A brand shoot should give you a library of images and video that you can use across your website, social media, adverts and press for months. The key is to translate brand goals into a shot list: people, product, process, environment, detail and short-form motion.
Start with your brand
Before you think about shots, revisit what your brand stands for. Write down three words that describe how you want to come across, such as warm, expert and premium. Every styling, set and lighting choice should support those words.
Map content to where it will live
- Website: hero images, about-page portraits, service-page visuals.
- Social media: vertical video, carousels, quote backgrounds.
- Adverts: attention-grabbing images with space for text.
- Press and speaking: high-quality headshots in portrait and landscape.
- Email and sales pages: supporting lifestyle and detail shots.
Build the shot list around six categories
People
Headshots, half-length portraits, full-length shots, candid laughing moments and images of you looking towards space where text can sit.
Product
Hero product shots, product in use, packaging, close-ups of texture and finish.
Process
Show how you work: typing, sketching, consulting, making, packing orders or presenting.
Environment
Wider shots of you in the space that set a mood and give designers flexibility.
Detail
Hands, tools, notebooks, coffee cups, jewellery, logos. These are invaluable for social posts and website sections.
Short-form motion
A few seconds of movement for each look: walking into frame, turning to camera, pouring, writing. These clips become Reels, Stories and website backgrounds.
Choose sets and looks deliberately
Nottingham Content Studio offers several styled looks in one 650 sq ft space. Pick two or three that suit your brand rather than using every set. Fewer, well-chosen looks create a more consistent library.
Plan the technical side
Strobes are often best for crisp portraits and product stills, while continuous light suits video. Shoot all stills for a look before switching to video to avoid constant lighting changes. If you are not confident with lighting, consider assisted hire or an AOU photographer.
Shoot for flexibility
- Capture each key shot in portrait and landscape.
- Leave negative space for headlines and buttons.
- Take a few variations of every pose and expression.
Ready to book?
Nottingham Content Studio is a 650 sq ft styled content studio at 9 High Street, Hucknall, from £40 per hour. Check live availability or talk to AOU about the right level of support for your shoot.