STORIES BEHIND THE LENS: Monika’s brand
photoshoot and the importance of planning
Let me ask you a question: if you were about to go on a trip to somewhere you’d never been before, wouldn’t you want to research the place a bit? Wouldn’t you want to find out some of the best places to visit, things to eat, and experiences to try?
Some of you might be so well organised that you’d plan every little detail. Others might leave some things to chance – knowing, though, that this may carry some risks.
A brand photoshoot in London is no different – particularly, if you’ve never had one before
and the whole thing feels like uncharted territory. This is why proper planning is so crucial: to make the most out of your personal branding photography session and ensure you leave happier, more enriched, and more fulfilled than you arrived.
This is exactly what happened to Monika, the amazing client I was lucky enough to meet and capture through a series of professional brand photos for her South London female-
founded business.
Keep reading to find out more!
Meet Monika
Monika is a South London interior designer specialising in the psychology of space. This
means that not only does she have to present herself professionally, but also grounded. To reflect these characteristics – the very essence of her business – her photography needs to reflect a sense of calmness, intention, and empathy through personal branding photography and professional brand imagery.
Before we scheduled the shoot, Monika and I met in person to talk about her goals and
expectations for the shoot itself. This is something I do with every single client, because it builds those foundations of mutual trust and understanding that are so crucial to the experience.
I, then, did a deep dive into Monika’s business: her customers, her competitors, and of course, her website and social media presence. Together, we built a mood board that helped both of us visualise how she wanted to portray herself and her business through my camera lens during her London branding photoshoot.
Then, the fun part began: picking outfits, styles, and props for the photoshoot! For Monika, that meant neutral tones, soft textures, and small objects that felt considered and meaningful. Her brand is all about how a space makes you feel, so we wanted to convey the same through her photos.
The details that change everything
On the day of her London photoshoot, Monika arrived at the studio beaming with excitement and anticipation, yet feeling calm and prepared. Because she knew exactly what to expect, she was able to relax into the moment and make the most of her professional photoshoot experience. We had a hair stylist and a makeup artist all ready to go, which added to the overall experience and gave it that extra lush touch.
Monika’s outfits had already been chosen and beautifully laid out, whilst the mood, pace, and feeling behind every image was already clear and simply ready to be immortalised on camera. During the photoshoot, Monika was relaxed, confident, and able to settle into her authentic self: something that would not have been possible without our carefully thought-out brand shoot planning process.
The result? Monika left with images that genuinely represent her brand, because she looks exactly how she intended, and her confidence and authenticity shine through in every frame of her personal brand photography gallery.
More than “taking photos”
Monika’s happy reaction when she finally saw her photos encapsulates why brand planning is so important. I am not just “taking photos”: I am creating images that truly work for your business and how you show up.
Ultimately, it’s about building together a metaphorical “map” of the uncharted (and, sometimes, daunting!) territory of a brand photoshoot. This is why I am such a big fan of brand planning, and why I tailor every personal branding photoshoot to my clients’ unique vision and needs, so they simply need to show up, be themselves, and enjoy the ride.
Are you ready to elevate your brand through images that truly reflect its essence? Enquire
here for your London brand photography session, and come say hello on Instagram
@bimbolaphotography!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is planning important for a brand photoshoot? Planning is what turns a photoshoot into something intentional. When every detail is considered in advance, you arrive feeling ready and the images reflect that.
- Do I need hair and makeup for a brand photoshoot? It is not a requirement, but it makes a real difference. When you look exactly how you intended, you feel more confident, and that confidence shows up in every image.
- What does creative direction actually mean? It means every detail of your shoot is planned with your brand in mind. Your wardrobe, your props, your poses, the mood and feeling of every image. Nothing is left to chance.
- How do I book a brand photoshoot in London? You can enquire directly through my website or send a message on Instagram @bimbolaphotography.
