Just in case I still haven’t convinced you to book a branded photo shoot, allow me a second to pull you by the ear to the back of the church and set you straight: branded photos aren’t just for using on social media. In fact branded photos can become unparalleled business assets, if you know how to leverage them. If you’re considering a photo shoot, but can’t quite justify the cost, here’s a few extra ways you can use branded photos:• Bio headshots for website, Photos for website • Newsletter header • Newsletter photos • Pricing guides • Business related optins/free resources • Promotional pamphlets/ flyers • Business cards • Advertising • Blog posts • Contributor photos (when you’re a guest speaker or guest on podcast or a guest blog writer) • Facebook header • Facebook bio photo • Facebook Notes • Facebook group photos (be sure to check out Issue #18 for how to use FB groups to market your business!) • Facebook video thumbnail • Facebook posts • Instagram bio photo • IGTV video thumbnail (be sure to check out Issue #15 for how to use IGTV for business growth!) • Instagram highlight button • Instagram posts • Twitter header • YouTube header • YouTube video thumbnail • Facebooks Ads (be sure to check out Issue #14 for how to leverage FB Ads!) • Instagram Ads (be sure to check out Issue #8 for how to leverage IG Ads!) • LinkedIn Ads • LinkedIn articles • Pinterest graphics • Book cover/book bio photo • Podcast graphics


Step One: Search for your photographer

So let’s start with Step One: Search for Your Photographer. The best part of being a Curator is that you have access to the Social Curator Directory, a list of members in your area who you can hire...and, yes, I’m excited for you to connect with a member of the community so you can grow together! If you’d prefer to work with someone outside of the Social Curator community, a great place to start searching for a photographer is Instagram. I’m a huge proponent of searching for photographers using hashtags. For example, if I was headed to New York City and wanted a branded photo shoot, I’d check out #nycbrandphotographer or #nyclifestylephotographer on Instagram and find someone who matched my style. • I always suggest asking for recommendations from people whose branding shoots you’ve seen that you’ve liked. Also, if there’s a photographer that you love but they’re out of your budget, I’d ask them for suggestions of who they’d recommend. • The reason I strongly suggest asking for recommendations as well is because lifestyle/branding shoots (especially if you’re new to having them done), are SO MUCH MORE than getting a pretty picture. It’s about someone who will make you feel comfortable, isn’t there just to check off a list but instead, really looks at your life/business as a whole and will shoot details along the way that you may not think to ask for. Leaves on a tree, your front fencepost, a picture of your inspirational quote on your desk, etc. A photographer who can shoot in a way that allows you to reuse and crop an image gives you more bang for your buck than someone who is just giving you a set amount of images


Step Two: Book Your Photographer

Once I compile a list of 3-4 options, I’d contact them (via email or Direct Message). And this leads us to Step Two: Book Your Photographer. In order to avoid wasting time with a ton of back-and-forth emails or messages, I heavily suggest outlining exactly what you want for your photo shoot. When a photographer knows precisely what you’re looking for, it expedites the communication and ensures you’re a great fit for each other. In case you don’t know where to begin outlining your desires, I’ve created an email template you can modify to reflect what you want and need (as always, templates are just starting resources to guide your approach). Hi ________ (photographer name)! My name is ________ (your name) and I’m a ________ (list your profession) based in ________ (list your city/town). I found your photography work inspiring and I’d love a chance to work together. I’m looking for a photo shoot that’ll include: • At least ________ (list number) photos included • A viewing gallery to select my favorite images • ________ (list number) outfit change(s) • ________ (list number) location(s) • High resolution photos I can use on social media and for business purposes I’d love to get more information on your services and rates. Feel free to respond to this message or call me at ________ (list your phone number). Thanks so much and I hope to hear from you soon! Once the photographer knows what you want, s/he can give you a proper quote and when you agree on a price, be sure to sign a contract outlining how you can use the photos for business purposes.

Step Three: Get Prepared

Now that the shoot is officially booked, it’s time for Step Three: Get Prepared. This is the FUN part! Email me stayc@stayconnolly.com for your Shoot Checklist, a list of Prop Ideas, and a Posing Guide. Yes, yes, yes I’m making it SO easy for you to ensure your shoot is a success.