Preparing for a Brand Photo Shoot

A brand photo shoot is more than just showing up and smiling for the camera. For REALTORS®, teams, and brokerages, these images often become the foundation of marketing for months or even years. Website updates, listing presentations, social media, recruiting materials, press features, and speaking engagements all rely on strong, consistent visuals.

A little preparation can make the difference between photos that feel forced and photos that genuinely reflect who you are and how you do business.

Here is what to consider before, during, and after your brand photo shoot.

Before the Shoot: Set the Foundation

Don't forget to take both horizontal and vertical shots.

Clarify the purpose of the shoot: Start by asking how the images will be used.

Headshots for bios.

Lifestyle images for social media.

Team photos for recruitment.

Brokerage imagery for brand campaigns.

When the purpose is clear, everything else becomes easier, from wardrobe to location to expressions.

Revisit your brand, even briefly: More often then not, you do not need a full rebrand. But, a refresh of photography can help to reinforce your existing brand tone. Are you polished and corporate, warm and community focused, modern and bold, or approachable and casual? Your photos should support the story your brand is already telling.

Plan wardrobe intentionally: Think in terms of cohesion, not matching. Solid colours photograph best, subtle patterns work better than bold ones, and layers add visual interest. For teams and brokerages, choose a complementary colour palette so everyone feels aligned while still being themselves. Bring options and plan outfits based on how and where the images will be used.

Grooming and details matter: Haircuts, grooming, nails, glasses, and accessories all show up in high resolution photography. These small details are easy to overlook and hard to edit later. If makeup is part of your routine, consider professional makeup for camera ready results that still feel natural.

Create a shot list: A shot list keeps the session focused without making it rigid. Include must-haves like profile photos, team groupings, lifestyle moments, and both vertical and horizontal options. This ensures you leave with a variety of images that work across platforms.

During the Shoot: Trust the Process

Give yourself time to settle in: The first few minutes often feel awkward. That is normal. A good photographer will help guide posture, expressions, and movement. Trust their direction and allow yourself to ease into the experience.

Think movement, not posing: The most natural images often come from subtle movement. Walking, turning, laughing, or interacting with your team. These moments create images that feel authentic and approachable, which matters deeply in real estate branding.

Focus on connection, not perfection: Your audience is not looking for perfection. They want to see confidence, professionalism, and approachability. Think about who you serve and let that mindset guide your expressions and energy.

Communicate openly: If something feels uncomfortable or off brand, say so. This is your brand and your investment. Collaboration during the shoot leads to stronger outcomes.

After the Shoot: Maximize the Value

Be intentional with selection: Choose images that align with your goals, not just the ones you personally like the most. A great brand library includes a mix of polished, relaxed, individual, and group images.

Plan your rollout: Avoid posting everything at once. Think long term. Update your website, refresh bios, schedule social content, and weave the new imagery into presentations and campaigns over time.

Store and label your images properly: Organize files by use, orientation, or person. This saves time later and helps maintain consistency as your brand grows.

Revisit your visuals regularly: Brand photography should evolve with your business. As your role, team, or brokerage changes, your visuals should reflect that growth.

So, how do you get started? We know that finding the time and headspace for a full brand shoot can feel overwhelming. That is why we have partnered with Adrian Marsi of SNAPSCENE Photography to offer mini brand photo sessions on February 10.

These sessions are designed specifically for REALTORS®, teams, and small businesses who want high quality, intentional imagery without the stress of planning a full scale shoot. We guide participants through wardrobe, brand styling, and shot planning so they walk away with images they can confidently use across their marketing.

If updating your brand visuals has been on your list, this is a supportive and efficient way to make it happen.

To learn more about the mini sessions, fill out the registration form or send us an email at info@therealestatesource.ca

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