Brainstorming is part of every planning call in preparation for photo sessions. Whether you are a team of 1 or 100, or you have an office venue or shop or you simply work from home, there are so many ways you can visually showcase yourself and your business.
To create a wide variety of images fast, I like to approach photo sessions by staging a story.
In this article, I’ve created a shotlist relatable for everyone in business (though, my emphasis is on a “Boss Babe”, so a little female oriented). My intent is to ensure that YOU can envision yourself in these settings.
There is one thing that every single business owner does to support their business, and that is a day at the home office working on the computer.
So let’s imagine you in work-mode. You don’t have any meetings today, nowhere to go, here’s the story:
You are a boss babe, keeping it cozy and stylish at your home office. It’s a fall day, so you are in a semi seasonal sweater and jeans. Nobody else is home today, just your best furry friend (a dog or cat). You have your work within reach – a laptop, a smartphone, a pen and notepad, and some papers. You also have some comforts nearby – a hot cup of tea, fresh flowers, a pastry snack, your desk space, but you also often get comfy in the living room on the couch, and there’s a throw blanket just in case you get chilly.
Even if you struggle with visualizing, I know you can see some of these images in your mind’s eye. What photos can we pull from this image if the setting is staged?
Let’s begin with breaking out our various Environments:
- Room: Home Office
- Room: Living Room / Family Room
- Room: Kitchen
- Outdoor: Facade or Backyard
- Outdoor: At the nearest downtown district.
Now, let’s list all the possible photos we can take in each of these FIVE environments:
In Your Home Office
- Portrait sitting at desk. Wide angle.
- Portrait sitting at desk. Tight angle. Smile to camera.
- Working on desktop or laptop with happy expression.
- Close-up of fingers typing, subject’s figure out of focus in background.
- Taking notes with pen and paper.
- Close up of pen to paper.
- Reading a favorite book or sheet of paper.
- Standing by window in office.
- Sitting on corner of desk. Smile to camera.
- Working on mood board.
- Talking lively on a phone call.
- Little details across your office: artwork, houseplants, office supplies, decor, etc.
- Over-the-shoulder shot of you from behind typing on your laptop, capturing the screen (showcasing your website, a project you are working on, or something else that speaks to your work).
- Organizing papers on your desk, showcasing your workflow.
- Adjusting your glasses or tucking back your hair while deep in thought.
- Leaning back in your chair, contemplating ideas with a thoughtful expression.
- Holding a video conference call with colleagues, with your laptop open and a headset on.
- Jotting down ideas on a whiteboard or sticky notes.
- Taking a break to stretch or do a quick yoga pose by your desk.
- Adding final touches to a presentation, with papers spread out and a satisfied smile.
- Holding a brainstorming session with colorful markers and a whiteboard.
- Exchanging emails with clients on your smartphone, multitasking between devices.
- Celebrating a successful project milestone with a fist pump or high-five motion.
- Incorporating branded merchandise or company swag into your office decor for added personality.
In Your Living Room / Family Room
- Portrait sitting on couch. Wide angle. Smile to camera.
- Portrait sitting on couch. Tight angle. Smile to camera.
- Portrait sitting on couch. Wide angle. Laughing, looking away from camera.
- Portrait sitting on couch. Tight angle. Laughing, looking away from camera.
- Sitting on floor at corner of coffee table. Working on laptop.
- Enjoying hot cup of tea.
- Cozying up with a blanket and your laptop on the couch, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Snuggling with a pet while browsing through your phone or tablet.
- Portrait of you and your pet (dog/cat), you smiling to camera.
- Portrait of you and your pet (dog/cat), you snuggling and doting on your pet.
- Arranging photo frames or artwork on the wall, adding a personal touch to your space.
- Enjoying a moment of relaxation with a scented candle burning nearby.
- Playing a musical instrument or vinyl records, showcasing your hobbies and interests.
- Showing off your favorite magazine or coffee table book collection. Emphasis on business books you authored or books that impacted you as a Boss Babe.
- Watering your indoor plants.
- Reflecting on your day while gazing out the window, lost in thought.
In Your Kitchen
- Demonstrating your culinary skills by preparing a snack or beverage in the kitchen adjacent to your living room.
- Working on your laptop enjoying lunch (like a sandwich and drink).
In Your Yard (front or back)
- Headshot, close up.
- Half-figure / 3/4-figure portraits (various poses and expressions and eye directions).
- Full Figure portraits.
- Playing with pet.
- Sitting on front porch.
- Going for a walk.
At the Nearest Downtown District
- At a bustling outdoor cafe, engaging in work and drink.
- Walking along mainstreet, showcasing landmarks of interest in the background.
- Sitting on a bench or steps.
My lists got skimpy at the end here only because there would be mind-numbing repetition. But imagine all you could walk away form this photo day with. Imagine all the other unique elements that could enhance your personal photo session:
- Throw in a handful of wardrobe changes and you can capture all the seasons plus professional and casual looks.
- Throw in physical items that you use to provide your unique services (camera gear, painting supplies, nutritional elements / food, exercise equipment, etc.), products that you sell, or props that speak to your personal interests (cooking/backing, sporting equipment, puzzles/games, gardening, etc.).
- Add your team mates, your business partner, your family, your clients.
- Add other professional locations (like your office space, your shop, a client’s office or home, etc.) or personal locations (like a local park, a hiking trail, a local shop that compliments your brand or interests, etc.)
The variety of imagery you can capture, if planned well, is massive! All this work could land you enough photography to supply your marketing needs for 6 months, a year, even 5 years depending on your needs! Work with your photographer to stage the most efficient stories throughout your photo session. Ask for advice and input. But most of all, don’t be shy to ask for what you want and need.
KHP is offering a new 1-Month Photo Retainer Service that is perfect for professionals like you looking to build large and versatile photo collections like I’ve described here.
