Branding Session Prep Guide
Outfits + Styling
A few things to keep in mind:
- Wear clothes and shoes you are comfortable in. I do a few "posed" shots but for most of the photoshoot I will be prompting you all to do something fun so we can get candid shots too - so being comfortable is key.
- Solid colors and very minimal prints always tend to look best when photographed. But honestly just be YOU, if you love pattern on pattern, DO IT!!
- If you are self-conscious about a part of yourself, don't wear an article of clothing that that is too tight. Instead, wear something that will bring more attention elsewhere. (For example: if I was self-conscious about my arms, I should wear something with sleeves or even something with flowy looser sleeves and something more tailored for the rest of the shirt.) But also, just do what you want!!
- Consider the weather! Make sure you’re prepared with cute coats if it’s rainy or snowy!
- Start with a neutral base and build from there. Neutral tones are typically more flattering and cohesive than bright colors. Pick two or three neutrals to start with and then add little accents of color if you want!
- Do not match if doing team photos. Avoid wearing the same outfit - you know the classic jeans and white t-shirt look that we all wore to family photos growing up? Yeah, don't do that. Also avoid putting people in the same shirt, it’s tempting because it’s cute but it doesn’t make each person stand out! Instead, try to coordinate. Mix and match the base neutrals that you picked out. But again, this is just what I prefer, you do what you want!!
When dressing people for sessions, keep these things in mind:
- Avoid character themed clothing. Stay away from logos, images, or graphics. Even though it might be a favorite shirt, it will be a serious distraction in the image.
- Make sure you have matching socks!
- Being able to move around in their clothing is a must!
If you’re still stuck, head to pinterest for inspiration and you can send me pictures of your outfit(s) if you want my opinion!
When in doubt, ask! I am always happy to help!
A Few More Pointers To Help You Feel Prepared
for the brand owner
For your shoot, try to build in extra margin the day of. Give yourself more time than you think you need to get ready and arrive. A calm, unhurried start makes a huge difference in how you feel on camera.
Bring along water, a small snack, and anything you might need for quick touch-ups (lip balm, powder, brush, etc.). If you’re bringing products or props, pack them the night before so nothing feels frantic the morning of.
This is completely up to you, but I’ve found that when brand owners take a little time to mentally prepare for their session, everything flows more naturally.
Spend a few days sitting with the idea of being photographed, not in a pressure way, but in a vision way. Revisit your Pinterest board, think about how you want your brand to feel, and remind yourself why you started this business in the first place.
You don’t have to “perform”, you just get to show up as the version of you that already exists in your work.
CONFIDENT + AT EASE
This is the most important part. If you arrive stressed, rushed, or overwhelmed, it’s harder to relax into the experience. My goal is always to create an environment where you can breathe, move naturally, and feel like yourself. During the shoot, we’ll go with your energy. If you need a moment, we take it. If you feel playful, we lean into that. Some of the best images come from in between moments when you forget the camera is even there. Trust that you don’t need to know what to do, that’s my job. You just get to show up, be present, and let your personality and passion come through.
Beauty, Preparation, Session Workflow Notes
- Don’t get your hair cut/colored right before the shoot, the best time to do it is about a week to two weeks before.
- Nails and toes - neat and clean or painted.
- Lotion makes your skin look youthful, glowy, and healthy in photos. We recommend using lotion on your arms, hands, neck, and calves.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals throughout your day so you feel your best.
- Try on your outfit a couple days before the shoot, you want to make sure that you still feel great in it. If you don’t feel great, change it up!
- Pack the car before you start getting ready (About 3 hours or so prior).
- Take time to relax the day of the session as much as possible. The calmer, happier, and more prepared everyone is, the better!
- Start getting everyone ready way earlier than you are used to.
- The timeline is only a guideline.
- Trust me and my artistic eye.
- Try your best to come to the session calm, excited and prepared (this is going to be so fun!!)
- Promise me you'll have open communication on how you are feeling throughout the session, k?!
- Go with the flow and make the absolute most of the weather and nature (with a few extreme exceptions, of course) :)
Some things you may want to bring
- Water bottles (especially for those summer sessions, it gets hot!)
- A brush, hairspray, and/or gel. Do you trust your hair to stay how you want it for 1-2 hours? I definitely don’t trust mine but you’re the one who is in front of the camera!
- On that same note, bring a little makeup bag for touch ups. Make sure to include some type of towel in case anyone gets too sweaty.
- Please don’t bring gum! But definitely bring tic tacs or something.
- Umbrellas, because weather.
- Comfortable shoes!
Contact
Arielle Ashworth
I know this was a lot of information! If you have ANY questions at all, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am always here to help. :)
Cell: 208 - 718 - 1662 (if we are within the week of session, this is my preference)
Email: arielleashworthphoto@gmail.com
