So you are wanting to start a blog....congrats! That's so exciting! Let me give you one big tip! One big step towards having a successful blog and/or Instagram feed is through quality content and professional photos. What attracts you to the blogs and Instagram accounts you follow? Most likely, their photos are what originally attracted you and caught your eye! Just think....that could be YOU! Hiring a professional photographer helps create a consistent look and Instagram feed....which is what most followers want to see! Not to mention it's a lot easier than setting up a tripod over and over again! So what exactly is a blogger/social media photography session? And what can you do to plan a successful session? Keep reading!
What is a blogger/social media photography session?
The goal for most blogger/social media photography sessions is to create content for your blog and/or social media! Pretty straight forward! Typically it's a 1-2hr session with multiple outfit/location changes.
What does a blogger/social media photography session look like?
Every blogger/Influencer is different, so therefore, every session will be a bit different! Typically I prefer to meet for coffee and chat about your blog/social media and vision first. Plus it helps to get to know your photographer before the actual session! Plus it makes you more comfortable the during your session and makes it less awkward! In most blogger/social media photography sessions, I will take headshots, posed shots, and lifestyle shots so that you get the biggest variety of content possible. I encourage you to bring a couple outfit changes and to brainstorm some location ideas (usually I can up to 3 outfit/location changes in an hour).
How does one plan a successful personal branding photography session?
Jumping into your session and just winging it isn't recommended and probably won't be very successful. These type of sessions take a lot of thought and planning. Some of that planning, I can help with! But a good portion of it is up to you! Here are a few steps I recommend taking prior to your blogger/social media photography session.
1) Make a list of your goals for the session
What are you hoping to achieve with this session? Are there any products, thoughts, or themes that you are wanting to promote or push? Are there any holidays or events coming up that you want to mention or include? It's very beneficial to think these things through and have a plan!
2) Where and how are the images from the session going to be used?
Will these images be used for your website or blog? Or mostly social media? Do you prefer vertical or horizontal images for these platforms? Do you plan on using some of the images for commercial use? If so, you need to expect an additional licensing fee. And you need to plan out exactly how and where you will advertise and use these images, because the price of the licensing fee depends on this.
3) Create a mood/inspiration board for your business
What is your personal style? Does your blog/Instagram feed have a specific color scheme or look that you want to stick with? Creating a mood/inspiration board on Pinterest is a very helpful way to create a vision for your blogger/social media photography session. Plus, it is very helpful for your photographer and helps me know a little better what you're wanting!
4) Brainstorm types of shots, poses, props, outfits, and locations
Begin by looking at your favorite bloggers and influencers on Instagram. What stands out to you? What poses do you like? What creative shots catch your eye? Screenshot them and show them to me! Pinterest also comes in handy with this! Create a board containing various poses and shots that you feel like fit your blog/Instagram and send it to me! Once again, doing this helps me know a little better what you're wanting and helps us be on the same page! If you're struggling with poses and locations, this is one area that I can help you with! And don't forget props! Props add interest to your photos and it gives you something to do with your hands! (using coffee as a prop is always a good idea because......well.....coffee is always a good idea!) If you are a fashion blogger, always remember that your outfit is the focus....so the location and props should all revolve around what outfit you're wearing.
5) Practice!
This is something many people don't think about doing prior to a photoshoot, but it's super helpful! Practicing the poses you found on Pinterest and practicing various facial expressions in the mirror creates muscle memory for the actual session! Plus it helps you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera! But don't worry, no matter what, I will help you with posing during the session. So no pressure! I got you!
That's it! As you can see, there's lots of planning to be done! And as I mentioned above, I am here to help as much as possible! So contact me, let's meet for coffee, and let's take your blog and social media up a level and get those followers!
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