How do I prepare for a brand shoot?
Prepare for a brand shoot by defining your visual goals, selecting locations, and coordinating outfits that reflect your professional identity. Ross Nixon Photography provides editorial brand imagery across Edinburgh and Scotland.
Preparing for a brand shoot requires a clear understanding of your business values and how you want your audience to perceive you. The most effective preparetion starts with a mood board or a shot list that identifies the specific platforms where the final images will be used, such as your website headers, Instagram feed, or LinkedIn profile. You should select three to four distinct outfits that offer variety while maintaining a consistent colour palette. At Ross Nixon Photography, I recommend vetting your locations for lighting and accessibility well in advance. Having a clear plan ensures that on the day of the session, we can focus entirely on capturing productive, high-quality editorial content that serves your marketing needs for months to come.
From £950 half-day
What's included
When you book a brand session with Ross Nixon Photography, you receive a comprehensive service designed to provide a full suite of marketing assets. Each package includes an initial consultation where we define the visual direction and discuss the practicalities of your business. I provide a mix of wide-angle environmental shots, medium-profile portraits, and tight detail shots of your workspace or products. This variety is essential for consistent branding across different digital formats. The final delivery consists of high-resolution, professionally edited images provided via a private digital gallery. You get full commercial usage rights, meaning you can use the imagery for advertising, social media, and print without additional licensing fees. For the half-day and full-day sessions, we can cover multiple locations within Edinburgh or the surrounding areas to ensure your brand looks established and multifaceted. I focus on creating clean, editorial-style imagery that avoids the clichés of traditional corporate photography. The goal is to produce a library of content that makes your brand look professional, grounded, and prepared for any scale of marketing campaign.
How it works
The process begins with an enquiry where we establish your timeline and basic requirements. Once booked, I send over a planning document to help you organise your shot list. On the day, we work through the plan systematically. I handle the technical aspects—lighting, composition, and direction—so you can focus on representing your business. I do not do stiff, overly posed photography; instead, I guide you into natural positions that look professional yet approachable. After the shoot, I cull the images to select the best frames and apply a consistent editorial grade to all files. You will receive your proofing gallery within a week, followed by the final high-resolution files shortly after. This straightforward workflow is built to respect your time and provide a quick turnaround so you can start using your new assets immediately. We keep the atmosphere on set practical and efficient to ensure we meet every objective on your list.
Local detail
Based in Edinburgh, I utilise the specific architectural character of the city to add depth to brand shoots. Whether you need a modern, clean look found in the offices of Quartz Avenue or the more traditional, weathered textures of the New Town, I know which spots offer the best natural light at different times of the day. For clients who prefer an indoor professional setting, I can suggest various creative studios in Leith or the Shore area that provide a neutral backdrop for brand work. If your business is food-led, we often work in your actual kitchen or storefront to capture the reality of your craft. I am mobile and frequently travel across the Lothians, Fife, and the Borders for brand sessions. I understand the logistical challenges of shooting in a busy city like Edinburgh, such as parking near Victoria Street or navigating the wind on Calton Hill. I manage these details so the focus remains on your brand. My local knowledge ensures we avoid generic backgrounds, opting instead for locations that feel authentic to a business operating in Scotland today.
Questions people ask
- What should I wear for my brand photography session?
- Choose clothing that aligns with your professional role but also offers a bit of variety. I suggest one formal outfit, one smart-casual option, and one that is more relaxed. Stick to solid colours or simple patterns, as busy prints can be distracting and date quickly. Ensure your clothes are ironed and fit well. Bringing a few accessories like jackets or glasses can help change your look quickly between setups.
- How long does a typical brand shoot take?
- A standard brand shoot usually lasts between three and six hours. A half-day session is generally sufficient for a single location and three outfit changes. If your brand requires multiple locations across Edinburgh or has a long list of specific product shots, a full-day session is more appropriate. We work at a steady pace to ensure we get the variety needed without rushing the technical execution.
- Do I need to hire a professional hair and makeup artist?
- While not mandatory, professional hair and makeup can significantly improve the final result by ensuring you look polished under camera lights. It reduces the time spent on retouching skin textures and prevents shine. If you choose to do your own, keep it natural and brings supplies for touch-ups. I can recommend several reliable Edinburgh-based artists who specialise in clean, natural looks suitable for professional brand photography.
- Can we shoot at my office or place of work?
- Yes, I prefer shooting at your actual place of work as it provides the most authentic context for your brand. If your office is small or lacks natural light, we can supplement with portable lighting or use a hired studio space. We will discuss the suitability of your workspace during the initial consultation. Often, we combine workplace shots with outdoor portraits nearby to give your gallery a broader range of visual interest.
- How many images will I receive from the shoot?
- For a half-day brand session, you typically receive between 40 and 60 fully edited, high-resolution images. A full-day session usually results in 80 to 120 images. I focus on quality over quantity, ensuring every image delivered is usable for your marketing. The final selection will include a mix of portraits, action shots of you working, and detail shots that help tell the story of your business.
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