It can be overwhelming engaging a photographer for the first time to do branding photos for your website, social media or even a LinkedIn profile. You want to ensure that you get images you like but may be not sure how to relate everything to them. Being comfortable and open with your photographer is key to capturing images that feel like you.

I put together Questions you can ask yourself and photographers to ensure that they are the right fit for you:

Questions to Ask Yourself as you review a Photographer’s website or Instagram/Facebook feed:

• Do their photos and editing style align with my vision and my aesthetics? If they edit in a light and airy style and you are a bit moodier or go for bolder colors, the images won’t reflect your style.

• Do they have great reviews? If they don’t have reviews that is not a reason not to consider them. Check to see if you know someone who has used them (see if you know any of their followers) so can give you feedback. Also don’t be afraid when speaking with the photographer to ask if they can provide a reference from a previous client.

Questions to Ask Your Lifestyle Branding Photographer:

Preferably on the Phone or in person as you get a better sense of whether your vibe with someone via human interaction rather through emails and texts which a lot can get lost.

• What is their approach to lifestyle branding photography? What types of images do they seek to capture, do they also do product shots and “stock” type images?

• Will they collaborate to develop 1-3 stories concepts for the shoot and help determine best locations, wardrobe and props? While I don’t believe you should try to copy exact poses, having a mood board you can collaborate on can guide the direction of the shoot.

• How many unique looks and outfits are included in their session? Having different outfits and locations will allow you to get a variety of images that you can use especially on social media.

• What is the average turnaround time for the images? If you needed images yesterday but the photographer’s turn around time is 4 weeks, this allows you to set realistic expectations.

• Will they guide me in posing? Most photographers should be able guide you naturally to ensure that the images are flattering.

• Will I be able to view the images during the session? This can be confident boosting when you see that photos captured along the way are great.

• Do I get the choose my favorites to be edited or do they chose? Some photographers chose the images to be edited and this can be advantageous to trust the skill, experience of the photographer to create magic from the images.

• Is detailed retouching included in the session fee? Does the photographer do light retouching to remove blemishes etc and give you a more polished image?

• How many final images will I get?

If you want more information Branding Images, check out Your Guide to Soulful Branding Images That Feel Like You.