Our time together will include a good amount of prep time, a custom blueprint of your session, and a final gallery filled to the brim with images that you will be able to share with your audience. I want you to leave your session, and overall experience with me, feeling like we truly captured who you (and your brand) truly are, in the most authentic way possible!
Remember, there is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a brand session and since I have been asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I took the time to put together a guide that walks you through the steps we will take together throughout this process.
I cannot wait to work with you!
I am so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your branding session! It’s normal to be a little bit nervous about your session, trust me. I always tell people that even I still get nervous before having my own photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I am a big fan of branding sessions for a few reasons. This is truly the most incredible way to share your brand, AND your personality, with your clients via your social and web presence! You will get to be goofy, have fun, smile, and share what you do with your ideal audience. A brand session is the perfect way to put together a gallery of cohesive images that showcase your personal style, your products (if you offer that), and what you bring to the table for your own future clients.
Welcome
Brand photography is all about capturing the essence of your business and visually telling your story. It’s more than just taking pictures—it’s creating a collection of intentional, authentic images that represent who you are as a brand.
Whether it’s professional headshots that show the people behind the business, styled product shots that highlight what you offer, or lifestyle images that reflect your brand’s vibe and values, it’s all designed to make your business feel approachable, trustworthy, and unforgettable.
With brand photography, you’re not just getting pictures—you’re getting visuals that help your audience connect with you on a deeper level. These images can be used across your website, social media, marketing materials, or anywhere you want your brand to shine. It’s really about helping your business stand out and feel relatable in a crowded market.
brand Photos
What are
A brand session with me is all about capturing you—the heart and personality behind your business. My goal is to create authentic images that reflect your style, your passion, and the story you want to share with your audience.
To ensure we bring your vision to life, every session is guided by the CMC Brand Blueprint. This custom plan is designed just for you and includes a tailored timeline, the specific items or products we’ll photograph, the looks you want to showcase, and the overall vibe you’re aiming to share with your audience.
With this blueprint in hand, we’ll approach your session with intention and creativity, making sure every photo aligns with your brand’s voice and elevates your online presence. By the end, you’ll have a gallery of images that feel like you—authentic, inspiring, and ready to make an impact.
let's capture your vision
so, let's do this thing
From planning your session to executing the vision in mind, our time together will be filled with questions, giggles, and a custom experience tailored to YOU!
here's the process...
The Process
After your inquiry is received (and retainer paid), we will work together to create an overall design aesthetic for your brand session. You will first receive a session "Design & Planning" questionnaire that will help us to develop the overall plan for your session, one that will truly speak to your audience. Once this questionnaire is completed and received, we will then schedule and complete a 1-hour virtual design and planning consultation, used to create a timeline and final mood board for your session.
mood boards & inspiration
Phase One:
Design
During the virtual design and planning consultation we will finalize the number of hours needed for your session, choose the location of your session (based on vibe and mood boards), confirm the session date, and refine a timeline of events for your brand session day. You will then receive a custom CMC Branding Blueprint of your final timeline, outfit choices, and mood boards that we will use during your brand session to stay on task on shoot day. We will also discuss any props that need to be brought to the session during this time as well.
date | time | location
Prep & Plan
Phase Two:
it's shoot day
Session
Phase Three:
It is officially the day of your session! Using the CMC Brand Blueprint we will arrive on site to your location. We will prep all the props for utilization, hang and steam outfits in order of use, prep rooms (if necessary), and TAKE THE PICS! My goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your session, guide you through posing, stick to the timeline, and once complete - allow you to leave your session feeling confident and excited for the final product you will receive!
the final product
Delivery
Phase Four:
Once your session is over, I know that you will be excited to share the final images with your audience! You will receive 5 images from your session within 48 hours to use for socials, and your FINAL gallery of images will be delivered within 15 business days* of your brand session. You will receive a gallery of 100 images to use as you need!
*If you have added Film to your session, those images will be delivered 3 weeks post session due to the developing and shipping process of film.
A full branding session begins at $950
Your session will be 3 hours in length and you will receive 100 edited digital images from your session. You may choose to ADD film photography, professional hair and makeup, and content creation to your session at an additional cost. This will be covered during the Design & Planning Call.
Cost
so, what is the final
The location of your branding session is one of the most important decisions we’ll make because it sets the tone and becomes the backdrop for your entire collection of images. The right location should not only align with your brand’s style but also authentically represent the story you want to share with your audience.
For example, if you’re an interior designer, we might choose a home you’ve designed to showcase your unique aesthetic in a setting that feels natural and relatable to your future clients. If you’re a portrait photographer looking for clean, timeless headshots, a simple white studio with versatile seating options could provide the perfect canvas for your images.
Ultimately, the location is more than just a place—it’s a reflection of your brand and a key part of creating images that connect with your audience. Together, we’ll choose a space that helps tell your story in the most authentic and impactful way possible.
The perfect spot
- cyclorama (curved floor) wall
- white from floor to ceiling
- clean and open
- black accent chairs
- beige accent chairs
- Paper backdrop color options
Studio Blanche
- concrete flooring
- two rooms in one
- lime wash walls
- drape walls
- grey couch
- beige chair
(bed was set up for boudoir only)
Studio Dayglow
FLORIDA STUDIO
- Winter Park -
the perfect backdrop for your brand
Location Ideas
NORTH CAROLINA STUDIOS
- concrete flooring
- modern furniture
- open floor plan
- white backdrop
Winston Salem
- wood flooring
- optional backdrops
- white wall
- some furniture
Durham
Choosing the ideal location for your branding session is pertinent to the overall look and feel of your final images. It is the backdrop for your brand aesthetic, and where we will make use of the props you bring with you as well. We will work together to decide on the perfect location for your session. You may choose to move forward with one of my preferred studio locations, but we will also peruse PeerSpace, Home Studio List, and AirBNB to decide what options work best with your destination of your brand session. Below are some of my preferred studio options available.
For those looking to have updated portraits, and not really looking for that indoor studio vibe, and outdoor branding session is always a wonderful idea as well.
While an outdoor session is shorter, we will still work together to create a plan of action for your brand photos. We will select the perfect location, go through outfit ideas, and still accomplish an updated photo gallery for your brand.
Branding sessions
Outdoor
To make the most out of your branding session, it’s important to bring along the items that truly represent your business and the work you’re passionate about. These details help tell your story and showcase the heart of what you do.
If you’re a photographer, consider bringing photography albums, printed canvases of your work, and even an assortment of your prints in different sizes. Your camera equipment, film cameras, or anything else you use in your creative process can also add a personal touch to your images.
For those who sell products, we’ll want to include a selection of what you offer—whether that’s handcrafted goods, packaged items, or anything else that connects with your audience. And, of course, your tools of the trade, like a laptop, iPad, or anything you use daily to run your business, will help give your audience an authentic look at your workflow.
The goal is to bring items that are not just functional but also meaningful to you and your business. Together, we’ll weave these elements into your session to create images that feel personal, intentional, and uniquely yours.
Props
When it comes to your branding session, your outfit choices play a big role in telling your story and connecting with your audience. Your clothing should not only reflect your personal style but also align with the overall aesthetic of your brand and the clients you want to attract.
For example, if you’re a wedding photographer, think about your ideal clients. Are they drawn to clean, modern, and stylish aesthetics? If so, your outfit choices should reflect that same vibe—elevated yet approachable, polished yet comfortable. The goal is to create a cohesive look that resonates with the people you’re hoping to work with.
PS: Leave the Apple Watch at home!
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
on to the next
I recommend choosing a few outfits that allow for variety in your session—perhaps a mix of casual yet professional looks, and one or two pieces that feel bold or unique to your style. Most importantly, choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. When you feel good, it shows in the photos, and that’s what will truly connect with your audience
When choosing outfits for your branding session, it’s just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what to include. Steer clear of colors that might wash out your skin tone—your goal is to look vibrant and confident, not muted. Similarly, avoid small, repetitive prints, which can be distracting and may not photograph well. Most importantly, stay away from colors or styles that don’t resonate with your brand. Your clothing should align with the overall aesthetic and personality of your business, ensuring that your images feel cohesive and authentic. Thoughtful outfit choices will help your session shine and create a lasting impression.
Choosing Outfits
the look
shop my PRIME favorites
on to the next
Able
Zara
Mango
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Shopbop
Everlane
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
H&M
Vici Dolls
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Kate + Grace Boutique
Favorite Shops
for the ladies
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years. You could also use this time to schedule your hair and makeup trial with your wedding vendor!
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind. If you go this route, we recommend staying a bit “classic” and easy.
If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
on to the next
Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Lululemon
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Amazon - GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
When it comes to posing during your branding session, you’re in good hands, hehe. With over 15 years of experience photographing people, I’ve honed the art of positioning bodies in a way that feels natural, flattering, and authentic. Whether it’s showcasing a woman’s curves, capturing your personality, or bringing out a genuine laugh, my goal is to make you feel confident and at ease in front of the camera.
I take the time to understand your vision and what makes your brand unique. Plus, I stay up-to-date with trending ideas and modern posing styles to ensure your images feel fresh and relevant. But most importantly, I know how to guide you with small adjustments and encouragement, so the experience is relaxed and enjoyable.
You don’t need to worry about knowing how to pose—that’s my job! Together, we’ll create images that not only look amazing but also feel true to who you are.
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
Professional hair and makeup can make all the difference in your branding session. Your images will represent you and your business, so feeling confident and polished is key. A professional stylist knows how to enhance your natural features while ensuring your look translates beautifully on camera.
Hair and makeup artists use techniques and products designed to withstand the lights, movement, and angles of a photoshoot, helping you look fresh and radiant throughout the session. Plus, when you know your hair and makeup are taken care of, you can focus on being present and showing up authentically for your photos.
Ultimately, investing in professional styling isn’t just about looking great—it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself and creating an unforgettable impression that aligns with your brand.
Hair & Makeup
As an exciting add-on to your brand session, my close friend Patty will be offering content creation to take your online presence to the next level. While I focus on capturing the images that define your brand, Patty will be behind the scenes, recording short clips of the session on her phone.
These candid, high-quality video snippets are perfect for use on your social media platforms or as reels. They’ll give your audience a glimpse into your process, personality, and the magic that goes into your work. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your product setup, moments of laughter, or dynamic shots of you in action, these clips are a great way to connect with your audience in an authentic and engaging way.
With Patty’s creative touch, you’ll walk away with not only stunning photos but also video content that helps your brand stand out online.
an add-on by Patty
Content
Creation
Your final images will be delivered within two to three weeks after your branding session. During this time, I carefully edit and perfect each photo to ensure they align with your brand’s vision and aesthetic. Once complete, you’ll receive a downloadable online gallery filled with polished, high-quality images ready to elevate your online presence and marketing efforts.
Images
When to Expect Your
Are you ready to move forward with a branding session?!
Goody, me too!
In order to get the ball rolling, let's get you on the books: