This is a complimentary offer for all Sundai Studio clients

One of the biggest misconceptions about brand photography is that you need a finalized logo or visual brand before scheduling a shoot. In reality, having high-quality images ready before the final branding is created can actually streamline everything. When we have photos early on, we can pull color inspiration directly from them—making the entire brand more cohesive and the process more efficient. 🎉

With that said, if you don’t have a final logo and visual brand ready before a photoshoot I do think it would be really helpful to at least have a strong vision for the brand TONE. Identifying that brand tone is something I can help you with right now (if you’re a client). Let’s get started:

If you have an existing relationship with a photographer you may work with them to create a vision, plan and brand tone.

Some photographers are great at this! They already have a “style” and you already love that look and feel. If that’s you, you’re welcome to work directly with your Photographer and just send me the final images when they’re ready.

If you’d like to get more support from Sundai Studio on hiring a photographer and planning for a shoot, here’s my process and to-do list for you:

First, a quick disclaimer: I do not currently offer Creative Direction for Brand Photography as a paid, premium service. If I did, I’d most likely be flying out to your shoot and would be way more hands on with the entire experience. This process below is a complimentary service and what I call “Photo Guidance”. A process I’ve put together that combines my experience with past clients and the photo needs for your website and marketing efforts. So, let’s dive in:

• Research & Source Photographers

  • I don’t recommend starting on Pinterest - I actually recommend starting by looking for local photographers. You can search local Instagram hashtags or ask for recommendations from local businesses. You can also try to search in google “Portrait Photography near me / your city”.

  • Email me the portfolios of any photographers you’re considering for feedback.

• Consult & Budget

  • Have an initial conversation or email exchange with the photographer(s) to understand their pricing.

  • Confirm the cost is within your budget and their availability / the timeline works for you.

  • Email me the name of the photographer you’ve selected!

• Moodboard, Location and Props

  • Next up, I’ll create a quick moodboard of the photographer’s portfolio images (aka actual locations) with a list of props to consider, outfit ideas / colors to consider, and a few keywords from the conversations we’ve already had that can set the tone.

  • You’ll email your feedback and we will refine this list until you feel happy.

  • Then you can send this moodboard document to your photographer which will help them prep anything that’s needed.

• (optional) More Wardrobe Planning

  • (optional) Based on the moodboard you can send your outfit options via email and I can provide feedback via email.

• Build a Shot List

  • You will then start the Shot List process by searching on pinterest (or instagram) for portrait photography and start to collect photos that feel natural to you and the brand you’re trying to create. If you’re using pinterest, start collecting those and you can send me the link to your pinterest board.

  • From here you can go through the images you’ve gathered and start to develop a practical, detailed shot list with specific poses and angles (e.g., “sitting in chair looking at the camera,” “standing next to chair looking away,” “working with a journal in lap”).

    • Don’t forget to tell your photographer “we need a variety of shots”. This variety should include:

      • Horizontal and vertical images

      • Close-up headshots and full-body or zoomed-out shots

      • Photos featuring just objects/tools you use regularly (e.g., journals, florals, candles). This will act as your own personal “stock photography” library.

    • This mix will create a dynamic and engaging website that feels uniquely yours.

  • Share your shot list with me via a Google doc and I will review it via email.

  • Share your shot list with your photographer before the shoot and work with them to make sure you have what you need to achieve this list.

  • Reminder: Have fun! Photographers are artists. Stay open to surprising, delightful additions to this shot list! Most of the time that’s where the magic is.