Getting Ready For Your Brand Photo Session: The Importance Of The Brand Discovery Questionnaire

I am practicing what I preach and have my own brand photo session at the end of February.  Each year I make it a practice to participate in workshops or online courses so I stay on trend, keep elevating my skills and the experience I provide to my clients.

This year I am thrilled to be part of an in-person branding photography retreat with Paula Brennan, a branding photographer educator based in Australia. I have been following her for some time and was excited to hear she is coming to the USA to be a guest speaker at WPPI. To piggyback on this trip, she also decided to offer the branding retreat and I am one of 4 photographers who snagged as spot! Included in this workshop is my very own branding photo session!

So not only am I enhancing my skills when it comes to branding photography, I am also getting a much needed refresh on my own branding images. I am now in the process of preparing for the session which is the end of February.

I thought it would be helpful to share how I navigate the planning tools involved in creating a successful brand photo session. So this first blog in my series of my own branding photo shoot journey, will take a deep dive into the significance of the brand discovery questionnaire. When it’s your turn for a brand photo session, rest assured I’m here to guide you and ensure you’re well prepared.  Together, we'll capture your unique story, letting your personality shine through in the images we create.

As a branding photographer, I know the importance of the brand discovery questionnaire.  It is a vital tool in effectively communicating your brand, story and goals for the session. The questionnaire is thoughtfully designed to tease out information about your core values, interests, origin story and how you envision your business evolving. It goes beyond the basics, delving into your previous brand experiences, comfort level in front of the camera or any insecurities you might have. A well designed brand discovery questionnaire also provides the opportunity to brainstorm styles of images to capture, session locations, and ways you will use the images in your content you share with your community. 

As I explained, I am in the process of planning my own brand photo session.  So, when I was asked to complete a questionnaire for my own session, you bet I took the time to carefully consider my responses. I actually completed the questionnaire across a few different timeframes so I could take the time to really be thoughtful and thorough. I wanted to ensure my photographer truly grasped who I am and how I aim to connect with you, my community. Some of the insightful questions she posed are now becoming part of the questionnaire I share with my clients so I can enhance my understanding of them and thereby a better brand photo experience. 

The brand discovery questionnaire plays a crucial role in the next planning stage - a strategy session where we outline the plan for the actual photo session.  I typically do an in-person meeting, if possible, at the location we will be using for the session.  This 1:1 time is your opportunity to review styling, props and a list of images to capture. I know this session is more efficient when the discovery questionnaire has been thoughtfully completed, again, another reason why I took the time to provide some great detail to my own photographer.  I am now excited and looking forward to my own 1:1 strategy session in the next week.

To have a successful brand photo session hinges on the photographer and client being on the same page, understanding each other’s needs and meticulous preparation. Developing a detailed shoot plan not only ensures we are aligned in our expectations but builds confidence and comfort and ensures we create images you will be eager to share with your community.  

So when it comes time to your own brand session, take the time to thoughtfully respond to your brand questionnaire! Reach out with any questions!

To learn more about brand photo sessions, check out my packages and reach out to me for a consultation call!