Branding Session Prep Guide

I’m so excited to work with you!

This session is more than just updated photos — it’s a collaboration to tell the story of your work, your energy, and the essence of your brand in a way that feels intentional, elevated, and true to you.

This guide will walk you through how to prepare, what to expect, and how we’ll bring your vision to life.

Moodboard Collaboration

You’ll receive a link to a shared Pinterest moodboard, where we’ll collect inspiration together. This helps align our creative direction and gives me a visual sense of your story.

You’re welcome to pin:

  • Styling inspiration (outfits, color palette, textures)

  • Poses or expressions that feel natural to you

  • Location aesthetics

  • Brand tone and energy

  • Optional props or product layout ideas

This is a creative collaboration — not a shot list. We'll use the board as a loose guide to stay connected to your overall vibe.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sounds like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest.

Film + Digital

I shoot with a combination of 35mm and 120 film, as well as digital. Film brings depth, richness, and an editorial elegance — while digital gives us flexibility and coverage.

What you’ll receive:

  • A curated selection of the strongest images (I don’t cap delivery)

  • A mix of film + digital, professionally edited

  • A private, easy-to-use online gallery with high-res + web-ready downloads

  • Turnaround: approx. 2–3 weeks

Wardrobe & Styling Guidance

Styling plays a key role in shaping the mood of your session. Here's how to approach it:

  • Choose 1–2 outfits that feel aligned with your brand tone and personal energy. These should feel like you, just a bit more elevated.

  • Think texture, layers, and movement — materials like linen, silk, structured cottons, or minimal tailoring photograph beautifully.

  • Avoid logos, loud patterns, and neon colors. Soft neutrals, muted earth tones, and timeless palettes look especially beautiful on both film and digital.

  • Don’t forget accessories or meaningful objects (notebooks, tools, flowers, fabric, etc.) that help tell your story.

  • A Few Key Styling Notes:

    • Please avoid wearing Apple Watches or visible smartwatches

    • Skip bright nail polish, long, overly ornate nails, and heavy statement accessories — they can be distracting and take away from your story

    • Stick to minimal jewelry that feels intentional

    • Avoid bulky items in your pockets (phones, keys, etc.)

💬 Want to bring more than 2 looks?
We can absolutely add time to accommodate outfit changes. Additional looks require more coverage and flow better with a longer session.

Location Planning

We’ll choose a location that complements your brand — whether that’s outdoors, a rented space, or your own studio.

Your Space

If your home, studio, or workspace aligns with your brand, it can be a meaningful and personal setting. That said, natural light is essential — ideally large windows, soft indirect sunlight, and neutral-toned surroundings. Since I shoot film, which is especially sensitive to light, a bright space can completely elevate your final gallery.

If your space is dark, shadowed, or doesn’t reflect your desired mood, I’ll help find an alternative or suggest ways to prep it for the best results.

Outdoor Sessions

Golden hour is ideal — the light is soft, flattering, and cinematic. It brings warmth and depth to your images that can’t be replicated, making everything feel more romantic and editorial.

We’ll work together to choose a location that enhances your brand’s story — whether that’s something natural, urban, minimal, or curated.

If you're working with a hair and makeup artist, please allow plenty of time for prep, travel, and touch-ups. It’s essential that you arrive at least 20 minutes early to the session location so we’re not rushing. We'll use that time to settle in, go over final details, and ease into the creative flow.

We won’t be diving in right away — the first part of the session is about getting grounded, comfortable, and connected so that everything feels natural and relaxed once we begin shooting.Studio Rentals

If you're drawn to a more editorial or clean aesthetic, we can book a local studio to bring that vision to life. Most often, we’ll be renting studio space in Charlotte, based on the look you're going for and studio availability.

Please note that studio rentals and travel are additional costs and will be factored into your final session plan. I’ll guide you through a few curated options that align with your brand’s mood and aesthetic so we can find the perfect fit together.

Mindset

✨ How to Feel Confident & Create Intentional Images During Your Branding Session

Being in front of the camera doesn’t always feel natural — I get it. But my sessions are never about stiff poses or forced smiles. They’re about movement, story, and presence.
Here are a few things that can help you show up with ease — and leave with a gallery that feels like you.

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🎬 1. Think of yourself like you’re in a movie.
Rather than posing, I’ll guide you through gentle movement — walking, adjusting, breathing, reaching. These small motions create beautiful in-between moments that feel genuine and unstaged.

🧘‍♀️ 2. Be mindful of your arms and legs.
Intentional placement of your limbs creates shape and flow. Bend a knee, soften a wrist, or gently touch your face — even the smallest gesture can bring a photo to life.

🔗 3. Create connection within your body.
Let your hands rest somewhere natural — on your waist, your work, your legs. Having connection between limbs or with your surroundings adds cohesion and elegance to your posture.

🫁 4. Breathe — and let it show.
Breathing visibly softens your entire presence. A single slow exhale can shift your body language, ground you, and give a moment quiet intensity.

🧳 5. Don’t overpack, but do over prepare.
Bring a variety of wardrobe options in your brand’s palette — ideally ones you’ve tried on beforehand. The more choices we have, the more we can respond to light, location, and mood.

🎭 6. Choose outfits that make you feel something.
Wear clothing that gives you confidence — whether it’s something you’d wear to an event or a studio day. That feeling translates directly into how you move and hold yourself.

🌿 7. Interact with your surroundings.
Touch the textures around you — pottery, fabric, earth, water. Sitting, reaching, even brushing your hand along a surface helps you look grounded and relaxed.

📚 8. Let the pauses be part of it.
You don’t need to perform nonstop. Some of the most powerful frames happen in moments of stillness — a shift in light, a breath, a thoughtful gaze.

🧵 9. Choose garments that move with you.
If it suits your brand, opt for flowing fabrics you can hold or let billow in the breeze. Texture and movement in clothing add softness, elegance, and visual depth to still images.

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The takeaway:
You don’t need to know what to do. That’s my job. But these small tips can help you feel more prepared, more connected, and more at ease — so you can show up fully and beautifully in your images.

Let’s Make Something Beautiful

I can’t wait to create intentional, story-driven visuals that elevate your brand.
Feel free to reach out anytime leading up to your session — I’m here to make this a seamless, beautiful experience.

xo,
Suzy