybe you're ready to update those "pre-covid" photos that you could've sworn you took 2 years ago but… that was almost 6 years ago. (Ouch.) Either way, it’s time to get it done, and the first step is to find the right photographer. One who will actually get you and your business.

The Questions You Should Actually Ask

"How does the shoot day actually work?"

Will they help you with posing? (Please say yes, because standing naturally while someone points a camera at you is weird.) How many outfit changes can you do? Can you bring props? What happens if you're nervous and forget how your face works?

"What's included in the package?"

How many photos do you get? Are there editing rounds? Can you use the images however you want, or are there restrictions? Nobody likes surprise limitations after they've already paid.

"What's your editing style?"

Some photographers love a bright and airy vibe. Others go moody and dramatic. Review some portfolios to make sure their style matches your brand visuals. An accountant might not need the same aesthetic as a yoga studio, right?

"Do you understand my brand?"

This is the BIG one. A great branding photographer should ask about your business, your ideal clients, and where you'll use these photos. If they're planning to just show up and click the shutter without understanding the heart of your business, that's a sign you might want to keep looking.

Trust Your Gut

You can ask all the right questions, but sometimes it just comes down to whether you vibe with someone. You're probably going to spend a few hours with this person, and you’d definitely be doing things that feel silly at first (like laughing at nothing or pretending to type very intensely). You need someone who makes that comfortable.

In my world, branding photos are less like a stuffy corporate headshot session and more like hanging out with a friend–who happens to know her way around a camera. The best photos happen when you're relaxed and being yourself, not when you're stressed about whether your hands look weird (I promise they don’t… and if they do, I will tell you).

Are you thinking about your branding photos? Let's make it happen.