When you plan to invest in a professional photo session, you want to make it count – a shot list is an important part of this. 

Your photographer will want to know all about your brand story and overall vision. This will help them plan the shots needed to tell your story. 

However, if you want your session to go even more smoothly, it helps to provide your photographer with a shot list. This is a list of photos you feel will best represent your brand. 

What’s more, when you already know the direction the session is going in, it can do a lot for your comfort and confidence levels. 

How do you know which shots you need though? Here are a few ideas to inspire you. 

1. Showcase Your Offering 

One way to build trust with potential customers is to take a few photos that highlight your offering. There are ways to showcase both products and services without your photos looking like bad stock images. You can either interact with your products or use your workspace to highlight your services. 

2. Tell Them Why 

Why do you do what you do? Write a paragraph on this to get a few shot ideas. You can even read it to your photographer to get their input. What is it that makes you and your business different from the rest? 

3. Your History 

Give people some insight into where you come from by incorporating your history into your photos. Show people where your brand started and what it took to turn it into what they see today. This could be anything from an important photo to the key to your first office. 

4. Your Workspace  

Where do you get things done? Where do you spend time when you want to feel inspired? Incorporate these spaces into your shots, especially if they are photogenic and complement your branding. 

5. Books and Publications 

Are there certain books that have changed the way you think or do business? Find ways to add some of them into your personal branding photos. If you have been featured in any notable publications, these can make for good props too. 

6. The Big Launch 

Have any exciting launches coming up? Keep this in mind when planning your photos. Consider how you plan to market the launch and where you could use some professional photos. 

7. Take Them Behind the Scenes 

Show your audience what takes place behind the scenes in your business. Not only can this be really interesting, but it helps build trust and credibility too. Just be careful about what you include – you don’t want to give away any trade secrets. 

8. Your Daily Routine 

As much as your audience wants to learn more about your brand and business, they also want to get to know the person behind the brand. Take your audience into your daily routine to give your photos a personal touch. 

9. The Big Goals  

When last did you write down your goals and ambitions? Doing so can give you some creative shot ideas for your upcoming session. Even writing down a few of your relatable failures can help guide your session. 

10. Bring in the Emotions 

Your photos don’t always need to be smiles and laughter. Showing different emotions in your shots might be necessary for upcoming campaigns – something to keep in mind while planning your shots. Celebrating an achievement? This is also something you can incorporate into your shot list. 

11. Incorporate Your Family  

Sometimes, branding photos call for a really personal touch. If it fits in with your brand, add your family, home, or pets into a few of your shots. Doing so will show your audience that building meaningful relationships matters to you. 

With the help of the above ideas, you should already have a good few shots in mind for your upcoming session. If you don't have a photographer yet, give us a call/text at 678.643.2388 or email us at cindi@cindifortmann.com. We would love to work with you and capture the images that best represent you and your brand! Remember, your photographer - wether it is us or someone else - is also there to guide you, so keep an open mind.