Brand Photoshoot Ideas: How to DIY Your Brand Photos

The idea of a brand photoshoot can spark excitement and dread in equal measure. Whether you're launching a new project, rebranding, or simply want fresh visuals for your business, brand photography often comes with financial and logistical challenges. The good news? With creativity, planning, and a touch of ingenuity, you can DIY a brand photoshoot that feels professional, meaningful, and uniquely you. In this guide, we’ll offer tips to make the process approachable, fun, and impactful—whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting.

I want to note that I am in full support of hiring a professional photographer to facilitate a photoshoot for you. For the first handful of photoshoots I've done for my brand and business, I hired professional photographers to shoot the photos for me. It wasn't until my most recent photoshoot that I decided to take a more off-the-beaten-path approach to my photoshoots by DIY'ing the whole thing! What I found in the entire process of DIY'ing my own photoshoot is that it was an absolute BLAST! I got so much more out of it than just a bunch of really great photos to use for my business. It was a completely creative process, where I felt like I was able to tap into the pure essence of who I am in a way that removed the staged feeling that often arises when we do photoshoots. I've never been one to take traditional approaches to brand photoshoots. I like to get wild, innovative, and artistic with the entire approach because it's most important to me to show a true representation of myself, not a performative image that I want others to see me as. People do photoshoots for many different reasons and I find that the first step to any photoshoot is checking your intentions.

Common Challenges with Brand Photoshoots

Before diving into the DIY approach, let’s acknowledge some common struggles business owners face with brand photography:

1. Budget Constraints
   Professional photoshoots can be expensive, often making them inaccessible for small businesses or individuals with limited budgets.

2. Feeling Uncomfortable in Front of the Camera
   Many people feel awkward posing for photos or struggle to convey their true personality when someone else is behind the lens.

3. Lack of Creative Direction
   It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless choices: What should I wear? Where should I shoot? What vibe should I aim for?

4. Overwhelm with Planning
   Coordinating outfits, locations, and props can quickly feel like a full-time job.

5. Not Knowing Where to Start
   Without a clear plan or vision, brand photoshoots can end up feeling scattered or failing to deliver the desired results.

Why DIY Brand Photoshoots Are Worth It

In the last few years, I’ve transitioned from hiring professional photographers to taking a DIY approach to brand photoshoots. It’s become a deeply creative and empowering experience that I love doing now. Here’s what I love about DIYing my brand photos:

• Creative Freedom
  When you’re in control, you can experiment, play, and capture the essence of your personality without worrying about someone else's vision or staging preferences.

• A Chance to Reconnect
  Treating your photo shoot as a self-care or self-expression practice can help you feel more aligned with your brand and authentic in your visuals.

• Tailored to Your Needs
  DIY shoots allow you to create content that directly aligns with your goals, whether for social media, a website, or marketing materials.

• Flexibility
  Multiple outfit changes? Different locations? Shooting on your schedule? You call the shots.

DIY Brand Photoshoot Examples

Here are some fun and creative ways to add depth and personality to your DIY shoot:

• Create a Theme: Choose a concept like “a day in the life” or “behind the scenes” to tell a story.

• Play with Nature: Shoot outdoors with flowers, trees, or water for a fresh, organic feel.

• Use Everyday Objects: Turn ordinary items (like your favorite mug or sketchpad) into storytelling props.

• Show Your Process: Capture photos of yourself working on a project, crafting, or brainstorming.

Steps to DIYing Your Brand Photoshoot

1. Define Your Vision

Start by setting clear intentions. Ask yourself:

• What do I want these photos to represent?

• Where will they be used?

• What mood, colors, or themes align with my brand?

Create a Pinterest board to gather inspiration, including poses, lighting, color palettes, and compositions that resonate with your goals.

2. Plan Your Outfits and Props

Think about clothing and props that reflect your brand’s personality. Some tips:

• Stick to Your Brand Palette: Choose colors that align with your branding to create a cohesive aesthetic.

• Mix and Match: Bring versatile outfits to create variety with minimal effort.

• Use Props Strategically: Consider items like books, laptops, plants, or tools of your trade to enhance the storytelling in your photos.

3. Choose the Right Locations

Whether indoors or outdoors, your location sets the tone for the shoot. Some options to consider:

• Indoor Studios: Platforms like Peerspace offer affordable rentals with lighting, props, and backdrops.

• Your Home or Workspace: Use natural light and rearrange furniture for a cozy, relatable vibe.

• Outdoor Spaces: Parks, cityscapes, or even alleyways can add depth and texture to your photos.

4. Equip Yourself with the Right Tools

You don’t need professional equipment to take great photos. Some essentials include:

• A Smartphone or Camera: Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras, but if you have access to a DSLR, even better.

• Tripods and Ring Lights: These help stabilize your shots and improve lighting.

• Remote Shutter or Timer: Avoid the hassle of running back and forth by using a remote or setting a timer.

5. Prepare a Shot List

To maximize your time, create a list of specific shots you want to capture. For example:

• Headshots for your website.

• Lifestyle shots (working, laughing, or holding your favorite coffee cup).

• Creative poses that highlight your personality or brand story.

• Close-ups of hands, tools, or props for visual variety.

6. Experiment with Angles and Lighting

Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Angles: Try overhead shots, side profiles, or dynamic poses to add interest.

• Lighting: Use natural light whenever possible or experiment with softbox lighting for an even glow.

• Movement: Incorporate movement by dancing, walking, or interacting with props to bring life to your photos.

Make It Fun and Meaningful

A DIY photoshoot doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Turn it into an opportunity to connect with yourself and your brand:

• Play Music: Create a playlist that boosts your confidence and gets you in the zone.

• Bring a Friend: Having someone you trust behind the scenes can add support and fun to the process.

• Celebrate Your Authenticity: Embrace imperfections—they’re what make you relatable and real.

Brand photoshoots don’t have to be intimidating, stressful, or expensive. By taking a DIY approach, you not only save money but also open the door to creativity, authenticity, and self-expression.

If you need help planning your DIY photoshoot or aligning it with your brand strategy, reach out! I’d love to help you create a vision that feels uniquely you.

Until next time…
Natalie Brite
DoGoodBiz Studio