What to Expect from a Branding Photography Session (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)

What Really Happens During a Branding Photo Session?

So—you’re thinking about booking a branding photo session (yay!)… but you might also be wondering:

What actually happens from start to finish?

If you're running a small business, launching a personal brand, or leveling up your online presence, this guide is your behind-the-scenes look into what a branding session with me (Barbee, hey hey heyyyy 👋) looks like—from your first inquiring email all the way to turning your final gallery into client-magnet marketing.

Let’s break it down, step-by-step.

Step 1: We Connect (And Vibe-Check)

Before anything gets booked, we hop on a free discovery call to get to know each other. This isn't just a regular photo shoot—it's a collaboration. My job is to make sure you feel fully seen and understood, and to translate that to your potential clients.

We'll talk about:

Who you are and what you do? What's your story?!
Your business personality (fun and friendly? elevated and luxe? how do you want to show up?)
Where + how you'll use these photos (website, social, newsletters, print, etc.)
What kind of content you’re missing or dreaming about//what's your inspiration for this shoot?

By the end of this, we’ll both know if we’re a good fit—and if we are, we move on to the good stuff.

Step 2: Booking Your Session

Once you’re ready to make it official and take that big brave leap into your business, I’ll send over a booking link with your custom proposal, contract, and invoice. It’s all super simple and streamlined, and you cay maybe your payment and sign the contract all from this link. Once those two things are finished, you will officially be on the books with your date blocked off for your session.

You’ll officially be on my calendar, and I’ll officially be doing my silly celebration dance now that we get to work together! And you should celebrate too- this is a HUGE deal!! You are showing up for you in a huge way.

At this stage, you’ll also receive:

A welcome guide with helpful info
A questionnaire to help me understand your goals (and hopefully bring some more clarity to you, too, especially if you're a brand new business)
Access to optional add-ons (like hair & makeup, additional team members, or styling support)

Step 3: Prepping for the Shoot

This is where the magic starts to brew. Together, we’ll start crafting your visual story. This is my most favorite part- the scheming and dreaming, coordinating logistics and locations, etc etc etc

Prep includes:

Strategy Planning: We’ll dive deeper into the types of content you need—think: lifestyle shots, workspace scenes, product-in-action, creative headshots, and scroll-stopping visuals. I love using Pinterest for this tool- it's a great way to gather a ton of ideas in one spot that can be with us during the shoot. Also included in most packages in a 1:1 strategy session with my favorite local branding expert, Julia Atherton.
Location Scouting: Whether it’s your cozy art studio, your favorite downtown café, a local AirBnB that matches your vibe, or the mountains of Vermont (this is my personal fav), we’ll find the right spot to match your brand vibe.
Outfit & Prop Styling: I’ll help you select what to wear, what to bring, and how to infuse your personality into the shoot. Your dog, your favorite mug, or your handmade products? Bring them!

You’ll walk into shoot day with a clear shot list, storyboards and inspiration, and a real confidence boost that you’re 1000% ready.

Step 4: The Photo Shoot

Lights, camera, ACTION! Let’s show the world how freaking incredible and amazing you really are. This is where all our prep comes to life.

On shoot day, I’ll guide you through the entire session:

No awkward poses or awkward hands—promise! (okay, well it might feel awkward holding poses at times, but it will look incredible)
Direct from me using fun and playful prompts to get those casual/candid feelings
Shooting multiple scenes, outfits, locations so you'll get versatile images for marketing
We’ll ABSOLUTELY laugh a lot, too. This part is FUN!

Whether it’s a 20-minute Mini or a full-day Branding Extravaganza, you’ll feel supported, seen, and confident the whole time. WE WILL HAVE THE BEST TIME!!

Step 5: Image Delivery

After the session, I'll prepare your proofing gallery where you'll chose your set number of photos for me to do the final magic edits! You'll then chose your favorites (more in depth of this process when you book!), shoot me an email, and then I'll get crackin' on the edits: balancing true-to-life color with clean, timeless edits that radiate with your brand.

Here’s how image delivery works:

You’ll get a proofing gallery within 48 hours
You choose your final favorites (or get the full gallery depending on your package)
Final, high-resolution, web-ready files are delivered in a beautifully organized online gallery

No watermarking. No stress, only excitement. Just download and start to shine!

Step 6: Using Your Photos in Marketing

This is where the transformation and transition can really start to happen.

Your photos are meant to WORK for you- and now it's time to set that into motion.

Update your website, bio, and About page
Planning out Instagram captions with your new beautiful images
Create email templates, blog thumbnails, and launch graphics
Pitching yourself to media outlets, podcasts, or speaking gigs

Need even more help? I offer VIP add-ons like strategy calls, custom content plans, and ongoing brand photography throughout the year.

What Makes a Branding Session with Me Different?

Strategy-First: I’m not just taking pretty photos. I’m thinking about where and how you’ll use them from the start. I'm thinking about who you are are a person, what your business is, and how we translate those things into striking and stunning branding photographs.
Connection-Driven: I take the time to understand who you are and what matters most to you. Clients always say, “You just get me!”—and that’s the goal. I love getting to know my clients, learning how they work in the world and how we can work together. Because it's all about connection.
Support Beyond the Camera: From outfit prep to marketing execution, I’m here for more than just one day.

TLDR: Your Branding Session at a Glance

Step 1: Connect – Let’s chat and make sure we vibe
Step 2: Book – Simple, streamlined, you’re officially on the calendar
Step 3: Prep – Planning outfits, locations, and shot list magic
Step 4: Shoot – Show up and shine (with gentle direction)
Step 5: Deliver – Get your edited gallery, ready for action
Step 6: Execute – Use your images everywhere with confidence

Ready to Book a Branding Photo Session?

If this guide gave you butterflies (the good kind), I’d love to connect. Whether you’re refreshing your website, launching something big, or just ready to feel confident online—I’m here to help you show up as your most magnetic self.

✨ Let’s chat about your session.
✨ Peek my latest work.
✨ Join the VIP email list.